Airline Accident Archives - Aviation Today

London, United Kingdom: Europe's largest low-cost carrier, Ryanair, has changed its long-standing family seating policy, allowing parents travelling with young children to sit together without paying a mandatory seat reservation fee. The move follows an investigation launched earlier this month by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into whether the airline's previous practice breached consumer protection laws. The revised policy took effect on Thursday, June 25, 2026, the same day Ryanair publicly announced the changes. While the airline maintains that its previous policy complied with all applicable laws and regulations, it said it would "reluctantly" adopt what it described as the industry standard rather than continue arguing with regulators. Under the updated policy, families who choose not to purchase reserved seats will receive complimentary seat allocations after completing online check-in. Ryanair said these free seats will generally be located toward the rear of the aircraft, where more seats are available. Passengers who prefer specific seats, including those closer to the front of the cabin, can still pay the usual seat reservation fee. The airline said the change would be revenue neutral, adding that it does not expect any financial impact from the revised seating arrangement. Before the change, Ryanair required at least one accompanying adult travelling with children aged 2 to 11 years to purchase what it called a "mandatory family seat." That adult paid a discounted reserved seat fee typically around £8 (US$10.70) per flight sector, according to the CMA while up to four children on the same booking could reserve adjacent seats free of charge. Ryanair argued that the policy ensured families knew their seating arrangements at the time of booking while maintaining the airline's low-fare model. The carrier also emphasized that it never charged children to sit beside their accompanying adult, only the adult reservation. The policy change came just two weeks after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced, on June 11, that it was investigating whether Ryanair's mandatory family seating fee amounted to an unfair contract term under UK consumer law. The regulator questioned whether parents were effectively being charged for the airline to meet its own obligations under aviation safety and disability rules, since Ryanair's own conditions required at least one parent to sit with children between the ages of two and eleven. The CMA also noted that additional fees could significantly increase the cost of holidays for families already budgeting carefully for travel. Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary was openly critical of the regulatory pressure that led to the change. In the company's announcement, he said,"We will reluctantly adjust to this industry standard as we don't want to waste time explaining to misguided regulators how badly they misunderstand what is in the best interest of UK and Europe's consumers." O'Leary defended Ryanair's previous model, arguing it had been "the most progressive and transparent in Europe." He also accused regulators of focusing on Ryanair while overlooking broader issues affecting consumers, including higher fares charged by airlines operating without low-cost competition, airport monopoly charges, and inefficiencies in European air traffic management. According to O'Leary, the revised policy would not increase consumer welfare but merely align Ryanair with competitors' seating practices. Although the CMA welcomed the airline's decision, it stressed that the investigation has not concluded. A CMA spokesperson said the regulator would examine whether Ryanair's updated policy fully complies with consumer law. The authority added that while the revised policy appears to benefit families by removing mandatory seating charges, it does not change the fact that passengers had previously been required to pay for so-called mandatory family seats. The watchdog confirmed that Ryanair chose to amend its policy voluntarily and that the ongoing investigation will continue assessing the legality of the airline's previous practices.

Ryanair Drops Mandatory Family Seating Fees Following UK Regulatory Probe

Aviation Today News Desk / June 30, 2026

London, United Kingdom: Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, Ryanair, has changed its long-standing family seating policy, allowing parents travelling with young […]

London, United Kingdom: British low-cost carrier easyJet has rejected a third takeover proposal from the U.S.-based investment firm Castlelake, prompting the investor to take its bid public days before a regulatory deadline that could determine whether a formal offer materializes. Castlelake's latest proposal values easyJet at approximately £4.7 billion ($6.3 billion), offering shareholders 625 pence per share in cash. The airline's board unanimously rejected the approach, describing it as "highly opportunistic" and stating that it "fundamentally undervalues easyJet and its medium-term prospects." The public disclosure marks a significant escalation in the takeover battle after weeks of private discussions and rejected proposals. According to documents released by both parties, Castlelake initially approached easyJet with a non-binding proposal of 560 pence per share. After that offer was rejected, the investment firm returned with a second proposal at 600 pence per share before ultimately increasing its offer to 625 pence per share. The latest proposal was submitted on June 20 and rejected by easyJet's board on June 21. Castlelake said it decided to go public because the airline had repeatedly declined to engage meaningfully with the firm despite multiple approaches. The company stated that the third proposal represented a substantial premium to easyJet's market value before takeover speculation emerged, arguing that shareholders should be given the opportunity to consider the proposal. In its response, easyJet said the proposal arrived during a period when the airline sector was facing temporary pressures linked to geopolitical instability and rising fuel costs. The board said, "It believes that the proposal is highly opportunistic and fundamentally undervalues easyJet and its medium-term prospects." The airline added that Castlelake's valuation relied heavily on short-term market conditions rather than the company's long-term earnings potential, strategic position, asset base and growth plans. Directors also raised concerns regarding what they described as an opaque acquisition structure, uncertainties surrounding future financing arrangements and questions about regulatory implementation. The board concluded that accepting the proposal would not be in the best interests of shareholders. Castlelake's proposal is structured as an all-cash offer for easyJet shares. The firm also included a partial alternative under which shareholders could elect to receive unlisted, non-transferable and non-voting equity interests in a Castlelake-controlled acquisition vehicle instead of cash for a portion of their holdings. According to disclosures, the proposed ownership structure would consist of: • 49% ownership by Castlelake funds. • 51% ownership by European Union nationals and other investors. The structure was designed to satisfy European airline ownership regulations, which require EU airlines to remain majority owned and controlled by EU interests. To achieve compliance, Castlelake partnered with former easyJet Chief Operating Officer Peter Bellew and aerospace executive Mark Breen, who would participate in the EU-controlled ownership arrangement. The investment firm said the structure had been specifically designed to preserve easyJet's European operating rights and regulatory approvals. easyJet, however, expressed reservations about the proposed arrangement. The airline said the structure lacked transparency and created uncertainty over who would ultimately exercise control over the carrier. The board also questioned how the ownership model would operate in practice and whether it would satisfy regulatory requirements across the jurisdictions in which easyJet operates. Castlelake rejected those concerns and said its proposal was fully compliant with applicable regulations. The investment firm stated that it had no intention of dismantling easyJet's operations and instead sought to support future growth. Castlelake said the proposed acquisition would be funded through a combination of equity and debt financing. The company disclosed that Goldman Sachs had indicated its ability to arrange the required debt facilities. The firm added that the proposal was expected to be fully funded if a formal offer proceeded. Castlelake currently manages approximately $36 billion to $38 billion in assets globally and has extensive experience investing in aviation-related businesses. Its previous aviation investments have included Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), while it has also explored opportunities involving U.S.-based carriers. Under the UK Takeover Code, Castlelake has until 5:00 p.m. on June 26, 2026, to either: • Announce a firm intention to make an offer for easyJet; or • Confirm that it does not intend to proceed. Any extension would require approval from the UK Takeover Panel. As of the latest disclosures, Castlelake stressed that no formal offer had yet been made and that there remained no certainty a definitive bid would ultimately emerge. Several major shareholders appear unconvinced that the current offer adequately reflects easyJet's value. According to reports, investors believe meaningful engagement would likely require a proposal of at least 700 pence per share, implying a valuation exceeding £5.3 billion. That figure would be roughly £600 million higher than Castlelake's current proposal. Investors point to easyJet's extensive aircraft fleet, valuable airport slots, strong balance sheet and rapidly expanding holidays division as reasons the airline should command a higher valuation. The airline has repeatedly highlighted its medium-term growth plans as justification for rejecting the proposal. easyJet believes investments in newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, operational improvements and expansion of its holidays business could support significantly higher profitability in coming years. The company has previously outlined ambitions to generate annual profits approaching £1 billion over the longer term. Management argues that the current proposal fails to capture the value of those future earnings opportunities. Market attention has increasingly focused on easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, whose family retains approximately a 15% shareholding in the airline. While Castlelake's proposal includes mechanisms that could appeal to long-term investors, Haji-Ioannou has not publicly indicated whether he supports or opposes the bid. For now, easyJet's board remains firmly opposed to the proposal, maintaining that the airline's long-term value, growth prospects and strategic position justify a substantially higher valuation than the one currently on the table.

Airlines

EasyJet Rejects Third £4.7 Billion Takeover Bid From US Based Castlelake Firm

Aviation Today News Desk / June 23, 2026

London, United Kingdom: British low-cost carrier easyJet has rejected a third takeover proposal from the U.S.-based investment firm Castlelake, prompting

Wuzhou, China: The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, operating a routine domestic service from Kunming to Guangzhou on March 21, 2022, was carrying 132 people, including 123 passengers and nine crew members. About an hour into the flight, while cruising at altitude, the aircraft suddenly entered a steep and rapid descent before plunging almost vertically into a mountainous, forested area in Guangxi. All 132 occupants were killed, and no survivors were found, marking China’s deadliest air crash. China’s aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, launched an investigation immediately after the crash, dispatching emergency teams to the remote impact site. Due to the aircraft’s U.S. manufacture, the investigation also involved international participants, including the National Transportation Safety Board, Boeing, and the Federal Aviation Administration, who provided technical assistance. A major breakthrough in the early phase of the investigation came with the recovery of both flight recorders. The cockpit voice recorder was located on March 23, 2022, followed by the flight data recorder, which was retrieved from deep within the crash debris days later. Both devices were severely damaged due to the high-impact crash and required detailed forensic analysis, including data extraction overseas. Preliminary examination of the data indicated that the aircraft descended rapidly from around 29,000 feet, briefly stabilized, and then entered a final near-vertical dive. Air traffic controllers attempted to contact the pilots multiple times during the descent, but no distress call was made and no response was received from the cockpit. In its preliminary report released in April 2022, the CAAC ruled out several common causes of aviation accidents. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, or dangerous cargo. The aircraft was deemed airworthy and properly maintained, while the flight crew were found to be qualified, adequately rested, and medically fit. Follow-up updates issued in 2023 and 2024 reiterated these findings, stating that no abnormalities had been identified in the aircraft systems, flight operations, or air traffic control procedures. Despite these findings, investigators have not been able to establish a definitive cause of the crash. A report published in 2022 by The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials familiar with black box analysis, suggested that the aircraft may have been intentionally put into a dive from the cockpit. However, Chinese authorities have not confirmed this interpretation and have cautioned against speculation, warning that unverified conclusions could mislead the public and interfere with the investigation. Under international aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, accident investigations are expected to produce an initial report within 30 days and a final report within one year wherever possible. In the case of MU5735, a preliminary report was issued within the required timeframe, but no final report has been released even after four years. The last official update from Chinese authorities came in March 2024, with no substantive developments disclosed since then. The prolonged delay has drawn attention from global aviation bodies, including the International Air Transport Association, which has emphasized the importance of timely accident reports in improving aviation safety worldwide. As of 2026, the investigation into Flight MU5735 remains officially ongoing. No confirmed cause has been identified, and no comprehensive final report has been made public.

Investigation

China’s Deadliest Crash Still Unresolved As MU5735 Probe Continues Four Years On

Aviation Today News Desk / March 30, 2026

Wuzhou, China: The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, operating a routine domestic service from Kunming to Guangzhou on March 21, 2022, was

Accidents

Air Canada Express Flight Hits Fire Truck At LaGuardia, 2 Pilots Killed And 41 Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / March 23, 2026

New York, United States: A tragic runway collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport killed two pilots and injured 41 people

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight was canceled at London Heathrow Airport after a ground service vehicle became lodged under a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, causing significant damage and a 24-hour delay. The incident occurred on Monday evening at Terminal 5, where a van operated by Thales, an aviation technology firm, rolled beneath the aircraft's wing after its driver failed to engage the handbrake during pre-departure checks. The vehicle became wedged under the fuselage, leading to the cancellation of Flight BA33 to Kuala Lumpur over safety concerns. Approximately 300 passengers were affected by the cancellation, resulting in a 24-hour delay. They were provided with overnight accommodation while engineers and emergency services assessed the situation. The total cost of the incident, including safety checks, compensations, and revised crew schedules, was estimated at £100,000. British Airways confirmed the delay and provided accommodations, while Thales did not comment on the incident. For passengers affected by flight cancellations, British Airways offers assistance with delays, cancellations, and refunds. Passengers are advised to update their contact information in "Manage My Booking" to receive timely updates.

Incidents

British Airways 787 Hit by Van at Heathrow Causes 24-Hour Delay, Estimated £100K Loss

Aviation Today News Desk / October 23, 2025

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight was canceled at London Heathrow Airport after a ground service vehicle became lodged

Airline Accident

Ryanair Drops Mandatory Family Seating Fees Following UK Regulatory Probe

EasyJet Rejects Third £4.7 Billion Takeover Bid From US Based Castlelake Firm

China’s Deadliest Crash Still Unresolved As MU5735 Probe Continues Four Years On

Air Canada Express Flight Hits Fire Truck At LaGuardia, 2 Pilots Killed And 41 Injured

British Airways 787 Hit by Van at Heathrow Causes 24-Hour Delay, Estimated £100K Loss

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