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Aviation Week • Helen Massy-Beresford

EASA warns EU carriers to avoid Iranian airspace amid 'high risk' of misidentification after US strike threats

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin on Jan. 16 recommending EU airlines avoid Iranian airspace. EASA warned that threats of US military action have left Iranian air defences on heightened alert, significantly increasing the likelihood civilian flights could be misidentified.

2026-01-16T09:54:35.625643-08:00

Space Intel Report

SpainSat NG_2 Likely Total Loss; Indra/Hisdesat Readies Replacement Tender (Insured $400M)

2026-01-16T08:26:02.399342-08:00

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

ECJ rules airlines must refund third‑party OTA booking commissions

2026-01-16T09:14:23.985103-08:00

Reuters

Royal Navy's Proteus completes maiden flight — UK's first autonomous full‑size helicopter

2026-01-16T04:11:05.120839-08:00

News Timeline

Aviation Week

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EASA warns EU carriers to avoid Iranian airspace amid 'high risk' of misidentification after US strike threats The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin on Jan. 16 recommending EU airlines avoid Iranian airspace. EASA warned that threats of US military action have left Iranian air defences on heightened alert, significantly increasing the likelihood civilian flights could be misidentified.

2026-01-16T09:54:35.625643-08:00

EASA warns EU carriers to avoid Iranian airspace amid 'high risk' of misidentification after US strike threats

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

ECJ rules airlines must refund third‑party OTA booking commissions The European Court of Justice has ruled that airlines must refund third‑party online travel agency commissions to passengers when reimbursing cancelled or refunded bookings, settling a long dispute prompted by KLM passengers who booked via Opodo. The judgment requires carriers to include OTA commissions in full refund calculations.

2026-01-16T09:14:23.985103-08:00

ECJ rules airlines must refund third‑party OTA booking commissions

Space Intel Report

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SpainSat NG_2 Likely Total Loss; Indra/Hisdesat Readies Replacement Tender (Insured $400M) SpainSat NG_2, a large military telecommunications satellite launched in October, now appears to be a total loss following its deployment attempts. The craft is insured for about $400 million, and operator Indra/Hisdesat is preparing a replacement tender to restore the capability.

2026-01-16T08:26:02.399342-08:00

SpainSat NG_2 Likely Total Loss; Indra/Hisdesat Readies Replacement Tender (Insured $400M)

AeroTime

Czech president signals possible transfer of L-159 jets to Ukraine for drone interception Czech President Petr Pavel said the Czech Republic can soon supply Ukraine with combat aircraft to intercept hostile drones, naming the Aero L‑159 light-attack jet as the most likely candidate. The move would add a manned kinetic option to Kyiv’s defences against persistent UAS threats.

2026-01-16T07:15:44.008068-08:00

Czech president signals possible transfer of L-159 jets to Ukraine for drone interception

FlightGlobal

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Windracers doubles ULTRA cargo drone range to 2,000 km with 200 kg payload as Mk2 production ramps Windracers says its ULTRA heavy‑lift UAS can now fly 2,000 km carrying a 200 kg (441 lb) payload, extending reach for long‑distance cargo and logistics. The UK firm plans to build more than 100 Ultra Mk2s in 2026 and is pressing regulators to approve scheduled drone cargo services.

2026-01-16T05:27:55.817925-08:00

Windracers doubles ULTRA cargo drone range to 2,000 km with 200 kg payload as Mk2 production ramps

Air Data News

Hungary assembles first of four additional Saab JAS 39C Gripens Hungary's first of four additional Saab JAS 39C Gripen fighters — from a 2024 order for four C‑model jets — has been completed and publicly photographed by the Hungarian embassy in Stockholm. Saab has assembled the airframe as the Hungarian Air Force awaits delivery of the remaining three.

2026-01-16T04:19:14.846977-08:00

Hungary assembles first of four additional Saab JAS 39C Gripens

Reuters

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Royal Navy's Proteus completes maiden flight — UK's first autonomous full‑size helicopter Leonardo's Proteus autonomous helicopter completed its maiden flight in Cornwall, the UK’s first full‑size crewless rotorcraft developed for the Royal Navy. The AW09‑based demonstrator advances the Royal Navy’s hybrid air wing and supports plans to mature Proteus concepts for 700X trials and carrier experimentation.

2026-01-16T04:11:05.120839-08:00

Royal Navy's Proteus completes maiden flight — UK's first autonomous full‑size helicopter

FlightGlobal

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China Southern to launch nonstop Beijing Daxing–Helsinki 787-9 service from 29 March 2026 China Southern will launch nonstop Beijing Daxing–Helsinki service from 29 March 2026 using Boeing 787-9s, operating three weekly rotations (Tue/Thu/Sat) and increasing to daily from 20 June. The route restores a direct Beijing–Finland link after about five years.

2026-01-16T03:37:54.264712-08:00

China Southern to launch nonstop Beijing Daxing–Helsinki 787-9 service from 29 March 2026

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Europe News

EASA warns EU carriers to avoid Iranian airspace amid 'high risk' of misidentification after US strike threats

SpainSat NG_2 Likely Total Loss; Indra/Hisdesat Readies Replacement Tender (Insured $400M)

ECJ rules airlines must refund third‑party OTA booking commissions

Royal Navy's Proteus completes maiden flight — UK's first autonomous full‑size helicopter

News Timeline