News Roundup: Week Ending December 28, 2024
Two men charged over Manchester Airport police assault
Mohammed Amaaz, 20, and Muhammed Amaad, 25, have been charged with multiple offenses following an incident at Manchester Airport in July. Charges include causing actual bodily harm and assaulting emergency workers. The CPS confirmed no charges against police officers involved in the incident, which attracted significant public attention.
British Airways increases A380 flights to San Francisco
From March 29 to May 31, 2025, British Airways will operate two daily Airbus A380 flights between London Heathrow and San Francisco, offering a 29.7% capacity increase. Flights are scheduled for morning and afternoon departures from London, further solidifying British Airways’ dominance on this transatlantic route.
Norwegian flight DY430 runway excursion in Molde, Norway
A Norwegian Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway at Molde Airport on December 19, coming to rest 50 feet from the water. All 171 passengers and crew evacuated safely. Weather conditions at the time included variable winds and passing snow showers, contributing to the incident.
Aer Lingus ATR nose gear collapse at Belfast City Airport
An Aer Lingus ATR 72-600 suffered a nose gear collapse during landing at Belfast City Airport on December 22. The positioning flight had no passengers on board, and the airport closed its runway for the remainder of the day.
Korean Air ends Boeing 747-8i service to Atlanta
Korean Air will replace its Boeing 747-8i on the Seoul-Atlanta route with a Boeing 777-300ER from March 30, 2025. This change reduces capacity by 20% but increases premium seating, aligning with industry trends toward twin-engine efficiency.
Flight attendant injured at East Midlands Airport
A TUI flight attendant fell from an aircraft at East Midlands Airport while assuming the stairs were still attached. Emergency services responded, and the individual was hospitalized with major injuries. An AAIB investigation is underway.
British Airways suspends Abu Dhabi route over engine issues
Ongoing delays in receiving Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines have led British Airways to suspend its London Heathrow–Abu Dhabi route from March 30 to October 25, 2025. Affected passengers are being rebooked on alternative flights.
Aer Lingus takes delivery of A321XLR aircraft
Aer Lingus received its first two Airbus A321XLRs, with four more arriving by late 2025. The aircraft will operate new routes from Dublin to Nashville and Indianapolis starting in April and May 2025, offering enhanced comfort and capacity.
Miami International Airport launches $9 billion modernization plan
Miami International Airport announced a $9 billion plan to upgrade facilities, including restroom renovations, new jet bridges, and a four-star hotel. The project aims to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and improve overall travel experience.
Qatar Airways launches flights to Toronto
Qatar Airways began non-stop flights between Doha and Toronto with three weekly services on a Starlink-enabled Boeing 777. The airline now offers complimentary high-speed internet across 15 aircraft, enhancing passenger connectivity.
IAG explores Starlink inflight WiFi
International Airlines Group (IAG) is in talks with Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper Systems to equip its fleet with free high-speed inflight WiFi. Air France, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines already utilize Starlink’s satellite internet, which provides reliable connectivity at 35,000 feet.
SWISS flight makes emergency landing in Graz
A SWISS Airbus A220-300 from Bucharest to Zurich was diverted to Graz, Austria, after smoke filled the cabin. Twelve passengers were treated for injuries, and one crew member was critically injured. Investigations are ongoing.
Azerbaijan Airlines E-190 crash linked to missile strike
An Azerbaijan Airlines E-190 crashed in Grozny, reportedly brought down by a Russian surface-to-air missile. The crew managed to control the aircraft for 45 minutes before a fatal crash, saving 29 passengers. Both pilots lost their lives, and an investigation is underway.
United Airlines flight attendant food poisoning incident
Over 200 United Airlines flight attendants fell ill after consuming company-provided Christmas meals at Denver International Airport. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. The Association of Flight Attendants has called for an investigation into the catering practices.
United Airlines finds stowaway deceased in landing gear
The body of an unidentified individual was discovered in the landing gear of a United Airlines Boeing 787-10 upon arrival in Maui from Chicago. Authorities are investigating how the individual accessed the aircraft.
Emirates announces overseas simulator assessments
Emirates will conduct simulator assessments in Amsterdam for Boeing-experienced pilots. Successful candidates will proceed to Dubai for further evaluations, including medical checks and logbook reviews.
Airbus updates engine restart procedures
Airbus revised its ‘ALL ENG FAIL’ procedures after a dual engine flameout on a LATAM A320 during severe weather. The updates will enhance pilot response during emergencies and apply to multiple Airbus aircraft families.
IndiGo to wet-lease Norse Atlantic Boeing 787s
IndiGo plans to lease six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways, marking its entry into long-haul operations. The deal enables the airline to rapidly expand internationally while competing with Air India.
