Greece orders three Embraer KC-390s with options for three more

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3 November 2026

Eurowings carried more than 18 million passengers on 129,000 flights during the first nine months of 2026. Its third-quarter load factor rose to 88%, while the airline reported a customer Net Promoter Score of 46 and positive crew ratings from 85% of travellers.

Berlin is a focus of its winter 2026/27 expansion, with two additional aircraft, increased frequencies and new winter services to Bologna, Rome, Nice, Kuusamo and Lisbon. Eurowings will serve 38 destinations from Berlin Brandenburg Airport during the season.

From 1 December, its Premium BIZ Seat will be offered on all Dubai flights and selected services to London, Mallorca and Málaga. The Airbus A320neo cabin features eight premium seats across two rows in a 2–2 layout, with adjustable leg rests and additional space.

Lufthansa Group’s Point-to-Point segment, which includes Eurowings and its SunExpress investment, generated third-quarter adjusted operating profit of €214 million. However, its nine-month result remained a €38 million loss, reflecting higher fuel costs, taxes and fees.

Ryanair carries 19.4 million passengers in October, up 1%

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3 November 2026

Ryanair carried 19.4 million passengers in October 2026, a 1% increase compared with 19.2 million a year earlier. The airline operated more than 109,100 flights, while its load factor remained unchanged at 93%.

Rolling 12-month passenger numbers reached 215.4 million, up 5% from 204.8 million in the preceding comparable period. The rolling load factor was also unchanged, at 94%.

Traffic measure	October 2025	October 2026	Change
Monthly passengers	19.2 million	19.4 million	+1%
Monthly load factor	93%	93%	Unchanged
Rolling 12-month passengers	204.8 million	215.4 million	+5%
Rolling 12-month load factor	94%	94%	Unchanged

Source: Ryanair’s announcement, 3 November 2026.

British Airways and Viva codeshare opens connections to 13 Mexican destinations

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3 November 2026

British Airways and Mexican low-cost airline Viva have announced a codeshare agreement covering connections to 13 destinations across Mexico, including Guadalajara, Monterrey and Puerto Vallarta. Flights are available to book now for travel from 28 March 2027.

The partnership links Viva’s domestic services through Mexico City and Cancún with British Airways flights to London. Customers can book connecting itineraries under a BA flight code through ba.com on a single ticket. British Airways Club members will also be able to earn Avios and tier points.

The agreement expands access to Mexico for passengers travelling from the UK and Europe, while customers departing from Mexican cities can connect through London to British Airways’ wider network.

Viva operates 110 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, serving more than 60 destinations across Mexico, the United States, Colombia, Costa Rica and Cuba.

Lufthansa signs €1.025 billion deal for 44.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal

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3 November 2026

Lufthansa Group and the Portuguese government signed an agreement in Lisbon on 3 November for the acquisition of an initial 44.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal for €1.025 billion. Completion remains subject to regulatory approvals, notably from the European Commission.

The investment will be financed entirely from existing liquidity. Lufthansa could increase its holding to 49.9% by acquiring shares initially offered to employees. Including a contractual “ticking fee”, the total purchase price could reach €1.2 billion.

Lufthansa intends to preserve TAP’s Portuguese identity and develop Lisbon as a group hub, expanding connections to Brazil, Portuguese-speaking Africa and North America. The group estimates that adding TAP would increase its combined share of Europe–Latin America traffic from approximately 9% to 20%.

Lufthansa says a minority holding would enable most of the anticipated synergies, estimated at up to €450 million, while expressing support for eventual full privatisation. Growth plans also encompass Porto, the Azores, Madeira and the Algarve.

Lufthansa Group lifts quarterly profit as cargo and maintenance offset higher fuel costs

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3 November 2026

Lufthansa Group reported record third-quarter revenue of €12.2 billion in 2026, up 9% year-on-year, while adjusted operating profit rose 6% to €1.4 billion. Strong demand and cost controls offset an additional €543 million in fuel costs, although the adjusted operating margin slipped to 11.5%.

Brussels Airlines, SWISS and Austrian Airlines improved their quarterly results. However, combined network airline adjusted operating profit fell by €108 million to €853 million, with Lufthansa Airlines affected by higher fuel costs and approximately €65 million in strike-related costs. Group chief executive Carsten Spohr said the core airline’s financial turnaround must accelerate.

Cargo and maintenance provided substantial support: Lufthansa Cargo’s adjusted operating profit more than tripled to €162 million, while Lufthansa Technik increased its result by 54% to €200 million. The point-to-point airlines segment earned €214 million, up €16 million.

The group refined its full-year adjusted operating profit forecast to €1.7–2.0 billion, with its fuel bill expected to reach €9.3 billion. Fourth-quarter demand, fuel costs and cargo performance will determine the final outcome.

Tourist killed as two helicopters collide near Mount Everest

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3 November 2026

Two helicopters collided while approaching the same helipad near Mount Everest in Nepal on Tuesday morning, killing one tourist and injuring three other people, including both pilots.

The accident occurred at approximately 08:11 local time at Pheriche helipad, in the Solukhumbu district. The aircraft involved were two Airbus AS350 helicopters, operated by Fishtail Air (9N-AJR) and Air Dynasty (9N-AOD).

The Fishtail Air helicopter was carrying two foreign tourists returning from Gorakshep, while the Air Dynasty aircraft was operating a cargo flight from Lukla. Their rotor blades struck each other as they approached the helipad from opposite directions.

An Indian tourist, identified as 47-year-old Vasanth Kumar Balaramudu, died in the accident. A New Zealand passenger and both pilots sustained injuries and received medical treatment.

Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that miscommunication between the pilots may have contributed to the collision. Pheriche helipad is outside the coverage of Lukla Airport’s air traffic control tower, meaning pilots must coordinate their movements directly.

The incident occurred during Nepal’s busy autumn trekking season, when helicopters are frequently used to transport tourists, supplies and rescue climbers in the Everest region.

Multiple bomb threats target European passenger flights, prompting diversions and fighter jet escort

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3 November 2026

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Several passenger flights across Europe were targeted by bomb threats on Tuesday, 3 November, triggering emergency security procedures in Poland, Spain, Italy and Bulgaria. At least six flights were affected, with aircraft inspected by security services and one Ryanair flight escorted by Italian Air Force fighter jets. No explosives have been found in the reported incidents.

In Poland, LOT Polish Airlines flight LO286, operating from London Heathrow to Warsaw Chopin Airport, was diverted to Warsaw Modlin Airport after a bomb threat was reported at 09:54 local time. The Boeing 737 MAX landed safely at 10:01 with 181 people on board. Passengers were evacuated while security services searched the aircraft. Nothing suspicious was found, and passengers were subsequently transported to Warsaw Chopin by coach. Modlin Airport was temporarily closed for approximately two hours before normal operations resumed.

A separate threat was reported against Scandinavian Airlines flight SK751 from Copenhagen to Warsaw. The aircraft landed normally at Warsaw Chopin Airport, where passengers disembarked while security personnel carried out inspections. One runway was temporarily closed, but the airport remained operational. No explosive device was discovered.

Spain also activated its emergency security procedures after a bomb alert involving Ryanair flight FR4116, operating from Manchester to Murcia. The aircraft landed safely at Murcia International Airport, where 114 passengers and seven crew members disembarked for security checks. Police and bomb-disposal specialists inspected the aircraft. Francisco Lucas, the Spanish government’s representative in the Murcia region, later confirmed that the Civil Guard had ruled out the presence of explosives and that the airport had resumed normal operations.

In Italy, two Ryanair flights arriving at Rome Fiumicino Airport were subjected to security inspections following separate bomb warnings. One aircraft arrived from Lisbon, while Ryanair flight FR9611 was operating from Dublin. The latter was escorted by Italian Air Force fighter jets following an anonymous bomb report. Police bomb-disposal specialists inspected the aircraft, passengers, crew and baggage. No explosives were found in either case.

Further alerts were reported in Bulgaria, where authorities investigated threats involving flights arriving at Sofia Airport. Reports identified a Wizz Air flight from Milan Bergamo, flight W64390, and an arrival from Dublin among the aircraft subjected to security checks. Bulgarian authorities said they were working to identify the individuals responsible for sending the threats. Some initial reports also referred to an aircraft arriving from Israel, although the precise details of the Sofia incidents remain subject to clarification.

The incidents follow a separate bomb threat on Monday, 2 November, involving a Wizz Air flight from London Luton to Sofia. The Airbus A321 was diverted to Budapest while flying over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hungarian Gripen fighter jets were scrambled to escort the aircraft, which landed safely. Following security inspections, no explosives were found and the aircraft subsequently continued its journey to Bulgaria.

Authorities have not established whether the threats are connected or whether they originated from a common source. Bulgarian officials have indicated that efforts to identify the senders of the threatening messages are continuing.

Brussels Airlines achieves record third-quarter result with €84 million adjusted EBIT

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3 November 2026

Belgian carrier benefits from increased capacity and stable operations, while geopolitical uncertainty and high fuel costs continue to weigh on its outlook.

Brussels Airlines has reported its strongest-ever third-quarter financial performance, achieving an adjusted EBIT of €84 million in the period from July to September 2026. The record result was driven primarily by increased capacity, passenger growth and more reliable operations.

During the third quarter, the Belgian airline welcomed 2.9 million passengers on more than 20,000 flights, representing year-on-year increases of 3.5% in passenger numbers and 1.7% in flight operations.

Operational stability played a key role in the improved financial performance. Brussels Airlines reduced its irregularity costs per passenger by 14% compared with the same period last year. Combined with increased capacity, this contributed to an adjusted EBIT that was 23.5% higher than in the third quarter of 2025 and 6% above the previous third-quarter record, set in 2024.

“For an airline, summer is the busiest time of year. While many people travel to enjoy a well-deserved vacation, our colleagues put their best foot forward to make sure our passengers can sit back and relax. I want to sincerely thank all Brussels Airlines employees for their efforts in the past few months. We have once again proven that when we operate as planned, the results are also there. Brussels Airlines is a robust airline that can deliver strong results, even in a challenging environment,” said Nina Öwerdieck, Chief Financial Officer of Brussels Airlines.

Network expansion and product improvements

Beyond its financial performance, Brussels Airlines also recorded several commercial and product highlights during the quarter.

The airline continued its traditional Tomorrowland party flights, while Cologne in Germany was added to its network through its cooperation with Deutsche Bahn. Brussels Airlines also introduced a new signature aperitif in Business Class as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger experience.

Positive outlook, but challenges remain

Despite the record third-quarter performance, Brussels Airlines remains cautious about the months ahead.

The first half of 2026 proved challenging for the airline. Geopolitical instability contributed to elevated fuel prices, while an Ebola outbreak in East Africa and social unrest in Belgium, including strikes involving third parties, further affected operations and financial performance. As a result, the airline recorded a negative financial result for the first six months of the year.

The strong third-quarter performance has since brought Brussels Airlines back into positive year-to-date territory. Nevertheless, several external challenges remain unresolved.

The start of the fourth quarter has already brought further disruption, with an external strike resulting in flight cancellations and additional costs for the airline. Despite these setbacks, passenger demand remains robust, providing a positive signal for the remainder of the year.

Brussels Airlines expects business to develop positively in the fourth quarter, although the ongoing impact of geopolitical uncertainty and higher fuel costs continues to require careful management.

Cost discipline alongside strategic investments

To counter the continued pressure from additional fuel costs, Brussels Airlines is maintaining its cost-optimisation measures. At the same time, the airline remains committed to strategic investments aimed at improving its onboard product and overall passenger experience.

Planned initiatives include the rollout of Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi across the fleet, a complete renovation of the airline’s flagship lounge in Brussels and the introduction of new cabin interiors.

With a record-breaking third quarter behind it, Brussels Airlines enters the final months of 2026 on a stronger financial footing. However, the airline’s ability to maintain this momentum will depend on operational stability, cost developments and the wider geopolitical environment.

Twelve flights and a ‘Papacóptero’: Pope Leo XIV’s South American aviation itinerary

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2 November 2026

Peruvian Army Mil Mi-17 © Sergio de la Puente on Wikimedia Commons

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6 to 17 November will involve an unusually varied flying programme: 12 fixed-wing sectors and two scheduled helicopter journeys, combining airline widebodies, narrowbody jets and military transport. For aviation enthusiasts, the itinerary offers everything from an ITA Airways A330neo crossing the Atlantic to a Peruvian Air Force Mi-17 heading into the Andes. The Vatican’s published flight list identifies the operators for all 14 sectors, although some aircraft details remain unannounced.

From an Italian Airbus to an Argentine Boeing

ITA Airways will open the tour on 6 November with a non-stop Rome-Fiumicino–Montevideo flight aboard an Airbus A330neo. According to the airline’s announcement, reported by Aviacionline, the flight will carry three pilots and ten cabin crew, alongside the papal delegation and accompanying journalists. No individual aircraft registration has been identified in the announcements reviewed.

Uruguay’s air force will handle the return trip between Montevideo and Paysandú on 7 November, but the Vatican’s notice does not specify the aircraft type. Aerolíneas Argentinas then takes over: Boeing 737 MAX 8s are planned for Montevideo–Buenos Aires and the Córdoba return journey, followed by an Airbus A330-200 for Buenos Aires–Lima on 11 November. The Argentine operation also includes a separate cargo-only flight between Montevideo and Buenos Aires, outside the Pope’s own 12-sector tally.

The flight-by-flight programme

Date, November 2026	Sector	Operator	Planned aircraft
6	Rome-Fiumicino–Montevideo	ITA Airways	Airbus A330neo
7	Montevideo–Paysandú	Uruguayan Air Force	Type not specified
7	Paysandú–Montevideo	Uruguayan Air Force	Type not specified
8	Montevideo–Buenos Aires	Aerolíneas Argentinas	Boeing 737 MAX 8
10	Buenos Aires–Córdoba	Aerolíneas Argentinas	Boeing 737 MAX 8
10	Córdoba–Buenos Aires	Aerolíneas Argentinas	Boeing 737 MAX 8
11	Buenos Aires–Lima	Aerolíneas Argentinas	Airbus A330-200
13	Lima–Chiclayo	LATAM Airlines Perú	Airbus A320neo
14	Chiclayo–Santa Cruz de Succhabamba	Peruvian Air Force	Mi-17 helicopter
14	Santa Cruz de Succhabamba–Chiclayo	Peruvian Air Force	Mi-17 helicopter
15	Chiclayo–Cusco	LATAM Airlines Perú	Airbus A320neo
15	Cusco–Pucallpa	LATAM Airlines Perú	Airbus A320neo
15	Pucallpa–Lima	LATAM Airlines Perú	Airbus A320neo
16–17	Lima–Rome-Fiumicino	LATAM Airlines Perú	Boeing 787-9

Dates and operators follow the Vatican itinerary; aircraft assignments come from airline announcements and Peru’s official reporting. All remain subject to operational changes.

Coast, Andes and Amazonia in one flying day

LATAM has confirmed an A320neo for the four domestic Peruvian sectors and a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for the non-stop return to Rome. Its busiest day will be 15 November, when three successive flights link Chiclayo, Cusco, Pucallpa and Lima — taking the delegation from the coast into the Andes, onwards to Amazonia and back to the capital. LATAM is preparing special interior and exterior details but has not disclosed exactly what they will involve.

The most distinctive aircraft is the “Papacóptero”, a Peruvian Air Force Mi-17 presented on 28 October for the Chiclayo–Santa Cruz de Succhabamba return journey. The support deployment includes three additional Mi-17s, Bell 212 and Bell 412 helicopters for aeromedical duties, and a pressurised Beechcraft King Air 360C air ambulance. These supporting aircraft should not be confused with additional scheduled flights carrying the Pope.

Sources: Vatican flight itinerary · ITA operation · Aerolíneas aircraft assignments · LATAM announcement · Peruvian military aircraft deployment

Emirates to bring Airbus A380 back to Brussels Airport on 10 March 2027

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2 November 2026

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Emirates is planning to operate a one-off Airbus A380 flight to Brussels Airport on 10 March 2027, marking another visit by the airline’s double-deck aircraft to the Belgian airport.

According to aviation website Flightlevel.be, published on 30 October 2026, Emirates will deploy an A380 on its morning flight from Dubai to Brussels. The operation will be a one-off deployment rather than the introduction of a scheduled A380 service.

The visit will provide another opportunity to test Brussels Airport’s triple passenger boarding bridge at gate B33. The infrastructure was inaugurated in April 2018, when Emirates operated a special A380 flight to Brussels.

Aviation24.be was present during the inauguration and reported on the operation in April 2018. As detailed in our coverage at the time, the aircraft involved was registered A6-EUG and carried a Real Madrid special livery. The test did not go entirely as planned: although the first passenger boarding bridge connected successfully to the lower deck, the other two bridges could not be used as intended. The upper-deck bridge could not reach the aircraft.

[Trip report + static visit] Emirates Airlines Airbus A380 at Brussels Airport

Brussels Airport had invested more than €52 million in new passenger boarding bridges for Pier B, with gates B31 and B33 equipped with triple-bridge infrastructure designed to accommodate the Airbus A380.

Emirates had previously brought an A380 to Brussels in September 2015, when the aircraft operated a special flight celebrating the first anniversary of its Dubai-Brussels route. Due to thunderstorms, an Emirates A380 made a diversion from Paris Charles de Gaulle on June 18th 2023.

The March 2027 operation will therefore be an important opportunity to demonstrate that the infrastructure can handle the world’s largest passenger aircraft as originally intended.

If the test is successful, it could potentially pave the way for more frequent A380 visits to Brussels, or even scheduled operations in the future. However, neither Emirates nor Brussels Airport has announced plans for a regular A380 service.

Ryanair faces 1,043 criminal summonses in Belgium over alleged social fraud

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2 November 2026

Ryanair is facing renewed legal pressure in Belgium following an eight-year investigation into alleged social fraud and breaches of employment and social security legislation.

According to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, which reported on 28 October 2026, authorities have prepared 1,043 criminal summonses relating to suspected irregularities in the employment of pilots, cabin crew members and other personnel. The investigation particularly concerns Ryanair’s operations around Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

The Belgian state reportedly expects to recover at least €5 million in unpaid social security contributions.

Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden confirmed during a parliamentary session on 21 October that the criminal summonses had been prepared, although they were still awaiting final validation by the relevant prosecutorial authorities.

The investigation, which began in 2018, examines Ryanair’s employment arrangements, social security contributions and the use of foreign employment structures. Authorities have been looking into whether the airline complied with Belgian labour and social security legislation when employing personnel based in Belgium.

The lengthy investigation has attracted criticism from trade unions. Didier Lebbe of the CNE union has expressed frustration over the delays, arguing that affected workers have been waiting years for the case to progress.

International judicial cooperation has also contributed to the delays, including requests for assistance from the United Kingdom.

Ryanair’s response to the latest developments was not available at the time of publication.

The case has not yet resulted in a conviction. However, if the proceedings go ahead, they could have significant implications for Ryanair’s employment practices in Belgium and potentially set an important precedent for the enforcement of labour and social security legislation in the aviation sector.

Sources:

Le Soir, 28 October 2026.
Belgian Chamber of Representatives, parliamentary exchange of 21 October 2026.
Belgian parliamentary records, 4 October 2023.
Belgian Social Information and Investigation Service (SIOD), announcement of 15 September 2023.

Wizz Air flight diverted to Budapest after bomb threat, escorted by Hungarian Gripen fighters

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2 November 2026

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A Wizz Air flight from London Luton to Sofia was diverted to Budapest, Hungary, on Monday, 2 November, after receiving a bomb threat while en route. Hungarian Air Force Gripen fighter jets were scrambled to escort the Airbus A321neo to a safe landing at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport.

The aircraft was flying from London Luton Airport to Sofia, Bulgaria, when the threat was received. While flying over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the crew changed course and requested permission to land in Budapest.

According to Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, NATO’s air defence readiness service issued an ALPHA alert, prompting the Hungarian military to scramble Gripen fighters within minutes. The military aircraft escorted the passenger aircraft to Budapest, where it landed safely at approximately 12:08 local time.

Firefighters, police officers and counter-terrorism personnel were waiting for the aircraft on arrival. Following landing, the Airbus was directed to a designated parking position, where authorities began security inspections of the aircraft and its passengers.

Wizz Air confirmed the diversion, stating that the flight from London Luton to Sofia had been redirected to Budapest following a bomb threat received during the journey.

“The aircraft was diverted and landed safely at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, in accordance with the relevant safety protocols and procedures. It subsequently moved to a designated position, where the competent authorities carried out the necessary security checks on the aircraft and passengers,” the airline said.

The Hungarian Gripen fighters returned to their base at Kecskemét after the escort operation. Budapest Airport’s second runway was temporarily closed following the incident, with arriving and departing flights using the other runway while security measures were carried out.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the nature of the bomb threat or whether any suspicious items were discovered during the inspections.

Ryanair reports 15% drop in first-half profit despite passenger growth

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2 November 2026

Ryanair Holdings has reported a 15% decline in first-half profit for its 2026/27 financial year, as sharply higher jet fuel costs and lower airfares offset continued passenger growth. The Irish low-cost airline group recorded a profit after tax of €2.15 billion for the six months ending 30 September 2026, compared with €2.54 billion during the same period a year earlier.

Passenger numbers increased by 6% to 125.8 million, while the average fare fell by 4% to €55.70. The load factor remained unchanged at 95%. Total revenue rose by 3% to €10.08 billion, but operating costs increased by 10% to €7.69 billion, putting pressure on profitability.

Ryanair attributed much of the increase in costs to jet fuel prices. Approximately 20% of its fuel requirements remained unhedged, with prices for this portion doubling to around $130 per barrel. Ancillary revenue increased by 6% to €3.08 billion, helping to offset some of the pressure from lower ticket prices.

CEO Michael O’Leary said the airline’s fuel hedging strategy continued to provide a competitive advantage. Ryanair has secured 80% of its fuel requirements for the current financial year at approximately $67 per barrel, while 25% of its requirements for the 2027/28 financial year are already hedged at around $95 per barrel.

Winter capacity cuts and further expansion

Ryanair has reduced its passenger growth target for the current financial year from 216 million to 214 million, citing higher fuel costs. As a result, traffic between November and March is expected to remain broadly flat compared with the previous winter.

The airline nevertheless plans further expansion in summer 2027, targeting more than 220 million passengers, representing growth of approximately 3%. This expansion will be supported by the expected delivery of its first 16 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft in spring 2027, following anticipated EASA certification before the end of 2026.

Ryanair also announced that 126 additional routes and a new base in Rimini, Italy, are on sale for summer 2027. The airline intends to prioritise countries and airports that reduce aviation taxes and airport charges, while shifting capacity away from markets it considers increasingly expensive, including Austria, Germany and regional Spain.

The group expects to grow to more than 300 million passengers annually by financial year 2034, supported by new aircraft, its cost advantage and continued consolidation in the European airline industry.

Higher fares expected as fuel costs increase

Looking ahead, Ryanair warned that higher fuel prices could put further pressure on the European airline industry during the 2027/28 financial year. The company estimates that its annual fuel bill could increase by approximately €2 billion based on current forward prices, even after accounting for its existing hedging arrangements.

O’Leary expects European short-haul airfares to rise materially next year as airlines pass on higher fuel costs and industry capacity remains constrained. However, he cautioned that higher fares may not fully compensate for the increase in fuel expenditure.

The airline is consequently reviewing costs across its operations, including airport agreements, labour contracts, crew ratios and the use of artificial intelligence to improve productivity. O’Leary also indicated that temporary pay freezes could be considered when existing labour agreements mature.

Despite the lower first-half profit, Ryanair remains financially strong. At the end of September, the group reported gross cash of €2.6 billion and had completed a €750 million share buyback programme. A further €800 million buyback is planned from February 2027, alongside an interim dividend of €0.273 per share, payable in late February.

Ryanair said it was too early to provide meaningful full-year profit guidance, citing uncertainty surrounding fuel prices, geopolitical developments and European air traffic control disruptions.

Nine killed as Bahamas-bound Learjet crashes in Florida

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1 November 2026

All nine people aboard a Learjet 60 registered N722BD died when it crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday, 1 November 2026, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed. The aircraft was flying from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

The jet came down near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North at approximately 12:50 local time, erupting into flames. Authorities closed the surrounding roads. Whether anyone on the ground was injured had not been confirmed in the latest reporting.

According to a CNN report, the crew reported icing and moderate turbulence before declaring an emergency during a rapid descent. These reports do not establish the cause. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, supported by the FAA; the identities of those aboard have not yet been released.

Sources: Associated Press · ABC News

Jersey Airport suffers second night of disruption after drone sightings

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1 November 2026

Jersey Airport experienced a second consecutive evening of flight disruption on Saturday, October 31, following reports of unauthorised drone activity near the airfield. Several flights were unable to land as scheduled, prompting cancellations and alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers.

According to Jersey Airport, four flights were unable to land as planned on Saturday evening because of what it described as illegal and persistent drone activity around the airport. Airlines were arranging alternative travel for passengers. The disruption followed similar incidents on Friday evening, October 30, when multiple drones were reported operating close to the airport from approximately 20:20 until 22:30 local time.

States of Jersey Police said three inbound aircraft were initially diverted during Friday’s incident, although one subsequently managed to land safely at around 23:45. Police launched searches across several areas in the west of the island but had not identified those responsible.

Jersey’s Chief Minister, Lyndon Farnham, described the deliberate operation of drones near the airport as a serious threat to public safety and essential transport infrastructure. Authorities are working with UK agencies to examine additional detection capabilities and counter-drone technology. The police investigation remains ongoing.

Source: Sky News, November 1, 2026.

Naples Airport closes for entire month of November for major runway works

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1 November 2026

Naples International Airport has closed to all air traffic from November 1 to November 30, 2026, to allow extensive redevelopment and rehabilitation work on its runway and taxiways. The closure affects one of southern Italy’s busiest airports and is expected to result in some flights being transferred to alternative airports.

Airport operator GESAC announced that the €30 million investment forms part of a major infrastructure programme designed to improve the long-term safety, reliability and operational continuity of the airport. The works include the rehabilitation of the runway and selected taxiways, as well as upgrades to associated operational systems.

During the closure, some air traffic will be redirected to Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport, located approximately 50 kilometres southeast of Naples. GESAC and transport operator Busitalia Campania have also introduced additional bus connections between Naples Piazza Garibaldi railway station and Salerno Airport to assist affected passengers.

The closure is part of a scheduled infrastructure improvement programme. Passengers travelling to or from the Naples region during November are advised to check directly with their airlines for information about alternative airports and revised flight arrangements.

Source: GESAC / ANSA, October 29, 2026.

Lufthansa flight attendant dies in suspected electrocution accident at Indian hotel

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1 November 2026

A Lufthansa crew member has died in a suspected electrocution accident at a hotel swimming pool in Bengaluru, India. The incident occurred on Friday, 30 October, during a layover at the five-star Conrad Bengaluru hotel.

The victim was identified in Indian media reports as Alexander Maximilian Theiss, a 57-year-old German national working for Lufthansa. He reportedly died alongside a second foreign national, identified as 45-year-old Slovak project manager Juraj Horvat. Both men were swimming in the hotel’s third-floor pool when they apparently suffered electric shocks.

Two other people, an American hotel guest and an Indian pool attendant, were also injured while attempting to rescue the victims. They were taken to hospital and were reportedly out of danger.

Investigators are examining whether faulty underwater pool lighting or electrical installations may have caused electricity to enter the water. However, the exact cause of the incident has not yet been established, and police are investigating possible negligence. The swimming pool was subsequently closed.

Lufthansa confirmed the death of one of its crew members during a layover in Bengaluru, expressing its deep sadness and condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. The airline declined to provide further personal details out of respect for the family’s privacy.

KLM’s first Airbus A350 enters passenger service on Toronto route

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30 October 2026

KLM’s first Airbus A350-900 has operated its inaugural passenger flight from Amsterdam Schiphol to Toronto. Named De Nachtwacht (“The Night Watch”), the aircraft departed as flight KL691 with passengers and eight tonnes of cargo aboard.

The inaugural attracted aviation enthusiasts who booked specifically for the occasion, including two passengers wearing specially printed T-shirts and a father and son who travelled from New York to join the flight.

The A350’s introduction forms part of KLM’s fleet-renewal programme, which the airline says aims to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and noise. Following Toronto, planned destinations for the aircraft include Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Zanzibar.

Source: KLM report. Photos: Arnoud Raeven.

Eurowings adds five European routes from Berlin, Hanover and Stuttgart for summer 2027

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30 October 2026