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December 17, 2025

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December 17, 2025

Aeroitalia is suing over the awarding of subsidized flights to Sardinia.

Amely Mizzi 17 December 2025 19:00

The Italian regional airline Aeroitalia has launched legal action against the awarding of subsidized flight routes between Sardinia and the metropolitan areas of Rome and Milan. According to a report in the newspaper L'Unione Sarda, Aeroitalia challenged both the underlying ministerial decree and the individual tenders before the Lazio Administrative Court. The company argues that the award conditions were structured in favor of its competitor, ITA Airways. The court will issue a collective ruling on the application for preliminary injunction on December 22, 2025. At the same time, the judges indicated that a subsequent victory in the main proceedings or in further expedited proceedings could provide Aeroitalia with full legal redress. The challenged routes are subject to a Public Service Obligation (PSO), which aims to ensure regular air connections for the residents of Sardinia to the Italian mainland. Meanwhile, the national airline ITA Airways and the Spanish low-cost carrier Volotea have submitted a joint bid for the subsidized routes. Should the Cagliari-Rome Fiumicino and/or Olbia-Milan-Linate routes be awarded to them, the two airlines plan to establish a temporary joint venture. This cooperation aims to guarantee the year-round provision of reliable flight connections. Volotea will contribute its experience in operating PSO routes in Italy and France, while ITA Airways will contribute its extensive network at the Rome-Fiumicino and Milan-Linate hubs. An interlining agreement is also planned to facilitate transfers and through-booking of baggage.

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Swiss extends component maintenance contract for Boeing 777 fleet with Lufthansa Technik

Amely Mizzi 17 December 2025 18:07

Swiss International Air Lines and Lufthansa Technik have extended their long-standing cooperation in the area of ​​component maintenance and signed a new exclusive contract. The agreement, which begins in January 2026, runs for ten years and covers the Swiss airline's entire Boeing 777-300ER fleet, currently comprising twelve aircraft. The contract extension builds on a partnership that has already existed for ten years and secures comprehensive MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) services for Swiss. The contract guarantees the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of all aircraft components in the long-haul fleet. As part of the agreement, Swiss gains access to the global spare parts pool of Lufthansa Technik, a world-leading provider in this segment. For the logistical handling of component maintenance, Lufthansa Technik will maintain dedicated inventories at Swiss's home airport in Zurich. This infrastructure is designed to ensure a fast and efficient supply of spare parts. The continuation of the collaboration underscores confidence in Lufthansa Technik's technical expertise and safeguards the operational reliability of Swiss's wide-body aircraft in international air traffic.

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The AfD parliamentary group in Thuringia is demanding the use of Erfurt Airport for deportations and container shipments.

Jan Gruber 17 December 2025 17:04

The AfD parliamentary group in the Thuringian state parliament has presented its proposals for the 2026/2027 biennial budget, demanding a massive reduction in new debt and investments in Erfurt Airport for carrying out deportations. At a press conference, parliamentary group leader Björn Höcke criticized the new debt, for which the so-called "Blackberry" state government is responsible, as historically high and "highly dangerous" for the state's finances. The opposition group submitted 28 amendments aimed at reducing new debt by approximately €218,9 million. A significant portion of the savings is targeted at institutional funding. The AfD is demanding a €30 million reduction in spending, which would apply to all approximately 140 funded projects. These would affect, among others, orchestras, theaters, memorials, museums, and sports and fire service associations. Höcke argued that this would "not cause undue hardship" but should send a necessary signal of correction. Furthermore, the parliamentary group criticized the fact that only 18 business plans from the funded institutions for the 2026/2027 fiscal years had been submitted. A key investment proposal from the AfD targets Erfurt Airport. According to the group's concept, the airport should be developed into a hub for accommodating refugees and for the consistent execution of deportations. The corresponding motion demands that the airport be enabled to "continuously deport persons subject to deportation without delay." Containers are to be set up on the airport grounds for accommodation. Despite this function, tourist flight operations are to remain possible. Höcke commented on the measure by demanding that so-called "social migrants" be made to feel "as uncomfortable as possible" in Thuringia.

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Düsseldorf Airport expects around 865.000 passengers during the Christmas holidays.

Belinda Borg 17 December 2025 16:09

Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is preparing for a busy Christmas travel season and forecasts a significant increase in passenger numbers. According to the airport, around 865.000 travelers are expected between December 19, 2025, and January 6, 2026. This represents an increase of approximately eight percent compared to the same period last year. During the 19-day holiday period, Düsseldorf Airport anticipates handling more than 6100 takeoffs and landings. These traffic figures underscore the continued high demand for air travel, particularly during the traditionally busy winter months. The increase in passenger numbers is an indicator of the recovery and growth of air traffic at Germany's third-largest airport. To manage the expected high volume and ensure smooth operations, passengers are asked to allow sufficient time for check-in and security checks. The most popular destinations during the Christmas holidays are traditionally major cities and warm-water resorts. With these figures, Düsseldorf consolidates its position as an important hub for travel during the Christmas and New Year period.

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Paris opens Europe's longest urban cable car

Stephen Steiner 17 December 2025 15:06

Europe's longest urban cable car officially opened this morning in the greater Paris area. The new "city monorail" serves as an alternative transportation project in the chronically congested Île-de-France region and will connect the southeastern suburbs of the French capital to the existing metro network. Spanning a distance of four and a half kilometers, the cable car provides passengers with a reliable connection to the city's rapid transit system. The journey time for the entire line is just 18 minutes. With this project, the operators are responding to the region's heavy traffic congestion and offering relief to overcrowded bus lines and roads. The system is designed to carry up to 11.000 passengers daily. A total of 105 cabins are in operation, accommodating not only passengers but also bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs, thus promoting mobility in the region. The new cable car strengthens public transportation beyond the usual routes and contributes to maintaining the functionality of the metropolitan area. Such urban cable cars are increasingly seen worldwide as an efficient solution for overcoming obstacles or connecting densely populated areas.

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Frontier A321neo suffers flameout

Amely Mizzi 17 December 2025 14:31

An Airbus A321neo operated by US airline Frontier Airlines was forced to return to Cleveland International Airport (CLE) on the morning of December 16, 2025, shortly after takeoff, due to a flameout in one of its engines. The aircraft, only two years old and equipped with Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines, returned safely to Cleveland Airport. No injuries or other damage were reported. This incident, the cause of which remains undetermined, is the latest in a long-running crisis surrounding P&W's PW1100G Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines, which has led to massive groundings and worldwide logistical challenges due to serious manufacturing defects and quality issues. The flameout occurred approximately 15 minutes after the Frontier flight took off from Cleveland. Reports indicate that the aircraft suffered a flameout in one engine, resulting in an immediate loss of thrust on that side. The flight crew immediately initiated emergency procedures and were able to safely return the aircraft to CLE, where it landed successfully. It was not publicly disclosed whether the cause was a single or double flameout. Given that a double flameout would turn an aircraft into a glider and significantly increase the critical situation, an engine failure is considered the more likely cause. Flameout is an extremely rare occurrence. Airbus A321neo aircraft are designed with high safety margins and robust emergency protocols to handle such emergencies, which in this case ensured the aircraft's safe return. However, the fact that the aircraft, only two years old, is equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines is a contributing factor.

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Eurowings presents its summer flight schedule for 2026

Stephen Steiner 17 December 2025 14:29

Eurowings has finalized its plans for the 2026 summer season, focusing on a consistent expansion of its route network and a significant increase in frequencies on particularly profitable routes. With a total of 150 destinations in 40 countries, the company is solidifying its position as one of the leading providers of direct flights in Europe. The new strategy centers on expanding capacity at its major German hubs: Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn, Hanover, and Stuttgart. Particular emphasis is placed on introducing new metropolitan connections, collectively known as the "Capital Express," as well as a substantial expansion of services to the Mediterranean. By strategically adjusting its portfolio, the airline is responding to the continued high demand for leisure travel and the stabilizing market for city connections. The expansion includes both new inaugural routes to Northern and Eastern Europe and a stronger presence in the classic holiday regions of Southern Europe and North Africa. The Capital Express and Strengthening Berlin as a Business Location: A key pillar of the upcoming summer flight schedule is the enhancement of Berlin as a business location. Under the strategic label "Capital Express," Eurowings is launching a series of new direct connections that will link Berlin more closely with other European metropolises. Starting in summer 2026, travelers will be able to fly directly from the German capital to Lisbon, Sarajevo, and London Heathrow Airport for the first time. These routes are aimed equally at leisure travelers and business travelers, who, after a period of consolidation, are showing a renewed demand for direct and time-optimized connections. The portfolio in Berlin will be complemented by new destinations such as Kavala in Greece, as well as...

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Less than 89 kilometers: AUA flies Klagenfurt-Graz with Embraer 195

Jan Gruber 17 December 2025 14:25

Austrian Airlines has recently begun operating a domestic route of just under 89 kilometers (50 miles) as the crow flies with Embraer 195 regional jets. The carrier now also flies between Klagenfurt and Graz. Is this a reaction to the opening of the Koralm Railway? Since the opening of the Koralm Railway a few days ago, travel time between Klagenfurt and Graz has been significantly reduced. Although the line runs under the Styrian airport and preliminary work has been carried out for an airport train station, it doesn't exist. Not a single Railjet to/from Klagenfurt stops at Graz Airport. This is due to a long-standing deal pushed through by the then Governor of Carinthia, Jörg Haider (FPÖ/BZÖ). At the time, there were concerns that Klagenfurt Airport could become virtually superfluous. A consequence of the Braathens dismissal: Austrian Airlines has been operating the Klagenfurt-Graz route regularly since this week. This ultra-short-haul route is typically operated by Embraer 195 regional jets, which the carrier will be phasing out in the foreseeable future. At first glance, it seems grotesque and absurd that Austrian Airlines (AUA) is launching new domestic flights immediately after the opening of the Koralm Railway, and on a route less than 89 kilometers from airport to airport. Tickets for this segment are not yet available for booking, and according to the company, this is not planned. So what's the reason AUA is now operating a route even shorter than the long-abandoned Linz-Vienna or the not entirely voluntary Salzburg-Vienna? The carrier lacks the capacity of the three ATR72-600s that were recently wet-leased by Braathens Regional.

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Renovation work at Palma de Mallorca Airport: Departure area is being relocated

Stephen Steiner 17 December 2025 14:06

Starting Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) will undergo significant changes to the departures area due to extensive modernization work. Airport operator Aena is entering the next phase of construction, which will result in the closure of the right side of the check-in level for the coming months. With the first phase of construction on the left side of the departures area now complete and fully operational, restrictions are shifting to the right side of the terminal. Passengers entering the departures terminal will be instructed to keep to the left and follow the new baggage drop-off signs. Aena has announced the provision of special signage and the deployment of trained staff to ensure smooth operations despite the construction. The closure affects a large portion of the check-in area and, according to Aena, will last for several months. The core of this current construction phase involves the creation of a vertical access core with stairs and elevators, connecting all three floors of the building. In addition, the airlines' offices and commercial areas are being modernized. Passengers should expect altered routes and a reorganized check-in process during the transition period.

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Tampa: United Airlines flight attendant arrested after dispute with competitor

Stephen Steiner 17 December 2025 13:38

An incident that occurred in March 2025 at Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Florida is currently making headlines after video footage of a United Airlines flight attendant's arrest surfaced online. The employee was arrested by local police after allegedly lightly touching a Cayman Airways employee on the shoulder during a ride on the airport shuttle bus. The incident stemmed from a dispute over the volume of a phone conversation the Cayman Airways employee was using. The seemingly harmless touch, which the United employee intended to use to draw attention to the situation, was considered battery under Florida law. The case highlights the limitations of de-escalation in public spaces and the strict interpretation of physical contact in US law, which subsequently led to operational problems for United Airlines. The dispute over phone use escalated on the shuttle bus. The incident took place on March 8 of that year on a shuttle bus transporting personnel from various airlines from the parking lot to the terminal at Tampa International Airport. According to reports, the escalation began when a Cayman Airways employee was on a phone call at the bus station, the volume of which was perceived as disruptive by a United Airlines flight attendant. The Cayman Airways employee stated that her United colleague told her her voice was annoying and told her to "shut up." She then confronted him, even accusing him of racist motives. The situation escalated when both boarded the shuttle bus. At this point, the argument escalated further, with the United flight attendant, according to his own account, tapping the Cayman Airways employee on the shoulder. His stated intention was to

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