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January 21, 2026

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January 21, 2026

Leave Aviation expands its charter offerings to Turkey and Spain in autumn 2026

Stephen Steiner 21 January 2026 19:01

Cologne-based airline Leav Aviation plans a significant expansion of its flight connections to popular Mediterranean holiday destinations in the fourth quarter of 2026. According to recent Aeroroutes.com reports, the airline will increase service to the Turkish Riviera and the Balearic island of Mallorca between October and November. A key focus will be the connection between Cologne/Bonn Airport and Antalya, operating from October 2nd to November 8th, 2026. Flights to Antalya are also planned from Düsseldorf, with frequencies varying between one and seven rotations per week depending on demand. All routes will be operated with an Airbus A320, which has a capacity of 180 seats. Further research into its operations reveals that Leav Aviation is also utilizing smaller bases and specific time slots during the autumn school holidays to target market niches. For example, short-term connections from Erfurt and Frankfurt to Antalya are being offered, primarily targeting the high demand during the holiday periods in Thuringia and Hesse. The company, which commenced operations in 2022, is thus consolidating its role as a flexible partner for tour operators and individual charterers. Industry analysts point out that the focus on time-limited flight corridors represents a strategy to optimize fleet utilization during the transition to the winter flight schedule. In addition to its Turkish operations, the airline will offer connections to Palma de Mallorca starting in October 2026. Four weekly flights are planned from Frankfurt between October 3 and 12, while Münster/Osnabrück Airport will be served once a week. These routes complement the airline's growing portfolio at the Münster/Osnabrück hub, where Leave Aviation is increasingly operating as a key player.

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Michael O'Leary strongly criticizes Donald Trump's trade policy.

Stephen Steiner 21 January 2026 18:04

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, the head of Europe's leading airline, spoke out unusually frankly on current US politics on the sidelines of an industry conference in Brussels. The executive particularly criticized US President Donald Trump's stance on the Ukraine conflict and his plans for new trade tariffs, which he described as historically inaccurate and dangerous for global stability. While O'Leary emphasized his fundamental affinity for Republican values ​​in the US, he made it clear that he would not join a party led by Trump. The airline boss signaled his agreement with the White House only on the demand for increased European defense spending. These remarks stem from concerns about increasing market isolation, which could severely impact international air travel. O'Leary used the opportunity to call for the defense of the European single market, which he considers essential for the success of affordable air travel. He warned that geopolitical tensions between the US and Russia could jeopardize the economic recovery in Europe. At the same time, he renewed his appeal to the European Union to drastically reduce taxes and bureaucratic regulations in the aviation sector to ensure competitiveness against non-European airlines. The Ryanair boss had particularly harsh words for the European Parliament, which he described as an institution that merely generates costs and creates unnecessary regulations. He even deemed a recent proposal to expand passenger rights illegal. O'Leary also criticized the one-sided burden placed on European short-haul flights by the EU's existing emissions trading system. He called for this system to be extended to long-haul flights from the US, Asia, and the Gulf region to create a level playing field. However, he conceded

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Eva Air and Turkish Airlines expand strategic codeshare partnership

Stephen Steiner 21 January 2026 17:05

Taiwanese airline Eva Air has significantly expanded its existing partnership with Turkish Airlines. According to recent industry data, the cooperation now includes additional connections within the Turkish national carrier's European network. A key component of the new agreement is the introduction of codeshare flights on the Istanbul-Vienna route. This provides Eva Air passengers with improved access to the Austrian capital via the hub on the Bosporus, increasing flexibility when planning travel between Asia and Central Europe. The expansion is part of a long-term strategy by both Star Alliance members to strengthen their market presence through reciprocal flight number allocation. Eva Air currently serves only a limited number of European cities directly from Taipei. Through the enhanced partnership with Turkish Airlines, the airline can now offer its customers a significantly denser network without having to deploy its own aircraft on these routes. In return, Turkish Airlines benefits from higher load factors on its high-frequency feeder flights to Istanbul. In addition to Vienna, industry experts say the cooperation also includes other strategically important cities in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, which are highly relevant for business travelers and the tourism sector. From an economic perspective, the codeshare agreement allows both companies to optimize their capacities in a highly competitive environment. Seamless baggage handling and coordinated onboard products ensure a high level of comfort for layovers in Istanbul. Analysts point out that the integration of Vienna into the agreement is intended to increase competitiveness, particularly against Gulf airlines, which also rely heavily on transit connections to Europe. The expansion of the cooperation comes at a time when demand for long-haul travel is rising.

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Physical altercation over window seat on flight to Oslo

Stephen Steiner 21 January 2026 16:03

A physical confrontation occurred between two passengers on a Norwegian Air Shuttle flight from Málaga to Oslo. The two men, both in their twenties and members of the same tour group, got into a heated argument over seating arrangements. The escalation stemmed from a disagreement over who had the right to the window seat. Despite cabin crew efforts to de-escalate the situation verbally, the dispute turned physical, requiring flight attendants to intervene and separate the two men. Further investigation into the incident revealed that the men's behavior not only caused discomfort to other passengers and crew but also had legal repercussions. To de-escalate the situation on board, one of the men was moved to a different seat for the remainder of the flight. The captain decided to continue the flight to Oslo-Gardermoen Airport as scheduled but notified the Norwegian police during the flight. After landing, officials were waiting at the gate to receive the two troublemakers and take them into custody for further questioning. One of the men has since been charged with violating air traffic regulations and disturbing the peace. Authorities are also investigating whether the behavior posed a threat to the safety of the aircraft and other passengers. Norwegian Air Shuttle officially confirmed the incident and emphasized that violations of onboard safety regulations are consistently prosecuted. In Norway, such offenses are subject to substantial fines.

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Axel Schefe will take over the leadership of the Greek Sky Express in March.

Amely Mizzi 21 January 2026 15:06

Axel Schefe, the current CEO of Marabu Airlines, will become the new Chief Executive Officer of the Greek airline Sky Express in March 2026. This move follows the announcement in November 2025 that Schefe would be leaving Condor's sister company Marabu at the end of January to pursue new career opportunities. Sky Express, considered one of the fastest-growing airlines in Southeast Europe, currently operates a fleet of nearly 30 aircraft. Its portfolio includes modern ATR 42 and 72 turboprops, as well as short- and medium-haul jets from the Airbus A320 family, including the high-capacity A321neo. Further research within the industry underscores the strategic importance of this appointment. Sky Express has pursued an aggressive expansion strategy in recent years, transforming itself from a purely regional Greek airline into a serious international competitor. In Germany, the carrier already serves the major hubs of Frankfurt and Munich, as well as Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg. With Schefe, the company gains a manager with extensive experience in building and consolidating leisure airlines, which should be particularly important for strengthening year-round traffic between Germany and Greece. From a business perspective, Sky Express faces the challenge of ensuring operational efficiency while simultaneously growing its fleet. The company has recently invested heavily in modernizing its fleet and maintains close partnerships with international heavyweights such as Air France-KLM, Emirates, and Delta Air Lines through interline agreements. This expansion of international connectivity is expected to be one of the key priorities under Schefe's leadership. The goal is to increase market share in the lucrative transit traffic.

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Rostock-Laage: German Armed Forces examine complete takeover of civilian infrastructure

Amely Mizzi 21 January 2026 14:38

The shift in security policy and the associated realignment of Germany's defense strategy could have far-reaching consequences for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as an aviation hub. The Federal Ministry of Defense is currently intensively examining the takeover of the parts of Rostock-Laage Airport that are currently used for civilian purposes. As a ministry spokesperson confirmed, an official letter was sent to regional stakeholders and Minister-President Manuela Schwesig in December 2025. The background to these plans is the expansion of the armed forces due to the changed global security situation, which entails a massively increased need for military infrastructure. Since Rostock-Laage Air Base already houses the central training facility for all Eurofighter pilots of the German Air Force, the site is considered a key strategic asset. While the ministry emphasizes the advanced stage of its review of numerous properties nationwide, resistance is forming in the region against a possible end to civilian flight operations, as these are seen as an important economic factor for tourism and local industry. Strategic Importance of Rostock-Laage Air Base: The Laage site occupies a special position within the German Air Force. Tactical Air Wing 73 "Steinhoff" is stationed here, and with a personnel strength of over 900 military and civilian employees, it is one of the largest employers in the region. The wing's primary mission is the training of all pilots for the Eurofighter weapon system. In addition, the unit regularly provides the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) squadron, which is on standby to secure German airspace and can be scrambled within minutes in the event of unclear air situations. Currently, the site is used cooperatively. While the military command controls the runways and air traffic control, Rostock-Laage Airport GmbH uses the...

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Luxair will resume direct flights to Abu Dhabi in winter 2026/27.

Belinda Borg 21 January 2026 14:04

Luxembourg's national airline, Luxair, is preparing to return to the United Arab Emirates. Starting October 26, 2026, the company plans to reinstate the connection between Luxembourg Airport (Findel) and Abu Dhabi. According to a report by Aeroroutes.com, the route will initially operate once a week. A Boeing 737 Max 8, equipped with a modern cabin configuration for long-haul flights, will be used. Flights will depart Luxembourg in the morning, arriving in Abu Dhabi in the late afternoon. The return flight is scheduled for the following day, with the aircraft arriving back at its home airport in the early afternoon. This resumption marks a strategic realignment after a prolonged hiatus, as the route was last served in spring 2025. At that time, the schedule included up to four weekly flights. Additional industry research indicates that Luxair is primarily targeting upmarket leisure and business travelers with this connection, who prefer a direct link to the Gulf region. Abu Dhabi has developed significantly as a cultural and economic center in recent years, which has stabilized the demand for direct flights from the Greater Region (Luxembourg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Lorraine, and Wallonia). Technically, the flight to Abu Dhabi represents one of the longest routes in Luxair's Boeing 737 Max fleet. The flight duration of approximately six to seven hours requires precise fuel calculations and fully utilizes the increased range of this aircraft type. Compared to previous years, the frequency for the upcoming winter has been set more conservatively, which market observers interpret as a test phase for a possible future capacity expansion.

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Infrastructure initiative at Munich Airport: Lufthansa and FMG reactivate plans for the T-pillar

Jan Gruber 21 January 2026 13:33

Munich Airport and Deutsche Lufthansa AG are preparing for a massive capacity expansion to meet the projected increase in international passenger numbers. At the heart of these strategic considerations is the reactivation of the so-called T-pillar, an expansion project for the existing satellite terminal of Terminal 2. After a multi-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, planning has now officially resumed. The project aims to increase the capacity of the terminal area, operated by a joint venture, by an additional ten million passengers per year. This measure is a key component of Lufthansa's new mainline strategy, which places a greater focus on intercontinental long-haul routes. As the Group's fleet planning anticipates a significant increase in wide-body aircraft, the current handling areas are reaching their operational limits. In addition to Munich, a similar capacity expansion is also underway at Frankfurt Airport, where Lufthansa is also seeking a closer operational partnership with airport operator Fraport to ensure long-term logistical efficiency at its German hubs. History and Reactivation of the Expansion Concept: The collaboration between Munich Airport GmbH (FMG) and Lufthansa at Terminal 2 is considered exemplary in the aviation industry. The terminal is operated as a joint venture, with FMG holding 60 percent and Lufthansa 40 percent of the shares. A significant milestone was reached in 2016 with the commissioning of the first satellite building, increasing the terminal's capacity from an initial 25 million to 36 million passengers per year. However, it became apparent shortly after the opening that this expansion was insufficient given Lufthansa's growth plans.

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Beond suspends flight connection between the Maldives, Saudi Arabia and Italy

Amely Mizzi 21 January 2026 13:03

Luxury airline Beond has temporarily suspended its flights on the Malé route via Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia to Milan-Malpensa. According to Aeroroutes.com, the suspension will last from January 11 to 30, 2026. No flights will operate on the transcontinental route during these two weeks. Service is scheduled to resume on January 31, 2026, with the airline adjusting capacity for the first flight after the suspension and deploying a 44-seat Airbus A319. Further research into the airline's operations sheds light on the reasons for such capacity adjustments. Beond operates with an all-business-class configuration, making the profitability of its flights heavily dependent on stable high-end passenger numbers. January is often considered a volatile month for luxury travel from Europe to the Indian Ocean after the holidays. The decision to temporarily suspend operations is seen in industry circles as a measure to optimize fleet utilization and carry out scheduled maintenance. After the inaugural flight at the end of January, the airline plans to quickly switch back to the larger Airbus A321, which offers 68 luxuriously appointed seats. Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia serves as a strategic stopover on this route. This airport is part of the Kingdom's large-scale tourism initiative and serves as a gateway to the new luxury resorts on the Red Sea. For Beond, this location is important both technically as a refueling stop and commercially for tapping into new customer potential in the Gulf region. The airline aims to serve niche markets between Europe, the Middle East, and the...

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Long prison sentences after billions embezzlement at Air Astana and FlyArystan

Belinda Borg 21 January 2026 12:31

A far-reaching corruption scandal within Kazakhstan's aviation industry has resulted in its first harsh sentences at the Almaly District Court in Almaty. At the center of the trial were three high-ranking employees of the national airline Air Astana and its subsidiary FlyArystan, accused of systematically misappropriating and embezzling entrusted funds, and subsequently laundering them. The court found it proven that the defendants embezzled substantial sums from the company over a five-year period, between 2019 and 2024, and used them to acquire real estate and movable assets. The sentences include lengthy prison terms of up to nine years and the confiscation of all their personal assets. While the convicted individuals maintained their innocence, the defense and damning witness testimony during the trial revealed an alleged shadow network within the airline's management that extends far beyond the original charges. The case has sparked a national debate about transparency and cronyism in state-run companies in Kazakhstan. Structure of the Embezzlement and Court Findings: The Almaty court's investigation focused on the activities of managers E. and I., as well as department head A., who held key positions within Air Astana's hierarchical structure. According to official judicial documents, the defendants used their authority to divert millions of dollars of airline funds. The total damage is estimated at over one billion tenge. The evidence showed that the illegally obtained funds were laundered through complex transactions and subsequently invested in luxury personal goods. The court's verdict, announced on January 19, 2026, was correspondingly draconian. I. and A. were sentenced to...

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