Chief executive Mark Darbon says the R&A are having “ongoing dialogue” with Muirfield with a view to returning The Open Championship to the Gullane course for the first time since 2013.
Darbon also says there are “challenges” with bringing the event back to Turnberry.
Royal Lytham & St Annes will host The Open in 2028, with this year’s 154th tournament taking place at Royal Birkdale and next year’s staging at The Old Course at St Andrews.
Muirfield, a 16-times Open venue, will host this year’s Women’s Amateur Championship from 22-27 June.
“We’ve got a great ongoing dialogue with Muirfield,” Darbon said.
“There are some things we need to overcome to facilitate a modern Open Championship – the practice ground is one of those, along with a few on-course infrastructural points.”
On US President Donald Trump’s Turnberry, which hosted the last of its four Opens in 2009, Darbon commented: “We really like the golf course.
“But there are challenges around staging a modern Open – primarily road, rail and accommodation infrastructure.”
The Scottish Open has signed a deal to stay at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian until 2030, with the tournament played in the week before The Open to allow players time to adapt to seaside links courses.
Mali has been rattled by coordinated attacks carried out by several unidentified armed groups beginning on Saturday, escalating the political and security crisis in the country, which has been under military rule for most of the past 14 years.
On Sunday, a military source told Al Jazeera that Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara had been killed amid coordinated attacks on military sites across the country, including the capital, Bamako. His residence in Kati was attacked on Saturday.
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“The General Staff of the Armed Forces informs the public that unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks in the capital and the interior early this morning, April 25, 2026. Fighting is ongoing,” Mali’s military said in a statement on Saturday.
Al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for attacks in Kati, near the capital, as well as the Bamako airport and other locations further north, including Mopti, Sevare and Gao. Tuareg rebels also claimed participation in the latest assaults.
The current military ruler, Assimi Goita, came to power in the 2021 coup on the promise to boost security amid the growing influence of armed groups in one of the most impoverished nations in the world. Goita has yet to make a public statement.
So, what is the latest situation in the country and have the armed attacks been contained?
Here’s what we know:
What happened?
On Saturday morning, Mali’s army said unidentified “terrorist” groups had attacked several military positions in Bamako and the country’s interior.
Two loud explosions and sustained gunfire were heard shortly before 6am (06:00 GMT) near Mali’s main military base, Kati, just north of the capital. Soldiers were deployed to block roads, witnesses said.
There was similar unrest at around the same time in the central town of Sevare, and Kidal and Gao in the north.
Gunfire could be heard near a military camp close to the Bamako airport, where Russian mercenary forces are based, a resident told the Reuters news agency.
Heavy gunfire was also reported in Kati, where Goita also has his residence, witnesses told the AFP news agency.
AFP reported that Kati residents uploaded images on social media showing their homes destroyed. “We are holed up in Kati,” one resident said.
The military said in a statement it had killed “several hundred” assailants and repelled the assault, which hit multiple sites in or near Bamako. It is unclear how many assailants were killed.
It said the situation was under control, adding that a large-scale sweep operation was also under way in Bamako, the nearby barracks town of Kati and elsewhere in the gold-producing country.
Reporting from Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday, Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque said the scale and coordination of the attack appeared to be unprecedented.
He said, despite the situation having come under control, “there’s an unprecedented level of panic in the military ranks”.
The African Union, the secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United States Bureau of African Affairs have condemned the attacks.
Indications that different armed groups launched a coordinated attack in Mali signal a “very dangerous development”, according to Ulf Laessing, Sahel analyst at the German think tank Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
He told Al Jazeera on Saturday that since the crisis began in 2012, security has been “degrading” every year, and the government has little control over large areas of the country.
Mali’s democratically elected President Amadou Toumani Toure was deposed in a coup led by soldiers in May 2012. His government was accused of failing to handle a Tuareg-led rebellion in the north.
Since then, the country has been experiencing a severe security and political crisis, armed rebellions and two military coups.
Mali is “a vast territory, twice the size of France. Most people live in the south, the north is desert and mountains … it’s impossible to control it, not even the French could do it, let alone the Russians”, Laessing said.
“There’s no military solution”, and armed groups are “entrenched” in the countryside.
“The only good news is, so far, they [armed groups] haven’t been able to control … larger cities,” he added.
Who is behind Saturday’s attack?
The JNIM and Tuareg rebels have claimed responsibility for the attacks.
In a statement published by SITE Intelligence Group, JNIM claimed attacks in Kati, Bamako and in localities further north, including Mopti, Sevare and Gao.
JNIM is the Sahel affiliate of al-Qaeda and the most active armed group in the region, according to conflict monitor ACLED. Since September, JNIM fighters have been attacking fuel tankers, bringing Bamako to a standstill in October 2025.
It also imposed an economic and fuel blockade by sealing off major highways used by tankers transporting fuel from neighbouring Senegal and the Ivory Coast to the landlocked Sahel country.
For weeks, most of Bamako’s residents were unable to buy any fuel for cars or motorcycles as supplies dried up, bringing the normally bustling capital to a standstill.
Despite several months of calm, Bamako residents faced a diesel shortage in March, with fuel prioritised for use in the energy sector.
On Saturday, the JNIM said the city of Kidal was “captured” in an operation coordinated with the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a Tuareg-dominated rebel group.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for FLA, said on social media that the group had taken control of multiple positions in Kidal and Gao. Al Jazeera could not independently verify the claim.
Videos posted online and verified by Al Jazeera showed armed men entering the National Youth Camp of Kidal on Saturday.
Al Jazeera’s Haque noted that it seems the FLA is gaining ground in the north of the country.
“There’s video footage circulating on social media showing some of these fighters entering the residence of the governor of Kidal,” he said.
“Kidal is not the biggest town in the north, but it’s high in symbolism because whoever holds the town of Kidal controls the north,” he added.
Ibrahim Yahaya Ibrahim, deputy director for the Sahel at the International Crisis Group, says Malian authorities appear to have been caught off-guard by the latest wave of attacks.
Speaking to Al Jazeera from Dakar on Saturday, Ibrahim said the offensive fits into a broader pattern of escalating violence.
“Even though it is hard to say that it is totally a surprise, I think it is just another dramatic episode in a series of spectacular attacks that we have witnessed in recent years by JNIM attacking the government,” he said.
What role did Russian mercenaries play during the attacks?
Witnesses told Al Jazeera’s Haque that Russian mercenaries were involved in fighting in Bamako, around the airport, where they have one of their headquarters.
“But because there’s been so much pressure on the Russia-Ukraine front, some of these Russian mercenaries are being pulled out from Mali, which is affecting the security situation in Mali now,” Haque said.
Al Jazeera’s Haque said that “the Russian mercenaries seem to have surrendered the town of Kidal or at least the military camp where they were with the Malian forces”.
“The Tuareg fighters had asked them to surrender weapons. It is unclear whether they did that or not but what’s clear is that the Russians are stepping out of the town of Kidal,” he said, adding that “Russian mercenaries not fighting against armed fighters “is something significant”.
In June last year, Russia’s Wagner group said it would withdraw from Mali after more than three and a half years on the ground. The paramilitary force said it had completed its mission against armed groups in the country.
But Wagner’s withdrawal from Mali did not mean the departure of Russian fighters. Russian mercenaries have remained under the banner of the Africa Corps, a separate Kremlin-backed paramilitary group created after Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin led a failed mutiny against the Russian military in June 2023.
Besides Mali, Africa Corps is also active in other African countries, including Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic.
What does all this mean for Mali’s and the Sahel’s security?
Since gaining independence in 1960, the West African country has experienced alternating cycles of political stability and instability, punctuated by rebellions, financial woes and military coups.
In 2012, ethnic Tuareg separatists, allied with fighters from an al-Qaeda offshoot, launched a rebellion that took control of the country’s north.
But fighters from the armed group Ansar Dine swiftly pushed out the Tuareg rebels and seized key northern cities, triggering French military intervention in early 2013 at the request of the government. Ansar Dine and several other groups later merged to form the JNIM.
In September 2013, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was elected as president. His fragile democratic rule ended in 2020. Under his government, the United Nations brokered a peace deal between the government and northern Tuareg groups fighting for an independent Azawad in 2015.
President Keita was deposed in a military coup in August 2020 following months of mass protests over severe economic woes in the country and the advance of armed groups in the north. In September that year, Bah Ndaw, a retired colonel, was sworn in as interim president, with Goita as vice president, to lead a transitional government.
In May 2021, Goita, the leader of the previous year’s power grab and vice president of the interim government, seized power in a second coup. Mali is currently being run by Goita’s military government. Initially, the military government pledged to return to civilian rule in March 2024, but it has not kept the promise.
Goita invited Russian mercenaries to support the military administration in its fight against armed groups in December 2021 after asking the French troops to leave the country. This created a security vacuum. In January 2024, Mali’s rulers also terminated the 2015 peace deal with Tuareg rebels, accusing them of not complying with the agreement. This led to a breakdown in the country’s security situation once again.
In September 2025, the JNIM began a fuel import blockade, crippling life in Bamako.
Mali, along with Niger and Burkina Faso, formally split last year from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
However, earlier this week, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop attended a security forum in Senegal where he said the withdrawal was “final”, but added that the AES could maintain a constructive dialogue with ECOWAS on freedom of movement and preserving a common market.
“Even for the Malian minister to come to this conference signals that they are afraid for themselves and they need to open up,” Adama Gaye, political commentator on the Sahel and West Africa, told Al Jazeera. “It is also an indication that they want to reach out to ECOWAS.”
Gaye added that the Goita-led military government “cannot have legitimacy in their own country”.
“They have been terrible in economic progress, peace and stability,” he added, describing the ongoing situation in Mali as “very dire”.
“These attacks will be another negative aspect to their claims that they can control Mali,” he said.
A United States mediated ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come under strain after Hezbollah dismissed the agreement as ineffective. The truce, which took effect on April 16, was recently extended by three weeks following talks hosted by Donald Trump at the White House with Israeli and Lebanese representatives.
The ceasefire was intended to reduce hostilities that reignited on March 2, when Hezbollah launched attacks in support of Iran amid a broader regional conflict. While the agreement led to a noticeable drop in violence, clashes have not fully stopped. Israeli forces have continued operations in southern Lebanon, maintaining a self declared buffer zone, while Hezbollah has accused Israel of carrying out strikes, assassinations, and destruction of towns.
Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad stated that the continued attacks render the ceasefire meaningless and reaffirmed the group’s position that it reserves the right to respond to any Israeli action.
Why it matters The fragile ceasefire highlights the difficulty of de escalating conflicts in the Middle East, especially when multiple fronts and actors are involved. Continued violations risk collapsing the agreement entirely, which could lead to a wider confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.
The situation is further complicated by its connection to broader regional tensions involving Iran, making the ceasefire not just a bilateral issue but part of a larger geopolitical struggle. A breakdown could escalate into a more sustained and destructive conflict along the Lebanon Israel border.
Stakeholders Hezbollah remains a central actor, positioning itself as a resistance force while balancing domestic and regional pressures. Israel is focused on security concerns and maintaining its buffer zone in southern Lebanon.
The United States is playing a mediating role, attempting to prevent escalation and maintain stability. Iran, as a key ally of Hezbollah, continues to influence the group’s strategic decisions and has pushed for Lebanon to be included in wider ceasefire discussions.
The Lebanese government is also a stakeholder, as continued conflict threatens its sovereignty, infrastructure, and already fragile economy.
What’s next The extended ceasefire will be tested in the coming weeks as both sides continue limited engagements. If violations persist, the agreement could unravel, leading to intensified clashes.
Diplomatic efforts led by Washington may continue, but their success will depend on whether both Israel and Hezbollah show restraint on the ground. Without a broader regional understanding that includes Iran, the chances of a lasting ceasefire remain uncertain.
THE conflict in Iran has added as much as $100 (£77) per person to the price of long-haul flights from Europe, new figures have revealed.
The Transport & Environment (T&E) said in a statement that disruption to jet fuel supplies is likely to trigger higher ticket prices for passengers.
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The conflict in Iran has caused the price of jet fuel to sky rocketCredit: AlamyFor families – the cost of long-haul holidays could increase by as much as £308Credit: Getty
T&E added that the rise in jet fuel prices has increased the average fuel cost by £77 for each passenger on long-haul flights leaving Europe.
For a family of four heading on a long-haul holiday that’s an increase of £308.
For short-haul flights within Europe, they’ve increased by £25.26 per passenger – or more than £100 per family.
In the report, T&E then predicted that jet fuel for a flight from Barcelona to Berlin would be €26 (£22.64) more expensive per passenger.
Long-haul journeys, for example Paris to New York could even cost €129 (£112.35) more in fuel.
Since the Iran conflict began and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, jet fuel prices have risen to well over $100 (£74) a barrel.
And there are fears that more turmoil is on the cards, as atemporary ceasefire ends tomorrow,with concerns the Middle Eastern conflict could spark back into life – as thousands of US troops are on standby to launch fresh attacks.
A second round of crunch peace talks are due to resume in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad shortly – but they have already been plagued by no show claims.
Iran has refused to confirm if it will attend even after the US delegation, led by JD Vance, prepared to board a jet for the Middle East.
Trump has already said it is “highly unlikely” the two-week ceasefire will be extended past the deadline especially if a permanent end to the fighting can’t be hashed out.
The impact of the rising costs of fuel have been felt everywhere from the petrol pumps to Brits’ summer holidays, as airlines have offset rising costs by increasing ticket fares and adding additional baggage fees.
In total, Air France and KLM will have increased their round-trip fares by €100 (£87) on most of their long-haul flights.
It comes after the head of the International Energy Agency warned that Europe has just six weeks left of jet fuel.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said mass flight cancellations will begin “soon” if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
Airlines including United, Scandinavian Airlines and Lufthansa have already been forced to cancel hundreds of flights in recent weeks due to fears of shortages.
The Sun’s Head of Travel explains further
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot, explains more.
There’s no doubt the current jet fuel crisis represents the greatest challenge to the travel industry since the pandemic.
Passengers face higher fares and less choice if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed in the coming weeks.
While flights – and prices – are relatively stable in the short term, it is inevitable that we may see more flights cancelled and surcharges added to existing flights and holidays if the war continues into May.
But given the scale of the global aviation network – and the fact we rely on the Middle East for part but not all of our jet fuel imports – the UK is relatively well placed to deal with the fallout.
With so much uncertainty, we’ve seen a surge in those looking to book staycations.
But there are still some fantastic deals out there for those willing to get booking – particularly to destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean that are completely safe yet have suffered a drop in interest.
Some airlines – including Air Canada and Virgin Atlantic – have already started applying a surcharge to flights or have increased prices for checked luggage as they anticipate the inevitable rise in fuel prices.
And package holiday operators have the right to impose a surcharge of up to eight per cent in the light of fuel increases – if they ask for any more than eight per cent, holidaymakers have a right to an automatic refund as well.
So far – none have chosen to do so.
Birol’s deadline means airports could face critical fuel shortages by May, causing travel chaos for Brits heading abroad during the school May half-term holidays.
Despite the chaos, there are still great holiday deals to be made as Egypt tour operators have dropped prices of all-inclusiveholidays with thousands in savings.
Getaways should not be seriously impacted immediately as airlines bought fuel far in advance at a fixed rate.
But if the crisis continues into June, operators may start adding a surcharge to holiday prices.
A limited number of flights may be cancelled, but mostly on well-served routes with alternatives.
If supplies start to dry up, cancellations would increase.
2. Am I entitled to a refund?
IF some or all of your holiday is cancelled by the provider, your refund depends on whether you booked your trip as a package holiday, or individually.
Your money tends to be much better protected with a package deal.
3. Is now a bad time to book?
There are some great deals, but book with caution.
You must take out travel insurance as, if your flight is cancelled, you may have protection against the cost of other elements of your holiday, such as accommodation.
The price of jet fuel could increase the cost of holidays for families to as much as £308Credit: Alamy
A EUROPEAN airline is axing all flights with immediate effect.
Lufthansa‘s subsidiary airline CityLine is to cease operations due to both the Iran war and ongoing strike action.
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European airline Lufthansa has announced that it is cutting capacity across its network due to rising fuel costs and strikesCredit: Getty
The airline – which operates some flights to and from the UK – will be grounding 27 aircraft from April 18.
Flight routes typically connect London to both Frankfurt and Munich.
It isn’t clear how this will affect passengers just yet, as to whether they will offer alternative routes or refunds.
They said in a statement, according to local media: “As a first, immediately effective step, the 27 operational aircraft of Lufthansa CityLine will be permanently removed from the flight programme starting the day after tomorrow, in order to reduce further losses at the loss-making airline.”
CityLine was due to cease operations by 2028, but has since decided to close this month instead.
Sun Travel has contacted Lufthansa for comment.
Lufthansa’s main airline has also announced that it will be grounding four Airbus jets and two Boeing jets for good, by the end of the summer, which are mainly used for longer flights.
Lufthansa will reduce short and medium-haul flights by five aircraft from this winter as well, while long-haul capacity will be reduced by six.
Till Streichert, chief financial officer of Lufthansa Group, also said: “The goal is to focus our short- and medium-haul platforms more clearly and make them more competitive.”
The announcement follows hundreds of flight cancellations this week following pilot strike action.
Union Vereinigung Cockpit called the strike action over pension disputes and yesterday announced that the strike action would be extended by two days.
Pilots first walked out on Monday leading to hundreds of flights being cancelled, including many from the UK.
Around 34 flights were cancelled to and from the UK yesterday and with an average flight usually carrying around 150 passengers each, more than 5,000 Brits could have been impacted.
When further strike action was announced, VC president Andreas Pinheiro said: “The situation remains unchanged; there is absolutely no movement on the employers’ side.
“For us, this is not about political power struggles or egos, but about sustainable solutions.”
In a statement, the airline told passengers earlier this week: “Lufthansa and Eurowings are working intensively to keep the impact on passengers as low as possible.
“We are trying to have as many flights as possible operated by other airlines within the Lufthansa Group and by partner airlines.
BROOKLYN Beckham cut a stern figure as he took a long phone call outside of a hotel in Los Angeles.
The estranged son of Victoria and David Beckham paced outside of the steps of the hotel while on the 30-minute call during a day out with wife Nicola Peltz.
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Brooklyn Beckham seemed to be taking a tense phone callCredit: BackGridThe nepo baby was on a day out with his wife Nicola PeltzCredit: BackGridBrooklyn was on the phone call for around 30 minutesCredit: BackGridBrooklyn has been feuding with his famous familyCredit: Instagram
Brooklyn was dressed casually in a black t-shirt and Nike baseball cap outside the Sunset Plaza Hotel in West Hollywood on Friday.
He completed the look with black Doc Martens and black jeans.
Brooklyn confirmed he had severed all ties in January in an explosive six-page statement.
His tense phone call comes after it was reported that the couple has been approached by an US streamer for a tell-all series to rival his estranged parents’ Netflix deal.
His American management teams are said to be in early talks with production heads at Hulu.
An insider said: “Brooklyn is keen. Alongside documenting his culinary business venture, Hulu bosses will hope he will open up about the bombshell rift with his parents.
“This isn’t just any platform. Hulu which is owned by Disney is home to global smash hits like The Kardashians.
“They’d be instantly propelled firmly into the big leagues and in direct competition with Netflix, which, of course, has its own Beckham ties having run authored documentaries by both of his parents.
Brooklyn and Nicola were married in 2022Credit: Instagram/ @nicolaannepeltzbeckham
“Brooklyn and Nicola have been offered big money interviews before but turned them all down.
“When they do decide to speak, it will be on their own terms.
“They also want to make it clear they are not being controlled by the Peltz family and that they make their own decisions.”
Actress Nicola, 31, has appeared in several Hulu productions including The Beauty and When The Streetlights Go On.
WE are rethinking travel plans amid uncertainty in the Middle East.
Price comparison site TravelSupermarket has found British holidaymakers are returning to reliable European favourites but also looking further afield.
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We are rethinking travel plans amid uncertainty in the Middle EastCredit: Getty
In the first 25 days of March, interest surged for the Italian island of Sardinia, with searches up 236 per cent.
Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “What’s striking about this data is the range of destinations seeing a boost.
“On the one hand, you have Majorca and Bodrum, places that Brits know and love, seeing huge jumps, which tells you a lot of people just want the certainty of a tried-and-trusted destination.
“But then you have California in the top ten, which is a sign some travellers are using this moment to think differently about where they want to go.”
IT has been our go-to since the very start of package-holiday travel and its enduring popularity is no surprise.
From family-friendly resorts such as Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona, to the laidback delights of Sa Coma for couples, there is something for everyone.
Majorca has been our go-to since the very start of package-holiday travel and its enduring popularity is no surpriseCredit: Getty
The Tui Blue Levante sits in one of Cala Bona’s smartest spots and has indoor and outdoor pools, as well as direct beach access.
Seven nights’ half-board is from £442pp including flights from Gatwick on April 17, 25kg luggage and transfers.
WITH its perfect mix of affordable luxury, stunning Aegean coastline and rich history, the coastline on this Turkish delight is dotted with beautiful beaches and lively coastal spots.
A standout is the 5* Bodrum Holiday Resort, set directly on the shores of a crystal- clear bay.
Bodrum is the perfect mix of affordable luxury, stunning Aegean coastline and rich historyCredit: Getty
There is lots to keep little ones entertained, including a water park with five slides.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £279pp including flights from Gatwick on April 19.
SMALLER than Wales, this tiny Balkan country on the shores of the Adriatic has so much to offer, from beautiful beaches to sleepy medieval villages and dramatic mountain scenery.
The 4* Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort sits alongside the beautiful Bay of Kotor, and has stunning views over the surrounding hills and mountains from the outdoor pool.
Montenegro is on the shores of the Adriatic and has so much to offerCredit: Getty
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,110 including flights from Birmingham on May 7, 22kg luggage and transfers.
THERE are more and more travellers looking towards the Caribbean for their long-haul sunshine breaks.
So it’s no wonder this holiday favourite is increasing in popularity with its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush, green national parks.
The Dominican Republic is increasing in popularity with its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush, green national parksCredit: Getty
The 3.5* Sunscape Dominicus La Romana hotel is next to the soft sands of Playa Dominicus and has 13 restaurants, as well as plenty of activities on water and land.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,081pp including British Airways flights from Gatwick on October 25.
The 2,700 hours of annual sunshine definitely help, combined with the fascinating history in Dubrovnik.
Croatia, known as the Land of a Thousand Islands, has crystal-clear waters and 2,700 hours of annual sunshineCredit: Getty
The 5* Hotel Croatia Cavtat is a 30-minute drive or boat ride from the famous city but also offers the chance to switch off and relax in style overlooking the waters of Cavtat Bay.
There’s a spa with indoor pool and rooftop pool to soak up the rays.
Seven nights’ B&B is from £576pp including flights from Bristol on April 12.
The Caribbean paradise of St Lucia is an-eight hour direct flight from the UKCredit: Getty
THE Caribbean paradise is an-eight hour direct flight from the UK and promises rainforest adventures, volcanic mud baths and, of course, endless beaches.
The small but perfectly formed Bay Gardens Inn is in lively Rodney Bay, a short walk from Reduit Beach.
There’s also a complimentary shuttle to sister hotel Bay Gardens Beach Resort where you can enjoy the beach and water park.
Seven nights’ room-only is from £1,004pp including flights from Gatwick on September 15.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Iran’s armed forces claim that a U.S. fighter jet has been shot down over the country. According to Iranian state media, a U.S. F-35 was downed, although photos of the wreckage of a fighter on the ground point squarely to the aircraft involved being a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle — provided they are legitimate.
UPDATE: See latest info on the loss of the F-15E over Iran and the ongoing combat search and rescue operation at the bottom of this post.
A photo published by Iranian state media shows the apparent tailfin of an F-15E. Iranian state mediaIranian state mediaIranian state mediaIranian state media
A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters said today that an F-35 was brought down over the central part of the country by a new type of air defense system operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with little chance the pilot survived, Reutersreports. The F-15E carries two aircrew, while the F-35 is a single-seater. At this point, we have no firm indication of the fate of the crew if such an incident did indeed take place.
Spokesman of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters:
🔺 A second US fifth-generation F-35 was struck & downed over central Iran by a new IRGC Aerospace Force air-defense system.
🔺 Given the massive explosion on impact and during the crash, the pilot is unlikely to have ejected. pic.twitter.com/akrsz1m8Mm
A view of the apparent impact site, as published by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency. Tasnim
It also remains possible that the images of the wreckage have been manipulated, and we are dealing with misinformation. However, the photos appear genuine and are certainly consistent with parts of an F-15E, including one of the vertical tails, and parts of the wing and tail. There is also the possibility that the images derive from an earlier F-15E loss, which we will come to later.
Iranian state mediaIranian state media
Specifically, the tail seen here would indicate an aircraft assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath in England, based on its red band. This is one of the units that has been deployed to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations for Epic Fury. The 494th FS has also been extremely active over the CENTCOM area of responsibility for many years.
Iranian state mediaA U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron lands at a base in the Middle East, Jan. 18, 2026. U.S. Air Force/courtesy photo U.S. Central Command Public Affa
We should also consider that the F-15E could have come down for multiple reasons other than being shot down by air defenses, as Iran claims. Potentially, the jet could have been hit and lost its tail and even part of its wing, before returning to safe airspace. That might sound incredible, but F-15s have done this before.
Iran might also be presenting some other F-15E wreckage. Iran has collected many wrecks of foreign aircraft over the years, but where this one would have come from is not clear.
Previous documented F-15E crashes in the Middle East or Afghanistan don’t involve aircraft from the 494th Fighter Squadron, as far as we can ascertain. Specifically, since Desert Storm (when the 48th Fighter Wing operated F-111s, not F-15Es), these (non-combat) losses occurred in Iraq (April 2003, 335th FS, 4th FW), Afghanistan (July 2009, 336th FS, 4th FW), and Libya (March 2011, 492nd FS, 48th FW).
Hours before the F-35 claim, the IRGC released a video of what it said showed the successful shootdown of a U.S. F-15 over Qeshm Island, in the Strait of Hormuz. In this case, they attributed the claimed shootdown to an unnamed advanced naval air defense system. The video shows the typical ground-based FLIR systems we have seen in use by air defenses in Yemen and, more recently, Iran. The video does not show the aircraft being struck, but it does show it maneuvering and releasing flares.
A sophisticated US-Israeli enemy fighter jet was struck and downed moments ago over southern Qeshm Island by Iran’s advanced naval air defense system, in a direct rebuttal to the US president’s false claim of having completely destroyed the Iran’ air defenses. pic.twitter.com/sLHV9ASKoi
At this point, it is unclear if these various incidents are connected, especially since the IRGC specifically identified an F-35 as being shot down, while the claimed Qeshm Island video and the apparent wreckage on the ground clearly show F-15s.
It should be recalled that three F-15Es were brought down over Kuwait in a friendly fire incident earlier in the campaign. CENTCOM confirmed that the six crew members involved ejected safely, and at least some of those remained in theater and have resumed combat operations. It was reported that the three Strike Eagles were brought down by a Kuwaiti Air Force F/A-18 Hornet, although many details of the incident remain unclear. At least one of these jets was from the 48th FW, so we cannot entirely rule out the possibility that we are seeing photos of wreckage from that incident here.
At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.
Last month, the IRCG claimed that a U.S. Air Force F-35A was hit over Iran, and U.S. officials confirmed the jet made an emergency landing, with the pilot having sustained shrapnel injuries. The IRGC released a video that they claimed shows the F-35 being hit by a missile, as seen through a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system that is identical to the kind in yesterday’s supposed footage of the shootdown.
Iran’s IRGC released a footage reportedly showing U.S. F-35 jet being hit over Iran.
There appear to have been near-misses for U.S. fighter jets operating over Iran, too. On March 26, videos emerged showing an apparent very close call for a U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet after it was targeted by what appears to have been an Iranian man-portable air defense system (MANPADS). The F/A-18 was conducting a low-level strafing run at the time.
Taken together, all these events underscore the persistent threat posed by Iranian air defenses, whatever is left of them. Despite claims from U.S. officials of aerial superiority over Iran, the continued risk from various air defense systems is something that we have repeatedly drawn attention to.
The apparent incident today comes amid continuing regional tensions, with Iran launching more attacks across the Middle East, including missile strikes targeting Israel and Bahrain, as well as a drone attack that set an oil refinery in Kuwait on fire.
We have approached CENTCOM, the Pentagon, and U.S. Air Forces in Europe for more information and will continue to update this story as more details emerge.
UPDATES:
UPDATE: 6:27 PM EST –
The video we showed earlier of Iranian law enforcement shooting at low-flying U.S. Black Hawk helicopters was geolocated to near Choram, Iran, about 70 miles north of the Persian Gulf in that country’s southwest.
UPDATE: 5:28 PM EST –
The White House has called a “lid,” meaning that Trump has no further scheduled public events or media engagements this evening. However, he and his national security team are reportedly still meeting as the search goes on for the missing F-15E aviator.
UPDATE: 5:28 PM EST –
In a brief Friday phone interview with The Independent, Trump declined to say what his course of action might be if the missing crew member of a downed F-15E is captured or harmed by Iran..
“Well, I can’t comment on it because — we hope that’s not going to happen,” the president stated before ending the call.
Trump gave little clarity on how the U.S. would respond if the missing pilot in Iran is harmed, saying only, “We hope that’s not going to happen,” and declining further comment.
The House Armed Services Committee was “notified by the Pentagon on Friday that the status of the second F-15E Strike Eagle service member is NOT known,” the Hill reported on X.
NEWS: The House Armed Services Committee was notified by the Pentagon on Friday that the status of the second F-15E Strike Eagle service member is NOT known, a congressional aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, told me @thehill@NewsNation
The Washington Post is also reporting that an A-10 was struck by incoming fire over Iran. The pilot “navigated the damaged plane to Kuwaiti airspace before ejecting and was subsequently rescued,” the publication stated.
In addition, it confirmed an earlier NBC report that two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters involved in the search-and-rescue effort were also hit by Iranian fire. The Post added that the attack “injured U.S. personnel on board, though both aircraft have safely returned to their base.”
As we noted earlier in this story, The New York Times reported that an A-10 was shot down while Fox said that was inaccurate.
Neither the Pentagon nor CENTCOM have responded to requests for comment.
NEW: Two U.S. military aircraft were shot down in separate incidents Friday while conducting combat operations against Iran, setting off a frantic search-and-rescue effort that remains ongoing for one missing crew member, U.S. officials said. https://t.co/MTQavgZ90u
NBC News reports that two U.S. helicopters taking part in the recovery of the pilot of the downed F-15E were struck by Iranian fire, but that the troops are all safe.
UPDATE: 4:08 PM EST –
NBC News stated that in a brief phone interview, President Trump “refused to discuss the specifics of ongoing search and rescue efforts in Iran after an American jet was downed.”
However, he “expressed frustration about some of the coverage of what is plainly an intense and sensitive rescue operation,” the network reported.
Asked if today’s events will affect any negotiations with Iran, the president said it would not.
“No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war, Garrett,” he said.
“An A-10 Warthog attack caught ‘enemy fire’ while a rescue operation for the U.S. crew member took place,” the network reported, citing “a well-placed source.”
We have reached out to CENTCOM, which has not responded to numerous requests for comment, for clarity on these claims.
UPDATE: 3:31 PM EST –
Video emerged purporting to show members of the Iranian Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA) firing small arms at Black Hawks flying at low altitude. While Newsmax reported that a Black Hawk was struck in Iran, it is unclear if it was during this engagement.
And here is the scene of the FARAJA (Iranian Law Enforcement Command) engagement with American Blackhawks at low altitude. One Blackhawk was confirmed hit by Iran. It was a catastrophic day for the United States; many more are to follow. pic.twitter.com/657Th0J4xI
“Assessments indicate that this proposal came after the escalation of the crisis in the region and serious problems for US military forces due to an incorrect estimate of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s military capabilities,” the outlet claimed. “Iran’s response to this proposal was not in writing, but rather a field response with continued heavy attacks.”
We have reached out to the White House for comment.
UPDATE: 3:03 PM EST –
The Pentagon has finally added Epic Fury to its online casualty database. To date, there have been 13 troops killed and another 365 wounded.
NEW: The Pentagon has finally added Operation Epic Fury to its online database of U.S. military casualties
As of April 3, a total of 365 have been wounded in action:
• Army = 247 • Navy = 63 • Marine = 19 • Air Force = 36
The New York Times is reporting that an A-10 Warthog close support jet also crashed in the Persian Gulf region on Friday. The pilot was safely rescued, the newspaper stated, citing two anonymous officials.
“The A-10 Warthog attack plane went down near the Strait of Hormuz about the same time that an Air Force F-15E was shot down over Iran,” according to the publication.
UPDATE: 2:50 PM EST –
Israel suspended airstrikes in Iran amid the U.S. search and rescue effort after a F-15E fighter jet was downed on Friday, according to The Associated Press.
An Israeli official told the AP that the airstrikes were halted in areas “relevant” to the rescue effort.
UPDATE2:35 PM EST –
Newsmax is reporting that in addition to the F-15E being downed and one of the pilots rescued, a Black Hawk helicopter taking part in CSAR operations may have been hit over Iran as well. While The War Zone cannot independently verify this, the claim highlights the dangerous nature of these operations.
Report from @CarlaBNewsmax: “One source tells me a Blackhawk may have also been hit over Iran while conducting rescue ops to find the second F-15 pilot. I’m told the Blackhawk was tailed by a trail of smoke as it crossed into southern Iraq from Iran today.” https://t.co/mByzZrwMZu
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the downing of the F-15E, Al Jazeera is reporting.
“He has been briefed,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, the White House told us.
The White House has confirmed President Trump has been briefed on the shooting down of a US fighter jet in Iran. It comes as Iranian state TV announced a reward for anyone who captures the US pilots alive.
The critical nature and the huge challenges involved in mounting a CSAR operation in Iranian territory are something we discussed before the war began, as you can read about here.
Specifically, on the CSAR part, we highlighted:
The U.S. has the most advanced air combat capabilities on earth, but ‘shit happens,’ especially during war. Even the Houthis nearly downed U.S. fighter aircraft optimized to destroy enemy air defenses. But regardless of defenses and the state of Iran’s air defense overlay, putting Americans over Iran, and repeatedly over days and weeks, is a risk. Aircraft can malfunction,and mistakes can be made. When that happens, it will require even more risk to push combat search and rescue assets into the area to try to recover the crew. In other words, regardless of America’s outstanding air warfare capabilities, there is still a real risk involved in any operation over Iran.
And that is just what we’ve seen today.
As for CSAR operations and the packages of assets used to go in and pluck downed aircrews from deep inside contested territory, these can look different based on where the incident occurred, what the enemy’s capabilities are, what assets are available and intelligence at the time. These highly tailored groups of assets are tasked with one of the toughest missions imaginable, penetrating into potentially highly defended territory where, in some cases, even America’s most capable combat aircraft did not survive. This would likely be occurring when an enemy is on its highest alert and very active searching for the downed aircrew. In other words, they know you are coming. Executing these operations at night is ideal, but sometimes, daylight cannot be avoided, upping the danger.
The risks are immense as putting many more lives and assets, the latter of which could be more vulnerable than the one lost, at risk in order to rescue a small number or aircrew can cascade quickly into a much larger disaster. While the rotary-wing aircraft and the Pararescuemen (PJs) they carry are often the stars of the CSAR show, a huge array of assets participate in these operations to make them have the best chance at success. This includes C-130s working in the aerial refueling and support role that enables the rescue helicopters to get to their target area. Fixed-wing attack aircraft working in the ‘Sandy’ close air support role aimed at opening holes for helicopters at their landing zones and protecting them and the rescue party once on the ground. They are also a contingency in place if a rescue asset also goes down, buying that crew time until another asset in the rescue party can swoop in and grab them. In the modern era of warfare, drones, such a MQ-9 Reapers, can also be risked ahead of the CSAR force to gather intel and surveil the landing zone. Also knowing what took down the stranded aircrew’s aircraft can be a big help in seeing the rescue force gets in and out of the area safely, as well.
CSAR Training • A-10 Warthogs Fly Close Air Support
From there the list is endless. This package would often require a counter-air capability of fighters providing defense against aerial threats. F-22s, F-15s, F-16s, can all provide this depending on the level of threat in the area. The force would also need to be backed by suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) aircraft, such as F-16CJ/CMs or F-35As, that would work to suppress or destroy any pop-up surface-to-air missile threats. Then you have standoff jamming support aircraft to help all this survive and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) assets to coordinate the air battle and keep an eye out for threats. Then there are the tankers, lots and lots of tankers, to keep all this stuff in the air for a prolonged period of time. Beyond this sampling of aircraft, there are many more assets and capabilities all over the globe and in space that would support such an operation.
And this is just a snapshot of the USAF’s CSAR portfolio, the Navy and Marines have their own tactical recovery of aircrew and personnel (TRAP) packages.
In the case of an air war like the one over Iran, these tailored packages were well thought through in advance and CSAR sits alert at all times ready to go execute the mission. The longer it takes to get to the target area the lower chances the crew has of surviving and/or not being captured. This can be a game of minutes or hours, not days, but bringing all these assets together and getting them on the same page without making things worse does take some time. Considering what is at stake, CSAR crews move as fast as possible to get the mission in motion as they know their job only gets exponentially harder and more dangerous with time, as does evading enemy capture for the downed crew.
The big takeaway here is that these are extremely complex and highly-integrated operations, usually executed under very tight timelines.
UPDATE: 12:20 PM EST–
U.S. officials have confirmed to CBS News that one crew member from the F-15E downed over Iran has been rescued by American forces.
A search and rescue effort is ongoing for the other crew member, the same sources said.
UPDATE: 12:00 PM EST–
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has apparently told CNN that President Trump has been briefed on the situation regarding the F-15E shootdown. We are still waiting to hear back from CENTCOM, the Pentagon, and U.S. Air Forces in Europe for anything more concrete on the incident.
President Trump has been briefed on the US fighter jet shot down over Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tells CNN
In what may well turn out to be a separate incident, there are reports that a U.S. Air Force F-16 flying in an area around the Iraq-Iran border has squawked 7700, the universal, international transponder code used by aircraft to immediately alert Air Traffic Control (ATC) of a general emergency. We have again reached out to CENTCOM for more details.
A U.S. Air Force F-16CJ is flying out of Iran/Iraq airspace and has squawked 7700— the universal code for a general in-flight emergency, indicating the crew is dealing with a serious issue. https://t.co/De9S0gkjax
Very much unconfirmed at this stage is a report from N12 News in Israel, citing a Western source, who says that one of the two U.S. aircrew of the downed F-15E has been rescued.
N12 News’ Amit Segal reports, citing a Western source, that one of the two US crew members of the downed fighter jet has been rescued. https://t.co/fpB6JNTJgv
We seem to have gotten an update on the earlier report that Iran was offering a bounty for the safe recovery of a U.S. pilot. Authorities are now reportedly offering a sum of around $60,000.
Iranian authorities are offering a reward of 10 billion tomans (~$60k) for the capture of the American F-15E aircrew downed earlier today.
The Iranian MehrNews Agency reports that a U.S. helicopter involved in the rescue effort was hit by some kind of Iranian projectile. It is unclear if the helicopter was brought down or if it is the same example that was reported as “attacked by air defense near the border and fled the scene.” Of course, this could be nothing more than propaganda. Although imagery reportedly showing a hit on the helicopter is circulating on social media, it is far from clear whether or not it is authentic.
UPDATE: 11:20 AM EST–
Videos also continue to emerge claiming to show HC-130Js operating over Iran, often at low level. In its official factsheet, the Air Force stresses that HC-130J crews “normally fly night, at low to medium altitude levels in contested or sensitive environments, both over land or overwater.” Such overt daytime flights would point to the particular urgency of this mission, but it is worth noting that the HC-130J is also well equipped with self-protection gear.
U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue plane overflying an Iranian countryside at ultra-low altitude during the ongoing operation to evacuate two American crew-member of the downed F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet. pic.twitter.com/CWc5SzokRT
— Status-6 (War & Military News) (@Archer83Able) April 3, 2026
Unverified for now are videos coming out of Iran that claim to show locals firing small arms at U.S. aircraft involved in the rescue effort.
UPDATE: 11:10 AM EST–
The Guardian appears to be one of the first major news outlets to report that the aircraft shot down was an F-15E, citing U.S. officials familiar with the situation who confirmed this fact off the record, and that the Pentagon was scrambling to find the crew.
The same has been reported by specialist press, including Air & Space Forces Magazine.
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle was downed over Iran and combat search and rescue efforts are underway, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine. https://t.co/divbKi1VT0
Multiple major news agencies, including CNN, the New York Times, and Reuters, are now reporting that a U.S. fighter jet has been shot down over Iran. The incident would mark the first time a U.S. aircraft has been shot down over Iran during the conflict — at least that we know about.
According to CNN, three U.S. sources have confirmed Iranian state media reports. Reuters cites a single U.S. official.
CNN has geolocated some of the videos of CSAR efforts in the Khuzestan province in central Iran. One of the videos shows a bridge over the Karoon River, which is around 290 miles south of Tehran.
A US fighter jet has been shot down over Iran, three US sources said confirming Iranian state media reports. US forces have launched search and rescue efforts, the sources said. Potential rescue efforts appeared to be captured in video posted to social media and geolocated by…
An unverified video said to be taken from the area of the rescue effort shows an A-10C attack jet. The A-10 is well-versed in the Sandy mission, a specialized CSAR role in which the jets provide close air support for downed aircrew and escort rescue helicopters.
UPDATE: 9:00 AM EST–
Citing Iranian media as well as an unnamed source familiar with the incident, Axiosreports that Iran did shoot down a U.S. jet, and that a search and rescue effort is underway to locate two crew.
UPDATE: 8:50 AM EST–
At least some official Iranian media channels are now also reporting the U.S. military aircraft claimed shot down over the country earlier today as an F-15E, rather than an F-35.
🚨Iran has shot down an F-15E ‘Strike Eagle’ belonging to the 494th Fighter Squadron ‘LN’ based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom
Debris of the tail fin confirm the downing. The fate of the pilots is currently unclear. pic.twitter.com/onicosCPAp
— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) April 3, 2026
UPDATE: 8:35 AM EST–
Iranian television channels are apparently now broadcasting a message offering a reward from the regime for anyone who can capture the U.S. pilot alive.
UPDATE: 8:30 AM EST–
Additional videos, purportedly taken in Iran, appear to show a pair of HH-60 helicopters taking turns to refuel from an HC-130J.
Wild footage from a USAF C-130 fueling two helicopters over Iran shared by telegram channels. The cars & the dialect are Iranian and from southwest. pic.twitter.com/K9cufOOY26
🚨Many people in southwestern Iran have gone to the area around the crash site of the American fighter jet in private cars to #capture the American pilot.
The Iranian armed forces have called on the people NOT TO LET anyone mistreat the pilot.
— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) April 3, 2026
UPDATE: 8:15 AM EST–
Tasnim, the semi-official news agency in Iran associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, claims that U.S. attempts to rescue a downed fighter pilot (singular) have failed. The agency says that this was confirmed to them by “news sources” in Kohgiluyeh. The report continues: “The Americans have been conducting search operations for hours using Black Hawk helicopters and a Hercules 130 aircraft to rescue their fighter pilot who was shot down by Iranian armed forces; however, their attempt has failed.”
One of the helicopters involved in the rescue effort was “attacked by air defense near the border and fled the scene,” Tasnim adds.
In a post on X, Tasnim claims: “Unconfirmed reports suggest that Iranian security forces have taken into custody the pilot of a U.S. F-35 fighter jet following its destruction by the country’s air defense system inside Iranian territory.”
Of course, all of these claims remain unverified at this point. It is also puzzling, to say the least, why Iranian reports are consistently identifying the jet as an F-35, while publishing photos of an F-15E.
Iranian Forces Capture F-35 Pilot After Downing Advanced US Warplane
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Iranian security forces have taken into custody the pilot of a US F-35 fighter jet following its destruction by the country’s air defense system inside Iranian territory. https://t.co/PiQDh7xoo9pic.twitter.com/FK4OGROOYi
Normally, CSAR operations would be kept under wraps until the crew was safe, but in our digital world that is no longer guaranteed. The US has well practiced and resourced procedures, but there is always the risk of losing more assets in the act of saving downed aircrew.🤞 https://t.co/zyDXqIueMP
Unverified footage suggests that the CSAR effort over Iran may also now be supported by F-35 fighters and MQ-9 Reaper drones.
NOW: F-35 jets and MQ-9 drones were also spotted supporting U.S. helicopters over Iran, searching for the pilots of downed F-15E jet. pic.twitter.com/1cpNQ7pJq0
Unverified claims from Iranian sources, as well as imagery, suggest that the U.S. military may have staged an effort to rescue pilots from the downed F-15E fighter jet in Iran. Available imagery points to the use of C-130 and H-60 Black Hawk series aircraft. Specifically, U.S. Air Force combat search and rescue efforts typically rely upon the heavily modified HH-60 helicopters for extraction, HC-130J Combat King II aircraft for command and refueling, and highly specialized pararescuemen (PJs).
WATCH: U.S. C-130 Hercules reportedly flying very low over Iran, deploying flares.
Also unverified, at this point, is the following image, which claims to show one of the two ejection seats from the downed F-15E.
The Iranians have found the Advanced Concept Ejection Seat II (ACES II) ejection seat system employed in U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet that crashed in Iran this morning.
He explained: “At a time of great economic uncertainty and steps being taken to conserve energy worldwide, it is neither environmentally nor economically sound for us to continue flying with vastly reduced passenger numbers.”
Passengers affected will be fully refunded.
The flights between London and Cornwall take around 1hr20 and start from £79.99 each way.
This is not only faster – trains take around five hours and include a change to Newquay – but cheaper than the average train fare which is around £85.
Some passengers use it as a way of travelling further onto Europe as well.
One Brit, who was meant to fly from Newquay to Gatwick, then onto Seville told the BBC: “Gatwick is not the easiest airport to get to so our contingency is probably to use rail.”
In the mean time, Ryanair offers flights between Newquay and London Stansted all year round.
And easyJet is due to start a new flight route to Newquay from June 23, with two a week from London Gatwick on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
A Cornwall Airport Newquay spokesperson said: “We are actively working with airline partners and stakeholders to secure sustainable London connectivity for the future.”
He said: “We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June.”
While he said he didn’t see the airline having to cancel flights just yet, he warned that as much as 20 per cent of its jet fuel is costing them nearly $150 a barrel.
Other airlines around the world have already started cancelling flights.
Both Air New Zealand and SAS confirmed that more than 1,000 have been cancelled, mainly affecting domestic routes.
And United Airlines said five per cent of flights would be cancelled in the second and third quarters of 2026 – working out to around 250 a month.
The airline will still operate flights to Newquay from the Isles of ScillyCredit: Alamy
The Middle East conflict has cut off 20 percent of the world’s fuel supply. Countries are scrambling for alternatives.
The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has cut access to one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply, leaving many countries scrambling for alternatives.
So what can they rely on to make up for the shortfall in a quick time?
Many Asian countries are turning to coal, reopening shuttered plants and expanding production.
Policymakers say immediate energy needs supplant environmental concerns.
Others are hoping to turn to renewables. Solar power is now the cheapest form of electricity in many parts of the world. But renewables, especially wind, have faced hostility from the Trump administration.
An spokesman said: “Due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, and to provide more clarity to our customers, we’ve extended the temporary reduction in our flying schedule in the region.
“We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are directly in touch with affected customers to offer them a range of options.
“Since the situation in the Middle East began, we’ve helped thousands of customers return home and operated eight relief flights from Muscat in Oman.”
British Airways confirmed that they are operating more flights via other international hubs in replacement of Dubai, which is one of the world’s busiest airports.
This includes four more flights via Singapore and three more flights via Bangkok.
Passengers affected will be able to rebook with another airline, or move their travel to a different date.
Otherwise full refunds are being given to anyone with bookings up to May 31.
The ongoing Iran crisis is still causing chaos for travellers, not just those in the Middle East.
Virgin Atlantic has already ended its Dubai flights for the season early, which were due to conclude on March 28.
LEWIS Hamilton proved he’s girlfriend Kim Kardashian’s biggest fan with a very public display of affection for the US star.
Kim, 45, took to Instagram to share a snap of her stunning look from the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty – and Lewis, 41, was quick to share his thoughts.
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Lewis was quick to make his feelings about Kim crystal clearCredit: ShutterstockHe left a flirty comment on Kim’s snap from the Vanity Fair Oscars partyCredit: InstagramKim looked incredible as she showed off her famous curves in a skintight dressCredit: FilmMagic
As always her comments were filled with comments from her 353 million followers and a sweet post from Formula 1 driver Lewis.
Keeping it to the point, he simply added a lovestruck emoji but the gesture proves he’s head over heels for Kim.
Kim’s romance with Lewis became public knowledge after The Sun revealed she flew in from Los Angeles on her £100million private jet to spend an evening with him.
On January 31, the couple enjoyed a brief stay at the exclusive Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds, with insiders saying they had the spa to themselves, before enjoying a meal in a private room.
A source told The Sun: “It all appeared to be very romantic. Kim and Lewis made use of all the facilities on offer.
“She had two bodyguards with her and Lewis had a close protection officer but they remained in the background.
“Two of the three stood guard outside the door to their room, so no one could disturb them.”
