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Montreal, Canada: Airports Council International (ACI) World has called for a comprehensive overhaul of global aviation policy frameworks, warning that outdated regulatory systems could limit the industry’s ability to manage rising demand, expand infrastructure, and meet long-term sustainability targets. The organisation formally launched its Policy Agenda 2030, positioning it as a strategic roadmap to modernise aviation governance and strengthen the role of airports in global economic development. ACI World said the aviation sector is entering a phase of sustained demand growth, but regulatory and infrastructure systems have not evolved at the same pace. It highlighted that increasing passenger volumes, geopolitical uncertainty, climate pressures, and operational constraints are creating a need for coordinated policy reform at the global level. The organisation stressed that without timely intervention, capacity bottlenecks and inefficiencies could emerge across major airport systems worldwide. At the core of the Policy Agenda 2030 is a call to reposition airports as strategic economic assets rather than purely infrastructure operators. ACI World emphasised that airports play a critical role in driving trade, tourism, investment, and employment, and therefore require governance models that reflect their broader economic importance. The organisation urged governments to adopt policies that enable airports to operate with greater flexibility, competitiveness, and financial sustainability. The framework also places strong focus on airport capacity expansion and operational efficiency. ACI World has called for modernised slot allocation systems, enhanced infrastructure development, and improved passenger facilitation processes to manage future traffic growth. It further highlighted the importance of workforce development and operational readiness as key enablers of efficient airport performance in the coming decade. Safety and security remain central to the agenda, with ACI World advocating for risk-based and globally harmonised regulatory frameworks. The organisation said aviation safety systems must continue to evolve in response to emerging operational challenges while maintaining high international standards and improving efficiency across airport operations. Sustainability is another major pillar of the Policy Agenda 2030. ACI World stressed the need for coordinated global action to address aviation emissions and climate resilience. It called for policies that support decarbonisation while ensuring airports can continue to expand capacity to meet growing demand. The organisation highlighted the role of airports as key contributors to climate action through infrastructure adaptation and long-term environmental planning. ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci underscored that aviation policy must evolve in line with industry growth, stating that airports should be recognised as strategic national infrastructure assets. He noted that enabling policy environments are essential for airports to deliver increased connectivity, economic value, and sustainable development outcomes. The Policy Agenda 2030 aligns with ACI World’s broader strategic direction for 2025–2030 and complements global aviation planning frameworks, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) long-term strategy toward 2050. The organisation said coordinated action between governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders will be critical to ensuring the aviation sector can support future economic growth and global connectivity.

ACI World Urges Governments To Modernise Aviation Policies And Infrastructure

Aviation Today News Desk / May 9, 2026

Montreal, Canada: Airports Council International (ACI) World has called for a comprehensive overhaul of global aviation policy frameworks, warning that […]

India

India Legalises SAF Blending In Jet Fuel, Expands ATF Definition In Major Policy Shift

Aviation Today News Desk / April 24, 2026

New Delhi, India: India has formally allowed the blending of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), ethanol and other synthetic hydrocarbons into

eVTOL

Honda To Conduct First Full-Scale Flight Test Of Hybrid eVTOL Prototype In March 2026

Aviation Today News Desk / December 2, 2025

Tokyo, Japan: Honda has announced that its full-scale hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is scheduled to make

London, United Kingdom: British Airways to introduce free, high-speed onboard WiFi across its entire fleet from 2026 after signing a major connectivity agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink, marking one of the most significant digital upgrades in the airline’s recent history. The initiative, part of BA’s £7-billion transformation programme, promises “lightning-fast, reliable WiFi that feels like home” for every passenger in every cabin, according to the airline’s official announcement. The rollout will extend to both short-haul and long-haul aircraft, enabling gate-to-gate connectivity without usage charges or tier-based plans. The move positions British Airways among the first major global carriers to adopt Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite network at scale. These satellites offer significantly lower latency and stronger performance compared with conventional aviation WiFi systems, aiming to remove the long-standing frustration of slow or unreliable inflight internet. Media reports indicate that parts of the fleet may begin receiving installations as early as late 2025, with full deployment progressing through 2026. However, the airline has not disclosed the exact sequence of aircraft types or routes that will receive the system first. Parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) is also expected to expand Starlink connectivity across its other carriers, including Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling, signalling a group-wide shift toward high-performance digital services. BA’s adoption of Starlink comes amid increasing competition in the European market, where carriers are upgrading cabins, lounges and digital platforms to meet evolving customer expectations. Analysts say free, fast internet could become a new industry standard, particularly on short-haul routes where in-flight connectivity has lagged behind long-haul offerings. While British Airways describes the service as completely free for passengers, it has not clarified whether any data caps, device limitations or route-specific restrictions will apply once the network enters full service.

Airlines

British Airways Signs Starlink Deal To Offer Free Fast WiFi On All Flights By 2026

Aviation Today News Desk / November 15, 2025

London, United Kingdom: British Airways to introduce free, high-speed onboard WiFi across its entire fleet from 2026 after signing a

London, United Kingdom: UK regional carrier Eastern Airways has suspended all flight operations and filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, marking another major setback for Britain’s struggling regional aviation sector. The airline, which operated key domestic routes connecting smaller UK cities and remote regions, grounded its fleet on October 27 as financial pressures reached a critical point, the move temporarily shields Eastern Airways from creditors for up to 10 business days while it seeks potential rescue options or buyers. “We deeply regret the impact this suspension has on our passengers and employees,” an Eastern Airways spokesperson said in a brief statement, confirming that all scheduled flights have been cancelled until further notice. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has urged passengers not to travel to airports, stating that anyone with bookings should contact their credit or debit card providers for refunds or chargebacks. The airline was founded in 1997 and based at Humberside Airport, Eastern Airways is a UK regional airline that built its reputation connecting smaller cities and remote regions through vital domestic routes. Initially serving the oil and gas sector between Humberside and Aberdeen, it expanded after acquiring Air Kilroe in 1999 and later came under the ownership of the Bristow Group in 2014. Operating turboprop aircraft like the BAe Jetstream 41, Eastern provided both scheduled and charter services, including Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes crucial for regional connectivity. Despite carrying about 1.3 million passengers annually, the airline faced mounting losses, reporting a £19.7 million deficit and £26 million debt in 2024. On October 27, 2025, Eastern Airways suspended all flights and filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, citing rising costs and prolonged post-pandemic financial strain. The airline’s network of regional routes including Aberdeen, Humberside, Teesside, Newquay, and Southampton was vital for connectivity in areas underserved by rail or road. Several of these services were operated under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, meaning their suspension could severely affect regional accessibility, especially in northern England and Scotland. The Eastern had already returned multiple aircraft to lessors and halted new ticket sales in the days leading up to the filing. Employees have been informed of the company’s deteriorating position, and industry observers warn that hundreds of jobs are now at risk. The company’s grounding echoes recent struggles across the UK’s regional aviation market, with carriers facing surging fuel costs, higher lease payments, and limited government support.

Airlines

After 27 Years, UK’s Eastern Airways Abruptly Halts Operations and Suspends All Flights

Aviation Today News Desk / October 28, 2025

London, United Kingdom: UK regional carrier Eastern Airways has suspended all flight operations and filed a notice of intention to

aviation future

ACI World Urges Governments To Modernise Aviation Policies And Infrastructure

India Legalises SAF Blending In Jet Fuel, Expands ATF Definition In Major Policy Shift

Honda To Conduct First Full-Scale Flight Test Of Hybrid eVTOL Prototype In March 2026

British Airways Signs Starlink Deal To Offer Free Fast WiFi On All Flights By 2026

After 27 Years, UK’s Eastern Airways Abruptly Halts Operations and Suspends All Flights

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