Airports News

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Olympia Regional expects first scheduled airline service in early 2026

Olympia Regional Airport in Washington is expected to see its first scheduled airline operations in early 2026. The available report does not identify the carrier, routes or service frequency, leaving the shape of the airport’s planned commercial offering unclear.

FlightGlobal

Gatwick to begin airline talks on northern runway as project enters delivery phase

Gatwick’s board chair said the airport will open discussions with airlines on its northern runway project, which has entered the delivery phase. At Airlines 2026, the chair also pitched Gatwick as a viable alternative to Heathrow.

One Mile at a Time

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American Airlines pilot arrested at Heathrow on allegation of being unfit to fly

A 64-year-old American Airlines pilot was arrested at London Heathrow and charged with attempting to operate an aircraft while unfit due to drink or drugs. Reports say cocaine was involved; the incident grounded a US-bound flight, and the pilot remains in custody in Britain.

FlightGlobal

High activity

BA A321neo grounded after double tailstrike at Heathrow; AAIB details separate A300 freighter strike

A British Airways A321neo was taken out of service after striking its tail twice while attempting to land at Heathrow, with investigators called in. Separately, an AAIB bulletin on a year-old incident says an A300-600F suffered significant structural damage after a tailstrike; investigators cited control-column back-pressure and spoiler extension as contributing factors.

FlightGlobal

Heathrow chief defends Terminal 3 relocation plan to maximize capacity, despite Virgin Atlantic opposition

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye says the airport had to make a capacity-driven decision after proposing to end Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines’ co-location in Terminal 3. The plan has drawn Virgin’s anger, putting the operational trade-offs of allocating constrained terminal space in focus.

FlightGlobal

Heathrow boss defends airline terminal relocation plans amid Virgin anger

FlightGlobal

Heathrow airport chief sees runway debate shift to ‘how, not if’

FlightGlobal

Heathrow chief says debate on third runway should shift to ‘how, not if’

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the discussion should focus on how to build a third runway, as Chancellor John Healey reiterated the UK government’s support for expanding the London hub. The comments signal renewed political backing, but the articles provide no details on timing or delivery plans.