Français »
German "
Search
February 18, 2026

More articles from the category

February 18, 2026

Flexjet opens private terminal at Farnborough Airport

Stephen Steiner February 18, 2026 19:02

International private jet operator Flexjet is significantly expanding its infrastructure in Europe and will open its own terminal at Farnborough Airport in the summer of 2026. The new building covers approximately 2.100 square meters and is designed exclusively for the airline's customers. This marks a departure from the company's previous practice of utilizing the services of the general fixed base operator (FBO) at the airport. The terminal is located in a separate, secure area of ​​the airport, allowing for rapid processing without contact with passengers of other airlines. The terminal's interior design follows a globally standardized Flexjet design concept, already implemented at locations such as Teterboro, Dallas, and Van Nuys in the USA. In addition to luxurious lounges and conference rooms, the building also includes specialized facilities for flight crews to ensure efficient scheduling. Farnborough is considered one of the most important airports for business and private aviation in the Greater London area, as it is exclusively licensed for non-scheduled traffic and offers a high degree of discretion. The project is part of a larger investment strategy by which Flexjet aims to consolidate its market share against competitors like NetJets in the highly competitive European sector. The terminal will be operated by an in-house team, guaranteeing full control over the entire service chain from passenger arrival at the airport to boarding the aircraft. This move is a response to the increased demand for personalized mobility solutions, where time savings and exclusive access to ground infrastructure are key selling points. The opening in Farnborough complements the existing European network.

Continue reading "

Vienna: Austrian Airlines reduces Zagreb route

Jan Gruber February 18, 2026 18:03

Flight connections between the capitals of Austria and Croatia will undergo a significant restructuring in the upcoming 2026 summer flight schedule. Austrian Airlines, the national carrier and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, is significantly reducing its service on the Vienna-Zagreb route. Instead of the originally planned ten to twelve weekly rotations, the current plan calls for only seven flights per week. This measure is being implemented as part of a market-wide review of the profitability of certain short-haul routes and a greater focus on high-frequency hub connections within the group's network. While Austrian Airlines is reducing capacity, its Star Alliance partner Croatia Airlines is using the resulting gap to significantly expand its own services. The Croatian airline is doubling its frequency on this route from five to ten weekly flights. This capacity increase strengthens Croatia Airlines' market position at Zagreb's Franjo Tuđman Airport and improves connections for passengers from the region to the Vienna hub. Industry observers interpret this move as part of closer operational coordination within the alliance, with regional partners increasingly taking on feeder services. Additional data from the aviation industry indicates that demand on short-haul routes between Vienna and Zagreb is increasingly influenced by competition from ground transportation and aggressive pricing from low-cost carriers in the region. The reduction by Austrian Airlines could also be related to engine maintenance on its Airbus A320neo fleet, which is currently forcing many airlines to temporarily reduce frequencies. Croatia Airlines, on the other hand, is currently modernizing its fleet through the gradual introduction of the Airbus A220, enabling the airline to operate more efficiently on shorter routes. The schedule changes have a direct impact on...

Continue reading "

Eurowings will connect Düsseldorf with Milan-Linate from March 2026.

Belinda Borg February 18, 2026 17:05

Eurowings is further expanding its services at its Düsseldorf hub, launching a new route to the northern Italian metropolis of Milan at the start of the 2026 summer flight schedule. From March 29, 2026, the Lufthansa subsidiary will serve Milan Linate Airport, conveniently located near the city center. A total of eleven weekly flights are planned, operated with aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, specifically the A319 and A320 models. This strategic decision complements the airline's existing portfolio, which already includes flights to the larger Milan Malpensa Airport from various German locations. Linate Airport is characterized by its immediate proximity to the city center, making it particularly attractive for business travelers and city tourists. Unlike the significantly more distant Malpensa Airport, Linate is subject to strict slot regulations and capacity restrictions, as it primarily serves European short-haul traffic. Industry experts view the launch of this route as a response to the continued high demand for business travel between the populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the industrial region of Lombardy. With eleven weekly flights, Eurowings offers double frequencies on most weekdays, making day trips possible. Additional market analysis shows that with this connection, Eurowings is directly competing with other European carriers that use Linate Airport as a premium hub. The Lufthansa Group is thus strengthening its position at its important Düsseldorf hub, after having gradually consolidated its capacity there in recent years. For passengers from the Rhine-Ruhr region, the new route means a significant time saving when traveling to the heart of Milan, as the transfer from Linate Airport to the Piazza del Duomo often takes only around 20 minutes. The new flights are already

Continue reading "

German holidaymakers are planning several trips in 2026 despite tight budgets.

Belinda Borg February 18, 2026 16:06

The travel year 2026 in Germany is characterized by a high willingness to travel coupled with increasing price sensitivity. A recent representative survey conducted by Postbank among more than 2.100 participants shows that around two-thirds of the population are planning private trips, with a large proportion even considering multiple trips. This stability in consumer behavior contrasts with the economic environment: Nearly 61 percent of respondents state that they are controlling their budget more closely or have already reduced their original plans due to rising costs. This translates into stable, but more price-conscious demand, particularly for destination countries like Austria, for which Germany is the most important source market. The ongoing price increases for food and services are cited as the main reason for this financial caution. Although the general inflation rate in January 2026 was moderate at 2,1 percent compared to the previous year, the cumulative price increases of recent years continue to significantly impact the disposable income of private households. Experts at Deutsche Bank observe a clear trend toward less expensive travel destinations and shorter stays. Package holidays and catering services at holiday destinations are experiencing above-average price increases, leading travelers to increasingly opt for last-minute deals or off-season accommodations. Germans continue to rely on conservative methods when it comes to financing their trips. The survey shows that taking out loans for holidays is not an option for the vast majority; only four percent of respondents are considering installment loans or overdraft facilities. Instead, savings serve as the primary source of funding for one-off trips, while frequent travelers mainly finance their excursions from their regular income. This discipline in holiday financing underscores the general trend.

Continue reading "

Royal Schiphol Group reports significant profit increase and passenger growth

Belinda Borg February 18, 2026 15:03

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol closed the 2025 financial year with a positive balance sheet. With a total of 68,8 million passengers handled, the Netherlands' main air traffic hub recorded growth of 2,9 percent compared to the previous year. The entire Royal Schiphol Group, which also includes the regional airports of Eindhoven and Rotterdam The Hague, reported a total passenger volume of 78,1 million. Despite an increase in aircraft movements of only one percent, the group's operating profit rose sharply to €550 million, almost doubling the previous year's result of €291 million. This financial success is largely attributed to an adjustment in the fee structure and increased revenue from passenger traffic. Revenue climbed by 23 percent to over €2,76 billion. Chief Financial Officer Robert Carsouw emphasized the necessity of a solid capital base in this context, as the airport operator is pursuing an unprecedented investment program. Last year alone, over one billion euros were invested in maintenance and quality improvements. By 2035, the group plans total investments of ten billion euros to modernize infrastructure and further increase operational efficiency. A key aspect of the new operating strategy is managing noise pollution through financial incentives. The introduction of differentiated takeoff and landing charges has encouraged the use of more modern and quieter aircraft types. Between April and December 2025, around one-third of all flight movements already fell into the quietest categories, signaling a significant shift in the fleet structure at Amsterdam Airport. At the same time, passenger service quality has improved: passenger satisfaction reached its highest level in a decade.

Continue reading "

In response to tightened US security checks, the German travel industry introduces a financial "entry guarantee".

Stephen Steiner February 18, 2026 14:31

The US government's announcement of significantly tightening entry controls for international visitors has triggered a wave of uncertainty in the German tourism industry. The planned measures focus on in-depth data collection that goes far beyond previous requirements and includes, among other things, the disclosure of social media profiles and detailed information about family members. While industry experts and travel lawyers are assessing the legal situation, Hamburg-based North America specialist Canusa Touristik has become the first German tour operator to take a strategic market approach: offering free entry protection to mitigate customers' financial risk. In the unlikely event that travelers are denied entry at the US border despite having correctly completed documents, the company will refund the entire travel price. This measure aims to stabilize confidence in the USA as a destination, which has traditionally been one of the most important long-haul destinations for German tourists. Despite the politically charged debate, tourism professionals emphasize that entry procedures will continue to run efficiently with proper preparation, while legal experts clarify that stricter controls alone do not constitute grounds for free cancellations. Background to the planned tightening of regulations and data requests: Discussions surrounding new US entry requirements have reached a new level. It's no longer just about the familiar questions in the ESTA application process, but about comprehensive digital screening. US Homeland Security plans to request information from travelers – including those from Visa Waiver Program countries like Germany – about their phone numbers for the past five years and email addresses for the past ten years. The request for social media handles is particularly controversial, as it would allow authorities to monitor travelers' public statements and contacts. In addition, detailed information is also required.

Continue reading "

Anniversary celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the Aida fleet in Hamburg

Jan Gruber February 18, 2026 14:01

The Rostock-based cruise line Aida Cruises will celebrate its 30th anniversary in June 2026. The company, which laid the foundation for the modern club ship concept in Germany in 1996 with the commissioning of what is now the AidaCara, is planning extensive celebrations for the occasion. The central highlight will be a gathering of several fleet members in the Port of Hamburg. On June 7, 2026, the ships AidaPerla, AidaSol, and AidaPrima will assemble on the Elbe River for a birthday parade, commemorating three decades of company history against the backdrop of the Hanseatic city. Around the anniversary, the cruise line has designed two special event cruises, marketed under the "Aida Specials" banner. These week-long voyages will travel along the Norwegian coast, combining classic cruise destinations such as Bergen, Stavanger, and the Nordfjordeid with an enhanced onboard entertainment program. Several renowned artists have been engaged to provide the musical entertainment. While the German pop group No Angels and the DJ trio Live Beats perform on the Aidaperla, the Aidaprima features mood music from the Hermes House Band and electronic sounds from DJ Antoine. From an economic history perspective, this anniversary marks a significant development in the European tourism industry. Since its acquisition by the US-based Carnival Corporation in 2003, the fleet has been continuously expanded and modernized. Current industry data confirms that the themed cruise segment, which includes these anniversary voyages, plays an increasingly important role in ship occupancy. By including prominent guest stars and exclusive live performances, the company aims to appeal to both long-standing loyal customers and new target groups, further strengthening brand loyalty. The logistical execution of the parade in

Continue reading "

Critical incident at Guarulhos airport: Latam Boeing 777 aborted takeoff after rotation

Jan Gruber February 18, 2026 13:32

On Sunday evening, an extraordinary and highly dangerous incident occurred at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport. A Latam Brasil Boeing 777-300ER, en route to Lisbon, aborted its takeoff at extremely high speed, even though the nose wheel was already airborne. Video footage documents the aircraft, registration PT-MUH, beginning to rotate before the crew abruptly lowered the nose and initiated maximum emergency braking. The heavy long-haul aircraft came to a stop just short of the end of the 3.700-meter-long runway 10L. Initial reports indicate glowing brakes and massive tire damage, highlighting the enormous kinetic energy that had to be dissipated during this maneuver. This incident raises complex questions about takeoff performance and cockpit decision-making processes, especially since aborting a takeoff after reaching decision speed V1 is considered one of the most dangerous maneuvers in commercial aviation. Details of the flight path and technical equipment: Flight LA8146 is an established overnight service between São Paulo and the Portuguese capital. On the Sunday in question, the route was operated by a 13-year-old Boeing 777-300ER, an aircraft type known for its reliability and high capacity of up to 410 passengers. After a delay of approximately one and a half hours, the aircraft taxied to the departure position at around 19:00 p.m. local time. Data from recordings and flight tracking systems suggest that the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 178 knots (about 330 km/h) before the decision to abort the flight was made. After braking was initiated, the aircraft came to a stop on a parallel taxiway.

Continue reading "

Indian Civil Aviation Authority fines Air India for safety deficiencies

Jan Gruber February 18, 2026 13:05

The Indian Civil Aviation Authority (DGCA) has fined national carrier Air India US$110.350. The sanction stems from the operation of an Airbus A320 that completed eight scheduled flights in late November 2025 without a valid airworthiness certificate. The aircraft carried passengers on busy routes between New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, despite the fact that its legally required Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) had expired. The authority considers the incident a serious breach of safety regulations that has significantly damaged public confidence in the country's second-largest airline. In a confidential order delivered to the airline's management, the regulator strongly criticizes the company's internal organizational structure. Deputy Director General Maneesh Kumar directly blamed Air India CEO Campbell Wilson for the failures and identified systemic deficiencies in the oversight of compliance processes. According to Indian media reports, this is not the first incident of its kind; the airline has previously been under scrutiny for inadequate maintenance protocols and violations of staff rest time regulations. The annual certificate, issued only after passing safety and compliance checks, is considered a fundamental requirement for commercial flight operations. The airline acknowledged the errors following an internal investigation and confirmed significant shortcomings in its corporate culture regarding adherence to legal standards. Industry analysts point out that Air India, under the leadership of the Tata Group, is currently undergoing a major modernization, with hundreds of new aircraft on order. However, such safety missteps could hamper its ambitious expansion plans, given its international standing.

Continue reading "

Share price increases and market capitalization pave the way: Lufthansa is poised to return to the DAX 40.

Stephen Steiner February 18, 2026 12:34

The composition of Germany's leading stock index, the DAX 40, could undergo a significant change in March 2026. According to current market observations and analyses from financial institutions such as Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, the signs are increasingly pointing to a comeback for Deutsche Lufthansa AG in Germany's top stock market league. The airline group's share price has risen considerably since autumn 2025 and is benefiting from a stabilized operational situation and an optimized cost structure. While the airline narrowly missed rejoining the index in September 2025, its free-float market capitalization has now reached a level that makes inclusion in the index highly likely. Conversely, the online fashion retailer Zalando is considered a potential candidate for removal due to persistent share price declines and growing competition. The final decision on the recomposition will be made by Deutsche Börse on March 4, 2026, as part of its quarterly index review, with the changes taking effect on March 23. Successful Turnaround After the Crisis: Lufthansa's history in the DAX is closely linked to the global economic upheavals of recent years. In June 2020, the company had to leave the leading index after travel restrictions resulting from the pandemic brought its business model to a near standstill. Only a government bailout package prevented insolvency. Since then, the situation has fundamentally changed: the government stakes have been fully repaid, and the core brand, Lufthansa Airlines, has returned to profitability. A key factor in the recent share price increase of over 20 percent is the improved operational stability. Through consistent fleet modernization and more efficient planning, the costs of unforeseen flight cancellations and compensation payments have been reduced.

Continue reading "