Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management News

Air Data News

High activity

Magnitude-7.4 Colombia earthquake disrupts operations at seven airports as airlines offer refunds and rebooking

A magnitude-7.4 earthquake in western Colombia prompted Aerocivil to restrict or suspend operations at seven airports while authorities assessed airside, structural and navigation infrastructure. Clic, Wingo and JetSMART offered affected passengers penalty-free changes, rerouting or refunds; Popayán was separately closed because of volcanic ash.

ch-aviation

United joins more than $20 billion Washington Dulles makeover

United Airlines is participating in a planned makeover of Washington Dulles International Airport valued at more than $20 billion. The initiative underscores the carrier’s stake in the airport’s long-term infrastructure, capacity and passenger-experience strategy.

CNBC

High activity

Archer to acquire Boeing’s Wisk, Insitu and SkyGrid in all-stock deal

Archer Aviation will acquire Boeing subsidiaries Wisk Aero, drone maker Insitu and air traffic-management firm SkyGrid in an all-stock transaction pending regulatory approval. The deal would give Boeing nearly 20% of Archer, make it the largest outside shareholder and add a board seat, with closing expected by year-end.

CAPA

High activity

Vietjet to launch Western Sydney–Ho Chi Minh City flights in January 2027, with Bangkok service planned

Vietjet Air and its Thai subsidiary will become the latest passenger carriers to commit to Western Sydney International Airport, with Ho Chi Minh City flights scheduled to begin in January 2027 and Bangkok service planned for later that year. The airport’s passenger network now includes five carriers.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

Air Traffic Controllers Reject Duffy’s Claims That Sick Calls Drove Northeast Disruptions

Air traffic controllers are disputing Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s assertion that high rates of sick calls caused days of delays and disruption across the Northeast. They called the allegation “patently false,” arguing that overworked and understaffed facilities—not widespread absenteeism—are driving the operational strain.

View from the Wing

High activity

Alaska Airlines flight locked down in Miami after threat; Delta 757 evacuated in Atlanta after cockpit fumes

Two unrelated incidents disrupted U.S. airline operations: Alaska Airlines Flight 305 returned to its Miami gate under cockpit lockdown after a passenger allegedly threatened to take over the aircraft, while a Delta Air Lines 757 returned to Atlanta after cockpit fumes were reported and passengers evacuated via emergency slides.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

High activity

ATSB investigates Sydney Airport tarmac near miss involving Jetstar A320 and Qatar Airways 777

An investigation is underway after a Jetstar A320 and Qatar Airways Boeing 777 narrowly avoided colliding on a Sydney Airport taxiway. Reports cite taxiway confusion and weekend air traffic control staffing pressures; the incident also led to an emergency stop and a Jetstar flight cancellation after boarding.

Reuters

Drone sightings over German military base follow explosive-laden drone discovery near Leipzig/Halle runway

Two drones were spotted above a military base in western Germany, authorities said, two days after an explosive-laden drone was found near a runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The incidents raise immediate security concerns for military installations and airport operations, although authorities have not established a connection between them.