TRIP REPORTSDec 25, 2025Ghost Networks: The Rise, Fall, and Revival of Fifth-Freedom FlightsFifth-freedom flights — routes where an airline flies between two countries outside its home base — have always lived in aviation's twilight zone. We chart their rise, their near-disappearance, and the surprising markets where they still thrive today. Then we take you on board a special Seoul-Tokyo fifth-freedom flight to show how the experience stacks up against a typical regional carrier.Read More →
NEWSDec 24, 2025US Air Force to Launch New Experimental One-Way Attack Drone UnitIn a move that signals a tectonic shift in American airpower, the U.S. Air Force is preparing to stand up its first-ever experimental unit dedicated solely to "One-Way Attack" (OWA) drones.Read More →
ROUTESDec 24, 2025IndiGo Unveils Delhi–London Expansion and First A321XLR LaunchIndiGo, India’s largest carrier, has officially unveiled its roadmap for a transformative 2026, marking its definitive entry into the long-haul arena. In a series of landmark announcements today, December 24, 2025, the airline confirmed it will launch direct flights between Delhi (DEL) and London Heathrow (LHR) starting February 2, 2026, utilising wide-body aircraft.Read More →
STORIESDec 24, 2025HEKLA: Icelandair Retires Hekla Aurora After 31 Years in the SkiesOn October 12, 2025, TF-FIU flew its final flight, taking 140 passengers on a scenic tour around Iceland. The final service graced travelers from as far as Singapore with two hours of the island’s most beautiful sights as a final sendoff for 31 years in the skies. Watch videos from the final flight and learn why this aircraft left such a lasting legacy.Read More →
INFORMATIONALDec 23, 2025GTF Storage Crisis Deepens: 835 Aircraft Grounded as Pratt & Whitney Recalls Surge Post-Mid-YearThe operational crisis surrounding the Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine family has reached a new peak. As of late Q4 2025, the number of stored jets powered by the PW1000G family has climbed significantly, highlighting a widening gap between maintenance capacity and the relentless pace of engine recalls.Read More →
NEWSDec 23, 2025Ryanair to Appeal $302 Million Italian Fine Over Alleged Travel Agency RestrictionsRyanair has announced its intention to challenge a €255.8 million ($302 million) fine imposed by Italy's competition authority, which accused the airline of obstructing travel agencies and online booking platforms from selling its flights.Read More →
ROUTESDec 23, 2025Gulf Air and Turkish Airlines Expand Codeshare PartnershipIn a major move to bolster connectivity between the Middle East and Europe, Gulf Air and Turkish Airlines have officially announced a significant expansion of their codeshare agreement. Confirmed today, December 23, 2025, the enhanced partnership unlocks five new high-demand destinations for passengers travelling from Bahrain through the global hub of Istanbul.
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ROUTESDec 23, 2025Wizz Air Dominates London Luton with TUI Slot AcquisitionIn a move that solidifies its position as the leading carrier at London Luton Airport (LTN), Wizz Air UK has announced a significant expansion of its base following the successful acquisition of airport slots from TUI Airways.Read More →
ROUTESDec 22, 2025Direct Minsk-New York Flights? Belavia Weighs Transatlantic Return for 2026Following a series of diplomatic breakthroughs in late 2025, Belavia, Belarusian Airlines, is officially exploring the feasibility of a direct link between Minsk National Airport (MSQ) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Read More →
ROUTESDec 22, 2025 Air France Suspends Paris-Manila Service for Summer 2026Air France has announced a significant adjustment to its Southeast Asian network, confirming that its direct service between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Manila (MNL) will transition from year-round to seasonal operation starting in 2026.Read More →
