miles

A crucial 50-mile airspace route through Azerbaijan has become vital for European travellers as Middle East airspace restrictions impact millions of passengers

The flight corridor that dictates whether vast numbers of passengers can reach their destination is getting narrower.

32,432. That’s the number of Middle East flights that have been scrapped since Israel and the US began bombing Iran at the end of February. The tally of affected passengers now runs well into the millions.

Whilst the daily cancellation figure has now dropped considerably to 11% per day, according to analytics firm Cirium, the knock-on effects of the disruption are still being experienced and will continue for some time.

One way the conflict has and will continue to affect travel is by constricting flight corridors. Now, many European holidaymakers are dependent on a roughly 50-mile route spanning three countries.

The flight corridor over Azerbaijan is one that numerous commercial aircraft have been using to travel from Europe to Asia since early March, when the country closed portions of its airspace following drone strikes the Azerbaijani authorities claim had been launched from Iranian territory, reports the Express.

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OPINION

Milo Boyd

Prior to the Iran war, the Azerbaijan path was 100 miles wide at its narrowest points, owing to the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the north. It is now 50 miles wide, with airspace to the south closed off by the Azerbaijan authorities.

Almost three weeks into the Iran war, this route through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey is one of just two available for a majority of long-haul flights between Europe and Asia. The alternative route passes through Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The shortage of accessible airspace is fuelling rivalry amongst airlines competing for routes. It is also rendering air travel more costly and environmentally harmful.

Prior to 2022, flights linking much of Europe and Asia travelled over Russia, via the “Siberian Corridor.” That was regarded as one of the most direct ways to connect the two continents.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western airlines were denied access to the airspace. Now a flight from northern Europe, which would have passed directly over Russia, must take a lengthier route either over the North Pole or around the Black Sea. This can tack on roughly three hours to a nine-hour journey, consuming thousands of pounds more jet fuel and emitting dozens of tonnes more CO2e into the atmosphere.

The alternative route from Europe to Asia that is presently available takes passengers south, via Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Whilst it is returning to capacity following weeks of disruptions and cancellations, the escalating conflict in Iran means its viability in the long or medium term remains uncertain.

Dubai International Airport is typically one of the globe’s busiest travel hubs, averaging approximately 1,200 departures and landings daily. It, like numerous airports in the region, is still functioning considerably below its standard capacity. This is partly due to the aerial battles taking place overhead. On Friday, the UAE government reported that it had intercepted 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,740 drones since February 28, Forbes reports. Despite these efforts, at least eight people have been killed in the UAE, and over 150 have been injured.

Ian Petchenik, the communications director for the flight-tracking site FlightRadar24, fears that the narrowing of flight corridors and the uncertain status of major travel hubs is driving up the cost of plane tickets. He told the New York Times: “At some point, we get to the point where airlines have to make the decision: Is this route still economically viable? Is this a route that we can continue to operate long term within these parameters?”

Mr. Petchenik characterises the flight corridor above Azerbaijan as “a very narrow strip of land.”

To increase the number of planes that can fly on a restricted flight corridor, air traffic controllers instruct aircraft to fly at varying altitudes – effectively spreading them out.

However, according to Graham Wild, a senior lecturer of aviation science and technology at the University of New South Wales in Australia, this can trigger other problems. Planes flying at lower altitudes are more vulnerable to weather and turbulence and also consume more fuel, as the air is denser. Extended flight times and the potential for diversions also present staffing challenges for pilots and flight crews.

SIR David Beckham was just miles from his estranged son Brooklyn in LA on Monday — but the pair failed to meet.

Insiders said Becks, 50, was in the US city for work following a ski break in Canada with son Romeo.

Brooklyn, 27, and his wife Nicola, 31, live in Los Angeles and were at Sir Elton John’s Aids Foundation Oscars viewing party on Sunday.

A source said: “David was in Los Angeles for a new ad campaign, but given Brooklyn’s decision to cut off his family, there was no meeting between them.

“David had just come back from a ski trip with Romeo and friends in Canada when he flew to Los Angeles for work.

“Brooklyn would have just been miles away from him in the house he shares with Nicola.”

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The Sun first revealed how Brooklyn had cut off his family last year in a multi-pronged row.

In October insiders confirmed Brooklyn had no interest in making amends with his family.

By January he was communicating with them through lawyers.

Days later, Brooklyn released a bombshell statement confirming the story.

He went on to make allegations against his family, including claiming fashion designer Victoria had “hijacked” his first dance with Nicola at their wedding in 2022.

As well as cutting off his famous parents, Brooklyn is no longer in contact with his brothers Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 21, and sister Harper, 14, after blocking them on social media.

Yesterday, musician Cruz revealed the lyrics to a new song, Loneliest Boy, which appears to allude to Brooklyn.

On the track, Cruz sings: “Loneliest boy, mama don’t talk too much. It’s breaking her heart.

“It shows in the small things that you don’t do.

“I guess in the end that it’s you, yourself, and you.

“Tell me how do you live, when you’ve got nobody to lose?”

Brooklyn and wife Nicola were all smiles when they were invited by his godfather Sir Elton to be guests at his Oscars bash in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

Yesterday, Nicola shared a series of pictures of the night on her Instagram, including a black and white photo of her and Brooklyn.

She wrote: “What a beautiful evening for such an important cause. Thank you for having us Elton John and David Furnish, we love you both so much.”

On Sunday, Brooklyn’s social media followers rounded on him after he shared photos of mother-in-law, Claudia Peltz, who had celebrated her 71st birthday a few days earlier.

His post coincided with Mother’s Day. Mum Victoria shared tributes from Romeo, Cruz and Harper on Instagram, but fans noted there was no message from Brooklyn.

Those close to Brooklyn and Nicola said there was no going back in the feud with his parents.

A source said: “Brooklyn has said his piece. He is done. Moving on with his life with Nicola is his priority now.”

Singapore Airlines holds the record for the world’s longest flight

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”.

ARE you looking for a cheap Spanish holiday to soak up the sun this summer?

The most affordable coastlines in mainland Spain have been uncovered – and some are £200 cheaper than holidaying on the Costa del Sol.

TravelSupermarket has found the eight most affordable coastlines on mainland Spain with the top being Costa Calida.

It’s nicknamed the ‘Warm Coast’ thanks to its micro-climate which means it has temperatures around 5C warmer than the surrounding Mediterranean.

Daytime temperatures between in the summer can range between 30C and 35C.

Costa Calida also has over 315 sunny days every year.

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According to TravelSupermarket, the average price of a holiday per person is £457 per person.

The coastline has a huge 150 miles of beaches and is generally quieter than its neighbours like the Costa del Sol and Costa Brava.

That said, it still has popular spots along the coastline including La Manga which has a sandy strait often compared to Florida.

La Manga is a 13 mile long strip of sand which is known for its shallow, popular swimming waters and its salt water lagoon.

Visitors have compared it to looking like Florida‘s West Palm Beach and even Miami.

Rooms at the AluaSun Doblemar hotel on La Manga cost as little as £46 per night.

It’s the biggest resort and sits on the beachfront – it daily activities to keep guests entertained, outdoor pools, all-inclusive dining, and a kids’ club.

Another spot holidaymakers might want to consider is Cartagena.

It’s the second largest city in the Region of Murcia and is well-known for its 2,000-year-old Roman theater.

It also has a busy port, seafood restaurants, and Calle Mayor is the busy shopping street with independent shops and boutiques.

There are plenty of beaches too like Playa de Calblanque tucked away in a National Park south of La Manga and the Blue Flag Playa de Calnegre.

A Place in the Sun presenter Jean Johansson says that for those looking to buy abroad, Cartagena is a great and affordable option.

She said: “There are also places around it like Cartagena which, when I started on the show, wasn’t a desirable place, but now it comes up more and more.

“In the Murcia region and Almería, you could get a two-bedroom apartment with a pool in a complex for £100-£120k, and that’s good in this day and age.

“We still have people that can make £80k stretch in the south of Spain, so Murcia is a place to buy in before it gets too expensive.”

To get to the Costa Calida is simple too because Brits can fly into Murcia Airport and head south.

One-way flights from Bournemouth to Murcia start from just £15 with Ryanair in April.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket said: “Spain remains one of the most reliable destinations for British holidaymakers seeking value, and with budgets still under pressure, it pays to be a little flexible about where you go.

“Costa Calida in particular stands out – it consistently delivers on beaches, weather and facilities, but tends to fly under the radar compared to the likes of Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, and that’s reflected in the price.”

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And here’s more on the ‘desert coast’ of Spain that is £290 cheaper than a holiday on the Costa del Sol – with less rain and £3 beers.

The mammoth journey is now flown twice a week and spans three continents

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.