Airlines

‘Stylish’ £6 Home Bargains cabin bag suitable for 30 airlines including Jet2

The discount chain claims this bag is ‘approved by over 30 airlines’ around the world

A ‘compact’ yet ‘stylish’ travel bag is available at Home Bargains, which the store says could help take the stress and worry of overpacking out of holidaymakers‘ minds this summer. It has been approved to comply with the luggage dimension rules of up to 30 airlines worldwide.

People can pick up the Bordlite Under Seat Cabin Bag in an online sale, down from £14.99 to £5.99 (a 60% saving). Shoppers can choose between black and navy for the same price at Home Bargains.

Describing the travel bag online, the store said: “The Bordlite Under Seat Cabin Bag is a lightweight and compact travel essential, approved by over 30 airlines. With three external pockets and a long shoulder strap, it keeps your journey organised and hassle-free.”

According to the Home Bargains website, the bag measures in at “approximately” 40 x 30 x 20cm. Using the provided dimensions, shoppers can confidently pack and use this underseat bag on a variety of airlines.

Home Bargains claims that “over 30” will approve this for travel, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, Jet2 and British Airways. Because the bag fits in with some of the strictest size guides, it automatically works for airlines that offer slightly larger allowances.

Below is a full list of the 30 airlines which accept this size (or bigger) when booking. In most cases, airlines include a free personal or underseat item within the ticket price – but always double-check with the airline itself before getting caught out with an extra airport fee.

For more Home Bargains deals, click here. Some are online-only, meaning shoppers who shop only at their local store could miss out on certain major deals.

What airlines accept this size bag?

UK & Europe:

  1. Ryanair (Up to 40 x 25 x 20cm)
  2. Wizz Air (40 x 30 x 20cm exactly)
  3. FlyOne (40 x 30 x 20cm exactly)
  4. easyJet (Up to 45 x 36 x 20cm)
  5. Jet2 (Up to 45 x 36 x 20cm)
  6. British Airways (Allows a large cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25cm for free)
  7. Lufthansa (Up to 40 x 30 x 10cm for personal item, but easily fits their free overhead limit of 55 x 40 x 23cm)
  8. Air France / KLM (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item, but easily fits their free overhead limit of 55 x 35 x 25cm)
  9. Norwegian Air (Up to 38 x 30 x 20cm)
  10. Iberia (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 56 x 45 x 25cm for overhead)
  11. TAP Air Portugal (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 20cm for overhead)
  12. Aegean Airlines (Up to 40 x 30 x 25cm)
  13. Vueling (Up to 40 x 30 x 20cm)
  14. Eurowings (Up to 40 x 30 x 25cm)
  15. Pegasus Airlines (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 20cm for overhead)
  16. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)
  17. Swiss International Air Lines (Up to 40 x 30 x 10cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)

Middle East and Asia

  1. Emirates (Allows an overhead bag up to 55 x 38 x 20cm for free on all tickets).
  2. Qatar Airways (Allows a cabin bag up to 50 x 37 x 25cm for free).
  3. Etihad Airways (Allows a cabin bag up to 56 x 36 x 23cm for free).
  4. Singapore Airlines (Allows a personal item up to 40 x 30 x 10cm or a main cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20cm)
  5. Turkish Airlines (Allows a personal item up to 40 x 30 x 15cm or a main cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 23cm)

American and Transatlantic

  1. Delta Air Lines (no specific personal item dimensions, must fit under the seat)
  2. United Airlines (Up to 43 x 25 x 22cm)
  3. American Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
  4. Air Canada (Up to 43 x 33 x 16cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)
  5. JetBlue (Up to 43 x 33 x 20cm)
  6. Spirit Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
  7. Frontier Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
  8. WestJet (Up to 41 x 33 x 15cm for personal item / 53 x 38 x 23cm for overhead)

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Pilot: Unruly passenger bites fellow flyer on American Airlines flight

An unruly airline passenger allegedly bit a fellow flyer aboard a flight from Charlotte, N.C., to Philadelphia on Sunday, according to pilot audio. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo

June 21 (UPI) — An unruly passenger bit a fellow flyer and started throwing punches aboard an American Airlines flight on Sunday, according to audio of a pilot’s conversation with air traffic controllers.

A recording first obtained by CBS News and then posted online by aviation industry monitors shows the incident happened aboard American Airlines flight AA3046 from Charlotte, N.C., to Philadelphia.

In it, the pilot of the Airbus A320 tells controllers to have emergency medics and law enforcement personnel ready meet the aircraft on arrival at Philadelphia International Airport due to a disturbance onboard allegedly created by a male passenger in his 70s.

“I don’t know… if he’s hallucinating or whatever, but he just bit a passenger and he’s trying to fight everybody,” the pilot is heard saying.

After getting confirmation from the control tower, the pilot adds, “What a day, huh?”

The controller responds, “Happy Father’s Day!”

American Airlines told CBS the passenger was experiencing a medical emergency and that he was “assisted” before the flight landed but did not confirm if police were present upon arrival.



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Airlines face cutting ‘tens of thousands of flights’ this winter due to ongoing fuel crisis

TENS of thousands of flights face being cancelled this winter as fears continue to grow over the high cost of jet fuel.

Airlines have already been forced to scrap thousands of flights in recent months since the Iran war broke out.

An ITA Airways Airbus A320 Neo with its logo and sign on the tarmac at Geneva Airport, being prepared by a tow vehicle.
Airlines are at risk of having to cancel tens of thousands more flights Credit: Alamy

However, experts have warned that unless costs go down, cancellations could now affect winter schedules.

Italy‘s ITA chief executive Joerg Eberhart said they could be forced to cut as may as a fifth of flights from October to April, he told the FT.

Turkish Airlines echoed this, saying they could be forced to make “frequency cuts of even stop destinations” after summer if it continues.

Others have warned that is puts added pressure on airlines to fill planes, which is often not the case during the quieter winter season.

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Most UK airlines have said that they don’t see any immediate threats to upcoming flights, as many have ‘hedged’ fuel costs, which is paying a set price for a period of time.

However, Ryanair has warned that budget airlines face the biggest struggle, due to the low margins.

A Turkish Airlines plane parked at Berlin-Brandenburg airport next to a Revolut jet bridge.
Turkish Airlines also said they could cut flights Credit: Alamy

The budget carrier’s boss Michael O’Leary previously warned: “If pricing stays higher for longer this summer, we think a number of our airline competitors in Europe are going to face real financial difficulties. I think there will be failures.”

Spirit Airlines has already been a victim of the ongoing fuel crisis, having gone into administration last month.

And while UK flights might not be cancelled, the cost of flights is expected to only go up.

International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns Iberia and Aer Lingus, said it will likely pass on extra costs to cover the additional £1.72billion costs of its fuel this year.

And Virgin Atlantic has added a new fuel surcharge, ranging from £50 to £360.

Experts have said costs could continue to go up, due to the UK’s reliance on US jet fuel.

This is because US suppliers could divert their fuel inwards due to it being the busy American holiday season, particularly for “driving season” (when domestic holidays boom).

S&P Global’s research director for fuels Eleanor Budds told Telegraph: “Prices could rise again. The UK is replacing a good part of its imports. If the US can’t keep up those volumes, [the UK] is very exposed”.

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More airlines are cracking down on popular travel item which could get you in trouble

A person holds a phone with a blank screen and a power bank, charging the phone, with a suitcase in the background.

A NUMBER of airlines, including several to a popular long-haul destination, are the latest in updating rules on a popular travel item.

Portable power banks have caused a number of issues on flights in recent months.

A person holds a phone with a blank screen and a power bank, charging the phone, with a suitcase in the background.
More airlines are updating their rules and guidance on portable power banks Credit: Getty

And as a result, rules regarding travelling with them on planes have been updated for all flights heading to, within and from Thailand.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has stated that power banks must now be stored in hand luggage, when previously they were allowed in checked luggage.

Passengers will be allowed up to two power banks but they cannot be used during flights.

The updated rules apply to all airlines that fly to, within and from Thailand such as Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways and Singapore Airlines.

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And it isn’t just the airlines flying to Thailand that are issuing updated power bank guidance.

This week Aer Lingus changed its policy as well, with passengers now only able to carry up to two power banks in their cabin baggage.

A spokesperson for the airline told The Irish Times that the change is “in line with guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency”.

Airlines changing their rules and guidance on travelling with power banks comes as a number of incidents caused by lithium batteries – which are found inside power banks – have occurred on flights in recent months.

A close-up of a smartphone charging with a yellow portable power bank, held by a person in a blue plaid shirt.
Including updated advice to all airlines flying to, from and within Thailand Credit: Getty

The batteries are prone to overheating and in a number of cases have even caught fire.

For example, on May 19, an easyJet flight travelling from Egypt to the UK was forced to divert to Rome after a passenger revealed they had left a phone connected and charging via a power bank in their checked luggage.

And back in July last year, a power bank caught fire on a Bangkok Airways flight from Samui to Hong Kong.

According to power bank brand Anker, “for those traveling to, from, or within the United Kingdom, you must adhere to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines.

“When it comes to carrying power banks on planes, UK regulations are very specific about how these items are stored.

“The CAA emphasises that terminals must be protected from short circuits.

“Major airlines like British Airways, EasyJet, and Virgin Atlantic all enforce the 100Wh limit for automatic acceptance.”

The CAA’s power bank rules are as follows:

  • Power banks must be carried in carry‑on baggage
  • Power banks must be individually protected when not in use
  • Power banks must not be recharged on board the aircraft
  • Power banks should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board the aircraft
  • Maximum of two power banks per person



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Venezuelan Gov’t Orders Airlines, Shipping Companies to Deposit Fuel Payments in US Treasury Account

Airlines and shipping companies must send payment receipts to PDVSA to access fuel. (Archive)

Caracas, June 3, 2026 (venezuelanalysis.com) – The Venezuelan government headed by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has instructed airlines and shipping companies to direct fuel payments to a US Treasury account.

Spanish newspaper El Diario published a May 28 letter from state oil company PDVSA addressed to “aviation and maritime customers” that laid out the “banking coordinates” for foreign currency payments concerning JET A1, MGO, and IFO 380 purchases.

JET A1 is a kerosene-based fuel widely used by commercial airplanes, while Maritime Gas Oil (MGO) and Intermediate Fuel Oil (IFO) 380 are standard for ship engines.

“We urge our customers to take the necessary precautions and forward the payment receipt to PDVSA sales representatives so that the payment is cleared and fuel supply is assured,” the letter read.

An attached US Treasury information sheet contains details for Fedwire payments to a “Venezuela custody account” and requires information about “source of funds, e.g., oil, gold, minerals, etc.”

The leaked letter is the first publicly available document from a Venezuelan state institution directing foreign currency payments to an account run by the US Treasury Department as opposed to the country’s Central Bank (BCV) or some alternative state-run mechanism.

Since the January 3 military strikes and kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the Trump administration has seized control of the country’s export revenues. The White House has likewise extracted concessions in the form of pro-business reforms, preferential access for Western corporations to natural resources, and external audits of the Venezuelan Central Bank.

US Treasury general licenses allowing select Western corporations to engage in oil and gas activities mandate that all Venezuela-owed payments for royalties, taxes, and dividends be deposited in US Treasury accounts. Additional sanctions waivers imposed similar constraints on mining sector services and exports.

Neither US nor Venezuelan authorities have disclosed information about the funds, the timings of their disbursements back to Caracas, and the percentage kept by the Trump administration. The US president stated in a May interview that Washington has “made a fortune” from Venezuelan oil sales.

Both Washington and Caracas have acknowledged the use of Treasury-held Venezuelan revenues for the purchase of medicines and medical equipment from US manufacturers. In January, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a Senate hearing in January that Venezuela would need to submit a “budget request” to access its own funds.

According to reports, Washington is mandating that the Venezuelan Central Bank distribute the returned foreign currency to private sector importers via exchange table auctions run by public and private banks. The BCV has reportedly allocated more than US $5 billion thus far in 2026.

The Rodríguez acting government’s diplomatic rapprochement with the Trump White House, coupled with reforms to attract Western investment, has led to a growing number of international airlines reestablishing flights to the Caribbean nation. American Airlines currently runs two daily direct Caracas-Miami flights, while United Airlines will launch a Caracas-Houston connection in August. Jetblue, for its part, is set to initiate its first-ever Venezuela route later in the year.

Venezuelan authorities have likewise recorded increased shipping activity at the country’s ports.

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British passengers could face lifetime ban from UK airlines under new proposals

Officials are considering measures that would allow UK airlines to block disruptive passengers with a history of serious misconduct from travelling, amid a sharp rise in onboard incidents since the pandemic

Ministers are exploring proposals that could result in persistent troublemakers being banned from future flights amid growing alarm over disruptive behaviour on aircraft.

Officials are weighing up a system that would enable airlines to identify passengers with a track record of serious misconduct and potentially deny them the ability to travel. Under the plans, which are still at an early stage of consideration, details of blacklisted passengers could be shared throughout the aviation industry.

Should someone attempt to book a flight after being added to the list, the airline or tour operator could receive notification and be given the choice to block the reservation, effectively grounding that individual indefinitely.

Civil liberties campaigners have, however, raised alarm about the proposals, cautioning they could set a “dangerous precedent” through the sharing of personal data and limitations on access to transport, reports the Express.

Currently, airlines have the power to ban passengers who have displayed violent or abusive conduct while travelling with them. Yet existing restrictions only extend to the specific carrier involved in the incident, meaning offenders can frequently sidestep penalties by simply booking with a different airline.

The primary hurdle facing any new system is current data protection law, which prohibits carriers from exchanging passenger details with one another, even where criminal offences have taken place.

Who is calling for some passengers to be banned from all flights for life?

Calls for stricter measures have grown louder following a string of high-profile mid-air incidents that have gone viral online, reports the Daily Mail. These have included episodes where cabin crew faced death threats and violent clashes erupted between passengers in aircraft aisles.

Such incidents are among hundreds logged annually and have often led to expensive flight diversions that wreck holidays and travel arrangements.

There appears to be widespread public backing for harsher punishments, with recent polling indicating most Britons support restrictions on passengers who commit serious misconduct while airborne.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has previously urged limits on airport alcohol sales, including curbs on early morning pints, in an effort to cut the number of disruptive passengers getting on planes.

Ministers aren’t attempting to stop travellers from having a drink before their flight. Rather, they’re hoping any future system would promote better conduct while helping to safeguard cabin crew, families and fellow passengers.

It’s understood the proposals are being worked on by the Home Office and Department for Transport but remain in the early stages and require additional consultation with the aviation sector. Any system would need to tackle existing privacy regulations, which currently stop airlines from sharing passenger data.

Ministers are expected to sit down with industry bosses later this month to thrash out the details of the plans. A government source said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy a pint at the airport, but anti-social behaviour on flights is totally unacceptable.

“It threatens the safety of passengers and crew and disrupts hard-earned holidays.

“There are already tough laws in place to deal with offences committed on flights, but we are exploring with industry how we can better address this issue, ensuring we crack down on people who persistently cause chaos. Everyone should be able to fly without fuss.”

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Southwest Airlines faces backlash over ‘plus-sized passenger’ policy

The airline may now have to walk back its recently revised policy after significant backlash from some customers – it has been a point of contention for passengers online

An airline that faced significant backlash for its controversial “customers of size” policy may now be forced to walk back on recent changes regarding plus-sized passengers.American commercial carrier Southwest Airlines changed its Customer of Size policy in January, when the airline moved to assigned seating. The updated guidelines require travellers who were unable to fit between lowered armrests to buy a second seat ahead of their journey. Passengers arriving without a prior reservation for an extra seat faced being rebooked if the flight reached capacity, or they were compelled to pay high same-day prices for the additional space.

But on Tuesday (May 26), one TikTok user reported to have been told “the best news ever” by a Southwest gate agent.

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In the short social media clip, the traveller claimed Southwest is “rescinding at least part of their new customer of size policy” that went into effect at the start of year. January. “They will be changing back to the original policy, at least in some form, where you can come into the airport and get an additional seat booked for you at no cost,” the woman in the video claimed. “You will no longer have to pre-purchase the seat.”But, as per a statement shared with Newsweek, the airline recently said: “On flights where seats are available, our agents at the airport are empowered to provide an additional seat at no extra cost to customers who require one.”

The statement added: “If another seat is not available., we will work to accommodate the customer on a later flight. We continue to encourage customers who need an additional seat to book it in advance to help alleviate any last-minute inconvenience at the airport.” The statement to Newsweek left several questions unanswered, specifically regarding the timeline for these implementations and whether passengers who choose to pre-purchase an additional seat would remain eligible for refunds.

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EasyJet probed in Italy over alleged unfair baggage pricing on booking platforms

Published on

The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), Italy’s antitrust authority, announced on Tuesday that it opened a formal probe into easyJet Airline Company Limited over alleged unfair commercial practices.


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The case centres on how the carrier structures and presents baggage fees on its website and mobile app, with the regulator alleging that passengers were routinely given a distorted picture of what they were actually paying.

According to the AGCM, easyJet’s platform set bundled checked baggage and sports equipment for round trips as the automatic default, presenting only an overall average price for the service, even when customers had no intention of purchasing it for both legs of their journey.

The regulator contends that anyone wishing to add luggage for one leg only was forced to interrupt the booking process to override this setting, a step most consumers would be unlikely to notice or navigate.

The investigation will assess whether easyJet’s booking system created unclear pricing conditions and limited consumers’ ability to make fully informed choices.

At the time of writing, easyJet has not publicly commented on the case.

Italy’s AGCM previous actions

This is not the first time easyJet has appeared before Italian authorities.

In May 2021, the AGCM imposed a €2.8 million fine on the airline alongside Ryanair and Volotea, after all three failed to offer cash reimbursements for flights cancelled when Italy lifted its COVID-19 travel restrictions, issuing vouchers instead.

EasyJet appealed, but the Lazio Regional Administrative Court in Rome rejected the challenge in February 2025.

The AGCM has shown no hesitation in pursuing the sector more broadly.

In December 2025, it fined Ryanair €255 million for abusing its dominant position in air travel to and from Italy.

The Italian authority concluded the carrier had deployed an “elaborate strategy” to obstruct travel agencies from purchasing its flights, including through facial-recognition checks, payment blocks and mass account deletions, a ruling Ryanair immediately vowed to appeal.

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Shockingly cheap foreign flights in school summer holidays as airlines slash prices

AUGUST flights don’t come cheap, but there are some serious savings to be found this summer as airlines slash prices to entice Brits who’ve been nervous about booking because of the Iran war.

Sun Travel has worked with Skyscanner to find some of the cheapest flights that are actually during the school holidays – with some as little as £23 each way.

You can visit beautiful Burano if you take a flight to Venice this August from £23 each way Credit: Alamy
Nice is surrounded by beautiful seaside towns like Villefranche Sur Mer Credit: Alamy

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Working with Skyscanner, Sun Travel has crunched the numbers and discovered where Brits can find the cheapest flights that are actually in the school summer holidays.

Some destinations have dropped prices significantly since last summer including favourites like Venice and Nice.

Starting with Venice, an economy return flight starts from £46pp in August this year – which is down by 14 per cent from August 2025.

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Famous for its waterways, the beautiful city is one of the most visited in Italy.

And if you travel out of the city, there are charming Italian seaside villages peppered along the Adriatic coast.

Don’t forget to stop by Burano an island in the Venetian Lagoon with pretty rainbow-coloured fisherman’s houses.

A little closer to home, return flights to the French city of Nice start from £48pp – which is a decrease of 19 per cent.

The city is perfect for Brits as it can be reached in as little as two hours and August has highs of 27C so it’s perfect for basking on its pretty beaches.

From Nice, it’s an easy train ride along the Cote D’Azur to some of France’s most beautiful seaside towns like Cannes, Villefranche Sur Mer and Antibes.

Escape central Berlin to Lake Wannsee for boat trips and swimming Credit: Alamy

Return flights to the German city of Berlin start from £49pp this summer which is 10 per cent less than last year.

The city has plenty of history as well as vibrant murals and nightlife.

And while it isn’t very close to the seaside, Germany and neighbouring Switzerland which is easily reached by train, have stunning countryside and lakeside retreats that are the perfect temperature in mid-summer.

Although, just an hour’s drive from the city centre is Großer Wannsee – it’s a large lake and is actually considered one of ‘Europe’s largest inland lidos’.

It’s a popular summer swim spot and place for a summer daytrip.

When it comes to the flights with the biggest drop in prices return flights to Cape Town in South Africa are down 20 per cent with an average price from £689pp.

Holidays to Cape Town, Venice and Berlin are down from August last year Credit: Getty

Top 10 biggest price drop destinations for return flights in August 2026…

Skyscanner has found the biggest price drop destinations for return flights in August 2026 compared to last year…

  1. Cape Town from £689pp (-20 per cent)
  2. Las Vegas – from £585pp (-19 per cent)
  3. Nice – from £48pp (-19 per cent)
  4. Bordeaux – from £68pp (-18 per cent)
  5. Florence – from £99pp (-17 per cent)
  6. Geneva – from £74pp (-15 per cent)
  7. Venice – from £46pp (-14 per cent)
  8. Tirana – from £89pp (-12 per cent)
  9. Osaka – from £748pp (-10 per cent)
  10. Berlin – from £49pp (- 10 per cent)

    Prices correct as of May 20 2026 and are subject to change

It’s not the warmest time of year to visit Cape Town, but in August visitors can enjoy whale-watching and views of Table Mountain.

It’s also one of the cheapest bucket list destinations, with everything from safari to vineyards and stunning seaside towns all easily reached from the South African capital.

Another destination that Skyscanner recommends as being cheap with affordable flights is Dortmund in Germany – with an average flight of £72.

The German city is famous for its football culture and highlights its huge Signal Iduna Park and the exhibits at the German Football Museum.

Thanks to its location, both Munster and Dusseldorf are around an hour in each direction by car for those who fancy other city daytrips.

Meanwhile, in the Calabria region in southern Italy, you’ll find the port city of Crotone – where return flights start as little as £62pp.

Crotone in Southern Ialy is famous for its floating fortress can be reached for as little as £31pp Credit: Alamy

It once a Greek colony that was the home of Pythagoras.

Visitors should head to Crotone’s harbour which is central to the city and a lively spot for local seafood markets and restaurants.

The Old Town is the spot for nightlife too, with plenty of bars and a pint can be picked up for only €3 (£2.59).

It’s known for its floating fortress off Capo Rizzuto.

Here are some of Skyscanner’s top tip and tricks for getting the best flight prices…

Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner Travel Expert said…

  • Book early
    “The most straightforward way is to book early. More available seats on any route means the balance of supply and demand is in your favour.”
  • Shop around
    Another way to get a good fare is by shopping around. This is particularly useful when you are trying to get a flight during a busier time like the school holidays.
  • Airline combination
    Combining two different airlines or two departure or destination airports could also mean a big saving. 
  • Alternative destinations
    Considering alternative destinations is also a great way to grab a good deal and discover somewhere new into the bargain. If you’re even more flexible and can travel at different times, then you’re likely to see an even better saving.
  • Skyscanner savvy
    Skyscanner’s ‘everywhere’ search and ‘month view’ are all easy ways to do compare and contrast fares at a glance. 
  • Go for the basics
    Any route which is well served and established is usually good value. For example, any route from the UK to Spain where many airlines compete for customers usually stays lower for longer as they keep prices low to encourage bookings.
  • Check live prices
    Checking live prices and staying flexible on where and when you travel can go a long way when it comes to finding better value. More importantly, travellers should stay informed and check the latest travel advice before booking.

Prices correct at the time of publication



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Major airlines reschedule 2,949 flights and cancel 366 as airports face chaos

Airports in Japan, China, India, the UAE, Singapore and Thailand have all been impacted, with major airlines cancelling 366 flights and delaying a further 2,949 services.

Hundreds of flights have been axed this weekend as severe weather, airspace chaos and growing operational strain cause widespread disruption.

Airports across Japan, China, India, the UAE, Singapore and Thailand have all been hit, with airlines scrapping 366 flights and delaying a further 2,949 services, according to aviation tracking data reported by Travel and Tour World.

Major carriers affected include China Eastern Airlines, IndiGo, AirAsia and Etihad Airways, with the disruption centred on major transit hubs such as Tokyo Haneda Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Kempegowda International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport and Zayed International Airport.

Industry experts say the chaos is being fuelled by a mix of heavy storms battering parts of Asia, congestion at key airports and the ongoing impact of Middle East airspace restrictions, which have forced airlines to reroute planes and shoulder significantly higher fuel bills.

The broader aviation sector is also grappling with the fallout from geopolitical tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, which has resulted in airspace closures and extended flight times on major Europe-Asia routes.

It has been reported this week that a number of carriers have already started cutting back international schedules due to spiralling operating costs. Air India has confirmed temporary reductions to several long-haul services between June and August, attributing the move to fuel pressures and operational challenges stemming from diversions around restricted airspace.

Despite the turbulence affecting much of the region, Singapore Airlines has revealed plans to boost capacity on certain routes as passengers increasingly opt for direct Asia-Europe flights that bypass Middle Eastern stopovers.

Australian government travel guidance has also cautioned travellers to anticipate continued disruption related to the conflict, including cancellations, delays and fuel supply problems impacting global aviation networks.

Passengers flying through major Asian hubs this week have been advised to verify flight status updates before departing for the airport, with airlines cautioning that additional schedule alterations remain likely should weather patterns and geopolitical disruption persist.

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Latest paper boarding pass rules for all major UK airlines in 2026

Latest paper boarding pass rules for all major UK airlines in 2026 – The Mirror


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Med hotspots you can fly to this summer from as little as £20 as airlines SLASH fares to entice nervous Brits

AIRLINES are cutting the price of flights to encourage nervous Brits to book their holidays.

Experts have already warned that in the long term, flights are going to go up in price.

Airlines are slashing prices to European destinations Credit: Alamy
Turkey, in particular, Bodrum, has seen prices fall Credit: Alamy

Last week, British Airways owner IAG said prices will inevitably go up, with Virgin Atlantic adding surcharges on its long-haul flights.

However, the cost of flights – especially across Europe – is actually dropping right now because of the ongoing uncertainty.

This includes not only fears of a jet fuel shortage, but also concerns over the cost of living, with food and fuel prices being pushed up as well.

According to the FT, the cost of flights to 27 of the top 50 European destinations when travelling in July has dropped in recent weeks.

Some routes in mainland Europe dropped as much as 44 per cent, while a number of UK routes, such as London Heathrow to Nice, London Gatwick to Barcelona and Manchester to Palma, all dropped by at least 10 per cent.

The Sun’s Head of Travel and expert of more than 30 years, Lisa Minot, explained what this means for your holiday.

She said: “Airlines and tour operators face an impossible choice right now as they attempt to get Brits booking.

“As the US / Iran war drags on into its fourth month, news of jet fuel shortages and fuel surcharges has led to a dramatic drop in bookings as the travelling public is paralysed with indecision.

“While many of our favourite airlines and tour operators are confident in the price – and availability – of jet fuel for the summer months, convincing us to book has proved more difficult.

“When the good times roll, supply and demand can see prices skyrocket.

“Conversely, when the outlook is less sunny, that demand drops and so do prices.”

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, told Sun Travel about some of the places that are seeing prices drop.

He explained: “What’s really striking is just how many short-haul European destinations are actually cheaper than they were before the conflict began.

Italy is leading the way, with the Neapolitan Riviera down £232 per person to £905, the Amalfi Coast £126 cheaper at £1,073, and the Italian Lakes down £122 to £714.

Spain‘s La Palma has fallen from £120 to £474, making it one of the best-value options on the market right now.

Turkey is also seeing significant drops across the board — Bodrum is down £118 to £579, Dalaman is £110 cheaper at £492, and Antalya has fallen £90 to £520.

The beautiful Amalfi Coast has seen one of the biggest drops Credit: Alamy
Wizz Air chief executive József Váradi warned the “level of hesitancy” is causing the drop in bookings Credit: Getty

“The Greek islands are following suit, with Corfu down £83 to £568 and Skiathos down £82 to £844, while mainstream favourite Majorca is £86 cheaper at £581.

“Holiday companies are keen to get bookings moving, and that’s likely filtering through into some very competitive pricing right now.”

Wizz Air‘s chief executive József Váradi warned the “level of hesitancy” is causing the drop in bookings, previously telling the BBC: “That level of hesitancy can be overcome through price stimulation. So, short term, you are actually seeing prices dropping.”

Barclays analyst Andrew Lobbenberg backed this up, saying: “People are reluctant to book, they are booking late, and the airline and holiday companies are having to incentivise them with lower prices.”

What does this mean for your cheap flights?

Right now, easyJet has a number of cheap flights under £20 if travelling next month to destinations like Pisa, Amsterdam and Faro.

And Ryanair still has some cheap fares from £20 for July travel – when you’d normally expect fares to start going up – to destinations such as Barcelona and Venice.

Some of the biggest bargains in July include:

  • London Luton to Barcelona (£20)
  • London Luton to Venice (£21)
  • London Stansted to Milan (£15)
  • London Stansted to Cagliari (£20)
  • Manchester to Paris (£17)
  • Manchester to Ibiza (£20)
  • Birmingham to Pisa (£18)
  • Birmingham to Santander (£19)

TUI has some huge bargains for July still, especially to places like Corfu and Turkey.

Seven nights at Odysseus hotel just before the summer holidays is £275pp, with other stays coming in under £340pp.

Hard-hit destinations have seen holiday prices plummet, too.

Egypt is still on the safe travel list and hasn’t been drawn into the Iran war, but has seen holiday prices drop.

All-inclusive holidays for a week can be found for under £500pp in July – or ditch the food package, and there are deals from £419 each.

If you can wait until next year, seven-night, all-inclusive holidays for as little as £269pp with loveholidays in January 2027.

Turkey all-inclusive holidays are even cheaper, starting from £229pp for a week’s holiday – or travel in July for breaks still under £330pp.

Brits who are nervous about booking a trip abroad right now should look at booking package holidays instead, Lisa advised.

UK tour operators are ATOL protected, meaning your money is protected if your trip is cancelled.

This isn’t the case if booking flights and hotels separately.

But if you want to take the risk? You could find some mega cheap flight deals, which might be the last time for a while.

Lisa added: “With prices tumbling as the industry tempts us back into the skies, for the late deal hunters, things are looking good.”

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Paper boarding pass rules for all major UK airlines in 2026

Anyone with holidays planned needs to know the rules before they fly

Getting your boarding pass sorted is one of the first things to clear before jetting off on holiday, but some Brits risk being caught out at the check-in desk by overlooking a rule certain airlines have introduced. It is essential to know whether your documents need to be in a specific format to pass through the airport smoothly.

Previously, most UK carriers left it up to passengers to choose between printing boarding passes at home or having them on smartphones at the airport. However, it’s important to understand what your airline now allows, as failing to do so could put your entire trip in trouble.

Paper boarding passes are steadily being phased out in favour of digital options. Most airlines now issue tickets via email, apps, or other methods rather than paper.

In many instances, travellers can still print their passes at home or at the airport. It’s advisable to verify your airline’s specific policies (both outbound and return) beforehand, according to the Express.

Ryanair

Budget airline Ryanair has switched entirely to digital as of November 2025. Passengers travelling with the carrier will receive their boarding pass electronically via the Ryanair app once check-in is complete.

On its website, the airline states that its digital boarding passes “get rid of 300 tonnes of paper annually” and contribute to “lower airport costs and fares for all Ryanair passengers”.

Discussing check-in, Ryanair say that all “passengers will still receive email reminders to check-in online 48 and 24 hrs pre-departure. If any passenger arrives at the airport but hasn’t checked in online (having ignored these reminders), they will still be required to pay the airport check-in fee.”

Ryanair added that “special assistance is available at all airports” for travellers requiring support with digital passes and check-in. Full details can be found here.

EasyJet and WizzAir

For most flights, airlines such as easyJet accept digital tickets. EasyJet does not accept PDF scans displayed on phones, and all digital tickets must be presented via the free EasyJet app. Certain non-UK airports continue to require printed passes.

As of 2026, 21 airports in the easyJet network do not currently accept mobile boarding passes. If you are returning to the UK from any of these locations, you will need to print your boarding pass on paper:

  • Egypt: Hurghada (HRG), Luxor (LXR), Marsa Alam (RMF), Cairo Sphinx (SPX), Sharm El Sheikh (SSH)
  • Morocco: Agadir (AGA), Essaouira (ESU), Marrakesh (RAK), Rabat (RBA), Tangier (TNG)
  • Turkey: Izmir (ADB), Antalya (AYT), Bodrum (BJV)
  • Tunisia: Djerba (DJE), Enfidha (NBE)
  • Other Regions: Aqaba, Jordan (AQJ), Belgrade, Serbia (BEG), Pristina, Kosovo (PRN), Tirana, Albania (TIA), Ivalo, Finland (IVL) and Sitia, Greece (JSH)

A handful of airports that handle Wizz Air flights also do not support mobile passes, though there are just five such destinations, as of 2026:

  • Agadir (AGA)
  • Marrakesh (RAK)
  • Cairo Sphinx (SPX)
  • Zaragoza (ZAZ)
  • Tirana (TIA)

What about other major UK airlines?

For those flying with other carriers, it is best to check your airline’s website to determine whether a specific policy applies. Rules are larely the same but may vary from location to location.

  • British Airways: Allows printing at home or at airport kiosks. Digital passes are available via the BA app.
  • Jet2: Supports both physical and digital tickets. You can print from “Manage My Booking” or use the Jet2 app.
  • TUI: Both printed and digital passes are accepted.
  • Virgin Airways: Although the airline “highly recommends” digital, printed copies are accepted, and kiosk printing remains available at major hubs like London Heathrow and Manchester.

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Airlines could switch to US jet fuel to ‘ease some pressure’ amid shortage fears

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has urged its European members to consider switching to US-made jet fuel amid rising concerns over possible shortages caused by the Iran oil crisis

European airlines should contemplate switching to US-manufactured jet fuel amid mounting worries over shortages triggered by the Iran oil crisis, a trade body has warned. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents carriers, said its European members could “ease some pressure” by altering the type of fuel they use.

Commercial aviation mainly depends on two fuel grades: Jet A-1, which is utilised across most of the world, and Jet A, which is chiefly used in North America. They are comparable, with the principal distinction being that Jet A-1 has a lower maximum freezing point, offering greater versatility on long-haul and polar routes.

Jet A is predominantly manufactured outside the Gulf, from where fuel supplies are restricted by Iran’s limitations on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. IATA’s director of flight and technical operations, Stuart Fox, stated in a blog that using Jet A “could give airlines facing a possible shortfall in fuel supply more options”.

He proposed this could “help the industry make better use of the fuel we have” and “keep schedules intact”. He continued: “Fuel supply could come under pressure if the war in the Middle East continues.

“Using Jet A, which is produced at scale outside the Gulf, could be a practical way to help ease some pressure on existing supply chains.

“This would have to be done through a controlled transition from one approved fuel grade to another. In normal times, that flexibility might not be noticeable. But in today’s circumstances it’s critical to keeping the whole system moving.”

Mr Fox noted that airlines looking to switch from Jet A-1 to Jet A would need to implement crucial safety precautions, including accounting for the higher freezing point and ensuring crew members are fully briefed on which fuel is on board.

On Friday, British Airways’ parent company International Airlines Group cautioned that its profits would take a hit, anticipating spending approximately two billion euro (£1.72 billion) more than budgeted on fuel this year. Chief executive Luis Gallego stated that he does not believe the group will experience “any interruption for the summer” with regard to fuel supply.

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All of the airlines that have been forced to close this year

THREE airlines officially went into liquidation this year with many passengers having their flights affected.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Spirit Airlines ceases global operations amid fuel cost pressures
Spirit Airlines went into liquidation earlier this year Credit: EPA
Illustration of two Ecojet airplanes flying above clouds.
EcoJet had the aim of being the world’s first electric airlineCredit: Ecojet

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel. 

Spirit Airlines

Just days ago, US airline Spirit Airlines announced it was shutting down and would be cancelling all of its flights.

The budget carrier had been in talks with the US government about securing a rescue deal to save it from collapse, but in early May announced its liquidation.

The airline said on its website it had “started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately”.

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Spirit had filed for its second bankruptcy in recent years – but experts said rising fuel costs caused by the war in Iran had pushed it over the edge.

According to The Independent, the airline had over 4,000 domestic flights scheduled through mid-May and has refunded most of its customers.

Ascend Airways

Ascend Airways went into liquidation in late April.

The airline provided aircraft for other carriers, with previous ones including Oman Air, Air Sierra Leone and Tui Airways.

A company email suggested a combination of economic pressure, soaring UK costs and a lack of contracts was the cause of the collapse.

An insider told Sun Travel: “It’s to do with the economy, we couldn’t get contracts, the UK is a lot more expensive than Europe.

The fuel situation had a massive effect on it as well.

EcoJet 

Earlier this year, Edinburgh’s EcoJet went bust – without ever actually launching a flight.

It was founded in 2023 by entrepreneur Dale Vince and with the aim of being the world’s first electric airline.

In early May, The Herald reported that Opus Restructuring were appointed the formal liquidators for the firm. 

A spokesperson said: “EcoJet was a start-up business and has no material assets.

“The members have elected to fund the liquidation process to ensure that the company’s employees receive their full statutory entitlements.”

EcoJet had planned flights from Edinburgh to Southampton and wanted to launch other journeys across Europe – but the flights never took off.



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Wetherspoon boss hits back at Ryanair’s ‘Big Brother’ approach after airline’s plan to scrap airport breakfast pint

POV shot of a mid-adult same-sex female couple toasting beers at an airport.
A point of view shot of a mid-adult caucasian same-sex female LGBTQI couple sitting in the airport waiting for their flight toasting with their beers. Credit: Getty

THE BOSS of Wetherspoons has hit back at Ryanair after the airline proposed to scrap the beloved airport breakfast pint.

Sir Tim Martin, 71, boss slammed the idea to ban the sale of alcohol before early morning flights as a “Big Brother” approach.

Tim Martin has hit back at Ryanair after the airline proposed to limit airport drinking Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
The Wetherspoon boss said it was a ‘Big Brother’ approach Credit: Getty

Ryanair boss, Michael O’Leary, recently called for a ban after saying the rise in badly behaved passengers is causing huge problems for the airline.

He said it had become a “real challenge for all airlines” and questioned why punters needed a pint in the early hours of the morning.

O’Leary has also previously suggested a two-drink cap, something he says the airline tends to follow onboard, in an effort to clamp down on bad behaviour by passengers.

But JD Wetherspoon chief Martin said it could lead to passengers being breathalysed and added that any drinks limit would be hard to manage, The Times reports.

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Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary recently called for a ban on the beloved airport breakfast pint Credit: Reuters
He claimed that badly behaved passengers are causing the airline huge problems Credit: Getty

He told the outlet: “It is in everyone’s interests to have good behaviour at airports and on flights.

“A two-drink limit would be extraordinarily difficult to implement, short of breathalysing passengers, and would, in our opinion, be an overreaction — especially since many of the problems stem from incoming flights.”

Wetherspoon also claimed that the majority of its airport sales were not alcohol and any ban would result in passengers buying alcohol elsewhere prior to arriving at the airport.

But O’Leary said the problem with passengers is getting worse – previously the airline would have around one flight diversion a week, which has since increased to “one diversion a day”.

Current rules allow pubs and restaurants in airports to serve alcohol at any time as they do not have to follow the same licensing rules elsewhere in the country.

Passengers drunk on a plane can face being jailed for up to two years, and huge fines if they force a plane to divert of up to £80,000.

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Broken Spirit: Jet Fuel Surge, Iran War Rattle Airlines

Amid Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy, airlines that were once confident in their financial resilience are now navigating a volatile geopolitical landscape.

The collapse of Spirit Airlines, the scrappy low-cost carrier, underscores the fragile economics of air travel amid $4-per-gallon jet fuel and high crude prices.

From Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines to Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific, carriers are reassessing routes and fares as soaring fuel costs threaten profits, while the Iran war disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Airlines and investors had anticipated stable fuel costs in the second quarter, but analysts have had to adjust their outlooks. Forward-looking projections indicate fuel prices will remain above previous forecasts, a development that could continue to pressure airline profit margins and ticket pricing strategies.

“Fuel forward expectations for the second quarter haven’t changed, but what has changed are expectations for the rest of the year,” Matt Woodruff, head of aerospace and defense/transports at CreditSights, told Global Finance. “[Fuel prices] will be higher for longer than we were thinking a month or two ago.”

‘Good Aircraft’ Grounded

On April 23, former President Donald Trump publicly mused about rescuing Spirit Airlines, calling the carrier “virtually debt-free” and noting its “good aircraft, good assets.” He suggested buying the airline and potentially profiting when oil prices decline, adding, “I’d love to be able to save those jobs … I like having a lot of airlines, so it’s competitive.”

The plan never materialized, and Spirit shut down on May 3. Travelers remained stranded as jet fuel prices hit unprecedented highs amid the Iran war, now more than two months old.

“We regret to inform you that all Spirit Airlines flights have been canceled, effective immediately,” read a notice when opening the carrier’s app.

The ripple effects were felt beyond Dania Beach, Florida, where the airline is based. Spirit operated international flights throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and Central America, including Colombia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Peru, Costa Rica, and Aruba. Its sudden closure left 17,000 direct and indirect employees without work.

The Trump administration and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent quickly blamed Biden-era opposition to the much-debated Spirit/JetBlue Airways Corp. merger. The two carriers had a $3.8 billion deal in the works, which Bessent argued “would have given them much more resiliency.” Spirit filed for bankruptcy protection in November 2024, saddled with more than $2.5 billion in losses since 2020.

But no airline, not even one with low-cost appeal, is immune to the whims of the global oil market.

At the time of Spirit’s first bankruptcy under Biden, U.S. airlines were paying an average of $2.31 per gallon for jet fuel. Under Trump, that figure has nearly doubled, with the Argus US Jet Fuel Index reporting $4.26 per gallon as of May 4.

Consider the Warnings

Brent crude prices are hovering above $100 per barrel, while regional conflicts near the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes—continue to heighten supply concerns.

Fuel is often the largest single operating expense for airlines. Delta Air Lines, for example, disclosed in a March filing that its 2025 fuel costs accounted for 31.3% of its operating expenses. The company noted that a one-cent increase in jet fuel adds about $40 million to its fuel tab for the year.

Delta paid $2.7 billion for fuel in the first quarter of 2026.

The airline produces some of its own jet fuel, which means it avoids paying full market prices for fuel conversion, shielding it from the worst of the “crack spread” costs, Woodruff said. “They’re getting a benefit relative to everyone else, but they’re still feeling it.”

Cuts are underway. Starting May 19, the company will no longer offer food or drinks on flights under 349 miles.

Other carriers are responding to the latest volatility by raising fares, canceling routes, rerouting aircraft to avoid restricted airspace, and reconsidering expansion plans. Airfares have increased five times since the war in Iran began, with a sixth hike underway late last month, according to the Wall Street Journal.

“The routes that aren’t doing well, those are going first,” Woodruff said. “Regional jets, for example, often don’t make much money — those are, for sure, a target.”

What’s Next

Spirit isn’t the only airline feeling the effects of this new norm. Its former suitor, JetBlue, is reevaluating routes that may no longer cover rising fuel, airport, and maintenance costs. Delta is canceling hundreds of flights, while international carriers — including Paris-based Air France, Cologne-based Lufthansa, and Cathay Pacific — are trimming routes to protect margins.

This shift stands in stark contrast to late 2024, when Delta CEO Ed Bastian welcomed the incoming Trump administration as a “breath of fresh air.” Through much of 2025, that optimism seemed justified, as major U.S. carriers forecast continued profitability into 2026.

And that might still be the case despite the war in Iran rattling global energy markets and upending long-held assumptions about fuel stability and travel demand.

Each airline is now telling a two-sided story about how robust demand is while also raising fares. United Airlines’ fare numbers, for example, will be 15% to 20% higher than last year. 

Whether consumers will tolerate such a price hike remains to be seen. “Ultimately, consumers are going to decide what they are willing to pay and what they aren’t, not a formula,” Southwest CEO Bob Jordan told reporters in April.

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth echoed the concern, telling CBS’s Face the Nation on April 23 that instability in the Strait of Hormuz was likely to continue driving up energy costs.

Even the forward fuel curves today indicate that, even if the war ended today, costs wouldn’t normalize until well into next year, Woodruff said.

By 2027, airlines expect to offset most, if not all, of the recent fuel cost increases through higher fares, he added. But that outlook assumes forward fuel prices in the first quarter of 2027 will be lower than they are today. If they’re not, carriers could continue to face significant financial pressure.

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United Airlines flight hits truck, light pole on New Jersey Turnpike

May 4 (UPI) — A United Airlines flight hit a delivery truck and a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike on approach to Newark International Airport in New Jersey, where it landed safely and nobody was hurt.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the Sunday afternoon incident, which “has been classified as an accident due to the extent of the damage to the airplane.”

“An NTSB investigator arrived in Newark this morning to conduct interviews of the flight crew,” the agency said in a statement posted to X.

“The investigation will examine multiple factors, including flight operations, meteorological conditions, human performance, crew resource management, aircraft performance and air traffic traffic control,” it said.

The flight was on approach from Venice, Italy, into Newark but flew too close to traffic, clipping a delivery truck and then hitting a light pole that reportedly struck a Jeep on the highway, CBS Baltimore and WABC reported.

The flight, which was carrying 221 passengers and 10 crew, landed safely at the airport around 2 p.m., with officials from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to the bakery that owns the truck noting that they have no idea how the incident happened.

“Upon its final approach into Newark International Airport, United flight 169 came into contact with a light pole,” United said in a statement.

“The aircraft landed safely, taxied to the gate normally and no passengers or crew were injured,” the airline said. “Our maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft and we will investigate how this occurred.”

President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday. Trump signed an order to expand workers’ access to retirement accounts. Trump also signed legislation ending a 75-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security after the House voted in favor of funding. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo

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United Airlines flight strikes turnpike light pole, injuring driver

Travelers walk with a view of a United Airlines airplane at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 22, 2025. On Sunday, the airline said one of its flights struck a light pole on the New Jersey turnpike as it was landing at the airport. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

May 3 (UPI) — A United Airlines jet struck a light pole while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday afternoon, damaging a vehicle traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike, officials said.

United Airlines Flight 169 from Venice, Italy, was on final approach to Newark’s Runway 29 at about 2 p.m. EDT when “the aircraft struck an object over the southbound New Jersey Turnpike, causing damage to a light post and tractor-trailer traveling south on the NJ Turnpike,” the Port Authority Police Department told UPI in an emailed statement.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and has been released, the police department said, adding that “minor damage to the aircraft was observed.”

United told UPI that the aircraft, a Boeing 767-400 with 221 passengers and 10 crew onboard, “landed safely, taxied to the gate normally and no passengers or crew were injured.”

“Our maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft,” the carrier said, adding that it will conduct a “rigorous flight safety investigation” into the incident.

“Our crew has been removed from service as part of the process.”

The runway was back to normal operations following an inspection for debris, according to authorities.

The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the federal investigation into the incident, with one of its investigators expected to arrive in Newark on Monday, the agency said in a statement.

United Airlines has been directed to secure and provide both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder to the NTSB as part of its investigation, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said she has been briefed on the incident.

“I’m grateful the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew are unharmed,” she said in a social media statement.

“United is investigating how this occurred.”

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Passengers ‘don’t know what to do’ as bags still missing after Spirit Airlines collapse

Passengers have been left stranded at airports without their luggage after the immediate closure of a major airline cancelling all flights with no customer service

Passengers have been left stuck without their bags after the closure of a major airline.

One of America’s largest low-budget carriers, Spirit Airlines, announced its closure “effective immediately”.

The airline said in a statement: “All Spirit flights have been cancelled and Spirit guests should not go to the airport.”

As a result, customers could not get connecting flights and have been left stranded at airports across the country, with some passengers unsure where there bags are located.

On Sunday, a day after the airline closed, some passengers are still waiting at the airport for their luggage.

One passenger explained they ‘don’t know what to do’ as they have been left waiting for more news on the whereabouts of their belongings.

The traveller told NBC6 “I cannot fly because I don’t have my bags with me, so I’m just stuck here.”

Grace Florez was heading from North Carolina to Colombia but got stuck in Fort Lauderdale after her connection was cancelled.

She still doesn’t know where her bags are nearly two days later.

“It’s difficult, and it’s frustrating,” she said. “I just go with the flow. I don’t stress myself, but I need to work tomorrow.”

As the airline has been left with no customer service, she is left with no answers.

“I’m clueless,” she said. “I hope they are somewhere back there. I don’t know what to do. Other than waiting.”

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Was the Iran war the final blow in the collapse of Spirit Airlines? | US-Israel war on Iran News

Spirit Airlines, a budget carrier in the United States, has begun winding down operations, cancelling all flights, after talks with the Trump administration to secure a $500m bailout failed. Experts say a spike in aviation fuel prices from the US-Israel war on Iran dealt the final blow to the struggling airline that pioneered the ultralow-cost carrier model.

The airline’s shutdown after 34 years has left some 17,000 staff members unemployed, many passengers stranded, and raised doubts about the future of budget air travel.

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How did Spirit Airlines reach this point? Did the US-Israel war on Iran deliver the final blow?

Here’s what we know:

What has Spirit Airlines said?

On Saturday, Spirit Aviation Holdings, the airline’s parent company, said the company had started to wind down operations.

“Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc … today regretfully announced that the Company has started an orderly wind-down of operations, effective immediately. All Spirit flights have been cancelled, and Spirit Guests should not go to the airport,” the company said in a statement on Saturday.

The statement added that, despite its efforts, “the recent material increase in oil prices and other pressures on the business have significantly impacted Spirit’s financial outlook”.

Spirit Airlines, whose airfares were lower compared with other US airlines, had 4,119 domestic flights scheduled between May 1 and May 15, offering 809,638 seats, according to the latest data from Cirium, an aviation analytics firm.

The carrier’s parent firm started as a long-haul trucking company in 1964. It shifted to aviation around 1983. The carrier rebranded from Charter One Airlines to Spirit in 1992.

How did Spirit Airlines reach this point?

The airline had been struggling financially for years and had filed for bankruptcy twice – in November 2024 and then in August 2025 – due to continued losses, high debt, and intense competition from other airlines.

According to a May 2 report by the Reuters news agency, Spirit had recently reached a deal with its lenders that would have helped it emerge from its second bankruptcy by late spring or early summer.

But the war on Iran, which led to a significant increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, added to Spirit’s financial struggles and complicated its bankruptcy exit.

Spirit’s restructuring plan assumed ATF costs of about $2.24 a gallon in 2026 and $2.14 in 2027, but prices had climbed to about $4.51 a gallon by the end of April, leaving the carrier unable to survive without new financing.

A Spirit board meeting ended without an agreement to rescue the company, a person close to the discussions told Reuters late on Friday.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Reuters he tried to get many airlines to buy Spirit but found no takers. “What would someone buy?” Duffy asked. “If no one else wants to buy them, why would we buy them?”

US President Donald Trump also said he had tried to bail out the airline with a $500m financing package.

“If we can help them, we will, but we have to come first,” Trump told reporters. “If we could do it, we’d do it, but only if it’s a good deal.”

However, a creditor close to the deal told Reuters, “The Trump administration made an extraordinary effort to try and save Spirit, but you can’t breathe life into a corpse. Given that, the company should make its intentions clear for the sake of its customers and employees.”

Anita Mendiratta, special adviser to the UN Tourism secretary-general, noted that while war and geopolitical instability may not have caused Spirit’s collapse, they likely delivered the final blow.

“Surging fuel costs exposed the vulnerability of airlines operating on thin margins with little room for shock absorption,” she told Al Jazeera.

“Spirit’s weaknesses were already there – it had already gone through two bankruptcy filings in the two years prior; global instability simply accelerated the inevitable. In today’s aviation market, volatility is no longer an exception; it is the operating environment,” Mendiratta said.

Are other airlines also under pressure due to the Iran war?

The war on Iran has disrupted global oil and gas prices, with Brent crude rising above $111 a barrel on Friday. The high crude oil prices have also caused ATF prices to rise, affecting budget airlines badly.

Across the globe, airlines have been increasing prices to reflect the high ATF prices, and some have also reduced their flight operations.

German airline Lufthansa said last month it cancelled 20,000 flights in a bid to protect itself from the soaring ATF costs.

On Friday, leading Indian carrier Air India said it has increased fuel surcharges on all flights, adding that it will reduce 100 flights a day across its domestic and international routes.

Mendiratta noted that the aviation industry is on alert as airlines carrying high debt, facing fuel cost volatility, labour cost pressures, fleet constraints, and sustained pricing pressure remain exposed [to the war], especially those operating through a low-cost carrier model.

“What happens next is a defining test of aviation leadership. The rapid response from rival airlines to protect stranded passengers reflects an industry that understands its most valuable asset is not aircraft or market share, it is customer trust [both traveller and cargo],” she said.

“Just as importantly, how airlines support displaced employees, reassure markets, and reinforce operational stability will shape confidence in the sector’s long-term recovery,” she added.

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