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May 25

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May 25

Increase in military flight movements at Kassel-Calden Airport

Amely Mizzi 25 May 2026 11:08

Kassel-Calden Airport is experiencing a shift in its operational focus. While tourist passenger numbers fluctuate significantly with the seasons, military use is becoming a stable factor in flight operations. According to airport managing director Lars Ernst, speaking to the HNA newspaper, approximately 700 military flight movements are expected for 2026. This represents a continuation of the steady increase of recent years: from just 53 movements in 2020, the number rose to 374 in 2024 and reached 585 last year. By the end of April 2026, 239 takeoffs and landings of military aircraft had already been recorded. The existing infrastructure of the North Hessian airport is designed for a wide range of military aircraft. In addition to smaller units, heavy transport aircraft such as the Airbus A400M of the German Air Force regularly use the site for training flights and pilot training. International aircraft such as NATO's Airbus A330 MRTT and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules can also be handled in Calden. Its strategic importance is enhanced by its proximity to the Fritzlar Army Aviation base and its cooperation with Airbus Helicopters, as numerous German Armed Forces helicopters are serviced at the airport. These maintenance flights are not even included in the aforementioned statistics. The airport benefits financially from this development through takeoff and landing fees, special handling services, and revenue from kerosene sales. The Hessian Ministry of Finance clarifies that the infrastructure is primarily available for official needs such as aid or deportation flights, with the specific requirements of the ministries determining the location. At the same time, the airport company is intensifying its coordination with NATO to establish the airport as a permanent

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End of the line for "BER Runway": Berlin Brandenburg Airport discontinues time slot booking

Belinda Borg 25 May 2026 10:05

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) will permanently discontinue its "BER Runway" service immediately after the Pentecost weekend in 2026. The system allowed passengers to reserve a specific time slot for security access in advance, minimizing waiting times. As confirmed by the Berlin Brandenburg Airport Authority (FBB), this separate access point at Terminal 1 will no longer be offered due to a significant decline in bookings in recent months. Since its introduction in the summer of 2022, the service had served to alleviate the sometimes lengthy queues at the security checkpoints. The reason for its discontinuation is the comprehensive technological modernization of the security checkpoints. The airport has equipped a large number of its security lanes with modern computed tomography (CT) scanners. This technology allows passengers to keep liquids and electronic devices such as laptops in their hand luggage during the screening process. The resulting acceleration of the screening process has significantly increased the throughput capacity per lane. The operator concludes that a separate, reservable access point no longer offers any significant time advantages compared to the regular process and has therefore lost its functional relevance. According to industry analyses, this step marks a turning point in passenger management at major German airports. While digital reservation systems were considered a necessary tool during the post-pandemic staff shortages, hardware efficiency is now back in focus. At BER, the introduction of CT scanners ensured that waiting times at standard security checkpoints remained consistently in the single-digit minute range, even during peak hours. The freed-up areas of the former "runway" area will be integrated into the regular security checkpoint operations in the future to further optimize the terminal's overall capacity. Passengers who have already booked travel for the time

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Legal dispute between UPS and Verdi at Cologne/Bonn Airport

Belinda Borg 25 May 2026 09:03

Following a warning strike at the logistics company UPS at Cologne/Bonn Airport, the conflict between management and the Verdi union has escalated dramatically. The work stoppage at the end of April 2026 was prompted by stalled wage negotiations, in which employee representatives demanded a significant pay increase and improved working conditions. According to the union, management reacted to the strike with reprisals against the workers. Verdi accuses the company of threatening dismissals prior to the action and subsequently sending numerous written warnings to participants. The union is currently examining legal options to challenge these measures. UPS vehemently denies the accusations and justifies its actions by claiming the warning strike was unlawful. Management argues that the action violated the existing peace obligation, as a definitive breakdown of negotiations had not yet been established at the time the strike was called. In an official statement, a company spokesperson emphasized that the warnings were merely a legal consequence of unlawful conduct. Despite the strike call, there were no significant disruptions to operations at the Cologne/Bonn hub; sorting processes and flight schedules were maintained as planned. Additional industry information suggests that this conflict is part of a larger dispute over working conditions in the parcel logistics sector. UPS operates one of its most important global air freight hubs at the Cologne/Bonn location, employing thousands of people in night sorting. The union emphasizes that the psychological strain caused by threats from management has reached a new level. The legal assessment of the strike will now likely be handled by the labor courts.

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Saarbrücken: Launch of new Ryanair routes results in significant passenger increase

Jan Gruber 25 May 2026 08:34

Saarbrücken Airport experienced a significant increase in flight operations in spring 2026. This development is primarily due to the strategic expansion of the route network by the Irish airline Ryanair, which has been serving three new destinations in the Mediterranean region since the end of March. According to the airport operator, the new service led to a massive increase in passenger numbers of almost 60 percent in April, the first full month of operation, compared to the same period last year. With over 7.000 passengers transported on the new Ryanair routes to Sicily, Calabria, and the Spanish east coast alone, the regional airport was able to significantly strengthen its position in cross-border air traffic in the Saar-Lor-Lux region. Balanced demand for all three new destinations, as well as strong seasonal business around the Easter holidays, characterize the current operational situation at the Ensheimer Berg airport. Strategic network expansion and passenger response: Since March 30, 2026, Ryanair has permanently integrated Saarbrücken Airport (SCN) into its summer flight schedule. The decision by the low-cost carrier to offer flights from Saarland's capital city to Trapani (Sicily), Lamezia Terme (Calabria), and Alicante (Spain) has proven economically viable, according to initial surveys. Jochen Wagner, airport spokesperson, confirmed that aircraft occupancy rates in the first four weeks met expectations. Surprisingly, passenger numbers are evenly distributed: none of the three destinations currently shows a significant lead over the others. This consistent demand suggests that both the Italian and Spanish markets are highly attractive to travelers from the Saarland region, the Western Palatinate, and neighboring France. Figures from the German Airports Association (ADV) support this trend.

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Modernization of the Thai Air Force through Airbus C295

Belinda Borg 25 May 2026 08:00

The Royal Thai Air Force has announced the acquisition of two Airbus C295 transport aircraft in a tactical configuration. These new aircraft will significantly enhance the country's defense capabilities and will be operated by the 46th Division at Phitsanulok Air Base. While the Thai military has been using three of these aircraft for cargo and troop transport since 2016, this purchase marks the first deployment of the C295 within the Thai Air Force. The aircraft will be assembled at the Airbus plant in Seville, Spain, with the first delivery scheduled for the first half of 2029. The C295's technical versatility allows for a wide range of operations under challenging conditions. The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 70 soldiers or 49 paratroopers and can operate from unprepared runways. In addition to conventional cargo drops, the model is certified for medical evacuation missions and paratrooper airdrops. With a market dominance of approximately 85 percent in its segment and a total of 333 orders from 39 countries, the C295 is considered the world's leading medium-sized tactical transport aircraft. The global fleet has already accumulated over 750.000 flight hours, underscoring the system's reliability. Alongside the hardware procurement, Thailand is investing in developing local infrastructure and expertise. A strategic partnership between Airbus and Thai Aviation Industries ensures fleet maintenance directly within the country. This collaboration includes advanced training programs for Thai personnel, thereby strengthening the technological foundation of the domestic defense industry. Thailand is thus consolidating its position as one of only seven operators of this aircraft type.

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Flixtrain announces market entry in Munich for 2028

Amely Mizzi 25 May 2026 07:08

German long-distance rail passenger transport is facing a significant restructuring of its competitive landscape. As confirmed by the company Flix in a recent announcement, the Bavarian capital of Munich will become a permanent part of the Flixtrain network starting in 2028. This move marks a strategic turning point for the private operator, which is thus integrating one of Central Europe's most important economic centers and transport hubs into its portfolio. At the heart of the expansion is a massive investment in modern rolling stock that sets new technological standards in speed and capacity. The planned trains are expected to reach top speeds of up to 230 kilometers per hour, thus technologically venturing into the high-speed rail segment for Flixtrain. This development is taking place against the backdrop of increasing interest from international competitors in the German market, which is intensifying the pressure on infrastructure operators regarding track allocation and long-term planning security. Technological modernization and Bavarian value creation: The investment volume for the fleet expansion underscores the company's ambitions. A total of 65 high-speed trains, worth approximately €2,4 billion, are set to expand the operator's capacity in the coming years. Technically, Flix is ​​relying on a collaboration between the Spanish train manufacturer Talgo and the German industrial conglomerate Siemens. The regional component of the production is particularly noteworthy: the locomotives for this major project will be manufactured at the Siemens plant in the Munich district of Allach. This means that a portion of the investment capital returns directly to the future destination of Munich in the form of industrial value creation. The new trains represent a significant leap forward compared to the current standard of private long-distance trains in Germany. With a target speed of 230 kilometers per hour, the operator is moving closer to the travel times that

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Retail: Lovisa opens new location at Hamburg Airport

Amely Mizzi 25 May 2026 07:02

Hamburg Airport is expanding its retail portfolio in the security area with the opening of a new store by Australian accessories specialist Lovisa. Founded in 2010, the company has opened a new branch opposite Gate C10, focusing on fashion jewelry and accessories. This opening continues the airport's strategy of filling the retail space beyond security with internationally renowned brands to fill passengers' waiting time with commercial offerings. The store is open daily from 06:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. and primarily targets departing passengers in the terminal area. Lovisa's arrival at Hamburg Airport is part of the company's global growth strategy; it now operates over 900 stores in 45 countries. The business model is based on high sales volume, with product designs closely aligned with current fashion trends. By being located directly at the gate, the company is leveraging the high passenger volume at Hamburg Airport, the most important airport in Northern Germany, which handles millions of passengers annually. Area manager Lutz Deubel sees the new opening as a necessary diversification of the existing product range to appeal to different customer groups. In addition to the offerings in the security area, airport management emphasizes the importance of the location as a general shopping center. Many of the shops and restaurants located in the public area are open 365 days a year and are therefore also accessible to visitors without a flight ticket. To increase its attractiveness to customers from the Hamburg metropolitan area, the airport offers discounts such as free parking for up to two hours for purchases in certain shops. These measures serve to...

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Different strategies of European airlines for resuming Middle East flights

Stephen Steiner 25 May 2026 06:02

While much of the European aviation industry continues to exercise caution due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, Air France is pushing ahead with a comparatively swift return to the region. The French national carrier plans to resume service to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as early as May 26, 2026. Shortly thereafter, on June 3, the destinations of Beirut, Dubai, and Tel Aviv are also scheduled to be fully integrated back into the flight schedule. This positions Air France significantly earlier than its closest competitors in the market, which industry experts attribute to a specific risk assessment and close coordination with French security authorities. In contrast, British Airways is pursuing a much more conservative approach and has once again extended the suspension of flights to strategically important destinations. According to current plans, services to Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv will not resume until August 1, 2026, at the earliest. The British airline typically justifies such delays with the need to ensure the safety of crew and passengers, as well as the operational stability of its network under volatile conditions. This difference in scheduling underscores the differing assessments of the security situation within the major European airline alliances. Lufthansa is adhering to an even more cautious timeline and maintaining its previously announced consolidation strategy. Flights to Dubai will remain suspended until at least mid-September 2026, while other destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Amman, and Muscat will not be served until October 24. Lufthansa is only considering a resumption of flights to Tel Aviv starting in July, provided the situation remains stable. These extensive cancellations mean that...

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Safety risk in the cargo hold: Easyjet plane forced to make an unscheduled landing in Rome due to charging power bank

Amely Mizzi 25 May 2026 06:01

An incident on an EasyJet international flight on May 19, 2026, highlighted the complexity and stringent safety requirements of modern civil aviation. Flight EZY2618, en route from Hurghada, Egypt, to London Luton, was forced to abruptly change course over the Mediterranean and make an emergency landing at Rome-Fiumicino Airport. This costly and disruptive diversion was triggered by a passenger informing the cabin crew that their checked baggage contained an active, powered-on power bank. Because lithium-ion batteries pose a significantly increased risk of overheating or thermal runaway while charging, the captain of the Airbus A320, in accordance with international safety regulations, decided to immediately abort the flight. The incident underscores the dangers that everyday electronic devices can pose when not transported properly and entails a chain of logistical and financial consequences. The operational details of the incident over the Mediterranean, Flight EZY2618, began on Tuesday evening at 19:34 p.m. local time at Hurghada International Airport. On board the Airbus A320-200 were 180 passengers, who had a scheduled flight time of approximately five hours. About three hours after takeoff, when the aircraft was already deep within European airspace, a passenger informed the flight attendants of the fatal oversight: a power bank was being used to charge a device in the cargo hold while it was stowed in a suitcase. Strict regulations governing lithium batteries in aviation are set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association.

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Lufthansa Group continues consolidation of flight schedule for winter 2026/2027

Amely Mizzi 25 May 2026 05:07

The Lufthansa Group has announced further reductions in its flight offerings for the upcoming winter season. A company spokesperson confirmed that the consolidation process for the flight schedule, valid from October 25, 2026, to March 27, 2027, will continue. The aim of these measures is to adjust the schedule based purely on economic criteria and to ensure greater stability and predictability in operations. The group is responding to a volatile market environment and is consistently continuing the frequency reductions that began in the summer. Domestic German routes are particularly affected by the cuts. According to industry reports, the airline plans to significantly reduce frequencies on routes from Frankfurt to Berlin, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf. Feeder flights from smaller airports such as Hanover, Leipzig/Halle, and Dresden to the Frankfurt hub are also slated for reductions. An exception is the connection between Münster/Osnabrück Airport and Munich, which will remain stable with up to four daily rotations and will even see a slight improvement in quality through optimized transfer times. Besides economic considerations, geopolitical tensions significantly influence route planning in the Middle East. Flights to Dubai will remain suspended until mid-September 2026 due to the security situation in the region. Destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Amman, and Muscat are currently not scheduled to resume service until the end of October. In contrast, the group's airlines are preparing a phased resumption of flights to Tel Aviv, with the core Lufthansa brand itself targeting a return to this route for July 2026. Analysts view the ongoing cost-cutting program as a necessary response to increased operating costs and capacity bottlenecks in ground handling.

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