Singapore Airlines holds the record for the world’s longest flight
Millie Bull Deputy Editor, Spare Time and Luke Chillingsworth
12:29, 14 Mar 2026Updated 12:29, 14 Mar 2026
Business class seats transform into fully flat beds.(Image: Singapore Airlines)
The world’s longest flight connects America to Asia, with travellers spending nearly 19 hours in the air. Singapore Airlines currently holds the record for the longest long-haul route, operating between New York’s JFK Airport and Singapore Changi.
Covering an impressive 9,537 miles, the mammoth journey takes 18 hours and 50 minutes and has been running since the airline launched it in 2018. Singapore Airlines deploys its latest Airbus A350-900ULR on the route, an aircraft engineered to remain airborne for more than 20 hours without needing to refuel.
The aircraft achieves these remarkable flight times thanks to an enhanced fuel system, which increases the plane’s total fuel capacity to an extraordinary 24,000 litres.
However, the service isn’t available to all travellers, as Singapore Airlines has removed economy class from this particular route. Instead, the airline offers 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats.
Premium Economy travellers can enjoy extra legroom, a footrest, and an adjustable headrest. They’re also given noise-cancelling headphones and WiFi throughout their flight, reports the Express.
Those flying in Business class enjoy maximum privacy, with their seats converting into fully flat beds for a proper sleep whilst airborne. The aircraft features a host of premium amenities including higher ceilings, larger windows and bespoke lighting designed to reduce jetlag.
The carrier maintains that the aircraft’s cutting-edge carbon composite airframe also delivers exceptional air quality.
Those hoping to book a seat will require substantial funds, as fares routinely reach well into five figures. Singapore Airlines’ Chief Executive, Mr Goh Choon Phong, has previously described the new route as the “fastest way” to journey between the two major cities.
He stated: “Singapore Airlines has always taken pride in pushing the boundaries to provide the best possible travel convenience for our customers, and we are pleased to be leading the way with these new non-stop flights using the latest technology, ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900ULR.
“The flights will offer our customers the fastest way to travel between the two cities – in great comfort, together with Singapore Airlines’ legendary service – and will help boost connectivity to and through the Singapore hub.”
Whilst Singapore Airlines’ aircraft is undoubtedly remarkable, the world’s largest plane remains the Antonov An-225 Mriya, capable of transporting “52 mature elephants”.
A passenger onboard Southwest Airlines was removed from their flight after their call to prayer was mistaken for a ‘bomb threat’. Officials later called the incident a ‘misunderstanding’ after finding no credible threat, following the Florida-bound flight’s emergency landing in Georgia.
She warned she’s seen ‘diabolical things’ on planes
05:01, 08 Mar 2026Updated 07:40, 08 Mar 2026
An experienced flight attendant has revealed some of her own dos and don’ts of air travel(Image: Getty)
An experienced flight attendant with 11 years under her belt has divulged her personal tips for ensuring the best possible experience when travelling by plane. She cautioned that she’s witnessed some truly “diabolical things” during her time in the air.
With this in mind, one expert has shared her own set of guidelines that she adheres to whenever she takes to the skies. In a video posted on TikTok, flight attendant and US reality TV star Charity Nelms stated: “These are things that you’re not doing on an aircraft that you should do.
“I’m an 11-year flight attendant and I do all of these things when I travel on my own personal time because I’m an expert. This ain’t my first Rodeo.”
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Wiping seatbelts
If you’re the type to bring antiseptic wipes on board, you might be focusing your efforts in the wrong place, according to Charity. She explained: “Number one, you guys all come on board with your little Clorox wipes and your little disinfectants, and you start wiping everything down: that little tray table in front of you, the back of the seat.
“I don’t really get why you’re wiping the back of the seat, because if you’re wearing clothes, nothing really touches that.”
Instead, she advised: “What you should be wiping, that nobody wipes is that seatbelt. The metal part, because everybody touches it.
“And also you should be wiping the fabric part of the seatbelt because everybody pulls on that. The amount of throw up, baby vomit, bodily fluids, liquids that have spilled, random stuff that end up on those seatbelts.
“Wipe them down. I do.”
Wearing full-length trousers
This is the most effective way to avoid direct contact with your seat. She went on: “Second thing you’re not doing is you’re not wearing full pants [trousers].
“I am letting you know from a flight attendant, the amount of things I have seen on the seat.Wear pants. Shorts, skirts, dresses – absolutely not. Wear full pants.
“None of your skin should be touching that seat. I don’t care if you come on board and you disinfect it. Nope, nope, nope.
“Wear full pants. Trust me, I have seen some diabolical things.”
Hand hygiene
According to Charity, cabin crew can tell if you haven’t washed your hands after using the in-flight loo. “Third thing that none of you are doing, you are not washing your hands after you use the lav,” she stated.
“You’re also not flushing the toilet. Did you know that your flight attendants know if you flush the toilet and wash your hands?”.
“We literally know from outside. You’re also not closing the door when it comes to using the lavatory.
“This is what you do. Flush the toilet, you wash your hands, you come out and you close the door with your elbow. Please start doing that.”
Footwear
She encouraged travellers to keep their footwear on when using the lavatory. “Fourth, and also having to do with the lav, you’re not wearing shoes,” Charity stated.
“It is never, ever water on the floor in the lav. And your socks are like two big sponges.”
A SOUTHWEST Airlines flight has been diverted and forced to do an emergency landing after a mid-air security threat.
Flight 2094 from Nashville to Fort Lauderdale was forced to cut the journey short and land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 9:06pm on Friday night.
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Tactical officers were filmed boarding the aircraft and detaining a passengerCredit: TiktokA Southwest flight was diverted after a mid-air security threat that ended in a passenger being detained (stock)Credit: Alamy
While thousands of feet in the air, a security threat was reported which saw tactical cops storm the aircraft upon landing and detain a passenger.
A video allegedly taken on board the flight showed the moment a man was dragged off the flight by the Atlanta Police Department.
The clip shared on X showed terrified passengers with their hands raised above their heads as cops cuffed a passenger and took him off the aircraft.
The text on the clip claimed that there had been a bomb threat but this has not been commented on by the airline or police.
In a statement, Southwest said the diversion came due to a “possible security matter.”
“We appreciate the professionalism of our flight crew and sincerely apologize to our customers for the significant delay,” the spokesperson said.
“Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of its customers and employees.”
The Atlanta Police Department confirmed it worked with federal partners to attend to “last night’s incident” at the airport.
The nature of the security threat and if the passenger removed will face any charges remains unclear.
It is not known if the passenger is still in police detention.
Officials have not commented if any dangerous items were found onboard.
After the police activity, all passengers boarded another plane and continued their journey to Fort Lauderdale where they arrived safely just before 3:30am.
The airline has apologized to all affected passengers.
It comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains on shutdown over funding disagreements which former Security Secretary Kristi Noem said is “endangering national security.”
The DHS has been shut down since February 14 which Noem said has negatively impacted and put huge pressure on TSA and border patrol.
In addition to this, Republicans have warned that the country is under an increased domestic terror threat due to the recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
“Now is the time to be vigilant at home and to ensure that all of our doors are locked, so to speak,” Speaker Mike Johnson, warned on Wednesday as he discussed the continued shutdown.
“Senate needs to fund the TSA. They’ve had them the Coast Guard, FEMA and Cybersecurity CISA on shut down for 3 weeks. We will surely see more of this,” one viewer of the footage from the diverted aircraft said.
“Unfortunately there’s going to be a lot more of this coming,” another said.
Someone allegedly onboard the flight claimed there had been a bomb threat, which has not been commented on by officialsCredit: Tiktok
The mammoth journey is now flown twice a week and spans three continents
The longest route in the world takes 29 hours(Image: VCG via Getty Images)
The world’s longest flight record was set last year with the launch of a new 29-hour route. It is now the longest in the world, spanning almost 20,000km, which is 12,427 miles.
The route is so long that the plane even needs to stop off to refuel. Passengers are in their seats for over a day as the plane travels from Shanghai, China, to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
It is flown twice a week by China Eastern Airlines. Due to the distance, the plane stops at Auckland Airport, New Zealand, to refuel.
Staff also get swapped around whilst at the stop, yet the passengers carry on. At almost 20,000km, the route is used to ship supplies between China, New Zealand and South America, as well as passengers.
It was launched on December 4 last year. The route from China to Argentina takes more than 25 hours, while the return leg takes an additional four.
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“This new route fills the gap in direct flights between Shanghai and major South American cities,” China Eastern Airlines said at the time of the first flight.
“It opens a ‘southbound corridor’ connecting opposite ends of the Pacific and reshapes air travel between three continents.” The staggering journey sees passengers board a jumbo 316-seat Boeing 777-300ER.
Before the launch of the route last year, the quickest available journey from Shanghai to Buenos Aires took 31 hours. It involved non-direct flights with a layover.
It is a popular route, as more than 55,000 people born in China live in the South American country, according to data from Simply Flying.
Data also showed that 96,000 passengers flew between China and Buenos Aires in the 12 months to September 2025, before the new route existed.
The flight has set the record for the longest commercial flight route in the world, yet it can’t secure the world’s longest direct flight route title because it makes a stop.
The title of the longest non-stop flight is currently held by Singapore Airlines. It takes 19 hours to travel from Singapore to New York.
However, it isn’t set to hold the record for long as Qantas is set to launch a new non-stop route next year. It is planning a 22-hour nonstop flight from Sydney, Australia, to London in 2027.
Thanks to a 20,000-litre fuel tank, the plane wouldn’t need to stop to refuel. It will travel 10,573 miles and has been labelled “the final frontier of long-haul travel” by Qantas.
A FLIGHT attendant has opened up on secrets of the trade and revealed how you can earn brownie points in the air to score freebies.
The flight attendant, who has been serving major airlines for two decades, said it is easier than you think to win the favor of those working on planes.
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A 20-year veteran flight attendant revealed the secret to getting freebies on the plane – and it’s not as hard as you might think (stock image)Credit: GettySandra White said that being really nice can go a long way while you’re up in the air (stock image)Credit: Getty
Sandra White has lifted the lid on her veteran experience serving the skies.
“You draw more bees with honey,” she said, meaning rude or impatient flyers will likely not get anything for free – especially not any “off-menu” items.
She shared several tips with Shermans Travel, ranging from how to get a free drink, how to score a better seat, and how not to be the most annoying person on the plane.
“Scoring a free beer on a flight is not all that hard,” she admitted.
According to White, there are a few reasons why she’ll give a customer a free drink, but it all comes down to one thing: being nice – really nice.
If a plane is having mechanical problems and passengers have been sitting on the tarmac for hours – without being rude – she’ll likely comp them a drink.
“I’m sure they need it,” she said.
She noted that if a flyer happens to only have cash on them, while most airlines only accept cards, she’ll just hand you the drink.
“Basically, kindness goes a long way,” she said.
And as far as a better seat goes, politely asking if there is any availability could help you to win big.
White shared that she’s more than happy to make sure a guest is as comfortable as possible.
When it comes to seats on the plane, that typically comes down to the gate agent’s discretion – but occasionally, flight attendants will send you up to first class if there’s space, and if they ask nicely.
It is not a guarantee, but it never hurts to be friendly to the person serving you peanuts.
The worst passengers, however, are those that come onto the plane having had too much fun while in the airport.
That is, flyers who are already drunk on the flight.
“Annoying drunks” are the bane of a flight attendant’s existence, according to White, thinking their funnier than they are and ordering more drinks before beverage service has even started.
White said these flyers should not even bother getting on the plane.
“I’ve only had to cut off two people – you really don’t want to make a drunk angry at 36,000 feet,” she said.
“They might defecate on the beverage cart. Yes, this really happened to a co-worker.”
AIRLINE crews use secret code words around unsuspecting flyers – including the bizarre-sounding “crotch watch.”
Here’s what it means, and how it helps improve safety on planes.
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Flight attendants have been known to communicate using code words while in the air (stock image)Credit: GettyOne of these terms is ‘crotch watch’ – meaning crew could have their eyes trained on your lap (stock image)Credit: Getty
Flight attendants can be overheard using their own language on the job.
And chances are you’ll be worried they’re insulting you – especially if you also hear them mention “gate lice,” meaning passengers who crowd around the boarding gate before their flight has even been called.
If they mention “crotch watch,” it is simply alluding to the crew checking that passengers have their seatbelts fastened properly before takeoff and landing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently warned that impatient flyers who unfasten seatbelts before their plane has come to a complete stop at the gate could get hit with $37,000 fines.
Its rule applies during the taxi, takeoff, and landing stages – until the aircraft has safely reached the gate and the illuminated seatbelt sign has been turned off.
The regulation dates back to the 1970s, and was imposed for safety reasons.
Another odd term you might hear is “blue juice.”
This refers to the cleaning liquid used to flush the contents of the plane’s bathrooms.
Other terms, such as ABP, translate to “able-bodied passengers.”
Flight attendants on ‘crotch watch’ are ensuring all passengers have seatbelts fastened when necessary (stock image)Credit: Getty
Secret cabin crew codes
Pax – means passengers.
Used in a sentence, it may be: “We have 20 pax on board.”
Gate lice – this term refers to over-eager passengers who gather around the gate before boarding has even been announced.
Briefing – it means crew may be meeting for the first time and discuss the flight ahead.
ABP – translates to able bodied passengers.”
These are individuals that the crew seek out just in case of an emergency.
Runners – Runners are those who sprint from one connecting flight to another because their first flight was late.
Spinner – this term relates to somebody who turns up late without an assigned seat.
Crew dub them ‘spinners’ as they usually look flustered as they search for a seat and space in the overhead lockers.
Sin bin – We may have all been stuck on a plane as we watch others take off.
This is known as the ‘sin bin’ which is the area the plan has to wait in to allow room for another aircraft to pass through.
Brits travelling from the UK to parts of Egypt on the safe list are not being affected.
Some flights from the Middle East to Egypt, such as from Dubai to Doha, are still being disrupted.
However, this wont affected anyone travelling to Egypt from the UK.
What if I have a holiday to Egypt booked?
Package holidays to Egypt are currently unaffected by the Iran crisis.
As Egypt is deemed safe to travel to, tour operators are not obligated to give you a refund if you decide to cancel.
You will be left out of pocket if you decide not to travel to Egypt.
Some cruise companies have cancelled upcoming routes out of caution due to the ongoing conflict.
Viking has cancelled its Nile River cruises until the end of March, along with Avalon Waterways.
And Intrepid has cancelled all Egypt trips up until the end of March.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains: “It is very understandable that travellers would be a little nervous of the proximity of Egypt to the current crisis.
“However, Hurghada and Marsa Alam are hundreds of miles away from the conflict zone and holidays there should not be impacted at all.
Amid the escalating Middle East conflict, Wizz Air has issued an update and confirmed that it has extended its cancellation period for four of its destinations
16:23, 04 Mar 2026Updated 18:24, 04 Mar 2026
More Wizz Air flights remain grounded amid the Middle East conflict(Image: Getty Images)
Wizz Air has issued a major update for four destinations and has extended its flight cancellations.
The conflict in the Middle East has caused significant travel disruptions for airlines, with thousands of flights cancelled as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warns against travel to parts of the region. Tensions remain high following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began over the weekend, with further attacks being carried out.
As the conflict escalates, Wizz Air has confirmed that it is suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman up to and including Sunday, 15 March. They had originally planned to cancel these flights until 7 March, but as the conflict shows no signs of slowing, they have extended the cancellation period.
A Wizz Air spokesperson confirmed: “Wizz Air confirms that, following the recent escalation of the security situation in Iran, the airline is suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman up to and including 15 March, pending structural schedule changes reflecting reduced demand. Flights to and from Saudi Arabia will resume as planned from 8 March inclusive.
“The airline is closely monitoring developments and remains in ongoing contact with local and international authorities, aviation safety agencies, security authorities, and relevant governmental bodies. Operational decisions will continue to be reviewed, and the flight schedule may be adjusted as the situation evolves.
“The safety and security of our passengers, crew and aircraft remain Wizz Air’s highest priority. We acknowledge the disruption this may cause and appreciate the understanding of our customers. Passengers with affected bookings will be contacted directly with information regarding their options.”
The extension comes just a few days after Wizz Air first announced that it had suspended all flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman. Wizz Air joins other major airlines that have cancelled or amended hundreds of flights to parts of the Middle East amid the chaos.
Wizz Air, which has been working hard to ensure passenger safety, confirmed that flights to and from Saudi Arabia will recommence as planned from 8 March. In a bid to support passengers who need to travel to or from Israel, Wizz Air is planning to add flights to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) from various European airports.
If approved, the extra flights, which will provide a connection between Israel and Europe, will begin on Friday, 6 March. They will be as follows:
Budapest (BUD): from 3 to 10 weekly flights
Rome Fiumicino (FCO): from 11 to 18 weekly flights
London Luton (LTN): from 4 to 8 weekly flights
Milan Malpensa (MXP): from 6 to 11 weekly flights
Sofia (SOF): from 0 to 3 weekly flights
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Many Brits have been left stranded in Dubai after Israel and the US’ attacks on Iran. Here’s all the latest guidance from airlines
A 12 year old Brit, Ahmad Ali, was stranded alone in Dubai for three nights on his return to the UK from Pakistan. Yesterday, he finally made it back home(Image: PA)
Many Brits are still left stranded in the Middle East as Iran’s counter attacks continue.
Brits and Europeans from other nations are fearing being caught in the crossfire after the Iranian regime let loose at neighbouring nations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hundreds of people stranded abroad have said they are seeing and hearing bombs rain down near their accommodation, with some advised on ways to board up their windows to prevent them shattering in the event of an explosion.
An explosion was heard close to the US consulate building in Dubai on Tuesday night, with a fire breaking out. There were also reports of explosions and air raid sirens going off in Doha, the capital of Qatar, and air raid sirens sounding in Kuwait city. Iran is continuing strikes in the Middle East after US-Israeli military action started at the weekend.
Brits stuck in the Middle East and those with holidays booked to tourist hotspots like Dubai are now scrambling for answers from airlines on what to do next.
After residents received a state-wide warning to remain vigilant and remind renters of basement bunkers, many British immigrants and visitors in Dubai are facing a new challenge – how to leave and return safely home.
Emirates says on its website: “All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 2359hrs UAE time on March 4, due to airspace closures across the region.
“Emirates continues to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on March 3 and 4. We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority on these limited flights.
“Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Emirates or hold a confirmed booking for these flights. Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.”
Manchester Evening News reports that, overall, Emirates is now running 45 flights scheduled from Dubai for today, with seven returning Brits to the UK.
Qatar Airways
Yesterday morning (March 3), Qatar Airways stated flights were still “temporarily suspended”. Taking to X (Twitter), the official account wrote: “Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace”.
They added that the next update will be posted on March 6, 0900 Doha time (0600 UTC) and that passengers should watch the official app or website for the latest flight information.
The UK government has confirmed that around 300,000 British nationals are currently in Gulf countries affected by the escalating conflict. Of those, 102,000 have registered their presence with the Foreign Office as officials draw up contingency plans, including the possibility of a large-scale evacuation.
Sir Keir Starmer said the government is “looking at all options to support our people”, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper indicated that detailed preparations are under way. British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE have been urged to register online and monitor official travel advice, which could change rapidly.
British Airways
Speaking to the Mirror, British Airways said: “We’re continuing to do everything we can to support customers and colleagues in the region and are in regular contact with them”.
“We currently remain unable to operate flights from destinations including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Amman, and Tel Aviv. We’re aware that a number of our customers are now in Oman, where the airspace is currently open. Working with the relevant authorities, we’ve been able to schedule a flight from Muscat to London, departing at 02:30 local time on March 5. Existing customers who are in Oman can let us know they wish to travel on this flight via a dedicated phone line: +44 203 467 3854”.
The advised: “Customers should continue to follow the latest safety advice from local government and the Foreign Office. Customers are advised NOT to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking”. They added that “flights to Cairo, Riyadh, and Jeddah continue to operate as normal”.
The airline went on, saying: “We have actioned a flexible customer booking policy which allows all customers due to travel between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv in the coming days the option to change the date of their flights for free or get a refund. Customers travelling to Larnaca can rebook for a different date for free. Customers travelling to these destinations in the coming days can also change their booking to a different route with no change fee but will need to pay the fare difference,” ended BA.com.
British Airways has also said: “If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv you can change your flight free of charge up to and including 29 March. Customers travelling up to and including March 4 may also request a full refund”. Those concerned have been recommended to keep up with the latest on the FCDO and their airline/travel provider websites for real-time guidance.
Wizz Air
Wizz Air states: “The airline is now suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman up to and including Sunday, March 15 (previously March 7), pending structural schedule changes reflecting reduced demand. Flights to and from Saudi Arabia will recommence as planned from March 8 inclusive”.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic says that some flights were resumed yesterday between London Heathrow Airport, Dubai and Riyadh.
A spokesperson shared: “The safety and security of our customers and people is always our top priority, and our operation is subject to ongoing assessments”
“We are contacting customers regarding their travel arrangements. We’d like to thank them for their patience and understanding and recommend that all customers due to travel to or from Dubai and Riyadh over the next 48 hours check the status of their flight on virginatlantic.com before going to the airport.
“We continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East with ongoing dynamic assessments and active changes to our flight routings based on the latest information and guidance, if required”. These are the ongoing flights now resumed:
VS400 London Heathrow – Dubai, Tuesday March 3
VS242 London Heathrow – Riyadh, Tuesday March 3
VS401 Dubai – London Heathrow, Wednesday March 4
VS243 Riyadh – London Heathrow, Wednesday March 4
The airline ewill not fly over Iran and flights “to India and Maldives may experience slightly longer flight times,” says a recent update. A spokesperson tells the Mirror: “All flights will carry appropriate fuel to allow for short notice re-routing” and that “all cancellations are being continuously updated”.
“To provide greater flexibility for customers with affected upcoming travel plans, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holidays has introduced flexible booking options, which remain under constant review. For full details and contact information for customer teams please see https://www.virginatlantic.com/travel-news/middle-east-airspace”.
“Virgin Atlantic customers with a cancelled flight who are away from home for longer than planned will have all reasonable expenses, accommodation and transport covered. They are asked to submit all receipts via our website”.
Ethiad
Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways have continued to suspend their commercial flights and are currently only operating a small number of repatriation flights, Manchester Evening News reports.
An Emirates flight from Dubai and a Qatar Airways departure from Doha landed at Manchester Airport this morning. In total, Emirates is operating seven flights from Dubai to the UK while Etihad has two Abu Dhabi departures.
The airline said on Wednesday that Etihad’s flights to and from Dubai are suspended until at least Friday morning. All scheduled flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 2pm UAE time on Thursday. The airline has warned travellers to only head to the airport if contacted directly by Etihad.
WITH the current ongoing Iran crisis, Brits are quite fairly worried about their upcoming holidays.
Concerns have risen over the safety of Turkey, after NATO was forced to shoot down a missile in Turkish airspace earlier today, resulting in debris falling in the Dortyol district.
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Here is everything you need to know about Turkey holidaysCredit: Alamy
Here is everything you need to know if you have any travel to Turkey this year.
Is Turkey safe to travel to?
Yes, most of Turkey is still considered safe to travel to.
The only parts of Turkey that the UK Foreign Office warns against is the border of Syria, which is along the east of the country.
It warns: “FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.”
However, most Brits visit the west coast of Turkey, particularly the seaside resorts, which are hundreds of miles away.
The only advice currently for the rest of Turkey is: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.”
Do keep an eye on the latest travel advice on the government website here.
Are flights to Turkey cancelled?
No, flights to Turkey are being unaffected for anyone travelling from the UK to Turkey.
Some flights coming from the Middle East, such as from Dubai and Doha, are likely to be affected to Turkey right now.
However, Brits travelling from Britain will still be able to fly to Turkey without cancellations caused by the Iran crisis.
What if I have a holiday booked to Turkey?
If you have a holiday booked, you will not be able to cancel it without being left out of pocket.
As Turkey is safe to travel, you will not be given your money back if you choose not to travel.
Holidays to all tourist destinations in Turkey are still be going ahead.
This includes destinations such as Istanbul, Bodrum, Antalya and Fethiye.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains: “As the advice is that it is safe to travel, tour operators and airlines are under no obligation to offer you a refund if you choose not to travel.
“While some people may feel uneasy, the distances involved mean it is extremely unlikely that anything would impact your holiday.
“With all package holidays, you have enhanced protection should the situation change.
“If the Foreign Office changes its advice to all but essential travel, you will have extra rights to a refund or amended date.
“But right now, that is not necessary as trips to the popular Mediterranean Turkish resorts are safe.”
Many TUI customers due to fly in the next few days will be awaiting news of whether their flights and package holidays are cancelled. The travel operator has now issued a major update on the situation
TUI has updated customers flying out to Paphos this week(Image: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
TUI has cancelled more flights to Cyprus as a UK Royal Navy warship heads for the region.
Sir Keir Starmer said HMS Dragon – a Type 45 Destroyer – will be sent to that section of the Mediterranean. The PM has also spoken with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to let him know the UK is also “sending helicopters with counter-drone capabilities”.
It comes a day after the runway of the British air base in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, was hit by a drone. The Ministry of Defence said it caused “minimal damage”.
Today, flights to Cyprus’s two commercial airports were cancelled, with easyJet, Ryanair and TUI scrapping services. This afternoon, German travel giant TUI issued a major update on its coming Cyprus flights.
The spokesperson said: “In light of the evolving situation in the Middle East, we have taken the decision to cancel the four TUI Airways flights scheduled to travel to Cyprus on Wednesday, 4 March. We appreciate this may be disappointing news for those due to travel, and we are truly sorry for the disruption to our customers’ holiday plans. Our customer service teams are fully mobilised, and every affected customer will be contacted directly to discuss the options available to them.
“We want to reassure all customers that we are closely monitoring developments and keeping the situation under constant review.”
As for next steps, TUI has said: “Customers will be contacted directly and offered the option to amend their booking fee-free, with a rebooking incentive, or to receive a full refund.”
It also confirmed that its next TUI Airways flights to Cyprus are scheduled to operate on Saturday (March 7). TUI said: “At this stage, these flights are planned to run as normal. However, we continue to monitor the situation closely and, as it remains dynamic, schedules may be subject to change.”
Passengers flying out on Saturday should keep an eye on TUI’s travel alert page, as well as check its app for updates, and keep up to date with international news.
Flights cancelled on Wednesday, 4 March:
TOM7318 – East Midlands Airport to Paphos
TOM6312 – Cardiff Airport to Paphos
TOM6354 – Bournemouth to Paphos
TOM2336 – Manchester to Paphos
TUI’s website also has advice for customers currently in Cyprus. It says: “The safety of our customers is always our top priority. Our teams are working with our airline partners to monitor the situation and make arrangements to bring you back to the UK once it is safe to do so. We are working though bookings in date order and will call you to discuss your options. However, if you would prefer, please call us on 0203 451 2688.
“If you choose to call us, please be aware that we are receiving an exceptional volume of calls and there may be some delay in your call being answered.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not currently advise against travel to Cyprus, but many airlines have been cancelling their flights in light of the current situation.
The FCDO advises that Brits planning a holiday in Cyprus should sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts, monitor local news, and regularly review departure plans as the situation can change rapidly.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
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March 2 (UPI) — A United Airlines flight made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday after a possible engine fire was reported, authorities and the airline said.
United flight 2127 from Los Angeles to Newark, N.J., departed LAX at 10:43 a.m. PST, but was diverted back to the airport about 40 minutes into the flight, according to flight traffic tracker FlightRadar24.
After the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landed, slides deployed from its fuselage, which some passengers used to deplane. Uncorroborated video posted online shows passengers going down the slide, where firefighters met them on the tarmac before they ran from the plane.
United Airlines confirmed to UPI in a statement that the flight “safely returned to Los Angeles” and that the issue was “a possible engine fire.”
“Customers deplaned via slides and airstairs and were bused to the terminal,” the company said.
No serious injuries were reported among the 265 passengers and 12 crew, United Airlines said, adding that a second aircraft was arranged to take them to Newark.
According to a statement from the Los Angeles Fire Department, no passengers required transport to the hospital.
With thousands of people either stranded or diverted across the Middle East following the attacks on Iran, one travel expert has shared the advice you need to know
Passengers are stranded across the globe(Image: Getty)
Thousands of travellers are either stuck or have had their plans thrown into disarray across the Middle East following Israel and the US’s strike on Iran. The missile strikes have triggered widespread disruption throughout the UAE and the broader Middle East region, leaving thousands of holidaymakers facing an anxious wait.
Flight cancellations have swept through major Gulf aviation hubs as well as Cyprus in what experts are calling the most severe travel turmoil since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chris Harrington, Managing Director at hoppa, has outlined the top four things travellers need to understand if their flight gets axed, including your passenger rights and what compensation you might be owed.
The initial step when you spot that dreaded red ‘cancelled’ notice appearing on the departures board is to get in touch with your airline.
If you’re already inside the airport terminal, make your way to the customer service desk. However, if you turn the corner and discover a mammoth queue of passengers already assembled there, Chris has an alternative approach, reports the Express.
He advised: “Try using the airline’s app if they have one or ring the customer service team to find out about the next steps.”
Once you’ve managed to locate a staff member to speak with, it’s time to explore what options are on the table.
“In most cases, the airline will have to make an alternative plan for you. When you manage to speak to a member of staff, see if they can rebook you on a later flight.
“You may also want to consider opting for an alternative route or flying to another airport close to your final destination. It’s important to understand that the airline can book you a flight through a different provider, so make them aware of this.”
It’s vital to ensure you’ve got insurance sorted for any overseas trip. This will safeguard you against cancellations or other complications.
Chris explained: “If your flight has been cancelled, check your travel insurance documents as some policies will cover the cost of hotels, airport transfers, alternative flights, and food. It’s also worthwhile enquiring with your airline about vouchers for cancelled flights, as many offer them for passengers to find accommodation and cover the cost of food.”
Chris’s final piece of advice is to ensure you’re fully aware of your passenger rights.
He stated: “If the flight cancellation is due to the actions of the airline, then it’s likely you’ll be entitled to compensation. As stated by ABTA, if an airline cancels your flight in less than 14 days before you’re due to depart, then you’ll be entitled to compensation based on the length of your journey.
“However, in this case, because the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances outside of the airline’s control, compensation is unlikely to apply. In these cases, passengers are still entitled to a refund or rebooking, as well as care and assistance such as meals and, if necessary, overnight accommodation.”
WASHINGTON — A crowd gathered at a commuter gate at Reagan National Airport on Friday as fog-laden Washington skies caused an hourlong ground stop that backed up passengers hoping to head out from American Airlines’ Terminal D.
But soon the already densely packed area swelled even more, as word spread across nearby gates that, of the hundreds of air travelers coming and going, only one among them was accompanied by a U.S. Secret Service detail, along with uniformed local police officers: former President Biden.
Biden, who has rarely made public appearances since leaving office last year, sat, like many of his fellow passengers, awaiting a flight that would take him to Columbia, S.C., for an evening event with the South Carolina Democratic Party.
Passengers whispered and gaped in wonder: Why would a man who for a time was leader of the free world be, like they were, at the mercy of airport travel delays, even as he sat ensconced in his security detail?
Maybe for Biden it made more sense than for some other former presidents. Known for years as Amtrak Joe, Biden as a senator prided himself on becoming arguably the nation’s biggest Amtrak fan, regularly taking the train home to Delaware rather than taking up residence in Washington. Now, as a former president, he’s been spotted riding the rails since, taking selfies with and chatting up his fellow passengers.
On Friday, the vibe was about the same, as Biden — seated in the third row of the tiny first class cabin on the commuter jet — boarded the flight ahead of other passengers, along with his detail, members of which were spread throughout the plane.
“God bless you, sir,” one woman said, as she filed past Biden in his window seat, newspaper in his lap.
“Thank you for your service,” a man said, shaking Biden’s hand.
The woman who took the aisle seat next to the former president first set down her coffee on the arm rest they shared, deposited a bag in the overhead compartment, then sat down and realized her seatmate was the nation’s 46th president.
Biden set his hand on her cup to steady it, then met her gaze with a hello as she took her seat.
“I feel like I’m about to cry,” the woman said, as they shook hands and, over the course of the next hour, chatted throughout the flight.
Former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection under federal law, but there are no provisions guaranteeing the elite levels of private travel that were necessary features of their time in office.
A major airport sparked debate around airport dress codes when it announced it wanted to become the “world’s first Crocs-free AND pyjama-free airport”, and travellers have been left divided by the X post
16:43, 27 Feb 2026Updated 16:44, 27 Feb 2026
The post has sparked debate about airport clothing(Image: Getty)
A major airport has ignited controversy over appropriate airport clothing with an X post declaring “We’ve had enough.” Tampa International Airport took to X (formerly Twitter ) yesterday (February 26) with an announcement claiming it aspired to become the “world’s first Crocs-free AND pajama-free airport”.
The post opened with the declaration “We’ve seen enough. We’ve had enough.” before stating “The madness stops today.” The airport took aim at travellers sporting pyjamas in broad daylight, encouraging people to have a “difficult conversation” with relatives who might be guilty of such a fashion misstep, reports the Express.
While the airport went on to confirm to USA Today that the post was lighthearted, it nevertheless triggered a discussion about appropriate flying attire and whether dress codes ought to be enforced.
Its statement explained: “Tampa International Airport regularly shares lighthearted, satirical social media content as part of our ongoing effort to engage with our followers. Today’s post about ‘banning’ pajamas was another playful nod to day-of-travel fashion debates. We encourage our passengers to travel comfortably and appreciate our loyal followers who enjoy the online humor.”
While airports typically don’t enforce dress codes, there have been cases where passengers have been refused boarding or removed from planes based on their attire. In 2024, two women sporting crop tops were removed from a Spirit Airlines flight leaving Los Angeles after declining to cover up with their jumpers.
In 2025, the budget carrier updated its contract of carriage, warning that travellers who are “barefoot or inadequately clothed” could face boarding refusal or removal from the aircraft. Spirit’s terms and conditions specify this includes “see-through clothing; [being] not adequately covered; exposed breasts, buttocks, or other private parts”.
The airline also prohibits clothing and body art deemed “lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature” and states it may refuse boarding to passengers with “an offensive odor unless caused by a qualified disability”.
British airlines and airports haven’t yet introduced clothing regulations, apart from suggestions to dress comfortably, though certain airport lounges do have dress codes. No1 Lounges, which operates facilities at major hubs including London Gatwick and Heathrow, states on its website: “Yes, we have a dress code in place. We ask all our guests to wear smart-casual clothing.
“Our dress code stipulates that we reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone wearing clothing which we deem to be unsuitable. This includes themed or fancy-dress outfits, clothes with slogans that may cause offence, sports shirts, beach flip flops, vests, and clothing that exposes midriffs or upper thighs.
“Our My Lounge spaces are designed to be a little more relaxed and informal, encouraging guests to dress comfortably and express their individuality. Casual clothing, trainers, flip flops, and athleisure are welcome at My Lounge.” The policy does clarify, however, that unsuitable items such as fancy dress are still banned in these areas.
Despite its tongue-in-cheek tone, Tampa International Airport’s social media post ignited discussion about appropriate flying attire. One commenter enthused: “I love this! Let’s go back to the way it was in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s!”, accompanied by vintage photographs showing impeccably dressed passengers from bygone eras.
Another countered: “I’ll dress nice again when we’re not treated like cattle at the airport and on the plane.” While contributor questioned: “How are you even classifying clothing as pajamas to begin with? Are sweatpants, yoga pants, children wearing soft clothes pajamas?”.
Would you back dress codes at airports and on airplanes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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The flight attendant’s warning about onboard coffee has left some travellers surprised
A flight attendant has shared some advice(Image: Getty Images)
Holidaymakers may think twice before ordering a coffee at 35,000ft. That’s because a flight attendant has alleged a little-known airplane rule that’s left travellers horrified.
In a viral TikTok video, crew member @ichbinvin responded to posts asking flight attendants to share their “dirty little secrets of the industry”. He urged passengers to grab a drink before jumping onboard.
Ichbinvin, who works in the US, claims the issue isn’t just the water tanks used for the hot drinks — which he says are “hardly ever cleaned” — but how the leftover coffee is disposed of mid-flight. “For me, it’s always been the way that flight attendants have to clean out coffee pots,” he claimed.
He claimed cabin crew are instructed not to pour leftover coffee down the aircraft sink, but instead to empty it into the toilet. To avoid spills, this can mean holding the pot close to the bowl, raising fears about contamination, the alleged.
“And I imagine that there’s some kind of backsplash of particles, bacteria, whatever that goes directly back into the coffee pot which gets put right back into the coffee maker,” he claimed. “So unless the airline that you’re buying has an espresso maker on the plane, I would not get coffee on the plane.”
Viewers were left disgusted by the warning, with one writing: “The coffee one is making me cry.” Another added: “I know pilots personally that won’t drink the coffee. They know more about the plane than I do so I’m going to trust them,” while someone else simply said: “The coffee one is disgusting.”
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While airlines maintain strict hygiene standards, research shows airplane water systems have raised concerns before. A 2019 report by the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center ranked several airlines’ onboard water quality as “medium risk”, based on Environmental Protection Agency data.
Toilet bacteria can include E. coli and norovirus, which the NHS says can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. According to the NHS, norovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily through contaminated surfaces and droplets.
Public health experts stress that modern aircraft are subject to sanitation regulations, and serious illness from onboard drinks is rare.
Armor Harris, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the company’s growing aircraft division, who is also the ‘father’ of X-BAT, told us on the floor of AFA’s Warfare Symposium in Denver today that the aircraft’s central differentiator, its ability to launch and recover vertically, will be a central focus of early flight testing.
Latest on X-BAT VTOL ‘fighter’ drone from Shield AI’s Armor Harris
The stakes are incredibly high for Shield AI when it comes to X-BAT. They are trying to do something nobody else is offering in the high-performance air combat drone sector. X-BAT could drastically change the flexibility and survivability of advanced uncrewed tactical airpower, but achieving stealth, a large combat radius, a relevant payload, and doing it all at a cost that doesn’t send the DoW running is no easy task, especially for a young airframer like Shield AI. Now doing all that and launching and recovering it vertically from basically anywhere, that’s a whole other level.
X-BAT: Earth Is Our Runway
With such a lofty goal comes doubters who think Shield AI is reaching outside their capabilities with the X-BAT concept. Surely these include competitors who would have a hard time arguing for their air combat solutions if X-BAT were to exist in operational form and capable of the things Shield AI claims.
We will keep you up to date as X-Bat progresses toward flight test.
A former Ryanair flight attendant has shared some essential travel tips for passengers including the one item never to pack in checked luggage for safety reasons
Liam McInerney Content Editor
06:30, 23 Feb 2026
Eleanor during her Ryanair days (Image: greyeyeswitch/Instagram)
A former Ryanair cabin crew member has revealed the one item travellers should never pack in their hold luggage.
Eleanor, who was stationed in Marseille, France, clocked up numerous hours flying across the globe with the well-known low-cost carrier. The 25-year-old content creator has chronicled various aspects of her experiences on YouTube, including posting a video discussing the advantages and disadvantages of working as cabin crew for the Irish airline.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror about what shouldn’t go in checked baggage, the ex-flight attendant explained: “I can say you’re not supposed to have any laptops or computers in the checked bag because an overheated battery could cause a fire – and if the source is not in the cabin there won’t be any way to stop it.”
While it’s not prohibited to place a laptop in checked luggage on Ryanair flights, it’s widely regarded as safer to keep it in the cabin where possible.
That said, if personal electronic devices must travel in the hold, Ryanair has four particular requirements you need to follow, as outlined in their terms and conditions.
Firstly, the device must be “totally switched off” and “effectively protected from being turned on accidentally”.
Secondly, any apps, alarms or settings capable of activating it must be disabled or deactivated prior to placing it in your bag for the journey.
Thirdly, you need to ensure the device is safeguarded against accidental damage, either through packaging or a protective case. Alternatively, it can be shielded by sufficient cushioning within a sturdy bag.
The final stipulation is that the device must not share a bag with any flammable substances, including perfume or aerosols.
Meanwhile, Eleanor also shared with us two seats that passengers might want to “avoid” when booking their holidays.
With her extensive experience, she understands better than most how particular seats can significantly impact a journey. She explained: “I can only say to avoid 11A. That’s supposed to be a window seat – but it doesn’t have a window! You won’t be able to see outside.”
Previously dubbed “Europe’s most hated” seat, there’s another one worth swerving, as she added: “Also avoid row 32 on the 737 MAX, an aircraft that Ryanair has only in some bases. That has emergency exits at the wings, and a crew seat near them that faces the passengers.”
Eleanor, who hails from Italy and is now based in New Zealand, elaborated: “So, if you sit in that row, you’ll have the flight attendant stare at you during take off and landing, and you’ll have to move every time they have to pass. It was very uncomfortable as a flight attendant, I imagine it is as a passenger also.”
