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October 3th 2025

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October 3th 2025

Autumn horror spectacle at Familypark: “Filippos Horror Party” attracts with expanded program

Jan Gruber 3 October 2025 20:03

This year, the Familypark in St. Margarethen is once again inviting visitors to its extensive Halloween festival, titled "Filippo's Horror Party." The event runs from October 24th to November 2nd, 2025, daily from 11:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m. New this season is a preliminary "Halloween Warm-up" from October 17th to 19th, which is designed to give visitors an early taste of the spooky spectacle. The extension of the event to a total of 13 days, with extended opening hours until late into the evening, underscores the importance of the Halloween event as the main attraction of autumn. The highlight of the event series is the diverse show program. International artists will entertain families on stage with a mix of acrobatics, dance, and music. The children's show "Filippo and the Scarecrow," featuring mascots Filippo and Minky, is intended to attract younger guests with basic circus skills such as slack-wire acrobatics and slapstick. A 40-minute show featuring spectacular acrobatics, singing, and dancing is planned for the evening, creating a more special atmosphere with pyrotechnic effects and rock music. Additionally, on October 18, mentalist Alex Rey will perform a family mental show. For guests seeking extra excitement, the park offers two haunted houses. In addition to the established "Nightmare Manor," the new attraction "The Underground," opening in 2024, is a labyrinthine dark experience, guaranteed to give older children and adults (recommended for ages 14 and up) goosebumps with its gripping arms and unexpected encounters. In addition, daily attractions, atmospheric light and fog effects, and a twice-daily Halloween parade with mascot Filippo and his entourage await the public.

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Etihad Airways launches daily flights with new A321LR from Düsseldorf

Stephen Steiner 3 October 2025 19:07

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has taken a significant step in its expansion strategy at Düsseldorf Airport: the new Airbus A321LR was deployed there for the first time. With the switch to this new long-haul jet, the airline now offers daily non-stop flights to the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Previously, the route was only served three times a week with a Boeing 787. The increase to seven flights per week is a clear signal of growth for Düsseldorf, which, according to the company, is the first European airport to be regularly served by the Gulf airline's A321LR. The Airbus A321LR, the long-haul version of the A321neo, is equipped with a total of 160 seats in three classes at Etihad. The configuration includes two First Suites, 14 Business Class seats with direct aisle access, and 144 Economy Class seats. Equipping the cabins with state-of-the-art technology such as screens, USB ports, and Wi-Fi access underscores the airline's premium credentials, even on what were once shorter routes. This aircraft type plays a central role in Etihad's plans, as a total of 30 of this type have been ordered, with ten more scheduled for delivery later this year. The deployment of the A321LR in Düsseldorf will provide travelers from North Rhine-Westphalia and the neighboring Netherlands with greater flexibility and better connections via the Abu Dhabi hub to Asia, Africa, and Australia. According to the current air services agreement with the United Arab Emirates, Etihad is permitted to fly to four destinations in Germany. In addition to Düsseldorf, these are Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg. The weekly frequencies are not limited by this agreement, which allows Etihad to expand the Düsseldorf connection.

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Court ruling seals defeat for Condor in feeder dispute with Lufthansa

Belinda Borg 3 October 2025 18:09

The Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court has ruled in favor of Lufthansa in the legal dispute over feeder flights, a ruling that is now final. Neither the holiday airline Condor nor the Federal Cartel Office appealed the August 2025 ruling. The judges had overturned the Federal Cartel Office's original decision, which was intended to grant Condor preferential feeder flights through Lufthansa. The main reasons given for this decision were procedural errors by the cartel authority. The case number of the ruling is VI-Kart 7/22 (V). Condor's defeat marks a setback in the dispute that has been raging since the end of 2020 and was triggered by Lufthansa's termination of the "Special Prorate Agreement" (SPA), which secured Condor favorable conditions for feeder flights. For Condor CEO Peter Gerber, a former Lufthansa manager who only took up his post in February 2024, this is a failure. His hopes of reaching a solution with his former employer have now been dashed. The leisure airline has already responded to the foreseeable development and is in the process of establishing its own city network. This is intended to reduce its dependence on Lufthansa feeder flights. However, Condor is struggling with the expansion of this network due to limited slot capacities at its Frankfurt hub, where Lufthansa, as the market leader, has considerable influence. Aircraft capacity is another problem, as aircraft must be diverted from lucrative holiday destinations to serve the new feeder network. The legal defeat comes at an unfortunate time, as Condor continues to struggle with financial difficulties. The airline published its first financial figures for the 2023/24 financial year after a long period and reported an annual loss of €62 million. Furthermore, Condor is the only major company in the travel industry to withdraw its state aid.

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“Ballet Revolución” returns to the stages of Europe

Jan Gruber 3 October 2025 16:07

The acclaimed Cuban dance ensemble "Ballet Revolución" is preparing for its international tour in Havana with intensive, twelve-week rehearsals. Starting December 23, 2025, the show, which combines classical ballet technique with street dance, contemporary dance, and Latin American rhythms, will perform in seventeen cities in Germany and Switzerland. After six successful tours and over a million viewers worldwide, the production, which critics have praised as "a truly high form of dance" and "in a class of its own," is returning to European stages. The dancers, who belong to Cuba's elite and often trained at prestigious institutions such as the Escuela Nacional de Arte (ENA), are known for their breathtaking precision and boundless dynamism. The show is characterized by its fusion of diverse dance styles and features impressive solos, captivating group choreographies, and powerful duets. The performances convey Cuban passion and joie de vivre, which, according to press reports, is transmitted to the audience like an "emotional fireball." A key element of the performance is the top-class live band that accompanies the dancers. They interpret pop, R&B, and hip-hop hits by international superstars such as Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Sabrina Carpenter, as well as icons like Queen and Prince, in exciting arrangements. This musical diversity, which combines classics and contemporary pop music, forms the vibrant heart of the show and contributes significantly to its unique impact. The tour begins on December 23, 2025, at the Dortmund Concert Hall and ends on March 29, 2026, in Mannheim.

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First public flights of an air taxi in Japan at Expo 2025

Jan Gruber 3 October 2025 15:08

At the Expo 2025 in Osaka, ANA Holdings and the American company Joby Aviation conducted a successful public flight demonstration of an electric air taxi on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The demonstration flight of Joby's so-called eVTOL aircraft marks a world premiere at a world expo and heralds a new phase in the development of Japan's air taxi system. More than twenty flights of this type are planned within thirteen days of the Expo, giving the public a first glimpse of future air taxi services. The flight, which featured ANA's iconic livery, demonstrated a vertical takeoff, full wing transition, and a vertical landing. These demonstrations are part of the collaboration between the ANA Group—the parent company of Japan's largest airline—and Joby Aviation to establish a national air taxi system in Japan. JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder of Joby, emphasized that Japan, which has already taken a pioneering role on the ground with its automotive industry and high-speed trains, is now ready to take the lead in the air as well. The Joby aircraft is designed for a pilot and up to four passengers and can reach speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour. It is intended to offer a fast and convenient alternative to ground transportation by drastically reducing travel times, reducing hour-long car journeys to minutes, and thus helping to relieve urban traffic congestion. Koji Shibata, President and CEO of ANA Holdings, emphasized the significance of the demonstration flight as an important step toward the realization of the air taxi service. The flight demonstrations are also intended to contribute to public acceptance.

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Change in the management of Europ Assistance

Amely Mizzi 3 October 2025 14:02

Europ Assistance GmbH has appointed Alexandra Hailzl to its management team, effective October 1, 2025. Ms. Hailzl, a law graduate, was already part of the company's executive board as Director of Human Resources, where she made significant contributions and drove the company's development. This promotion recognizes her previous work and many years of expertise in human resources and corporate development. The new Managing Director has extensive professional experience in senior HR departments, focusing particularly on legal matters, personnel development, and organizational development. She has supported extensive transformation and digitalization processes in national and international corporations. Before joining Europ Assistance, Ms. Hailzl worked in management consulting. Her previous professional positions include renowned companies such as BEXity, mobilkom austria, Schneider Electric, and Kühne + Nagel, where she held leading roles. Pascal Baumgarten, CEO of Home, Mobility, Northern and Eastern Europe at Europ Assistance, noted that Alexandra Hailzl is an experienced colleague who will successfully shape the company. The Europ Assistance Group is a global provider of assistance services and has been a pioneer of this concept since its founding in 1963. It is part of the Generali Group and supports clients in more than 200 countries and regions with services including medical assistance while traveling, mobility and breakdown assistance, home services, and senior care.

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New flight connection from Bremen to Antalya for the autumn holiday season

Amely Mizzi 3 October 2025 13:05

The airline Air Anka is temporarily expanding its flight offerings at Bremen Airport. Starting Friday, October 10, 2025, the Turkish airline will operate eight flights from the Hanseatic city to the Turkish Riviera. The destination is Antalya, from where popular holiday destinations such as Belek, Side, and Alanya can be reached quickly. The temporary route was established specifically to meet the high demand during the autumn holidays and will be maintained until November 1, 2025. Air Anka, which, according to available information, primarily operates Airbus A330 aircraft, is pursuing its expansion strategy for its German business with the new connection from Bremen. According to media reports, the Turkish airline has added several additional German cities to its route network to Antalya. With the new route, Bremen Airport is reaffirming its role as an important transport factor for northwest Germany, which has a catchment area of ​​around 13 million people. However, Bremen Airport is underscoring its international importance not only through holiday flights. There are numerous daily connections to the international hubs of Frankfurt, Munich, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Zurich, and Vienna, making more than 500 destinations worldwide accessible with just one transfer. Furthermore, Bremen Airport is considered a major combined aerospace hub in Europe, home to innovative companies and research institutions, including Airbus, the ArianeGroup, and OHB.

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Emirates is recruiting experienced pilots in Vienna for fleet expansion

Belinda Borg 3 October 2025 12:02

The Emirates Group is continuing its massive fleet expansion and is holding a recruitment roadshow in Vienna for this purpose. On October 30 and 31, 2025, experienced pilots will have the opportunity to learn about attractive career opportunities with the Dubai-based airline at The Ritz-Carlton Vienna. The Emirates Group intends to fill around 17.300 new positions worldwide in the current fiscal year, of which more than 1.500 will be in pilot cockpits over the next two years. The roadshow is open to all interested parties; pre-registration is not required. The recruitment event is designed to recruit flight personnel for the upcoming, significant fleet expansion. Emirates currently has firm orders for 65 Airbus A350s and 205 Boeing 777X aircraft. These wide-body aircraft are expected to be gradually added to the fleet over the coming years and form the basis for the expansion of the current route network, which currently comprises 152 destinations. Emirates is also investing heavily in the modernization of its existing fleet, including the cabin upgrade of 191 jets, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. The airline is attracting experienced captains and first officers with a competitive benefits package. This includes a tax-free salary in Dubai, 42 days of annual vacation, and flight tickets for immediate family members, as well as accommodation in company-owned residential complexes and subsidies for children's education. Furthermore, comprehensive insurance benefits and discounted travel options for family and friends are provided. The quality of pilot training is ensured by the construction of a new training center in Dubai, which includes six simulator bays for the A350 and 777X.

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Repeated alarm in airspace: Drone sighting paralyzes Munich Airport

Amely Mizzi 3 October 2025 11:35

A renewed disruption to civil air traffic caused by unauthorized drones temporarily shut down Munich Airport overnight into Friday. Following reports of drones being sighted in the vicinity and later also over the airport grounds, the German Air Traffic Control (DFS) decided late Thursday evening to close the runways. This resulted in the cancellation of 17 flights and the diversion of 15 incoming aircraft to surrounding airports such as Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Frankfurt. A total of around 3.000 passengers were directly affected by the disruption, hundreds of whom had to spend the night on cots in the terminals. Despite a large-scale operation by state and federal police and a police helicopter, neither the drone(s) nor the suspected perpetrators could be located. The incident once again underscores the growing vulnerability of critical transport infrastructure to the illegal use of unmanned aircraft. Chronology of a Nighttime Disruption The events unfolded on Thursday evening when Munich Airport, Germany's second-largest air traffic hub, was put on alert after several people reported a drone near the site. Subsequent sightings occurred directly over controlled airspace. Whether this involved a single or multiple flying objects could not initially be determined. German Air Traffic Control (DTC) responded with the standard measure in such dangerous situations to ensure the safety of flight operations: the closure of the entire airspace. The immediate consequence was the interruption of ongoing handling operations. Some aircraft that were already on the tarmac awaiting takeoff clearance had to return to the terminal, further disrupting passengers' travel plans. The closure of Munich Airport,

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ÖHV Forum in Vienna highlights international guest flows

Jan Gruber 3 October 2025 11:01

The ÖHV Forum of the Austrian Hotel Association will be held in Vienna on October 9, 2025. Under the motto "International Guest Flows," the Hilton Vienna Park will discuss current travel trends and their strategic relevance for the hotel industry. The event, which begins at 13:00 p.m., will serve as a stimulus for the industry to respond quickly and flexibly to changing market conditions. Following a welcome address by State Secretary for Tourism Elisabeth Zehetner and ÖHV President Walter Veit, the focus will shift to analyzing global travel trends. Olivier Ponti of ForwardKeys will present current data and market analyses that will demonstrate the specific opportunities this presents for the Viennese hotel industry. In addition, Sandra Neukart and Holger Sicking of the Austrian National Tourist Board will provide insights into key developments for domestic tourism. Another focus will be on the development of the federal capital as a travel destination. Anita Paic from the Vienna Convention Bureau will speak about the dynamics of the MICE market (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions), the role of major international events, and the potential of new source markets. The forum will be rounded out by insider knowledge directly from Vienna Airport: Board member Julian Jäger will provide information on current developments, expansion projects, and new flight connections. The event will conclude with a panel discussion featuring hotel experts such as Alexander Ipp, Ines Pietsch, and Robert Wagner.

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