Latest News
-
As the government shutdown enters its 27th day, flight delays have risen to 1,660.
The air travel chaos has intensified with over 1,660 flights nationwide delayed on Monday, and more than 8,600 on Sunday. Air traffic controllers are absent in greater numbers amid the federal government shutdown which is now in its 27th week. The Federal Aviation Administration blamed staffing shortages for delays at Newark Airport, New Jersey and throughout the Southeast. At Los Angeles International Airport, the FAA implemented a ground delay that caused flights to be delayed by 25 minutes on average. FlightAware's flight tracking website reported that Southwest Airlines was responsible for 45% of their flights, or 2,00, on Sunday. American Airlines, however, had nearly 1,200 flights, or one-third, delayed. United Airlines' flights were delayed by 24% (739) and Delta Air Lines' flights by 17% (610). An official with the U.S. Department of Transportation said that 44% of Sunday’s delays were caused by controller absences, a sharp increase from the usual 5%. Around 13,000 air traffic control officers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers will work without pay on Tuesday and miss their first full payday. The public's frustration is increasing as a result of the delays and cancellations, and lawmakers are under pressure to solve the budget impasse. (Reporting and editing by Howard Goller; David Shepardson)
-
Trump dismisses a 2028 run for VP as 'too adorable,' leaving the door open to a third term discussion
U.S. president Donald Trump ruled out running as vice president for the 2028 elections but refused to say definitively that he would never seek a third-term, keeping speculation alive about his possible plans to extend his tenure in office. Trump has flirted repeatedly with the idea of serving more than the two-term limit set by the constitution. He jokes about it and teases supporters with "Trump-2028" hats. Some allies took those signals seriously and suggested that they were exploring legal or politically feasible ways to make it happen. Most constitutional scholars have dismissed this possibility. The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits anyone from being elected as president of the United States a third. Some supporters suggested that a way to circumvent the ban would be for Trump run as vice-president, while another candidate ran for president and resigned. This would allow Trump to assume the presidency again. Trump told reporters on Monday that he would be allowed to fly from Malaysia to Tokyo in Air Force One. He added, "I would never do that." It's just too cute. It's just too cute. I don't think people would like it. It's just too cute. It would be wrong." Scholars claim that Trump cannot run for vice president as he's not eligible to become president. According to the 12th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, "No one constitutionally ineligible for the office of president shall be eligible to hold that of vice-president of the United States." I have my best numbers ever Trump stated that he would be happy to serve a third term. I've got my best numbers yet." A reporter asked him if he had ruled out a third term. He replied, "No, I haven't." You'll have tell me. When asked if he was willing to go to court over the legality a second presidential run, Trump replied, "I've never really thought about it." Trump said that Vice President JDVance and Secretary Marco Rubio are "great people" and could run for the presidency in 2028. He said, "I believe if they formed a band it would be unstoppable." "I believe it. "I really do." Rubio, who was standing behind Trump on the plane, laughed and bowed down his head in shame as Trump predicted that he would have a bright future. He also nodded when Trump mentioned Vance. Trump's comments about a possible third term have clouded the future of the Republican Party. Potential successors are already jockeying for position, even though some Trump supporters support the idea that he remain in office. Steve Bannon, a pro-Trump podcaster and former White House chief strategy in Trump's first term, revealed in an interview with The Economist last week that there was a plan in place to circumvent 22nd Amendment, and that he had been involved in its development. Bannon stated that "Trump will be president in the year '28 and people should just accept this," Bannon. We'll reveal the plan at the right time. "But there is a strategy." He said that Trump is an "instrument" of the divine will, echoing words Trump has used on occasion. Trevor Hunnicutt Reporting, Satoshi Sugiyama, Jarrett Renshaw Writing, William Maclean and Colleen Jenkins Editing, Peter Graff.
-
Delta Air Lines CEO: Government shutdown has a'small impact' on the airline.
Delta Air Lines' CEO stated on Monday that the U.S. Government shutdown has a "small impact" and costs it less than one million dollars a day. The shortage of airport security personnel is a greater concern. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said that the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), and the staffing of those checkpoints, is the greater concern. In the United States, there is also a shortage in air traffic controllers. The government shutdown will force 13,000 air traffic control officers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration agents to work without pay. The first full pay for controllers is not due until Tuesday. Air traffic control in the U.S. is already understaffed. Bastian explained that it can be difficult to distinguish between the shutdown and understaffing. Delta and the U.S. Department of Transportation are locked in a battle over the nearly nine-year old joint venture between Aeromexico. The U.S. Department of Transportation ordered that the joint venture must be ended on January 1 as part of a series of actions targeting Mexican aviation. Bastian stated that "we believe that dissolving our joint venture is not the best strategy, especially because (Antitrust Immunity)." He added that there was no time frame for a solution to the issue. He said, "We have been talking (with the Administration) for quite some time." The joint venture allows both carriers to coordinate schedules, pricing and capacities for U.S. - Mexico flights.
-
Iraq talks OPEC quota with oil minister, exports are 3.6 mln bpd
Hayan Abdel Ghani, the Iraqi oil minister, said that Iraq was in negotiations with OPEC over its quota within the available capacity of 5.5 millions barrels per day. In April, the country, OPEC’s largest overproducer submitted plans to further reduce oil production to compensate for pumping beyond agreed quotas. Abdel-Ghani stated that Iraq was committed to its OPEC quota despite having a larger production capacity. Total oil exports are currently at 3.6 million bpd. Abdel-Ghani said that the fire which broke out in Zubair's southern oilfield on Sunday has not affected exports. Abdel-Ghani said that exports from Iraq's Kurdistan north region currently reach 195,000 barrels per day, sometimes even 200,000, he added. After a hiatus of two and a half years, the Kirkuk oil pipeline flow to Ceyhan resumed late September. The first exports were made in October.
-
Russia claims to have shot down 193 Ukrainian drones including 34 that were aimed at Moscow
Russian authorities announced on Monday that Russian air defence systems had destroyed 193 Ukrainian drones over night, including 34 that were aimed at Moscow and 47 in the Bryansk area, where one person died and five others injured. Alexander Bogomaz said that a Ukrainian drone struck a minibus in Bryansk in southwest Russia, which borders Ukraine. The drone killed the driver of the vehicle and injured five passengers. Sergei Sobyanin said that the drones were brought down in a six-hour period, beginning just before 10:00 pm on Sunday Moscow time (2000 GMT), according to a Telegram post by the Russian capital's mayor. No damage was reported in Moscow. However, Russia does not usually reveal the full extent of damage caused by Ukrainian strikes on its territory when civilians or civilian items are involved. Rosaviatsiya, the Russian aviation watchdog, said that two airports in Moscow, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky, would be closed for approximately 2.5 hours starting at 2240 GMT, to ensure safety. In its daily Telegram report, the Russian Defence Ministry said that, in addition to the drones downed over Moscow and Bryansk, Russian systems also destroyed drones in 11 other regions, primarily in the west and south of the country. Could not independently verify Russia’s reports about the attacks. Ukraine did not immediately comment. Kyiv had previously stated that its attacks were aimed at destroying key infrastructure for Russia's war against Ukraine. The vast majority of the deaths in the conflict have been Ukrainian civilians. Reporting by Lidia Kelley in Melbourne, editing by Nia William, Leslie Adler, and Himani Sarkar
-
US Transportation Secretary says that the shortage of air traffic controllers will continue.
Sean Duffy, the Transportation Secretary, said that U.S. Airports reported 22 incidents on Saturday of air traffic controller shortages. More shortages are expected in the coming days as the government shutdown continues. FlightAware's flight tracking site reported that there were over 5,900 U.S. flights delayed by 6 pm Eastern Time (2200 GMT), on Sunday, and more than 5300 delays on Saturday. Since the shutdown began, October 1, delays have been often above average. As observers search for signs that the shutdown is affecting Americans, they have closely monitored the state of air safety. This could lead to lawmakers being pressured to end the budget impasse that caused the shutdown. Duffy said that the Federal Aviation Administration had 22 "triggers", which indicated a shortage of air traffic control, on Saturday. Duffy called this figure "one the highest we've seen since October 1" Duffy stated that "that's a sign the controllers have worn thin." According to the FAA's website, ground delays were issued due to staff shortages at Chicago's O'Hare Airport on Sunday. The same was true for Washington's Reagan National Airport as well as Newark Liberty International Airport. A ground stop was also issued at Los Angeles International Airport due to a shortage of traffic controllers on Sunday around 11:30 am (1530 GMT). The ground stop was lifted a short time later, but delays continued. Trump Administration has warned that flight delays will increase as controllers do not receive their first full pay on Tuesday. Two weeks ago, air traffic controllers were paid at 90% of the regular rate. The pay they received on Tuesday was for the first time that they were paid solely for October's work. Duffy explained that controllers who are facing the possibility of not receiving a federal pay check will look for alternative sources of income. He said, "They are taking second jobs and they are out looking." Even if they don't get paid, 13,000 air traffic control officers and about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration agents must still work during the shutdown. Even before the shutdown, many air traffic controllers were working six-day weekends and mandatory overtime to meet their staffing targets. During a 35-day government shutdown in 2019, the number of controllers and TSA agents absent increased as they missed their paychecks. This led to longer wait times at airport checkpoints. New York and Washington authorities were forced to slow down air traffic. Duffy and Republicans have criticised Democrats for their opposition to a "clean", short-term funding measure without any strings attached. Democrats have criticized President Donald Trump for refusing negotiations over the health care subsidies which expire at year's end. Idrees Al and David Shepardson, with editing by Nia Williams, Edmund Klamann and Sergio Non.
-
US Transportation Secretary says that there are shortages of air traffic controllers.
Sean Duffy, the Transportation Secretary, said that the U.S. airports had reported more than 20 instances of air traffic controller shortages Saturday. This is the latest indication of the impact of the shutdown. The shutdown began on October 1, when lawmakers were unable to agree on a federal budget. Trump Administration has warned that flight delays will increase due to the fact that controllers are not getting paid their first full pay on Tuesday. Duffy said that the Federal Aviation Administration had 22 "triggers", which indicated a shortage of air traffic control, on Saturday. He said that this figure was "one of highest we've seen since October 1" in the system. Duffy explained that "that's a sign the controllers have worn thin." Air safety is closely monitored for any signs of increased delays or cancellations. Observers are looking for anything to show that the shutdown makes life more difficult for Americans. This could lead lawmakers to act. FlightAware's flight tracking site reported that there were over 5,300 U.S. flights delayed on Saturday, and by 12 noon, more than 2,500. ET on Sunday. Since the shutdown began, delays have been higher than average. Duffy, who believes that the shutdown will continue for some time to come, predicted that there would be more delays and cancellations in the coming days due to the lack of traffic controllers. According to the FAA, air traffic control issues were already reported for flights from Chicago and Newark on Sunday. Around 11:30 am, the agency announced a ground-stop at Los Angeles International Airport because of a shortage of traffic controllers. ET (1530 GMT). The agency reported a shortage of air traffic controllers on six U.S. Airports by noon Sunday ET. Two weeks ago, air traffic controllers were paid at 90% of the regular rate. The pay they received on Tuesday was for the first time that they were paid solely for October's work. Duffy explained that controllers who are facing the possibility of not receiving a federal pay check will look for alternative sources of income. He said, "They are taking second jobs and they are out looking." Even before the shutdown, many air traffic controllers were working six-day weekends and mandatory overtime to meet their staffing targets. In 2019, the number of controllers and TSA agents absented increased during a 35 day shutdown as workers missed their paychecks. This led to longer wait times at airport checkpoints. New York and Washington authorities were forced to slow down air traffic. Duffy and Republicans have criticised Democrats for their opposition to a "clean", short-term funding measure without any strings attached. Democrats have criticized President Donald Trump for refusing negotiations over the health care subsidies which expire at year's end. Idrees Al and David Shepardson, Sergio Non and Nia William edited the article.
-
American Airlines resumes flights to Israel after ceasefire in Gaza
American Airlines announced on Sunday that it will resume flights to Israel by March. The U.S. carrier had halted its New York JFK-Tel Aviv route after Hamas' attack of October 7, 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza for two years. American announced that it would resume its JFK flights on March 28, 2019. Delta and United, two of the biggest airlines in the United States, have resumed flights from Israel. Many foreign airlines ceased flights to Tel Aviv on October 7, and have stayed away from Tel Aviv for long periods of time in the last two years because of intermittent missile attacks by Iran and Yemen. The demand for international flights was far greater than the supply. As a result, airfares increased. Following a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and Hamas militants in Palestine, many foreign carriers have resumed flights to Tel Aviv. British Airways, SAS Iberia, and Swiss will resume flights in the coming week. American will be the fifth airline to fly to Israel non-stop from the United States. El Al, Arkia and Delta are the others. United is also expected to add daily flights to Tel Aviv later from Washington (November 2nd) and Chicago (November 1st). According to Israel Airports Authority, the number of passengers at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv increased by 25% during the first nine-month period of 2025. The airport now has 13.6 million passengers. El Al's share of the market dropped from 44% to 32.5% a year ago. (Reporting and editing by David Holmes; Steven Scheer)
Airlines suspend flights as Middle East tensions increase
Issues over a larger conflict in the Middle East have actually prompted global airlines to suspend flights to the region or to avoid affected air space.
Below are a few of the airlines that have actually cancelled services to and from the region:
AEGEAN AIRLINES
The Greek airline has cancelled flights to and from Beirut till Dec. 17 and to and from Tel Aviv until Nov. 17.
AIR ALGERIE
The Algerian airline company has actually suspended flights to and from Lebanon until additional notice.
AIRBALTIC
Latvia's airBaltic has actually cancelled flights to and from Tel . Aviv until Nov. 30. AIR FRANCE-KLM Air France has extended its suspension of Paris-Tel Aviv. flights till Nov. 5 and Paris-Beirut flights until Nov. 30.
KLM has extended the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv till. completion of the year at least.
The group's inexpensive system Transavia has actually cancelled flights to. and from Tel Aviv, Amman and Beirut until end-March.
AIR INDIA
The Indian flag carrier has suspended flights to and from. Tel Aviv until further notice.
BULGARIA AIR
The Bulgarian provider has actually cancelled flights to and from. Israel up until Dec. 23.
CATHAY PACIFIC
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific has cancelled flights to Tel . Aviv up until
Oct. 25, 2025. CORENDON AIRLINES The Turkish airline company cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv. until January.
DELTA AIR LINES
The U.S. carrier has actually stopped briefly flights in between New York and Tel . Aviv through March 2025.
EASYJET
The UK budget plan airline company has actually suspended flights to and from Tel . Aviv till March.
EGYPTAIR
The Egyptian carrier in September said it had actually suspended. flights to Beirut till the situation stabilises.
EMIRATES
UAE's state-owned airline company has actually cancelled flights to Beirut. and Baghdad till Nov. 30.
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES
The Ethiopian provider has suspended flights to Beirut up until. even more notice, it stated in a Facebook post on Oct. 4.
FLYDUBAI
Flights between Dubai and Beirut remain suspended, while. flights to Iraq and Iran are running, a flydubai representative. said on Oct. 30.
IAG
IAG-owned British Airways has suspended their flights to Tel . Aviv until completion of March 2025.
IAG's inexpensive airline company Iberia Express has actually cancelled flights. to Tel Aviv until Nov. 30, while Vueling has cancelled. operations to Tel Aviv up until Jan. 12 and to Amman until even more. notification.
IRAN AIR
The Iranian airline company has cancelled Beirut flights up until. even more notice.
IRAQI AIRWAYS
The Iraqi nationwide carrier has actually suspended flights to Beirut. until additional notification.
ITA AIRWAYS
The Italian provider has actually extended the suspension of Tel Aviv. flights through Nov. 30.
LOT
The Polish carrier has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv until. Nov. 11. Its very first scheduled flight to Beirut is planned for. April 1.
LUFTHANSA GROUP
The German airline group has extended the suspension of its. flights to Tel Aviv up until Nov. 25, while its low cost provider. Eurowings has suspended them until Nov. 30. Flights for Tehran. are cancelled up until Jan. 31, 2025, and to Beirut up until Feb. 28.
SWISS, part of Lufthansa Group, has cancelled flights to. Beirut till Jan. 18.
SunExpress, a joint venture in between Lufthansa and Turkish. Airlines, has actually suspended flights to Beirut through. Dec. 17.
PEGASUS
The Turkish airline has actually cancelled flights to Beirut until. Nov. 15.
QATAR AIRWAYS
The Qatari airline has actually temporarily suspended flights to and. from Iran and Lebanon.
RYANAIR
Europe's biggest spending plan airline has actually cancelled flights to and. from Tel Aviv till the end of December. Group CEO Michael. O'Leary on Oct. 3 said the suspension was most likely to be extended. up until end-March.
SUNDAIR
The German airline company cancelled flights to Beirut from Berlin. till Dec. 8, from Bremen till March 26, and from. Muenster/Osnabrueck up until March 29.
TAROM
Romania's flag carrier has suspended Beirut flights till. Nov. 15.
UNITED AIRLINES
The Chicago-based airline company has actually suspended flights to Tel Aviv. for the foreseeable future.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
The UK provider has suspended Tel Aviv flights until. end-March.
WIZZ AIR
The Hungary-based airline has actually suspended Tel Aviv flights. through Jan. 14.
(source: Reuters)