Airports News

Reuters

Coast Guard Gulfstream V carrying DHS secretary lands safely after right-engine failure

A U.S. Coast Guard-operated Gulfstream V carrying Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and 14 people diverted to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after its right engine failed. The aircraft landed safely, with no injuries reported, underscoring the operational demands of aging executive-transport aircraft.

Washington Post

Coast Guard Gulfstream V carrying DHS secretary lands safely after engine failure

A U.S. Coast Guard jet carrying Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, senior officials and 14 people aboard made an emergency landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after an engine failed during a border patrol mission. No injuries were reported, and Mullin said the single-engine landing went smoothly.

time.com

German officials link Russia to explosive-laden drone found near airport runway

German officials say Russia was behind an explosive-laden drone discovered near a German airport runway last month. The European Union’s chief described the alleged plot as bearing the “hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism,” elevating the incident from an airport security breach to a wider geopolitical concern.

Associated Press

High activity

South Africa Probes Airlink’s 12–14-Meter Rugby Stadium Flyover, Cancels Follow-On Pass

South Africa’s Civil Aviation Authority is investigating a double flyover by Airlink Embraer jets that passed roughly 12–14 meters above Cape Town’s DHL Stadium roof. The airline withdrew a planned flypast at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium after authorities downloaded the aircraft flight-data recorders and requested further information.

Wall Street Journal

High activity

Southwest breaks ground on first lounges as premiumization push gathers pace

Southwest Airlines has begun construction on its first airport lounges, with initial locations in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville scheduled to open in late 2027. The carrier plans at least 11 lounges through a partnership with Chase as it reshapes its low-cost model to compete more directly with full-service rivals.

Associated Press

FAA extends ban on U.S. flights to Haiti’s capital through March as gang violence persists

The Federal Aviation Administration has extended its prohibition on U.S. flights to Haiti’s capital until March, citing persistent gang violence. The extension keeps scheduled U.S. air service suspended to Port-au-Prince and prolongs operational and connectivity challenges for airlines, passengers and humanitarian movements.

Associated Press

Venezuela’s main airport partially resumes commercial flights nearly 10 weeks after deadly earthquakes

Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía has resumed limited domestic and international commercial operations nearly 10 weeks after twin earthquakes damaged facilities on June 24. The reopening relies on temporary modules, with the country’s principal air gateway still operating below full capacity.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

American Airlines flight attendants raise safety concerns as ICE enforcement expands at airports

American Airlines flight attendants say heightened Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity at airports is putting them in danger, including an allegation that an airline used its gate-announcement system to help arrange an arrest. The claims highlight growing tensions between federal enforcement operations, airline procedures and frontline crews.