plane

Music fans at Stockholm airport couldn’t believe their eyes when the popstar they were travelling to see boarded the same flight to Helsinki, and she wasn’t even flying first class

Music enthusiasts in Stockholm, Sweden, were left stunned whilst awaiting their flight to Finland after discovering a very special passenger was also waiting to board the same flight.

It’s hardly uncommon for music lovers to journey far and wide to catch their beloved bands and artists performing live. Whether it’s a trip to a neighbouring city, across the country, or to an entirely different country, no distance appears too far for devoted fans, who frequently use concerts as an opportunity to explore new destinations. What they certainly wouldn’t anticipate, though, is bumping into the very artist they’re travelling to see aboard their aircraft.

However this extraordinary scenario unfolded for a group of admirers who were preparing to board their flight from Stockholm, Sweden, travelling across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki in Finland to see Zara Larsson at her upcoming concert.

Sharing on TikTok, one fan posted the clip which captured the incredible moment she was lingering by the departure gate at Arlanda airport in Sweden, only to glance up and spot the pop sensation approaching the very same gate, instantly drawing the focus of numerous fans present, all travelling to attend her performance the next evening.

“Pov you’re flying from Sweden to Finland to see Zara Larsson and Zara Larsson shows up,” the fan wrote in the video’s caption.

The brief footage showed Zara chatting casually with several supporters at the gate, including one fan who spun around in amazement upon hearing the superstar’s distinctive voice behind her.

The TikTok creator then posted some snaps with Zara, who looked stylish in a black fur coat and vibrant pink nails. She chose to travel makeup-free as she was en route to her Helsinki gig scheduled for 26 November.

The video quickly attracted comments from other fans and has been viewed over 478,000 times within the first day of being uploaded on the platform.

“Crazy how she just flies in economy,” one fan commented, while another exclaimed: “Imagine sitting next to Zara on a plane omggg.”

A third fan chimed in: “Personally i wouldve started dancing lush life to get my lush life girl moment.

“How does it feel… to live our dream?” another asked.

Zara Larsson is currently wrapping up the European leg of her Midnight Sun tour, which kicked off in Munich on 28 October, before hitting London on 5 November, followed by Dublin and Manchester. She will then take the tour to the USA and Canada in February 2026.

Mateusz Kowalewicz, 29, has visited all the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’ and has ticked off some incredible experiences – but it’s not always smooth sailing

A jet-setting flight attendant has shared the ups and downs of his high-flying career – from lightning strikes and severe sleep deprivation to ticking off the world’s most incredible sights.

Mateusz Kowalewicz first got bitten by the travel bug as a teenager after participating in a school exchange with Israel – marking his very first journey abroad.

He soon started exploring Europe on a shoestring budget, hitchhiking to save money, before finally deciding to become a flight attendant so he could earn while doing what he loved. Mateusz, 29, hails from Białystok, Poland, and now resides in Warsaw, globetrotting for work.

Speaking to Polish media, he said: “It’s very hard to describe a typical month, because every single one is different. My airline operates three types of aircraft, which means it never gets boring, and the roster looks different every month.

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“My biggest travel achievement is visiting all the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’. I owe a lot of that to my job – I visited four on layovers and flew to another using staff tickets.”

However, it’s not always plain sailing. Mateusz recounted an incident where one flight was struck by lightning, as reported by What’s The Jam. “It felt like someone flashed a camera straight in my eyes. A moment later, we heard from the cockpit that we had to turn back to Warsaw. The aircraft was fine, but logically it’s better to return and take another plane than risk finding out in Rome that the aircraft must be grounded.”

When asked about his biggest bugbear, he didn’t mince his words: “Not being able to fall asleep, especially in the East on long-haul layovers. “I’m a heavy sleeper, so any unexpected wake-up in the middle of the night because of time zones is awful.”

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What he relishes most is the unpredictability. “Sometimes you fly to Chicago on a layover and end up meeting a Polish priest who invites you to an American christening for nearly 200 people – and one of the guests is a passenger you met on a flight a few months earlier. Absolutely incredible!”.

His job has also afforded him the chance to indulge in bucket-list adventures like skydiving in Dubai and taking a seaplane ride in Mauritius.

As for travel dreams still on the list: “I’d like to climb Kilimanjaro, and I can see I’m being drawn towards Africa, which is the continent I’ve explored the least after Australia.”

For those hoping to follow in his footsteps, Mateusz’s advice is straightforward: “Language skills. It’s one of the key elements if you want to work in this profession.

“You must also be 18, have a high school diploma, be able to swim in case of a water landing, and you can’t have tattoos in visible places.”

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Former flight attendant Kat Kamalani has a serious warning for every passenger hopping onboard a plane, urging them to avoid on specific drink or face the potential consequences

Most of us barely give it a second thought when the trolley rattles down the aisle and a flight attendant offers a hot drink.

A cup of tea or coffee feels like a small reward after the hassle of airport security and squeezing into a narrow seat. But former flight attendant Kat Kamalani has a warning for every passenger: try to avoid drinking coffee, tea, or any water on a plane unless it comes in a sealed bottle or can.

She shared a clip on her Instagram account in which she issues a general warning to passengers. She explains: “Don’t you ever, ever, ever consume these products from an airplane, from a flight attendant. Rule number one: never consume any liquid that is not in a can or a bottle.”

Travel experts Ski Vertigo back this up, advising travellers to buy drinks at the airport instead. Not only does this avoid the unpleasant risks, but it can also be cheaper, especially on charter flights.

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In her viral video, Kat reveals a side of in-flight drinks that many travellers don’t know about. She explains: “Those water tanks are never cleaned, and they are disgusting.” Many flight crews “rarely, rarely drink the coffee or tea” served on board because it all comes from the same water tank. These little coffee guys (coffee machines) are rarely cleaned unless they are broken. These guys (coffee kettles) are taken out and cleaned in between flights, but the whole machine is never cleaned. And they’re in the lavatories.”

She also suggests that parents should avoid asking for hot water to put in a baby’s bottle, although not doing so could prove very inconvenient.

While airlines insist they follow safety standards, once water travels through the aircraft’s tanks and pipes, it’s hard to guarantee it’s clean. That’s why experts and insiders now strongly suggest avoiding hot drinks made from tank water, especially if you’re pregnant, have a weaker immune system, or are travelling with young children.

Kat’s advice for parents is simple. She says: “Never ask for hot water and put it in your baby’s bottle. Ask for a bottle of water on the side and hot water in a cup. Then make your baby a bottle with the bottled water and put it in the cup and heat it up.”

For adults, Kat’s warning is just as clear: if your drink didn’t come from a sealed bottle or can, think twice before drinking it. The best approach is to stick to drinks that never go near the aircraft’s tanks, bottled water, canned soft drinks, or juice—and say no to tea, coffee, and even ice, which is often made from the same tap water.

Dramatic video filmed on a plane carrying DR Congo’s mining minister captured the moment it crashed on landing at an airport in Kolwezi in the southeast. No casualties have been reported. The minister was travelling to the site of a recent mining disaster.

Officials have recovered the remains of all 20 people who were killed when a Turkish C-130 cargo plane crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border Tuesday.

A Turkish accident investigation has begun its work at the crash site in coordination with Georgian authorities.

All 20 personnel on board a Turkish C-130 military cargo aircraft that crashed in Georgia close to its border with Azerbaijan have died, the Turkish Defence Ministry says, as investigators examine the cause of the accident at the site.

The confirmation came on Wednesday, a day after the plane crashed after taking off from the nearby Azerbaijani city of Ganja.

“Our heroic comrades-in-arms were martyred,” Defence Minister Yasar Guler said in a social media post, alongside photographs of the deceased in their uniforms.

The ministry said a Turkish accident investigation, in coordination with Georgian authorities, had begun inspecting the wreckage at the crash site in the Sighnaghi municipality of Georgia’s Kakheti district early on Wednesday.

The crash, Turkiye’s deadliest military incident since 2020, happened about 5km (3.1 miles) from the Georgian-Azerbaijani border.

Georgia’s Sakaeronavigatsia air traffic control service said the aircraft disappeared from radar soon after entering the country’s airspace, sending no distress signal prior to the crash.

Dramatic footage published by Azerbaijani media appeared to show the aircraft sending a large cloud of black smoke into the sky after it crashed, leaving debris strewn across the ground.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was “deeply saddened” by the crash and expressed his condolences.

The leaders of Azerbaijan and Georgia, along with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, have conveyed condolences over the crash, while the United States ambassador to Turkiye, Tom Barrack, also expressed his country’s solidarity.

US firm Lockheed Martin, the maker of the C-130 Hercules, also expressed its condolences and said it was committed to assisting the investigation in any way required.

The C-130 is a four-engine, turboprop transport aircraft that is widely used by militaries around the world to carry personnel, cargo and other equipment.

By 2027 passengers will be able to fly non-stop to Australia from the UK

Australia’s national carrier Qantas has revealed the first images of its ultra-long-range Airbus — the aircraft that will make aviation history by flying non-stop for 22 hours. The groundbreaking jet will connect Sydney directly to London and New York by 2027, setting a new global record for the longest commercial flight ever operated.

Currently being assembled in Toulouse, France, the aircraft’s major components — including the fuselage, wings and landing gear — have already been joined. Qantas showcased the milestone at its annual general meeting in Brisbane, describing the next-generation aircraft as a “game-changer” for international travel.

The A350-1000ULR will serve as the backbone of Qantas’s ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, designed to link Australia’s east coast with the world’s major cities without stopovers. Each flight will last up to 22 hours — saving travellers as much as four hours compared to current one-stop journeys.

The jet will soon move into a dedicated hangar for the installation of its engines and flight instruments, before beginning a rigorous testing programme in 2026. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson hailed the milestone as a defining moment for the airline’s global ambitions.

“Given Australia’s position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers. Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world,” she said.

“These flights will cut up to four hours off the journey and transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel, through science-backed design to minimise jetlag and maximise wellbeing.”

The aircraft’s record-breaking range is made possible by an extra 20,000-litre rear fuel tank and state-of-the-art onboard systems, ensuring maximum endurance, comfort and safety. When Project Sunrise launches in 2027, it will make possible what once seemed unthinkable — non-stop flights halfway around the world.

To address the physical challenges of such long-haul travel, Qantas has partnered with Australian designer David Caon and researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre. Their team, which includes sleep scientists, developed tailored lighting patterns and meal timing strategies to help reduce jet lag.

Unlike the standard A350-1000 aircraft, which seat more than 300 passengers, Qantas’s version will carry just 238, providing travellers with more personal space and introducing a new “Wellbeing Zone” between Premium Economy and Economy. The area will feature stretch handles, guided exercise screens, a hydration station and light refreshments to keep passengers feeling fresh throughout the flight.

Project Sunrise takes its name from Qantas’s legendary “Double Sunrise” flights during World War II, which stayed airborne long enough to witness two sunrises in a single journey. With the new generation of aircraft, Qantas is rekindling that pioneering spirit — once again pushing the limits of air travel.

The airline also announced the launch of a new domestic travel class, Economy Plus, which will include extra legroom, priority boarding and dedicated overhead locker space. The upgrade will be available for purchase from February, with complimentary access for top-tier frequent flyers.

The first of 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft is expected to be delivered in late 2026, paving the way for commercial operations in early 2027. Qantas said its teams are “incredibly excited” about the project, calling it a “landmark moment for international aviation.”

Nov. 4 (UPI) — At least three died and 11 were injured when a UPS aircraft crashed while taking off from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport early Tuesday night.

The numbers of dead and injured are expected to grow, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported.

The UPS aircraft crashed while taking off from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport early Tuesday evening, causing the airport to close temporarily.

UPS Flight 2976 took off shortly after 5 p.m. EST and was bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The National Transportation Safety Board will be leading the official investigation into the crash and UPS will release additional facts as they become available, the company said in a prepared statement.

The aircraft crashed while attempting to climb and exploded upon impact with the ground, which created a fire that spread about a mile and produced thick plumes of black and gray smoke, WLKY reported.

The Louisville Metropolitan Police Department said the crash has caused injuries, but how many are hurt and the extent of their injuries are not known yet.

The aircraft involved in the crash is a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, which is powered by three Pratt & Whitney PW4460 engines, each of which produces up to 60,000 pounds of thrust, according to the Delta Flight Museum.

The commercial jet has a range of up to 8,460 miles, a wingspan of more than 169 feet and is more than 200 feet long.

The aircraft was fully fueled for its long flight to Honolulu, which contributed to the large fire that spread to a nearby recycling center and other facilities, according to WLKY.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has been notified of the crash and is en route to the airport.

“We are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport,” Beshear posted on social media, as reported by ABC News.

“First responders are on-site, and we will share more information as available,” Beshear added. “Please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected.”

While the airport is closed, Transportation Security Administration screenings are halted.

Passengers who are scheduled to depart from or arrive at the airport on Tuesday or Wednesday are advised to check on their respective flight statuses.

Update includes the number of dead and injured reported as of 8 p.m. EST.

IN A lesser-known corner of Europe is an amusement park with its own mini Colosseum, a nightclub on a plane… and a helicopter observation tower.

The park has no traditional rides, replacing thrilling rollercoasters and carousels with giant building bricks, a farming village and 18-metre high slides.

Irrland in Kevelaer, Germany is a huge hit with families – with one parent who goes by thestrongmamaphysio on Instagram describing it as a “kids’ dream” and one of the “best days out we’ve ever done”.

At the park, her kids helped to build an enormous mountain with over-sized Lego-style bricks, and had a rave in a disused plane.

They also enjoyed enormous slides, sand and water play, mazes and a go-karting track.

Plenty of other parents agreed, with one saying: “Best place we have ever been to – we managed to go in the summer and spend two full days at the park.

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“I genuinely think you’ll struggle to find anywhere as good as this and for £10 per head is ridiculously cheap.”

Irrland i park is split into three parts – Irrland-West, North and South, with more than 90 different attractions.

In the West part of the park is where you’ll find the Disco Plane, it also has a huge Trojan Horse climbing frame and jumping pillows.

There’s also a waterslide and an Airport Tower with 18-metre tall slides.

Irrland North has a helicopter observation tower, a toddler play barn, and a huge treehouse.

It’s also home to the world’s largest building construction site – with enormous Lego-style bricks.

In the South is a toddlers’ farming village with pedal tractors and petting zoo, bamboo mazes, even a mini-colosseum, and a small splash park called ‘South Sea’.

The cut off in the park is for children who are 12 years old.

An online day ticket is €12 (£10.53) per person, children under two years old won’t need a ticket.

Any child’s whose birthday it is on the day of their visit can also enter for free – but they will need a form of ID to prove this.

If you’re in a large group and want to spend time together during the day, there are on-site villas which have lockable rooms and fenced areas – perfect for outdoor picnics.

These are available for the day only as the park doesn’t offer overnight stays – you can enter from 10am with the key needs to be handed in by 5.30pm.

During the summer, barbecue areas are available to book too – the cheapest spot being €25 (£21.94).

Before you look at booking a ticket, the park is closed for the winter season.

Currently, it looks like it will reopen on Saturday March 14, 2026. But check back nearer the time as it’s likely to be weather dependent.

The closest airport to Irrland is Weeze, but you can’t get direct flights to there.

For direct flights, head to Eindhoven in the Netherlands and from there it’s just an hour away by car.

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There are a few places on a plane that are best avoided, and if you’re looking for a few ideas, some experts have shared their top tips for finding a seat that’ll make your trip more comfortable.

Jetting off on holiday is always exciting, especially during the chillier months when the idea of swapping the UK for somewhere warm and sunny is enough to lift anyone’s spirits. However, even if you’re simply heading to a European destination, the journey there isn’t always plain sailing.

We’ve all endured the horror of a dreadful flight before. Whether it’s down to discomfort, fellow passengers’ antics, or something else entirely, it can cast a shadow over your holiday before it’s even started.

So, to help travellers kick off their trips on the right foot, I decided to consult some experts about the worst spot on the aircraft to reserve your seat – and they all had very similar answers.

Nearly all of the specialists I spoke to agreed that the very last row of the aircraft might not be your best bet if you’re after a peaceful journey, reports the Express.

Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook, warned that anyone who struggles with turbulence will want to steer clear of this section. He explained: “Seats at the very back are typically less desirable. They are close to the galley and restrooms, service can be slower, food choices may be limited, and it is also the area where movement during turbulence feels strongest.”

He also emphasised the importance of being organised when reserving aircraft seats. This often comes at an extra charge, but if you’re anxious about securing a decent seat, then there’s a good chance it’ll be money well spent.

The expert continued: “Thinking about your priorities in advance also makes a difference – nervous flyers will be more comfortable over the wings, those with a tight connection should choose an aisle near the front, while couples booking a row of three might secure the window and aisle, leaving the middle free for a chance at extra space.”

Izzy Nicholls, a travel expert and founder of road trip blog The Gap Decaders, agreed, saying: “Seats at the back are best avoided. They’re typically noisier because of engine proximity and galley activity, and you’ll be among the last to board and leave the plane.”

Unsurprisingly, the front of the aircraft proved to be the best location for the smoothest experience. Izzy explained: “Travellers who want a calmer journey should book seats at the front of the plane. This area is away from restrooms and heavy foot traffic, so you’ll experience fewer interruptions.

“Choosing an aisle seat here also gives you the freedom to stretch your legs and get up easily without disturbing others. Select these placements to make long flights more comfortable and reduce the effects of motion.”

The rear section of the aircraft isn’t just problematic for comfort – it’s also less ideal when it comes to storage space, particularly if you’re late boarding. Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO and Co-Founder of luggage storage firm Stasher said: “Avoid sitting near galleys and toilets, where staff members often store their things in overhead bins, leaving less space for passenger baggage.

“The last few rows are a concern because if you board late, the bins above you may be filled, which means you may have to store your luggage several rows away. Also, stay away from seats that are located behind bulkheads, as these spaces often have limited storage.”

Travel expert Andrea Platania from Transfeero also warned passengers to avoid the back row when flying, explaining: “The very last row is typically the least desirable: limited recline, proximity to bathrooms, and more cabin noise. Middle seats anywhere are usually least popular unless you’re traveling in a group.”

However, for those seeking maximum legroom, there are two areas offering the most space. Andrea said: “Exit-row and bulkhead seats offer more space, but they come with trade-offs: fixed armrests, limited recline, or restrictions for passengers traveling with children.”

And for travellers prone to airsickness during turbulence, one specific location is recommended. The expert added: “Sit over the wings. This area is closest to the aircraft’s centre of gravity, so you’ll feel less turbulence compared to the back, where bumps are magnified.”