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FlightGlobal • Graham Dunn

Heathrow: Middle East passenger traffic collapses 51% in March as Persian Gulf airspace closures disrupt Iran-linked operations

Heathrow reported a 51% year-on-year drop in March passenger numbers between the airport and the Middle East, with Middle East traffic falling to 294M passengers. Asia and Africa routes rose sharply, helped by more transfer flows as airlines re-shifted networks amid airspace closures and strike/drones threats.

2026-04-13T01:24:52.067228-07:00

Skift

India’s $3 billion UDAN push targets small-airport connectivity growth

2026-04-13T06:34:40.656219-07:00

eVTOL Insights

AeroVecto, Skyportz to trial Aeroberm vertipad technology in Oman

2026-04-13T01:34:27.796658-07:00

The Economist

China accused of building a major new South China Sea airbase amid renewed “mystery” over timing and location

2026-04-13T02:12:34.751361-07:00

News Timeline

ch-aviation

Delta withdraws opposition to US approval for Philippine Airlines’ Chicago O’Hare service Delta Air Lines has withdrawn its opposition to a planned Philippine Airlines service between Manila (MNL) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) after US approval of the route plan. The change clears a key regulatory hurdle that had been tied to broader access and capacity competition around ORD.

2026-04-13T13:58:17.473370-07:00

Delta withdraws opposition to US approval for Philippine Airlines’ Chicago O’Hare service

Skift

India’s $3 billion UDAN push targets small-airport connectivity growth India is backing its UDAN regional air connectivity scheme with a $3 billion package aimed at expanding flights and improving links to smaller cities and airports. While the program is not yet drawing “large numbers,” its track record suggests the approach can scale—if implementation follows through.

2026-04-13T06:34:40.656219-07:00

India’s $3 billion UDAN push targets small-airport connectivity growth

The Economist

China accused of building a major new South China Sea airbase amid renewed “mystery” over timing and location Reporting suggests Beijing is constructing a large new military airbase in the South China Sea, with analysts questioning both the timing and the specific site chosen. The move would extend China’s forward basing footprint and further complicate civil airspace management in the region.

2026-04-13T02:12:34.751361-07:00

China accused of building a major new South China Sea airbase amid renewed “mystery” over timing and location

eVTOL Insights

AeroVecto, Skyportz to trial Aeroberm vertipad technology in Oman AeroVecto Aviation Services (AVAS) has signed an agreement with Skyportz to introduce and test its AeroBerm™ vertipad technology in Oman. Skyportz says the vertiport patent is built around FAA safety guidance, with the design intended to improve safety and operational performance for air-taxi style vertiports.

2026-04-13T01:34:27.796658-07:00

AeroVecto, Skyportz to trial Aeroberm vertipad technology in Oman

FlightGlobal

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Heathrow: Middle East passenger traffic collapses 51% in March as Persian Gulf airspace closures disrupt Iran-linked operations Heathrow reported a 51% year-on-year drop in March passenger numbers between the airport and the Middle East, with Middle East traffic falling to 294M passengers. Asia and Africa routes rose sharply, helped by more transfer flows as airlines re-shifted networks amid airspace closures and strike/drones threats.

2026-04-13T01:24:52.067228-07:00

Heathrow: Middle East passenger traffic collapses 51% in March as Persian Gulf airspace closures disrupt Iran-linked operations

Air Data News

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Icelandair investigates 757 captain after unauthorized low-altitude pass over Vestmannaeyjar Icelandair is investigating a Boeing 757-200 pilot after the aircraft made an unauthorized, low-altitude flyover of Vestmannaeyjar during flight FI521 from Frankfurt to Keflavík on April 11. Reports say the captain—on his final flight before retirement—deviated from the expected approach profile; the airline has filed a police report involving the incident.

2026-04-12T09:53:50.064552-07:00

Icelandair investigates 757 captain after unauthorized low-altitude pass over Vestmannaeyjar

AeroTime

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USAF C-130 Hercules hit by axe after airside intrusion at Shannon Airport A USAF Lockheed C-130 Hercules was attacked while parked at Shannon Airport, Ireland, after an intruder breached airside security and repeatedly struck the aircraft with a small axe. Authorities arrested the individual; the C-130 sustained extensive fuselage and wing damage and the airport briefly shut down, according to reports.

2026-04-12T08:42:04.825876-07:00

USAF C-130 Hercules hit by axe after airside intrusion at Shannon Airport

ch-aviation

Alaska Airlines expands MTTP for Hawaiian Airlines technicians; applications open through May 31, 2026 Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are opening Military Technician Training Program (MTTP) applications for qualified candidates through May 31, 2026. The pathway targets technician hiring needs tied to Hawaiian’s Seattle maintenance base, extending the carrier’s military-to-civilian talent pipeline.

2026-04-10T10:49:23.124881-07:00

Alaska Airlines expands MTTP for Hawaiian Airlines technicians; applications open through May 31, 2026

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Airports News

Heathrow: Middle East passenger traffic collapses 51% in March as Persian Gulf airspace closures disrupt Iran-linked operations

India’s $3 billion UDAN push targets small-airport connectivity growth

AeroVecto, Skyportz to trial Aeroberm vertipad technology in Oman

China accused of building a major new South China Sea airbase amid renewed “mystery” over timing and location

News Timeline