Paddle Your Own Kanoo
• Mateusz Maszczynski
A British Airways flight returned to London Gatwick after a passenger’s portable charger reportedly caught fire, burning one person and raising concerns about smoke inhalation. Separately, an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 returned to Chicago O’Hare after crew suspected a fire in a rear-galley trash can and smoke entered the cabin.
Airlines
Latest source-backed stories
The U.S. Department of Transportation lifted restrictions that had prevented Mexican airlines from launching new flights to the United States from Mexico City’s two international airports. Washington had canceled 13 routes amid a dispute over the bilateral air transport agreement and the relocation of U.S. cargo flights to AIFA.
A British Airways flight returned to London Gatwick after a passenger’s portable charger reportedly caught fire, burning one person and raising concerns about smoke inhalation. Separately, an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 returned to Chicago O’Hare after crew suspected a fire in a rear-galley trash can and smoke entered the cabin.
Emirates is seeking additional flying rights in Italy, including permission to operate more fifth-freedom services from Milan to the Americas. An initial proposal reportedly involved a Milan–Lima route, drawing opposition from Italian airlines as the Dubai-based carrier seeks to expand its access to the market.
High activity
American Airlines plans to launch Miami–Barcelona, Venezuela, service in January 2027, while ITA Airways is set to resume Rome–Caracas flights in March with three weekly A330-900 services. The additions point to a rebuilding international network, with other US carriers also preparing to restore flights.
United Airlines Holdings and Air Canada are looking to add more U.S.-Canada routes to their existing joint venture. The push comes as travel between the countries has been hurt by geopolitical pressures, putting the partnership’s reach and cross-border demand in focus.
Southwest’s 2027 Rapid Rewards overhaul introduces Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers above the current A-List structure and integrates Companion Pass into the tier program. The changes also revise how members earn status and qualify for Companion Pass, including through tier-qualifying points and credit-card activity.
Key Lime Air has signed a new lease in Denver following a dispute, according to ch-aviation. The available report does not specify the leased property, the terms of the agreement or how the dispute was resolved, limiting what can be concluded about the deal’s operational or financial impact.
Volga-Dnepr Group’s cargo airline Atran has returned to service after Russia’s federal regulator reinstated its operating certificate. The carrier’s first reported flight was on the Moscow–Mirny route, using a Boeing 737 freighter.
Create a free account to see more recent Airlines stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
