flights

Venezuela’s aviation authority said flights will resume a day after Sunday’s parliamentary elections.

Venezuela has suspended flights from neighbouring Colombia after authorities detained more than 30 people allegedly plotting activities to destabilise the country before Sunday’s parliamentary election.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced on state television on Monday that the flight ban was “immediate” and would last for a week.

The arrests were announced just as an independent panel of experts released a report documenting serious human rights abuses committed in Venezuela in the aftermath of the July 28, 2024 presidential election.

Cabello said the antigovernment plans involved placing explosives at embassies, hospitals and police stations in Venezuela. He said authorities had detained 21 Venezuelans and 17 foreigners, some of whom hold Colombian, Mexican and Ukrainian citizenship. Cabello said those detained arrived from Colombia, some by plane, others over land, but had set out originally from other – unnamed – countries.

Cabello, without offering any evidence, said the group included experts in explosive devices, human smugglers and mercenaries, and was working with members of Venezuela’s political opposition.

“The scenario they want to present is that there are no conditions in Venezuela for holding an election,” Cabello said, referring to the opposition.

Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement it had not received any information from Venezuela’s government regarding the detention of Colombian citizens.

Colombia’s civil aviation authority confirmed that commercial flights between the countries had been suspended, while Venezuela’s aviation authority said the measure will last until Monday, May 26 at 6pm local time.

‘Political repression’

The government of President Nicolas Maduro, whose re-election in July 2024 to a third term was rejected by much of the international community as fraudulent, frequently claims to be the target of US and Colombian-backed coup plots.

In an interview over Zoom with the AFP news agency last week, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who went into hiding after last year’s presidential election, pledged a voter boycott on Sunday that would leave “all the [voting] centres empty”.

The opposition says its tally of results from the July vote showed a clear victory for its candidate, former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who went into exile in Spain after a crackdown on dissent.

The independent panel of experts backed by the Organization of American States on Monday wrote in their report that Venezuela’s post-election period has seen “the most severe and sophisticated phase of political repression in Venezuela’s modern history”. This included the execution of unarmed protesters, enforced disappearances and an increase in arbitrary detentions. They also noted that the state had expanded its repression targets beyond political opponents and human rights defenders to include poll workers, election witnesses, relatives of opposition members, minors and others.

The diplomatic outcry that followed last year’s election saw Venezuela break off ties and flight routes with several countries. Some airlines have also cancelled operations to and from the country due to unpaid debts.

Venezuela and Colombia reopened flight routes in November 2022, after the election of Colombia’s first-ever leftist President Gustavo Petro, who reinstated bilateral ties broken off in 2019 when then-leader Ivan Duque refused to acknowledge Maduro’s re-election to a second term.

Europe’s sunniest city not only boasts hot weather but it’s also got cathedrals, a gorgeous harbour and amazing food – and you can find cheap direct flights with easyJet and Ryanair

Summer is fast approaching, but Brits chasing some hot and sunny weather may want to start planning a trip to the breathtaking city of Cartagena, Spain.

That’s because the historic port city has been named Europe’s sunniest city by the travel experts over at Holidu, who have estimated that it boasts an average of 283 sunshine hours every month. Cartagena may not be a hidden gem – cruise fans will no doubt know it as one of the ports where plenty of ships dock as part of their itineraries.

However, it remains underrated as most people will then flock to nearby Alicante or Murcia for their adventures, so the sun-soaked spot doesn’t always have to deal with the big crowds during peak months.

The good news for Brits is that you won’t need to break the bank to visit either. The nearest airport is Murcia, approximately an hour’s drive away, with flights from £16.62 each way available from the likes of Ryanair and easyJet. Meanwhile Holidu has uncovered a number of holiday rentals in Cartagena starting from £30 a night, although typically the cheapest rates fall outside of the school holidays.

Those who do a bit of exploring around the city won’t be disappointed, thanks to a plethora of gorgeous architecture, fascinating museums and of course, plenty of spots to sample some of that mouthwatering Spanish fare. The Roman amphitheatre remains one of the biggest highlights for any history fan, especially with the adjacent museum that delves into Roman history, and the ongoing project and renovations to sustain the landmark.

Meanwhile the ‘Casa de la Fortuna’ aka the House of Fortunes offers another interesting glimpse into Roman life, specifically what it might have been like day-to-day for residents.

Then of course it’s well worth just having a relaxed wander through the city to take in the shops and all-important tapas bars, not to mention there are plenty of scenic walks so you can enjoy views of the ships and yachts that dock into the harbour throughout the day.

For those who want a bit of downtime on the beach, there are a few spots along the coast where you can relax on sandy and pebbled shores, but if the beaches are the main focus of your holidays, then you may want to head to the likes of Barcelona or Alicante instead, where you’ll find those picture-perfect golden sands, as well as a plethora of beachfront hotels and holiday homes.

Of course while it’s no secret that Spain is blessed with plenty of hot and sunny months, it’s definitely the European hotspot for sunseekers; the research found that the country is home to nine of the top 10 sunniest destinations on the continent! You can check out the full list below for a dose of inspiration.

Europe’s top 10 sunniest cities

1. Cartagena, Spain
2. Alicante, Spain
3. Malaga, Spain
4. Murcia, Spain
5. Granada, Spain
6. Catania, Spain
7. Seville, Spain
8. Cordoba, Spain
9. Marseille, France,
10. Madrid, Spain

You can find out more on holidu.co.uk.

Paris-Orly airport has been hit by flight cancellations and delays after the air traffic control systems suffered a malfunction, which caused widespread disruption

A glitch with air traffic control systems has caused havoc at Paris-Orly airport.

On Sunday thousands of passengers found themselves stuck on planes that were about to take off only to be cancelled at the last minute at the French airport. The chaos has continued today, with dozens of planes grounded.

“The situation is improving,” the DGAC assured, while instructing airlines to cut Monday’s flights by 15%, an improvement from Sunday’s 40% slash. “Despite these preventive measures, delays are expected,” they warned in a fresh alert to passengers. The DGAC held back from explaining the cause of the system failure.

According to La Depeche, the air traffic control issue relates to a radar malfunction. In order to ensure maximum safety, the civil aviation authority has asked airlines to reduce their flight schedules by 15% at Orly. This allows air traffic controllers to space out flights further.

READ MORE: Labour’s new deal with EU could massively improve Brits’ holiday experience

In addition to these cancellations, the DGAC also indicates that “despite these preventive measures, delays are to be expected.” It advises all affected passengers to contact their airlines to find out the status of their flights.

The situation at the French travel hub was considerably worse on Sunday than it is today. Yesterday, roughly 130 flights were cancelled, with a roughly 50:50 split on arrivals and departures.

Agnes Zilouri was one of those who was caught up in the chaos. The 46-year-old was trying to find a seat for her 86-year-old mother and six-year-old son after her flight was grounded. The family had been travelling to Morocco for a funeral, Mail Online reported.

Many found themselves about to take-off only to be told their flights had been cancelled last minute. “We were on the plane, all seated and belted up, ready to leave, when they made us disembark and collect our luggage… Then we had to struggle,” Azgal Abichou, a 63-year-old business owner, told AFP.

“The only solution is a 300-euro flight, but there’s only one seat left, and there are two of us. And we’re not sure it’ll take off,” 22-year-old student Romane Penault lamented. So, “for now, we’re going home.”

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Others took to X to share tales of their aviation woes. One wrote: “My 7.45pm flight to Orly from Dublin was cancelled. It’s been almost two hours, and still no email that informs me of a cancellation. It’s ridiculous to have to find out right as I walk into the airport.”

Paris-Orly, the capital’s secondary hub, deals with both domestic and international destinations, including to other European nations and the USA. A specific hit has been taken by flights bound for Italy, Spain, Portugal, and southern France, which saw numerous cancellations on Monday.

Flight Aware, which tracks delays and cancellations across airports globally, notes that 37 flights to and from Orly have been cancelled in the past 24 hours up to 11am on Monday. Last year’s passenger figures show more than 33 million voyagers passed through Paris-Orly, less than half of the traffic seen at Paris’ leading airport, Charles-de-Gaulle, data from Aeroport de Paris revealed.

A viral TikTok has reignited the long-standing debate of airplane decorum while flying with kids. Now, cabin crew have shared their top secret tips for keeping little ones calm on flights.

Airplane decorum, especially while travelling with kids, has long been a point of contention.

Recently, the subject came to the forefront on social media after a TikTok video prominently featuring an exasperated traveller and the antics of a young child behind her who couldn’t stop kicking her seat garnered over 240k views.

The divisive clip reignited the long-standing debate among viewers as audiences were split over who should address the issue. While one user suggested confrontation was key: “You gotta be confrontational and tell them to stop, unfortunately”, another proposed seeking cabin crew assistance: “Just call the flight attendant”.

Yet another user offered advice suggesting the direct involvement of the parent: “Just tell the mother to get them to stop”.

Luckily, a cabin crew manager has now weighed in. Travel experts at Netflights conferred with Cabin Crew Manager, Francesca, and received insights into the preferred course of action by crew members, parents, and fellow passengers in such circumstances.

Delving deeper into aviation secrets that can be employed for maintaining mid-flight serenity, Francesca shared some insider tips with the travel company.

Cabin crew secrets for child management

Engaging activities as distractions: Francesca shares: “If the children are aged between three to four and are walking around, then we will get them to help with rubbish to distract them.”

Incentivising positive behaviour: The cabin crew manager reveals another trick of the trade when it comes to flying with kids: “If kids are playing up, we will say that if they behave well, we can give them treats from the bar; however, this is at the cabin manager’s discretion, so it shouldn’t be expected.”

Keeping one’s cool: Francesca stresses the importance of remaining calm and shares: “We have to remain calm, considerate and approachable. We always put ourselves in the shoes of our customers.”

Tips for parents

Supply numerous distractions: Sharing the gold-standard of in-flight tactics that can be deployed on kids, Francesca advises: “Parents should bring colouring books onto the flight, as bringing things that stimulate their minds will help the situation, and minimise children from getting agitated when flying”.

Stash nutritious nibbles: It’s important for parents travelling with kids to ensure their children are well-fed and snacking on healthy options. Francesca says: “Make sure your kids have eaten beforehand or have healthy snacks when flying. Snacks help to keep little ones settled and can be a nice treat to lift their mood.”

Strategise slumber: The flight attendant shares another top tip: “Making sure to plan naps for your children is a useful tip, so children don’t become tired and irritable. Planning your child’s sleep in advance can ensure you are organised and feel prepared for long travel days.”

Seat switcharoo

As a cabin crew manager, Francesca is all too aware of some passengers’ demand for a seat switch, but asserts that shouldn’t be the default expectation. She explained: “Some passengers complain that they don’t want to be seated near children, however, we remind them that families are also paying customers. If there are available seats, then we can move them there, however, passengers shouldn’t presume they will be able to move, as the aircraft can often be full, with no spare seats available.”

Avelo Airlines, a Texas-based budget carrier, is facing backlash from both customers and employees over its decision to operate deportation flights under a new contract with the Trump administration.

Avelo, which has been struggling financially, signed a contract with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last month to transport migrants to detention centres inside and outside the US, according to an internal company memo reviewed by the Reuters news agency.

On Monday, the airline flew its first flight under the deal from Arizona to Louisiana, data from flight-tracking services FlightAware and Flightradar24 showed.

Avelo plans to dedicate three aircraft to deportation operations and has established a charter-only base in Mesa, Arizona, specifically for these flights, according to the company memo.

The union representing Avelo’s flight attendants called the contract “bad for the airline”, and one customer has helped organise a petition urging travellers to boycott the airline.

US President Donald Trump has launched a hardline crackdown on undocumented immigration, including the deportation of Venezuelan migrants he accuses of being gang members to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. Immigration authorities also detained and moved to deport some legal permanent US residents. Trump’s policies have triggered a rash of lawsuits and protests.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS, said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was deporting illegal aliens who broke the country’s laws. She called the protests “nothing more than a tired tactic to abolish ICE by proxy”.

“Avelo Airlines is a sub-carrier on a government contract to assist with deportation flights,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “Attacks and demonization of ICE and our partners is wrong.”

On defence

The airline on Wednesday confirmed its long-term agreement with ICE and said it was vital to Avelo’s financial stability. It also shared a statement from CEO Andrew Levy acknowledging that it is a “sensitive and complicated topic”, but saying that the decision on the contract came “after significant deliberations”.

The statement added that the deal would keep the airline’s “more than 1,100 crewmembers employed for years to come”.

Avelo said it will use three Boeing 737-800 planes in Mesa, Arizona.

“Flights will be both domestic and international,” the company said, declining to share more details of the agreement.

Avelo, which launched in 2021, was forced to suspend its most recent fundraising round after reporting its worst quarterly performance in two years.

In a message to employees last month, Levy said the airline was spending more than it earned from its customers, forcing it to seek repeated infusions of capital from investors.

“I realize some may view the decision to fly for DHS as controversial,” Levy wrote in the staff memo, which was reviewed by Reuters, but said the opportunity was “too valuable not to pursue”.

Widespread backlash

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents Avelo’s crew, has urged the company to reconsider its decision, which it said would be “bad for the airline”.

“Having an entire flight of people handcuffed and shackled would hinder any evacuation and risk injury or death,” the union said. “We cannot do our jobs in these conditions.”

The Trump administration has deported hundreds of migrants labelled as Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador. Photos and videos have shown deportees in handcuffs and shackles.

Customers have also expressed outrage. Anne Watkins, a New Haven, Connecticut, resident, said she has stopped flying with Avelo. She and her co-members at the New Haven Immigrants Coalition have launched an online petition urging travellers to boycott the airline until it ends its ICE flight operations. The petition has garnered more than 38,000 signatures.

Watkins, 55, said the coalition also organised a vigil on Monday to mark the launch of Avelo’s deportation flights.

“Companies can decide to operate in wholly ethical and transparent ways,” she said. “Avelo is not choosing to do that right now.”

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, a Democrat, has threatened to review the state’s incentives for Avelo, which has received more than $2m in subsidies and tax breaks.

In California, Los Angeles resident Nancy K has co-founded a campaign called “Mothers Against Avelo”. She plans to lead weekly protests every Sunday in May at Hollywood Burbank airport, one of Avelo’s six operating bases.