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Aug. 18 (UPI) — Air travelers going through Wilmington International Airport in North Carolina now can sign up for U.S. customs’ Global Entry program, which allows for quicker processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said in a statement an enrollment event for its Global Entry program will be held September 8 to the 12th at North Carolina’s Wilmington International Airport.

The scheduled process in September for conditionally approved U.S. and non-American citizens as they seek to travel in and out of the country will be from 8 a.m. EDT to 4 p.m. on the reported days Monday to Friday.

Required documents for U.S. citizens include a valid government-issued passport and a secondary form of photo ID, such as a state-issued driver’s license.

For non-U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, a passport is required, along with a secondary photo ID, a valid U.S. visa printed in the passport or a machine-readable lawful permanent resident card.

CBP’s trusted traveler program allows for quicker processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.

Officials added that applicants may complete required interviews upon their return from a foreign location “at participating airports without a scheduled appointment.”

The global entry program established in 2008 allows a client to enter the United States using a kiosk, which identifies fingerprints electronically and saves hours waiting in line at customs.

The program was initially deployed to a small number of large U.S. airports — such as New York’s JFK International and Washington-Dulles in the nation’s capital — and by 2014 expanded largely due to its own success.

Monday’s announcement followed Friday’s similar announcement by CBP in the Great Lakes region that a separate no-appointment-needed Global Entry enrollment event will be in Detroit on Wednesday.

Wilmington International has never seen international flights until last week’s revelation that Avelo Airlines will begin flights in December to the popular vacation destination in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola.

The interviews at CBP’s office at ILM will be at: 1921 Hall Dr in Wilmington.

Aug. 15 (UPI) — Two planes clipped wings at Manchester Airport in Britain on Friday, briefly pausing flight operations on the ground at the facility, officials confirmed.

No injuries were reported when the two easyJet planes collided on the ground at about 6:30 a.m. local time, an airport spokesperson said.

“We suspended operations briefly while they were assessed to see if they could taxi back to a stand, which they could so operations resumed after a few minutes,” the airport said in a statement to reporters.

Both flights were set to depart the international airport, with one bound for Paris and the other headed to Gibraltar.

Britain-based easyJet is a multinational low-cost airline group. The company operates a fleet of 318 Airbus aircraft and boasts that it has “one of the youngest fleets in the industry.”

The airline was working on re-booking affected passengers Friday, according to airport officials.

“EasyJet can confirm that the wing tips of two aircraft came into contact while taxiing to the runway at Manchester airport this morning. The aircraft returned to stand to disembark customers who have been provided with refreshment vouchers while replacement aircraft are arranged to operate the flights,” an easyJet spokesperson told The Guardian in a statement.

“We apologize to customers for the delay to their flights. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority.”

Last weekend, a Delta Airlines flight clipped another aircraft at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Travellers flying from this UK airport may want to rethink packing one common food item after a recent incident revealed airport security scanners may flag it as potentially dangerous

Travellers at Gatwick airport carrying one common snack may risk setting off security scanners. The airport’s new state-of-the-art Computed Tomography scanners are not able to distinguish this one fruit from another dangerous device.

In July, a British journalist was travelling through Gatwick’s North Terminal revealed that a long line of travellers looked bemused when security staff questioned whether anyone was carrying fruit in their cabin bags.

The reporter said it was “the last thing” they expected to hear but they were asked if they were carrying an apple by the security staff member charged with going through their backpack. It comes after a ‘traumatised’ family was stranded at Palma Airport after being told they couldn’t board a Jet2 flight.

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The reporter said he didn’t realise he was carrying an apple but when the security guard took it out of his bag, the only explanation they received was: “The scanner doesn’t like apples”. Another similar incident last September also highlighted hiccups resulting from the CT scanners.

Children’s medicine was previously flagged by the new scanners designed to detect explosives. Calpol and liquid Nurofen were both rejected by the CT scanners, posing difficulties for families going abroad. While Calpol, which is liquid paracetamol, is legal to take through security, the software in the new systems hit a glitch, not picking up on them as everyday items.

The expensive kit was reportedly rejecting items with the medicines in, forcing passengers to wait in queues for further security checks causing agonising delays.

The CT scanners were introduced at Gatwick in March across all of its security lanes as part of a multi-million-pound project to cut security lane wait times and better safeguard against potential terrorist attacks. Thus, passengers travelling through London Gatwick no longer need to remove electrical items or place liquids in plastic bags.

It’s been over two years since the Department of Transport announced a “major shake-up of airport security rules” to better screen liquids and electrical items such as laptops. The sophisticated scanners utilise the same technology used for medical scanners to create 3D images of luggage to better detect potential threats.

The security update was highly anticipated by travellers as it would finally end the inconvenient 100ml limit on liquids, aerosols and gels (LAG) for hand luggage.

The limit was initially implemented in 2006 after a foiled terror plot but was only ever meant to be a temporary measure.

Initially, there was a June 2024 deadline for UK airports to integrate the new security measure that would see the 100ml LAG limit scrapped. While some smaller airports across the UK were able to integrate the new scanning equipment by the June deadline, larger airports struggled to meet the deadline for reasons varying from post-COVID supply chain issues to the need for additional construction work.

Phil Aspin

Apology

The weekly service will start from May 26, 2026 and will run every Tuesday until October 20, 2026 giving travellers the opportunity to enjoy the sun-soaked hotspot

Scots and those living in the north of England dreaming of a Greek escape can fly directly to an island famed for its sandy beaches and rich history. From next summer, Jet2.com will operate flights from Glasgow Airport to Kos.

The weekly service will commence on May 26 2026 and will run every Tuesday until October 20 2026. This gives travellers the chance to soak up the sun in this hotspot, which is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician considered the father of modern medicine.

Greece has seen a boom in tourism after nearly going bankrupt a decade ago following the 2009 global recession. In fact, the country was recently ranked as the world’s second top destination in a poll by TrovaTrip, a group travel platform, losing out only to Italy. It comes as news emerges that UK beachgoers risk £2,500 fine for causing common problem.

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Now Scots have a direct route to the island of Kos, making it Jet2.com’s sixth Greek destination from Glasgow, which also includes Corfu, Heraklion (Crete), Kefalonia, Rhodes and Zante.

Holidaymakers can seize the opportunity to explore Kos’s diverse range of historical sights, stunning scenery and golden beaches, reports the Daily Record.

Part of the breathtaking Dodecanese Islands, Kos has long been a favourite for sunshine holidays. Holidaymakers can choose from lively party towns, relaxed seaside resorts and traditional fishing villages – all boasting beautiful beaches and serving up traditional cuisine.

Kos, with its rich culture and history, is an island where ancient relics sit side by side with vibrant bars and bustling promenades. Passengers can also benefit from the airline’s generous 22kg baggage allowance.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, has said that the popularity of Greek getaways shows no signs of waning. He stated: “Demand from customers and independent travel agents in Scotland is telling us that flights and holidays to Greece are very popular for Summer 26.

“As the largest airline and tour operator to Greece from Scotland, we have responded quickly to that demand to give customers even more choice from Glasgow Airport.

“Kos is a magical destination, and we know its appeal, coupled with our award-winning customer experience, will make it an extremely popular option for holidaymakers looking to book a welcome escape to Greece.”

Matt Hazelwood, chief commercial officer at AGS Airports, also expressed his delight at the announcement, saying: “We are delighted to see Jet2.com announce its sixth Greek destination from Glasgow to the sun-soaked island of Kos next summer.

“Expanded flight options to Greece have been sought after by Glasgow passengers for some time and the market dynamics clearly show the increasing trend of people in West Scotland searching for travel to this part of Europe.

“We are delighted to see Jet2.com respond to this demand with an expanded Greek programme for Summer 2026. Glasgow Airport looks forward to welcoming even more Greek-bound passengers from the city and the wider West Scotland region travelling from their local airport next year.”

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Aug. 13 (UPI) — Authorities in Washington State were hunting Tuesday night for a prisoner who escaped custody while being transported through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The Washington State Department of Corrections has identified the escapee in a statement as 20-year-old John Nino. He is described as 6 feet, 2 inches tall, weighing 154 pounds. A picture provided by the department shows Nino bears a large tattoo over his left eyebrow.

Authorities said he escaped shortly before 8 p.m. PDT Tuesday.

Little information about the escape or the prisoner was made public, but the department told ABC News that Nino was on community supervision for second-degree robbery. He was then arrested several days ago in New Mexico after a warrant had been issued in June when he failed to attend several meetings with his correctional officer.

He escaped as he was being returned to Washington State, ABC News reported.

Local KOMO News, citing the airport, reported that Nino crossed a pedestrian bridge at a light rail station heading toward International Boulevard.

Nino was wearing a red coat and grey sweatpants. He was last seen by police crossing the railroad tracks and heading toward Highway 99, the Department of Corrections said.

In May, Sedrick Stevenson also escaped police custody at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. He was recaptured by U.S. Marshals over a month later.

Around 20,000 passengers have been affected by flight cancellations, delays and rerouting.

Torrential rains have forced Mexico City’s main airport to suspend numerous flights for multiple hours for a second consecutive day, causing chaos in one of Latin America’s busiest travel hubs.

Authorities at Benito Juarez International Airport said on Tuesday that all runways were operating again by midday, after all flights were suspended for at least four hours earlier that day. Around 20,000 passengers were affected by flight cancellations, delays and rerouting.

The Mexican capital is experiencing one of its heaviest rainy seasons in years, leading to constant flooding in other parts of the city.

Passengers have reported numerous cancellations and delays this week as heavy rains fall on the capital.

Alicia Nicanor, 69, said her Sunday flight to the northern city of Tijuana was cancelled, and when she returned Tuesday morning for her early morning flight, it was also cancelled.

“I told them I have to go because I have an important appointment with my doctor, but they didn’t listen,” she said.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said heavy rains on Sunday flooded the city’s main plaza, known as the Zocalo, with more than 76mm (3 inches) of water, much of which poured down in just 20 minutes. It broke a record set in 1952.

Meanwhile, videos from the city’s south showed cars floating on flooded streets. The flooding has fuelled criticism by some in the capital, who call it a sign of larger infrastructure failures by the city’s government.

Aug. 12 (UPI) — A small plane landing at a Montana airport crashed into a second aircraft on the runaway, according to officials who said there were only minor injuries.

The incident occurred at 2:08 p.m. MDT Monday at Kalispell City Airport, located in northwestern Montana, about 200 miles northwest of Helena.

The Federal Aviation Administration explained in a statement that a Socata TBM 700 struck an unoccupied Swearingen SX-300 after landing.

According to a statement from the Kalispell Police Department, the preliminary investigation indicates that the pilot lost control of the aircraft while attempting to land at the airport, resulting in the runway crash.

“All four occupants of the aircraft, who were from out of state, reported only minor injuries and were treated at the scene,” KPD said. “No additional injuries have been reported.”

The Kalispell Fire Department had been among the agencies that responded to the scene, as the plane crash seemingly resulted in a fire, which authorities said has since been contained.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

The airport in Greece has one of the shortest runways for passenger jets in Europe – but it can accommodate aircraft as large as a Boeing 767-200

For many jet-setters, the lengthy taxi down the airport runway before take-off can feel like an eternity. It often seems as though the plane will never lift off as it trundles along the tarmac before the engines roar into action and it ascends.

However, travellers to a small Greek island may be surprised to learn that it boasts the shortest runway for passenger jets in mainland Europe. The runway at Skiathos measures a mere 5,341 feet, significantly shorter than the norm.

To put it into perspective, London Heathrow’s northern runway stretches approximately 12,801 feet, Manchester’s runway spans 10,948 feet, and Birmingham’s runway is 10,013 feet long, reports the Express. Despite its relatively modest length, the airport can handle aircraft as large as a Boeing 767-200 and welcomes flights from across Europe.

These include routes from various UK airports, with numerous seasonal flights operating to this Aegean island. Due to the island’s rugged terrain, land had to be reclaimed from the sea to facilitate the construction of the airport, which opened its doors to passengers in 1972.

Now, hundreds of thousands of passengers pass through each year, with over 552,000 recorded in 2023 – including more than 192,000 travelling to or from the UK. Its proximity to a public road, coupled with its location and frequency of flights, makes Skiathos Airport a favourite spot for plane enthusiasts who often share snaps of massive aircrafts swooping in low for landing.

Despite having one of the shortest runways in Europe, it doesn’t hold the record for the shortest runway within a European nation. That distinction belongs to Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on Saba, boasting a mere 1,312 feet long runway and being part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The twist is that Saba is actually an island located in the Caribbean, across the Atlantic.

Birmingham Airport’s runway was shut down for about six hours on Wednesday afternoon and evening, delaying thousands of passengers and leading many planes to divert

Birmingham Airport is still dealing with the knock‑on impact of an emergency landing that closed its runway on Wednesday afternoon.

At 1.40 pm a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, with three people on board, began to experience issues with its landing gear. The pilot aborted the journey to Belfast and turned back to Birmingham for a bumpy landing, which saw it collapse onto its undercarriage on the tarmac.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, whisking the two crew members and one passenger away from the wreckage. Thankfully, they were not injured. The runway was immediately closed following the crash landing, leading to dozens of flights both to and from the airport being cancelled and delayed. Thousands of passengers in Birmingham, across the UK and internationally were disrupted. The incident at Birmingham came after a union in Spain announced its Ryanair workers would strike at 12 airports in the coming weeks.

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Newly emerged footage from the scene shows the white light aircraft collapsed on the runway, its nose tilted down towards the tarmac. It is surrounded by emergency service vehicles and personnel. The incident is now being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

Live departure and arrival boards highlight the knock‑on impact of the runway closure, which was only lifted at 8 pm last night, meaning six hours of the flight schedule were missed.

Delays this morning include a four‑hour wait for a TUI flight to Keffalinia, a three‑hour wait for Lanzarote and a three‑hour wait to Zakynthos. A handful of arrivals have also been bumped down the schedule. The 6am KLM flight to Amsterdam this morning was cancelled because the aircraft and crew could not reach Birmingham on Wednesday.

Diversions yesterday meant that several planes were in the wrong place, causing a headache for airline schedulers. Planes were diverted as far away as Liverpool, Cardiff, and Gatwick.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch says it is investigating the incident at Birmingham Airport. It said in a statement: “Following an incident involving a light aircraft at Birmingham Airport, the AAIB has deployed a team to the site to begin an investigation. A multi‑disciplinary team including inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, engineering and recorded data have been deployed to the airport.”

The latest statement from Birmingham Airport came just before 8 pm last night. It read: “Following the aircraft incident today, the runway has reopened and operations have resumed. All passengers must check flight details with their airlines and follow advice issued by them. We understand the frustration and apologise for the disruption this has caused. Our teams have worked as quickly as possible, in line with strict protocols, which must be followed to ensure a safe reopening of the runway following a prolonged closure.”

A small silver lining for delayed passengers came in the form of a chilled pint. Organisers of a beer festival held next door to the airport offered those caught up in the chaos a free bev if they showed their boarding pass. “We hope everyone is ok at Birmingham International Airport. If you are stuck at the airport, come to the Great British Beer Festival next door at the NEC for a pint while you wait,” the organisers tweeted.

Syria’s fledgling government has sought investment to reconstruct the country after its devastating yearslong civil war.

Syria has signed a series of investment deals with international companies, covering 12 major strategic projects in infrastructure, transportation and real estate valued at a total of $14bn, the latest lifeline aimed at reviving its war-ravaged economy.

The plans included a $4bn investment project for Damascus airport signed with Qatar’s UCC Holding and a $2bn deal with the United Arab Emirates national investment corporation to establish a metro in the Syrian capital, Talal al-Hilali, head of the Syrian Investment Authority, said during the ceremony at the presidential palace in Damascus on Wednesday.

It’s a welcome development for President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s new government as it has been grappling with the heavy fallout from sectarian violence that broke out on July 13 in the southern province of Suwayda between Bedouin and Druze fighters. Government troops were deployed to quell the conflict. The bloodshed worsened, and Israel carried out strikes on Syrian troops and also bombed the heart of the capital Damascus, under the pretext of protecting the Druze.

Other major developments on the investment front destined for Damascus include the $2bn Damascus Towers project signed with the Italian-based company UBAKO, a $500m deal for the Baramkeh Towers project and another $60m agreement for Baramkeh Mall.

Since the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December in a lightning rebel offensive, Syria’s new authorities have worked to attract investment for the reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed in the country’s devastating, nearly 14-year-long civil war.

The projects “will extend across Syria and represent a qualitative shift in infrastructure and economic life”, al-Hilali said on Wednesday, adding that the agreements were “a turning point” for Syria’s future.

Al-Sharaa and United States special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack were both present at the signing ceremony, Syria’s official SANA news agency reported on Wednesday.

Barrack congratulated Syrian authorities on “another great accomplishment”, saying they will witness the rise of a “new hub” in “trade and prosperity”.

The United Nations has put Syria’s post-war reconstruction costs at more than $400bn. Several deals have already been announced.

Last month, Saudi Arabia signed major investment and partnership deals with Syria, valued at $6.4bn.

Also in July, Syria signed an $800m deal with UAE-based company DP World to develop the port of Tartous, state media reported.

In May, Syria signed a $7bn energy deal with a consortium of Qatari, Turkish and US companies as it seeks to revive its crippled power sector.

The US and European Union have recently lifted sanctions on Syria in the wake of al-Assad’s ouster, opening the nation to further investment and trade deals.

A woman has claimed she was “unfairly” charged by easyJet when she was travelling from London Luton Airport to Paris – and she said the experience only got worse

Travelling to the airport can be a stressful experience, and it can be even worse when things go wrong. This is exactly what appeared to happen to one woman when her easyJet flight wasn’t what she expected for more than one reason.

Emi, who shares her life on TikTok under the username emilia.petcu, recounted her less-than-pleasant experience travelling from London Luton Airport to Paris. She felt “unfairly” overcharged and described her flight as a “poor experience”, which cast a shadow over her Parisian getaway.

In her video, Emi alleges that easyJet hit her with a £96.00 fee for a backpack she believed complied with the cabin policy and should have fit under the seat. She branded the last-minute charge as “unfair”, despite airlines’ usual reminders to passengers to verify baggage rules before flying.

But the troubles didn’t stop there, as she also claimed the aircraft was dirty, adding to her travel woes. Her post included the caption: “The experience only got worse on board. The airplane was dirty, with poor hygiene and cleanliness conditions.

“The flight was delayed without clear updates.”

Emi documented the journey, which took place on July 24, showing both the bill and the state of the plane. Visuals of crumbs and rubbish strewn around her seating area did little to improve her impression of the airline.

The video has racked up a fair number of views since being posted, sparking a flurry of comments from viewers sharing their diverse opinions and experiences.

One viewer recounted: “This happened to me. I complained to easyJet and they gave me the amount in a voucher.”

Another chimed in with a similar experience, adding: “I had the same thing at Luton.”

A third shared their luggage strategy: “I’ve used the same backpack for the last three to four years with different airlines.”

Meanwhile, another commenter offered straightforward advice: “Follow the rules, no charges – simple.”

Some commenters came to the airline’s defence, offering an alternative viewpoint. One person pointed out: “Please bear in mind the staff have six to eight minutes to clean the plane and, if they are late, it’s 90% of the time not their fault.

“It can be if the plane in front of them was late taking off or landing – it delays others.”

Another person wrote: “Blame the set of passengers for leaving the mess, not the crew. If they were to tidy it, the flight would be delayed and they would get bother from the airline for being late and the passengers too.”

In the video, Emi didn’t showcase her bag, leaving viewers unable to judge its size; she only displayed the receipt given to her by staff upon paying the fee.

easyJet has not commented on this particular case, but the airline did issue a statement regarding its baggage policy. It read: “easyJet’s bag policy is well understood and all customers can bring one small under seat bag for free.

“We provide clear information on bag allowances including dimensions clear when booking, via email before travel and on our boarding passes and our ground handlers check bags to ensure they will fit in the cabin, and in fairness to customers who have paid to bring additional bags.”

RIVAL plans for the multi-billion pound expansion of London Heathrow Airport have been revealed – with a much shorter third runway.

Surinder Arora – behind the Arora Group who are a major landowner of Heathrow – submitted his own designs for the massive airport upgrade.

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Called ‘Heathrow West,’ the £25billion plans are being developed with infrastructure company Bechtel, who were also behind major projects such as the Elizabeth Line, Channel Tunnel and expansions of both London City and London Gatwick.

The biggest change to the addition of the third runway would be making it much smaller – being just 2,800 metres rather than 3,500.

Being smaller, it would mean the airport would not need to divert the M25 under the current plans, which will cost billions and result in traffic chaos.

The new runway could be operational as soon as 2035.

The rival plans also include a new terminal – dubbed T6 – which would open in a first phase by 2036, will a full opening by 2040.

Mr Arora – who also owns Heathrow hotels such as Sofitel, Crowne Plaza and Hilton Garden Inn – said: “I am proud to unveil the Heathrow West proposal which meets the UK’s ambition to grow its only hub airport while delivering on time and on budget.

“The Government’s decision to invite competition rather than hand exclusivity to the incumbent is common sense – and we’re ready to deliver.”

He added: “The Arora Group has a proven track record of delivering on-time and on-budget projects including in and around Heathrow airport.”

With estimated costs of £25billion, this is much cheaper than what is expected of London Heathrow’s plans.

The last estimate from Heathrow was in 2014, with a cost of £14million – although experts have said this could be closer to £47.5billion in today’s prices.

London Heathrow invited rival plans last month, with a deadline of July 31.

The airport is set to submit their own plans later today.

The addition of a third runway was backed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves earlier this year.

However, Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan raised concerns, to do with the local environment.

There are also fears of more expensive flights with the new runway, with the airport asking for the landing fees to be increased to cover the costs.

Currently set at £23.73, this will drop by 2p next year, with the fee passed on from airline to passenger.

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However, easyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis backed the plans, and even suggested they could launch from their.

He previously said: “When it comes to Heathrow, I’ve always thought Heathrow would fit our network of primary airports with great catchment areas.

“It would be a unique opportunity to operate from Heathrow at scale – because obviously right now it’s slot-constrained – and give us an opportunity to provide lower fares for UK consumers that currently at Heathrow just have the option of flag carriers.

“It fits with our network, we’re present at all the other major European airports like Schiphol, Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Geneva.”

In the mean time, here are some other airports undergoing major expansions including London Stansted Airport, costing £1.1billion with a £600million new terminal.

Manchester Airport is undergoing a £1.3billion renovation.

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A Texas Lyme-disease researcher who came to the U.S. from South Korea at age 5 and is a longtime legal permanent resident was detained at San Francisco International Airport for a week, according to his lawyer.

Tae Heung “Will” Kim, 40, was returning from his brother’s wedding in South Korea on July 21 when he was pulled out of secondary screening for unknown reasons, said Eric Lee, an attorney who says he’s been unable to talk with his client.

Lee said that he has no idea where Kim is now and that Kim has not been allowed to communicate with anyone aside from a brief call last week to his family. A Senate office told him that Kim was being moved to an immigration facility in Texas, while a representative from the Korean Consulate told Kim’s family that he was going to be sent somewhere else.

“We have no idea where he is going to end up,” Lee said. “We have no idea why.”

Kim has misdemeanor marijuana possession charges from 2011 on his record, but his lawyer questioned whether that was the kind of offense that would merit being held in a windowless room underneath the terminals at the airport for a week.

Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the L.A. Times. But a spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection told the Washington Post, which first reported the story, that “this alien is in ICE custody pending removal hearings.”

The spokesperson also said: “If a green card holder is convicted of a drug offense, violating their status, that person is issued a Notice to Appear and CBP coordinates detention space with [Immigration and Customs Enforcement].”

Kim’s attorney said if his client was detained because he “had a little weed when he was pulled over 15 years ago in his 20s,” that was absurd, adding: “If every American who had a tiny amount of weed in their car was detained under these conditions…”

Kim’s mother, Yehoon “Sharon” Lee, told the Washington Post that she was worried about her son’s health in custody.

“He’s had asthma ever since he was younger,” she told the Washington Post. “I don’t know if he has enough medication. He carries an inhaler, but I don’t know if it’s enough, because he’s been there a week.”

His mother told the paper that she and her husband entered the U.S. on business visas in the 1980s but by the time they became naturalized citizens, Kim was too old to get automatic citizenship.

Kim has a green card and has spent most of his life in the U.S. After helping out in his family’s doll-manufacturing business after the death of his father, he recently entered a doctoral program at Texas A&M and is helping to research a vaccine for Lyme disease.

There have been multiple reports nationwide of U.S. permanent residents being detained at airports, particularly those with criminal records, no matter how minor. These cases have prompted some experts to warn that green-card holders should avoid leaving the country, to reduce the risk of not being allowed back.

Many travellers may not be aware of the risks they are taking while connecting to free airport Wi-Fi networks, experts have warned.

With the summer getaway season at its peak, countless holidaymakers are descending on airports and relying on the complimentary Wi-Fi offered in public areas. Yet many are unwittingly exposing themselves to severe danger before they’ve even stepped foot on their aircraft.

Whilst complimentary airport Wi-Fi may appear to be a handy method of killing time, specialists are cautioning it could leave users vulnerable to some of the most perilous cyber risks.

Many users link up to public networks without hesitation to browse emails, access banking apps, or secure eleventh-hour accommodation.

But according to the experts, that swift connection could pave the way for highly sensitive data to be pilfered, reports the Express.

Geoff Pestell, CEO at broadband comparison site Fibre Compare, revealed: “One of the greatest risks of joining public Wi-Fi networks is the potential for identity theft.”

He emphasised that linking to unsecured airport networks can enable cybercriminals to harvest a vast array of personal details, from your whereabouts and journey records to financial data, including banking and credit card particulars, and even fundamental yet sensitive information like your name, contact details, and marital status.

And this isn’t the sole worry, as public Wi-Fi hotspots, frequently unencrypted, leave your internet activity entirely vulnerable.

“Many users are unaware that public Wi-Fi networks often do not encrypt the data you transmit,” Geoff observed.

This means that strangers on the same network can spy on your internet use, potentially capturing everything from your login details to private emails.

There’s also the risk of malware and phishing. Cybercriminals can push harmful software onto devices through fake download links or trick travellers into filling out fraudulent forms disguised as legitimate portals.

“If you use public Wi-Fi networks, hackers may also be able to infect your computer, mobile phone, or other connected devices with malicious software,” warned Geoff.

HEATHROW Airport has been evacuated after reports of a fire.

Passengers were forced out of Terminal Three at Europe’s largest airport as fire crews probe the incident.

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Passengers have reported huge queues and baggage claim being shut down as staff respond to the alarm.

Writing on X, the airport said: “While the fire service investigate a fire alarm, some areas of Terminal 3 have been temporarily evacuated.

“Colleagues are working as quickly as possible to resolve this, and we apologise for any disruption this may cause to journeys.”

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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A frequent traveller has shared an airport hack that has people stunned – and wondering why they’ve never thought of it before as she claims it works “90 percent of the time”

A seasoned traveller has revealed their secret airport trick, leaving people baffled they hadn’t thought of it themselves. Airports can be incredibly stressful environments, packed with lengthy queues, rigorous security procedures and inevitable delays. However, most travellers associate airport arrivals with anticipation for their upcoming adventure.

Whilst countless people discuss strategies for smooth departures, fewer address the frustrations that arise when landing at your destination. Travel influencer Lindsay Mukaddam, known as @onegirlwandering, posted footage of herself positioned outside the terminal following her arrival in a clip that has since received over a million views.

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Lindsay explained: “Come to the departures level if the arrivals level is completely slammed with cars, because then the person whose picking you up can get up here with no issues and they don’t have to wait in line.” She noted in the caption: “I may look like crud after a 20 plus hour travel day, but at least I don’t have to wait a moment longer to get home.”

Following the video’s viral success, the travel influencer revealed to Insider that “this tactic works about 90 per cent of the time” in her experience. “When I have had a hard time using it, it has usually been during a very busy travel period, like a holiday weekend,” Lindsay explained. In most instances and at most airports, passengers can actually be collected from the departures area rather than arrivals.

While travellers are typically encouraged to head to the designated pick-up zone, there are no regulations preventing them from doing the opposite.

Nevertheless, if you’re planning to collect a loved one at departures, they can likely forget about a lengthy reunion beside the vehicle. Typically, passenger drop-off zones at departures are fast-moving, and motors aren’t allowed to park, or if they are, not for extended periods.

Airport officials may hand the driver a ticket for loitering. On Reddit, one user highlighted this, commenting, “If you do this, make sure they’re waiting for you and not vice versa. In Nashville, if you attempt to pick someone up at departures, the airport police will probably give you a ticket, so make it as quick as possible.”

Some airports do offer brief parking facilities at departures. In these situations, there’s no reason passengers can’t be collected from this spot. One user joked: “Don’t be sharing secrets like this, you’re going to ruin it for us.”

@gwaipor wrote: “Sydney, Australia here. Doesn’t work at Sydney airport. Get a fine for doing so.” A Chicagoan added: “This does not work well at O’Hare.”

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Leaving things until the last minute can often end up costing you more, especially when it comes to going on holiday, and there’s one purchase costing Brits more than they might expect.

It’s best not to leave things too late when booking a holiday. Not only can it be stressful, but you’ll often find yourself having to pay more for flights and hotels than you might have if you’d booked weeks in advance.

While heading to less well-known destinations, or booking your flights on the cheapest day of the week can help you save a few pennies here and there, there’s one costly mistake many Brits are still making while travelling.

Realising you’ve forgotten to pack a toothbrush or a pair of flip flops at the airport can be annoying, and making a list of what to pack can easily prevent this, but forgetting sun cream is likely setting you back more than you might think.

A recent study from Travel Republic revealed that Brits splurge an eye-watering £683million annually buying the easily avoidable last-minute purchase at the airport.

The online travel agents found that that over one in three Brits confess to forgetting to buy sun cream before going on holiday, but this minor oversight can be pricier than anticipated.

A standard bottle of SPF 30 at the airport can set you back as much as £30 more than if you’d picked it up on the high street, and Travel Republic has warned travellers that they could end up shelling out up to £35 for a last-minute bottle of sun cream, reports the Express.

Even if you’re only taking hand luggage with you, decanting your sun cream prior to travel could save you a pretty penny and prevent you from having to fork out on a bottle you might not even get through.

Sun cream isn’t the only expense hitting travellers wallets. Travel Republic also found that over half a million UK adults opted for express passports for their summer holiday, adding a whopping £111 million to the national last-minute holiday bill.

Even if you’ve bagged yourself a bargain flight, the dream of a budget-friendly break can quickly turn sour if you overlook an impending passport expiry, an oversight that’s all too common.

While forgetting sun cream is an easy mistake to make, shelling out for an emergency passport is easily avoided with a bit of forward planning, and it’s as simple as checking your passport before booking a spontaneous getaway.

Data from the HM Passport Office reveals that in 2023, over 500,000 people chose fast-track services for a new passport, which on average costs a hefty £194.25 for one-week or same-day services.

To dodge such steep costs, Travel Republic advises checking passports annually and at least a month before you jet off to ensure you have ample time to renew it if necessary.

The digital travel experts also recommend creating a checklist a week prior to your flight, particularly if you’re planning on checking in luggage. This ensures that you don’t overlook essentials like sun cream and adapters, which can be quite costly if purchased last minute.

A baggage handler has shared his top tip for ensuring your luggage doesn’t get damaged during a flight – and it’s all to do with the type of wheels your suitcase has

Picture yourself embarking on that dream getaway you’ve been planning for ages. You’ve navigated airport security at your perfect destination and now find yourself stationed beside the baggage carousel, anxiously awaiting your luggage’s arrival.

Yet when your case finally emerges, it’s glaringly obvious that it’s been through the wars. It’s bashed about, potentially sporting a busted zip, leaving you to wonder what carnage awaits your fragile belongings inside.

This nightmare scenario is every holidaymaker’s worst fear, but there are measures you can implement to reduce the likelihood of your baggage getting a battering.

An airport baggage handler has taken to Reddit to reveal insider knowledge about their profession, according to Devon Live.

The key to protecting your luggage lies entirely with the wheels, reports the Express.

Cases featuring two wheels, or ideally four functioning ones, can be effortlessly wheeled into the aircraft’s cargo hold, keeping your precious items secure.

Bags lacking wheels frequently end up being hurled into the hold, potentially causing significant damage.

The baggage handler admitted that cases with jammed wheels represent their “absolute least favourite” items to handle.

They revealed: “We try to roll it down, but it just falls over after moving six inches.”

To guarantee your belongings’ safety, they suggest purchasing a top-quality suitcase equipped with four properly working wheels, cushioned interior lining, and a robust outer casing for maximum protection. The handler confessed that fragile stickers might not offer the safeguard travellers assume, hinting that they could inadvertently encourage harsher treatment from staff.

“Some of us are tempted to treat them worse, but we never do. Having a fragile tag doesn’t really make a difference,” he clarified.

Regarding how far wheel-less luggage can be lobbed, the baggage handler revealed the furthest distance they’ve seen was “about five metres or so”.