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Finnair raises 2026 profit forecast as demand exceeds expectations

By
André Orban
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Finnair has raised its full-year 2026 guidance after stronger-than-expected travel demand supported its performance despite high fuel costs, which the airline says have partly been passed on through ticket prices.

The carrier now forecasts revenue of €3.5–3.6 billion and a comparable operating profit of €175–220 million, up from its July estimates of €3.4–3.5 billion and €120–190 million respectively. It also attributed the upgrade to successfully capturing market opportunities and progress in implementing its strategy.

Preliminary, unaudited third-quarter figures show revenue of approximately €953 million, compared with €834.9 million a year earlier, and comparable operating profit of around €84 million, up from €50.7 million. Finnair will publish its January–September results on 27 October.

The airline will provide its 2027 guidance alongside its full-year results. It cautioned that high and uncertain fuel prices could make it difficult to increase fuel hedging for next year, while inflation and interest rates remain additional sources of uncertainty.

EU Commissioner urges Brussels Airport border queues to be resolved before Christmas

By
André Orban
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0

European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner has called for lengthy airport border-control queues to be resolved before the Christmas travel period, singling out Brussels Airport over delays associated with the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES). His remarks were reported by Politico and subsequently covered by other outlets. 

Brunner defended the digital border system, arguing that Member States had agreed to its introduction and had sufficient time to prepare. He said national authorities must ensure it operates effectively, stressing its importance for security.

The intervention follows waits of up to five hours at Brussels Airport’s passport controls in late September, which the airport confirmed. Changes to processing procedures have meant that travellers from some countries, including the United States, must pass through staffed booths after using registration kiosks, increasing pressure on border-control capacity.

Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin’s office said all 12 arrivals control positions were staffed. It argued that the infrastructure could process only 500–600 passengers arriving from outside Schengen per hour, while almost 3,500 could arrive between 06:00 and 10:00 on busy days. Brussels Airport said the parties involved were working on improvements, including testing automated gates and pre-registration kiosks, training additional border officers and assessing infrastructure needs.

The Commissioner’s call comes as ACI EUROPE and Airlines for Europe demand operational and regulatory reforms to the EES. In a joint statement on 12 October, the industry bodies warned that persistent queues were causing missed flights and connections, and proposed measures including improved biometric processing, wider use of automated controls and flexibility to suspend biometric registration during excessive congestion.

Sources: UA.NEWS, brusselstimes.com

Airbus–Kratos U740 Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft completes first European flight

By
André Orban
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0
Airbus U740 Valkyrie First Flight

Airbus and Kratos have completed the first European flight of the U740 Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft, marking a milestone towards their target of delivering a combat-ready Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by 2029 for German and other European armed forces.

Conducted at an undisclosed test facility in Northern Europe, the flight included a runway-independent, rocket-assisted launch, manoeuvres at different altitudes and speeds up to Mach 0.8, and in-flight mission adjustments. According to Airbus, all objectives were achieved.

Further trials will test Airbus’ Multi-platform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure (MARS) mission system. Designed to provide European control over mission software, data and hardware, MARS uses AI-enhanced software for autonomous operations and coordination between aircraft, with human oversight of critical decisions.

The Valkyrie is intended to operate independently or alongside crewed fighters such as the Eurofighter, undertaking high-risk missions and extending their capabilities. Measuring 9.1 metres long with an 8.2-metre wingspan, it has internal and external payload stations, a maximum take-off weight of approximately three tonnes, a stated range exceeding 5,000 kilometres and a service ceiling of around 13,700 metres.

Actress Selma Blair taken into custody and hospitalised after alleged assault on Delta cabin crew

By
André Orban
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1

Selma Blair, 54, was taken into police custody at New York JFK Airport late on 11 October, following an alleged incident aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles. The Port Authority said two flight attendants reported injuries; Blair and one attendant were taken to hospital for evaluation. The FBI confirmed it had been notified of a potential assault aboard the aircraft. 

Selma Blair in 2024 © Super Festivals — https://www.flickr.com/photos/superfestivals/53896328867/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=174040552

Blair’s representative told People that she had experienced a medical emergency leading to the alleged conduct and was subsequently in stable condition. Delta said police met the flight on arrival and that it arrived ahead of schedule, with no operational disruption.

Reports of punching, biting and an attempt to open an aircraft door contain allegations initially attributed to TMZ. For publication, those details should remain explicitly attributed. The medical cause has not been disclosed, and the sources above do not establish a connection with Blair’s multiple sclerosis.

Sources: apnews.com, people.com

Airports and airlines urge EES reforms as border queues reach five hours

By
André Orban
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0

ACI EUROPE and Airlines for Europe (A4E) have called on the European Commission and Schengen Member States to reform the Entry/Exit System (EES), saying persistent border delays are causing missed flights, disrupted connections and terminal congestion.

Nearly six months after full implementation, the industry bodies say waiting times still routinely exceed two hours and reach five hours in extreme cases during peak traffic. They attribute the disruption to insufficient border staffing, unstable IT systems, limited use of self-service kiosks and automated gates, and shortcomings in the Travel to Europe pre-registration app.

Their six-point plan proposes removing duplicate checks, optimising biometric verification, preventing duplicate passenger profiles, upgrading the app and web portal, and expanding harmonised automated border control for third-country nationals. It also calls for a permanent mechanism allowing biometric registration to be temporarily suspended when queues become excessive.

While acknowledging the EES’s contribution to border security, the organisations argue that the delays reflect structural problems rather than initial implementation difficulties. They urge authorities to introduce the changes promptly in cooperation with airports and airlines.

TUI Belgium investigates data breach as travellers receive fraudulent booking messages

By
André Orban
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0

TUI Belgium has confirmed a data breach after customers reported receiving fraudulent messages containing accurate details of their holiday bookings. An international team is investigating the incident, whose cause and scale remain unclear.

Travellers have reported approaches via WhatsApp and email from unknown senders quoting their names, booked hotels and exact travel dates. Some messages reportedly also included the booking amount. Recipients were asked to follow links to verify their reservations, provide payment information or make a supposed advance payment.

TUI has not disclosed how many customers are affected or precisely which information was exposed. Although the company has acknowledged a breach, it has not confirmed whether the data used in the reported phishing attempts came from that incident. A direct hack of its own IT systems has also not been established.

A TUI spokesperson told ANP on 11 October that, based on the information available, the incident appeared to concern Belgian customers only, with Dutch customers seemingly unaffected. The company said it was treating the matter as a high priority.

Customers are advised to avoid suspicious links and payment requests and to verify any unexpected communication directly with TUI through its official channels. Accurate booking details should not be taken as proof that a message is genuine.

Sources: www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl, tweakers.net, wnl.tv

Airbus recorded 17 orders and delivered 72 aircraft in September 2026

By
André Orban
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0

In September 2026, Airbus recorded 17 gross orders and delivered 72 commercial aircraft, according to Airbus Orders and Deliveries data.

Key figures for September 2026

  • Deliveries for the month: 72 aircraft delivered to 37 customers (bringing the year-to-date total to 547 aircraft).
  • Gross orders for the month: 17 orders (including 15 A320neos for Air Cairo and 2 A321neos for FlyOne Armenia), resulting in 14 net orders after 3 cancellations.
  • September delivery breakdown: 67 single-aisle aircraft (primarily from the A320neo and A220 families) and 5 wide-body aircraft.

Year-to-date figures (January – September 2026)

  • Total deliveries: 547 aircraft to 84 customers.
  • Total gross orders: 1,174 aircraft (and 1,105 net orders).
  • 2026 annual target: Airbus is aiming for approximately 870 deliveries for the full year, requiring an acceleration of the pace during the final quarter.

Belgian transport strike threatens airport access on 12 October

By
André Orban
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0

A nationwide public-sector strike in Belgium on Monday, 12 October 2026, is expected to disrupt trains, buses, trams and metro services, potentially affecting journeys to Brussels Airport. The airport says air traffic is currently expected to operate normally.

SNCB/NMBS is preparing an alternative train timetable, while STIB/MIVB and De Lijn anticipate disruption to their networks. The extent of reduced services will depend on staff participation. Passengers should check updated timetables before departure and allow extra time to reach the airport.

The action follows a separate strike on 9 October, when Alyzia ground-handling staff participation led to about 100 flight cancellations at Brussels Airport. Monday’s expected disruption mainly affects public transport. Air traffic is expected to be normal, but travellers should continue to monitor their flight status.

KLM to cut winter flights as maintenance delays reduce aircraft availability

By
André Orban
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0

KLM will cancel selected flights in advance between 26 October 2026 and early March 2027 as maintenance and repair delays leave more aircraft unavailable than planned. The airline aims to retain additional long-haul aircraft as reserves and reduce last-minute disruption. 

A KLM spokesperson told Dutch broadcaster NOS that the shortage stems from unplanned maintenance, damage repairs and scheduled work overrunning, with spare-parts deliveries sometimes taking longer than expected. Some services are also being operated with different aircraft from those originally assigned.

The airline has not announced how many flights will be cancelled or which destinations will be affected. It says it will prioritise cancellations that minimise passenger impact and allow travellers to rebook, aiming for a more reliable winter schedule.

Sources: NL Times, nos.nl

Norse Atlantic to provide two Boeing 787-9s for PIA’s UK–Pakistan services

By
André Orban
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0

Norse Atlantic has signed an agreement to provide Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) with two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to expand services between the UK and Pakistan. Operations are expected to begin in early November 2026, although specific routes, frequencies and the agreement’s duration have not been announced.

Under the ACMI arrangement, Norse will supply the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance. The partnership will allow PIA to increase long-haul capacity while Norse redeploys aircraft from a previous ACMI operation.

PIA chief executive Amir Hayat described the UK as an important market, saying the additional aircraft would offer passengers greater choice and connectivity. Norse chief executive Eivind Roald said the agreement marked the beginning of a strategic partnership between the airlines.

The deal supports Norse’s strategy of allocating its Dreamliner fleet between scheduled services, charters and operations for other carriers. The airline said it was also discussing further ACMI agreements with other international airlines.

At least 12 reportedly killed in Riyadh airport attack as operations suspended

By
André Orban
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0

At least 12 people were killed and 50 injured in an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday, 10 October, according to three officials briefed on the strike cited by The New York Times. The newspaper attributed the attack to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed that several people had been injured and temporarily suspended airport operations while authorities assessed damage and checked the safety of facilities. The higher casualty figures have not been publicly confirmed by Saudi authorities.

Passengers were advised to contact their airlines and confirm their flight status before heading to the airport. Saudi citizens stranded abroad by disrupted services to Riyadh were urged to contact Saudi embassies or consulates for assistance. No reopening time was announced in the statements provided.

The strike followed two attacks on the airport on Thursday that killed three Saudi citizens and injured several others. The repeated attacks threaten disruption to Riyadh’s international connections as fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis intensifies.

Sources: GACA statement and The New York Times reporting supplied above.

Avianca flight to New York diverts to Miami after turbulence injures passengers and crew

By
André Orban
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0
Avianca Airbus A320 aeroplane at Medellin Rionegro airport (MDE) in Colombia. 

An Avianca flight from Medellín to New York JFK diverted to Miami International Airport early Friday after encountering severe turbulence that injured passengers and crew. Flight AV42 (Airbus A320 registered N207FR) landed safely at around 03:30 local time, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

Emergency services said eight people were taken to hospital, including one requiring treatment at a trauma centre. Avianca reported nine people injured — six passengers and three crew members. The differing totals were not immediately reconciled.

Jackson Memorial Hospital confirmed on Friday evening that all seven people treated there had been discharged. No update was available on the condition of the eighth person reported hospitalised by emergency services.

Avianca’s airport team assisted the remaining passengers with arrangements to continue to New York. The US Federal Aviation Administration said it would investigate the incident.

Source: CBS News Miami.

Flydubai flight FZ1073 updates: Ben Gurion Airport was the intended target

By
André Orban
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0

UAE prosecutors confirm Tel Aviv Ben Gurion terminal was intended target of FZ1073 attack

The UAE Attorney-General said on 9 October that the co-pilot of flydubai FZ1073 intended to seize the aircraft and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport’s passenger terminal. Prosecutors said the plot was inspired by the September 11 attacks and that two earlier flights to Tel Aviv had been used to study the route and airport. This provides official confirmation of a target previously reported through unnamed sources.

According to the prosecution’s account, pilots assigned to the return service intervened alongside cabin crew and passengers, then regained control and landed in Tabuk. Authorities also said the suspect had passed flydubai’s required professional and security checks, which had revealed no indication of his intentions.

The suspect reportedly confessed in his lawyer’s presence and said he acted alone. Investigators are still verifying that claim, examining possible accomplices or connections and reviewing recordings and technical evidence; the inquiry remains open.

Sources: Reuters · Dubai Eye, reporting the WAM statement

India opens separate FZ1073 anti-terror investigation

India’s National Investigation Agency has registered a formal case over the attack on Indian captain Smit Machchhar aboard flydubai flight FZ1073. The investigation was opened under India’s Anti-Hijacking Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act after the central government cited the incident’s “grave national and international ramifications”.

The NIA will examine whether the co-pilot acted alone or formed part of a wider conspiracy. This does not contradict the suspect’s reported confession to UAE prosecutors: the Indian investigation is intended to verify that claim independently. The Indian FIR currently identifies no accomplices and establishes no additional motive.

India’s External Affairs Ministry has meanwhile said Captain Machchhar is recovering well following surgery in Abu Dhabi.

Source: indianexpress.com

Paraguayan Air Force receives South America’s first military Cessna SkyCourier

By
André Orban
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0

The Paraguayan Air Force has taken delivery of a Cessna SkyCourier, becoming the aircraft’s first military operator in South America. Funded by Itaipu Binacional, the entity jointly operated by Brazil and Paraguay, the twin-engine turboprop joins the force’s existing Cessna Grand Caravan fleet.

The aircraft will support passenger and cargo transport, medical evacuations, disaster relief and humanitarian aid, helping the air force reach remote communities across Paraguay.

Textron Aviation says the SkyCourier’s payload capacity, single-pilot capability and adaptable configuration make it suitable for varied missions in demanding operating conditions.

Icelandair adds St Louis and restores Madrid flights for summer 2027

By
André Orban
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0

Icelandair will launch flights to St Louis and restore Madrid to its network in summer 2027, while expanding its partnership with Southwest Airlines to offer more US connections.

Madrid services will operate two to three times weekly from 9 April to 25 October, with departures on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. St Louis flights will run three to four times weekly from 14 May to 24 October, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The expanded Southwest partnership will enable connections via St Louis between destinations across North America, Iceland and Icelandair’s European network. For passengers travelling from Iceland, it will provide onward access to US destinations, particularly in Texas and neighbouring states.

Chief commercial officer Tómas Ingason said the additions would broaden travel options as Icelandair prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary in June 2027.

Virgin signs Alstom train deal for planned 2030 cross-Channel launch

By
André Orban
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0

Virgin has signed an agreement with Alstom for 12 Avelia Stream high-speed trains as it prepares to launch cross-Channel passenger services from 2030. The company plans 20 daily return services linking London with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, adding almost 7.5 million seats annually and creating up to 1,000 jobs.

The trains will operate at speeds of up to 300 km/h and feature customised interiors and a black and red livery. Alstom will maintain the fleet under a 30-year contract, while Virgin has signed an agreement with Eurostar for maintenance access at the Temple Mills International depot in east London.

Virgin says it has secured UK track access until at least 2040. Its proposed passenger experience will draw on its airline, cruise and hotel businesses, with dedicated spaces for working and socialising, an enhanced dining offer and integration with the Virgin Red loyalty programme.

The group is also exploring connections between the new rail services and Virgin Atlantic flights, allowing passengers arriving in London to continue to continental Europe by train. The group will announce further service and onboard details in the coming months.

[Video] Thailand’s Queen completes first solo Gripen fighter flight

By
André Orban
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0
Picture © Royal Thai Air Force

Thailand’s Queen Suthida has completed her first solo flight in a single-seat Saab JAS 39C Gripen fighter at Wing 7 in Surat Thani. King Maha Vajiralongkorn attended Thursday’s flight and afterwards presented her with a bouquet and the Gripen Order Golden Patch.

The Queen began flying in May 2010 and has logged more than 1,188 flying hours across training aircraft, light aircraft and Boeing 737s, including around 10 hours in the two-seat JAS 39D Gripen.

She has also served as the King’s co-pilot on domestic and international flights for royal duties, including a flight to Bhutan’s challenging Paro Airport in April last year.

Pictire © Royal Thai Air Force

Source: Bangkok Post

Ryanair puts first 29 new summer 2027 routes on sale

By
André Orban
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0

Ryanair has opened bookings for its first 29 new routes for summer 2027, ahead of the launch of its full seasonal schedule. The airline says it plans to operate more than 2,500 routes across a network of 230 destinations.

Announcing the initial routes on 9 October, chief marketing officer Dara Brady said further additions would follow as Ryanair expands its network. The new services are available to book through the airline’s website and app.

Lessor Avolon orders 110 Airbus aircraft, including 35 A330neos

By
André Orban
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1

Avolon has placed a firm order for 35 Airbus A330-900s and 75 A320neo Family aircraft, strengthening its delivery pipeline to support airline fleet expansion and replacement into the next decade.

Announced on 9 October, the agreement brings the aviation finance company’s cumulative orders to 114 A330-900s and around 650 A320 Family aircraft. Airbus says Avolon remains the leading lessor customer for the A330-900.

Avolon chief executive Andy Cronin said the company continues to see strong demand for new aircraft and expects sustained interest in both the A330neo and A320neo Family as aviation grows over the longer term.

The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, while the A320neo Family serves the single-aisle market. Airbus highlights lower fuel consumption and emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft as key benefits of both programmes. The announcement did not specify delivery dates or the breakdown of the 75 A320neo Family aircraft by variant.

Saudia aircraft likely a hull loss after fire at Riyadh Airport

By
Bart Noëth
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1

A Saudia aircraft was heavily damaged by fire while parked at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, October 8, amid a new wave of attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement. Based on the extensive damage visible in photographs circulating online, the aircraft appears likely to be a hull loss, although no official write-off has been announced.

Reuters reported that the aircraft caught fire while stationary near an airport terminal. Sources briefed on the incident told the news agency that the damage may have been caused by shrapnel from an intercepted missile or by a direct projectile impact. Video verified by Reuters showed a large plume of smoke rising from the airport. The aircraft was reportedly believed to be empty at the time, but information about possible injuries related to the fire was not immediately available.

The Houthis claimed to have launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport. Saudi authorities said missiles heading towards Riyadh had been intercepted, with falling debris reportedly damaging a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex in the capital. Officials have not confirmed whether the Saudia aircraft was directly hit or damaged by debris, and the precise cause of the fire remains unclear.

The incident comes amid escalating attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure. Earlier strikes affecting Riyadh and Abha airports reportedly killed three people and injured dozens. The attacks have also disrupted air travel, with widespread flight cancellations and international airlines, including Lufthansa and Air India, suspending services to Riyadh.

Saudia and Saudi authorities had not issued a detailed public account of the aircraft damage at the time of reporting.

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