Technical fault on Iberia A320 forces Pope Leo XIV to return to Rome on Spanish royal aircraft
Pope Leo XIV returned to Rome aboard a Spanish Air Force Falcon aircraft provided by King Felipe VI after a technical problem grounded the plane originally scheduled to carry him back to the Vatican. The incident occurred at Tenerife North Airport (Los Rodeos) following the conclusion of the Pope's week-long apostolic visit to Spain. The
Etihad expands European network with new Kraków and Palma de Mallorca routes
Etihad Airways has launched direct services from Abu Dhabi to Kraków and Palma de Mallorca, further strengthening its European network and enhancing Abu Dhabi’s role as a global aviation hub. The new routes began on 11 June (Kraków) and 12 June (Palma de Mallorca) and are operated three times weekly using the airline’s new Airbus
Lux-Airport sues contractors over defective runway renovation at Luxembourg Airport
Lux-Airport has initiated legal proceedings against the seven companies involved in the renovation of the runway at Luxembourg Airport following recurring defects that have caused operational disruptions. The lawsuit relates to the major runway refurbishment carried out in 2021 and 2022. Since then, irregularities have appeared in the asphalt surface, including potholes that led to
Three new Hawaiian Airlines liveries set sail this summer for Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’
Hawaiian Airlines announced: Hawaiian Airlines on June 11, 2026 unveiled the first of its three aircraft designs for Disney’s live-action “Moana” on an Airbus A321neo, ahead of the film’s July 10 d…
Brussels Region launches legal action over intensified airport approach route
The Brussels-Capital Region has decided to take legal action against the heavy use of the RNP-07 aircraft approach route serving Brussels Airport, arguing that the concentration of flights over densely populated neighbourhoods is causing unacceptable noise nuisance. Following a proposal by Ans Persoons, the regional government will seek an injunction that could lead to financial
Frankfurt Airport returns to growth as Fraport network handles 17.1 million passengers in May
Frankfurt Airport welcomed 5.7 million passengers in May 2026, recording year-on-year growth of 2.7% and returning to a positive growth trajectory after recent fluctuations. The increase was supported by the timing of public holidays and school vacation periods, with particularly strong demand for destinations in Southern Europe. Long-haul traffic also expanded, notably on routes to
Transavia adds four Mediterranean destinations from Maastricht during Eindhoven closure
Transavia will launch flights from Maastricht Aachen Airport to Ibiza, Zakynthos, Crete and Rhodes during the summer of 2027, further expanding its temporary operations from the airport while Eindhoven Airport undergoes runway renovation. The new routes will operate between late March and mid-July 2027 and are now available for booking. They complement an existing winter
Brussels Airport opens Café Artois, showcasing Belgian beer culture in new pre-security venue
Avolta has opened Café Artois at Brussels Airport, introducing a new permanent hospitality concept that highlights Belgian beer culture and local gastronomy in the airport’s departure hall. Located before security, Café Artois is accessible not only to passengers but also to visitors and airport staff, positioning itself as a social meeting point rather than a
Smartwings adds Prague-Lisbon route and expands European network for Winter 2026/27
Smartwings will expand its scheduled network from Prague in the 2026/27 winter season with the launch of direct flights to Lisbon and increased frequencies on several existing European routes. The new Prague–Lisbon service will begin on 23 October 2026 and operate three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Lisbon becomes Smartwings' fourth destination in
UK regulator investigates Ryanair family seating charges
Ryanair is under investigation by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over charges imposed on parents who wish to sit next to their children during flights. The CMA is examining whether Ryanair's family seating policy may breach consumer protection rules. Under the airline's terms and conditions, children aged 2 to 11 must be seated
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