Airline Archives - Aviation Today

61-Year-Old Passenger Arrested Over Alleged In-Flight Groping On Florida-Bound Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / May 19, 2026

Key West, United States: An Oregon man was arrested in Florida after allegedly groping a female passenger during a commercial […]

Airlines

Singapore Airlines Profit Drops 57.4% Amid Air India Losses & Missing Vistara Merger Gain

Aviation Today News Desk / May 15, 2026

Singapore: Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group reported a sharp 57.4 per cent decline in annual net profit for the financial year

Airlines

United Airlines Flight Attendants Ratify 5-Year Contract With 31% Pay Rise, Boarding Pay

Aviation Today News Desk / May 14, 2026

Chicago, United States: United Airlines flight attendants have ratified a new five-year labor agreement that delivers significant improvements in pay,

Cairo, Egypt: Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that EgyptAir companies recorded their highest annual profits in the airline group’s 93-year history during the 2024/2025 fiscal year, following remarks made by Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El Hefny during a recent Senate session. In an official clarification issued after the session, the ministry said several media reports had inaccurately interpreted the minister’s statements regarding the financial performance of EgyptAir Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiaries. Media reports incorrectly described the statement as EgyptAir’s “first-time profit,” while the minister had actually referred to it as the “highest annual profit in the airline’s 93-year history. The ministry clarifies that what Dr. Sameh Al-Hafny confirmed during the session is that "Egypt Airlines has achieved record financial results during the financial year 2024 / 2025 representing the highest annual profits achieved by the company since its establishment, whether in local or foreign currency, which reflects the success of the development plans aimed by the company, and improvement "Operation efficiency, and optimal utilization of resources." The Minister of Civil Aviation also addressed the ongoing efforts of the state to develop and upgrade the civil aviation sector, including improving the efficiency of the Egyptian airports system and increasing its capacity, as well as supporting plans to upgrade the fleet of Egypt Aviation Company, and improving the level of services provided to passengers, in accordance with the best international standards, which strengthens the competitiveness of the sector regionally And internationally. The clarification stressed the need for “accuracy and objectivity when circulating information in order to preserve credibility and professional standards.” During discussions in the Senate, El Hefny highlighted the difficult economic environment facing airlines globally, stating that aviation remains a low-margin industry with average profit margins ranging between “2 percent and 4 percent” due to high operational and fuel costs. The minister also noted that increases in global fuel prices during March and April added nearly USD 53 million in additional operating costs to the sector. Officials said the ministry continues to implement modernization plans across Egypt’s aviation industry, including airport development projects, upgrades to passenger services and fleet expansion initiatives designed to improve operational performance and passenger experience. According to reports citing the minister’s remarks, EgyptAir is also moving forward with plans to add 28 aircraft as part of its broader modernization and growth strategy.

Airlines

EgyptAir Posts Record Annual Profits In 93 Years Despite Global Aviation Cost Pressures

Aviation Today News Desk / May 14, 2026

Cairo, Egypt: Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that EgyptAir companies recorded their highest annual profits in the airline

Hong Kong, China: A Malaysia Airlines passenger flight bound for Kuala Lumpur was forced to abort takeoff at Hong Kong International Airport on 11 May 2026 after the crew encountered a technical issue during the takeoff roll, which was later followed by a tyre burst. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The incident involved Malaysia Airlines Flight MH079, operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The aircraft had begun its scheduled departure from Hong Kong around 8:45 a.m. local time. According to airport and aviation reports, the takeoff appeared normal initially, but shortly after acceleration began, the flight crew detected an abnormal condition accompanied by a loud bang and strong vibration, prompting an immediate decision to reject the takeoff. The pilots executed a Rejected Takeoff (RTO) procedure and brought the aircraft to a controlled stop on the runway. During the deceleration phase, one of the main landing gear tyres reportedly burst. Early reports indicate that the tyre failure occurred after the takeoff was aborted rather than being the initial cause of the rejection. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately as the aircraft came to a stop. The aircraft was safely brought under control and later vacated the active runway with assistance. It was subsequently towed to a parking bay for inspection. All passengers and crew disembarked safely after the aircraft returned to the apron, and no injuries were reported. Following the incident, the south runway at Hong Kong International Airport was temporarily closed for inspection and safety checks. The closure resulted in minor operational disruptions, including short delays and adjustments to flight movements. Normal runway operations resumed shortly after clearance from airport authorities. The Airport Authority of Hong Kong confirmed that the incident involved a technical issue during the takeoff phase and that emergency services responded promptly. Authorities also confirmed that the tyre burst occurred during deceleration after the rejected takeoff, and not as a primary trigger before the decision to abort departure. The aircraft involved was identified as a Boeing 737-800 operating Malaysia Airlines Flight MH079 from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The flight was later cancelled, and the aircraft underwent initial engineering inspection to determine the cause of the malfunction. Preliminary aviation assessments suggest that investigations are focused on possible landing gear stress during the rejected takeoff sequence or a technical tyre failure. The aircraft’s braking and safety systems functioned as intended, preventing further escalation of the incident. Malaysia Airlines has stated that the aircraft has been withdrawn from service pending detailed inspection and engineering evaluation. Aviation authorities and technical teams are continuing to examine the incident as part of standard safety procedures following a rejected takeoff event.

Incidents

Malaysia Airlines Flight Aborts Takeoff At Hong Kong After Technical Issue, Tyre Burst

Aviation Today News Desk / May 12, 2026

Hong Kong, China: A Malaysia Airlines passenger flight bound for Kuala Lumpur was forced to abort takeoff at Hong Kong

Munich, Germany: An Air France Boeing 777 operating a long-haul flight from Shanghai to Paris made an emergency landing at Munich Airport on May 7, 2026 after the crew reported an engine-related technical issue while cruising over Germany. The aircraft, operating as Flight AF111 between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, reportedly encountered a malfunction involving one of its General Electric GE90 engines during the latter stages of the ultra-long-haul journey. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft descending from cruise altitude after the crew transmitted the emergency squawk code 7700 to air traffic control. The Boeing 777-200ER diverted toward Munich while flying over southern Germany. The diversion occurred with roughly one hour remaining before the scheduled arrival in Paris, indicating the crew chose Munich as the nearest suitable airport capable of handling a widebody aircraft emergency involving a long-haul twin-engine jet. Emergency services were positioned alongside the runway as a precaution before the aircraft landed safely in Munich during the early morning hours. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and no emergency evacuation was required after landing. Airport rescue and firefighting teams reportedly inspected the aircraft following its arrival. Initial reports indicated the crew detected abnormal engine indications during cruise. The aircraft descended rapidly from high altitude before stabilizing for the diversion into Munich. The aircraft involved in the incident is understood to be an older Boeing 777-200ER airframe that remained on the ground in Munich for technical inspections following the precautionary landing. Air France later arranged onward travel and rebooking assistance for affected passengers traveling to Paris. Neither Air France nor airport authorities initially disclosed the exact nature of the engine malfunction.

Incidents

Air France Boeing 777 Diverts To Munich After Mid-Flight Engine Malfunction

Aviation Today News Desk / May 8, 2026

Munich, Germany: An Air France Boeing 777 operating a long-haul flight from Shanghai to Paris made an emergency landing at

Airbus

Airbus Secures Record 150 Aircraft A220 Order From AirAsia In Major Programme Boost

Aviation Today News Desk / May 7, 2026

Mirabel, Canada: Malaysia-based low-cost carrier AirAsia has signed a landmark agreement with Airbus for 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, marking the

Almaty, Kazakhstan: A SWISS International Air Lines Airbus A350 operating flight LX123 from Seoul Incheon to Zurich made an emergency diversion to Almaty, Kazakhstan, on May 6 after the co-pilot suffered a medical emergency while the aircraft was cruising over Kazakhstan. According to the airline’s official statement, the incident occurred approximately six hours into the long-haul flight when the co-pilot became unwell during the journey. The Airbus A350-941, registered HB-IFB, was carrying 227 passengers and 14 crew members at the time. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft squawking transponder code 7700, the international emergency signal used to indicate a general emergency before diverting south toward Almaty International Airport. The aircraft landed safely shortly before 1 p.m. local time on May 6. SWISS confirmed that three doctors travelling onboard assisted the crew by providing immediate medical aid to the co-pilot during the diversion. Based on their recommendation, the operating crew decided to divert to Almaty to ensure the pilot received urgent medical attention as quickly as possible. Emergency medical teams were waiting when the aircraft arrived in Almaty. The co-pilot was subsequently transported to a local hospital accompanied by another crew member. Airport authorities reported that the pilot was taken to Almaty City Hospital No. 4 for further examination and treatment. Local reports also referenced a suspected acute abdominal condition, though SWISS has not officially confirmed the nature of the medical issue. Following the unscheduled landing, passengers and crew were accommodated overnight in hotels in Almaty while the airline arranged for an additional pilot to be flown in. SWISS stated that the flight could not continue immediately because aviation regulations require a specifically qualified first officer to occupy the co-pilot’s right-hand seat. The airline also noted that crew duty-time limitations would have been exceeded if the flight had continued without additional crew support. In its statement, the airline said the “health and wellbeing” of its colleague remained the top priority while acknowledging the disruption caused to passengers’ travel plans. The carrier added that teams were working to support affected travellers and coordinate the continuation of the journey to Zurich.

Incidents

SWISS Flight Diverts To Almaty After Co-Pilot Suffers Medical Emergency Mid-Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / May 7, 2026

Almaty, Kazakhstan: A SWISS International Air Lines Airbus A350 operating flight LX123 from Seoul Incheon to Zurich made an emergency

London, United Kingdom: The UK-based ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) operator Ascend Airways has ceased all operations and entered liquidation, marking a sudden collapse in the country’s niche wet-lease aviation segment. The airline halted flying in late April 2026, with its final operated service landing safely at London Stansted Airport before management confirmed the shutdown. Shortly thereafter, the carrier surrendered its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, formally ending its ability to operate commercial flights. Industry reports indicate that the airline’s collapse followed a sustained period of financial strain. Ascend Airways had reportedly been incurring losses of approximately £3 million per month, driven by high fixed operating costs and limited aircraft utilisation. The situation worsened after the carrier failed to secure sufficient ACMI contracts for the upcoming Summer 2026 season, a critical revenue period for wet-lease operators. The ACMI business model, which depends heavily on short-term leasing agreements with other airlines, left Ascend particularly exposed to fluctuations in demand. Without confirmed contracts, aircraft remained underutilised while lease and maintenance costs continued to accrue. Rising jet fuel prices, influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions, further compounded the airline’s financial difficulties. As a UK AOC holder, Ascend also faced higher regulatory and operational costs compared to competitors operating under European Union jurisdictions. Additional pressure came from reported technical issues affecting Boeing 737 MAX aircraft powered by CFM LEAP engines. These issues reduced fleet availability and increased maintenance burdens at a time when operational reliability was critical to securing contracts. At the time of its closure, Ascend Airways operated a fleet of seven aircraft, comprising six Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets and one Boeing 737-800. Following the liquidation, aircraft are being returned to lessors. The collapse has affected approximately 160 employees, including flight crew and operational staff, with job losses expected across the organisation. Ascend Airways was part of Avia Solutions Group, a Lithuania-based aviation services group that operates multiple ACMI and charter airlines worldwide. The group has been expanding its footprint globally, including the development of a separate Malaysian-based affiliate, though this entity is distinct from the UK airline that has now ceased operations. The airline’s collapse reflects wider pressures within the ACMI sector. An oversupply of wet-lease capacity, combined with rising costs and tightening margins, has made it increasingly difficult for smaller operators to remain viable.

Airlines

UK’s Ascend Airways Ceases Operations Amid Rising Jet Fuel Costs & Contract Shortfall

Aviation Today News Desk / May 4, 2026

London, United Kingdom: The UK-based ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) operator Ascend Airways has ceased all operations and entered liquidation,

IATA

IATA Urges African Governments To Treat Aviation As A Strategic Economic Driver

Aviation Today News Desk / April 30, 2026

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to prioritise aviation as a core

Airline

61-Year-Old Passenger Arrested Over Alleged In-Flight Groping On Florida-Bound Flight

Singapore Airlines Profit Drops 57.4% Amid Air India Losses & Missing Vistara Merger Gain

United Airlines Flight Attendants Ratify 5-Year Contract With 31% Pay Rise, Boarding Pay

EgyptAir Posts Record Annual Profits In 93 Years Despite Global Aviation Cost Pressures

Malaysia Airlines Flight Aborts Takeoff At Hong Kong After Technical Issue, Tyre Burst

Air France Boeing 777 Diverts To Munich After Mid-Flight Engine Malfunction

Airbus Secures Record 150 Aircraft A220 Order From AirAsia In Major Programme Boost

SWISS Flight Diverts To Almaty After Co-Pilot Suffers Medical Emergency Mid-Flight

UK’s Ascend Airways Ceases Operations Amid Rising Jet Fuel Costs & Contract Shortfall

IATA Urges African Governments To Treat Aviation As A Strategic Economic Driver

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