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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)
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Officials say that two workers were killed by a pipeline explosion at the Zubair oilfield in Iraq.
Officials from the Zubair oilfield in Iraq said that at least two workers died in an explosion of a pipeline in the oilfield on Sunday. They said there was no impact on the oil flow, as throughput is currently at 400,000 barges per day. Officials said that the fire, which caused five serious injuries, started when a group was welding near the pipeline. Firefighters worked to put out the fire that broke out in a section on the pipeline transporting crude oil from Zubair to storage tanks nearby. Officials said that some of the injured workers had severe burns, and are still in critical condition. This raises concerns about the possibility of more deaths. One official said that the fire had not affected production, but needed to be put out quickly to prevent a partial shut down of certain loading operations. (Reporting from Aref Mohammed in Basra, and Ahmed Rasheed at Baghdad. Editing by Tom Hogue.)
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Lithuania closes Vilnius Airport again due to balloons in the airspace
The National Crisis Management Centre of Lithuania reported that the Vilnius airport in Lithuania was closed Saturday as a result of weather balloons that entered its airspace from Belarus. This is the fourth disruption to the airport this month. The NCMC reported that traffic at the airport had been suspended until 2 am (2330 GMT). In recent weeks, drone sightings have caused chaos at European airports including Copenhagen, Munich, and the Baltic Region. Lithuania said that smugglers who transport contraband cigarettes send balloons, but also blamed Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko - a close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin - for not stopping this practice. Inga Ruginiene, the Lithuanian prime minister, said on Friday that the National Security Commission would meet next week to evaluate the situation. (Reporting and editing by Terje Solsvik, Andrius Sytas)
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Aeromexico asks US Court to block Trump Order forcing Delta joint venture to end
Aeromexico requested the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to stop a Trump Administration order that forced it to dissolve a joint venture between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico by January 1, 2018. The joint venture allows the carriers to coordinate scheduling, pricing, and capacity decisions on U.S. to Mexico flights. Aeromexico claimed that even if the court upheld this arrangement, it would still be faced with substantial costs it couldn't recover. The U.S. Department of Transportation, in September, ordered the termination of the joint venture, which had been operating for nearly nine years, as part of a series of actions targeting Mexican aviation. USDOT didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Aeromexico stated that the order required it to "divert Existing and hire new employees, establish a brand presence in the U.S. and separate its pricing and sales platforms for U.S. from Delta's." The Mexican airline added that the airlines would suffer "concrete and calculable damage" from an overhaul of their brand and operation. USDOT announced in August that the joint venture must end due to "ongoing anticompetitive impacts on U.S. Mexico City markets which provide unfair advantages to Delta and Aeromexico." About 60% of passengers flying from Mexico City Airport into the U.S. are carried by these carriers. The airport is the 4th largest international gateway into and out of the United States. Aeromexico has a 20% share of the U.S. - Mexico market with Delta, while American Airlines holds 21%. USDOT has stated that the likely issues from this venture are higher fares on some markets, reduced capacities and difficulties for U.S. carriers because of government intervention. Delta claims that up to $850 million in consumer benefits per year could disappear, and two dozen routes may be cancelled. Smaller aircraft will replace the existing planes. (Reporting and editing by Richard Chang; Reporting by David Shepardson)
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Sources say that Sable will need to raise $1.7 billion to advance the Santa Ynez Project.
Two sources with knowledge of the matter said that Sable Offshore will need $1.7 billion to implement a floating-storage strategy as an alternative for marketing crude oil from the Santa Ynez Field off California via pipeline. Sable Offshore told investors last month that it would pursue an offshore storage strategy and treat vessels to market oil from the Santa Ynez Project, but it continued to fight California regulators who challenged its plan to restart an onshore pipeline to move crude from the Santa Ynez Project to regional refineries. It was not previously known what the estimated cost would be to pursue this strategy. Sable's estimate includes the refinancing a $900m loan from Exxon Mobil, which was used to purchase the project after the oil giant shut it down in 2015 due to an oil spill. Sources said that approximately $450 million would be needed to purchase or convert the offshore storage vessel, as well as any modifications. Another $300 million would cover operational costs including general and administrative expenses. Sources said that the company was in discussions with the U.S. Government for funding for the project. This could include a federal guarantee of loan, they added. Sources requested anonymity because the details of the negotiations and estimated funding requirements with the U.S. Government are not public. Sable refused to comment on financing estimates or discussions with the federal government. The White House didn't immediately respond to our request for comment. A MONTH-LONG PIPELINE DISSENSION Sable is locked in a dispute with California that has lasted for months over the restarting of the Santa Ynez Project, which was shut down nearly a decade ago after the spillage in 2015. Sable resumed production on one of the platforms back in May. A California judge tentatively ruled last week against Sable Offshore’s request to lift a California Coastal Commission cease and desist on repairs made to its onshore pipeline system called Las Flores. Sable said at the time that the decision did not impact its plans to resume transportation of petroleum through Las Flores, or production. However, it added that it would appeal the decision. Sable's plans for reopening the pipeline have been dealt a further blow this week after the California Office of State Fire Marshal stated that Sable had not met all the requirements to restart the pipe. In a letter dated Oct. 22, the OSFM informed Sable that it had not completed the repairs to the pipeline as required by the waivers it received last year. Sable's response to OSFM Thursday said that the conclusions of the agency are incorrect and in conflict with the numerous discussions between the two parties. "Sable strongly opposes the allegations. They are inconsistent with both the plain language in the waivers as well as numerous previous discussions with OSFM expert that confirm Sable's full compliance with waivers. Sable will supplement this initial reply and is looking forward to quickly resolving the misunderstanding with OSFM", it stated on Thursday. (Reporting and editing by Anna Driver in New York, Shariq Khan from New York)
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Reclining seats are another airline convenience that comes with a price.
The latest airline perk is reclining seats, but it comes at a price. Both passengers and staff are annoyed by this. WestJet, based in Calgary, began flying its first newly configured 43 planes on Wednesday. Standard economy seats are now fixed. The option to recline seats is still available but at a higher price. This has sparked a backlash among some passengers and pilots who claim that the change may affect their health and safety. Bernie Lewall is the chair of a WestJet local union. He wants to ensure that pilots are not forced to fly in seats with non-reclining backrests to their work locations, also known as deadheading. Lewall, the chair of WestJet ALPA Master Executive Council said: "If they believe that there is a market in this area I am fine with it." What I am not okay with is being forced into a deadheading seat where it may lead to fatigue or health issues. He said that pilots were considering a grievance. WestJet has said that any deadhead travel by pilots will be managed according to their collective agreement. Although European low-cost airlines don't usually offer reclining chairs, this is a new development for North Americans who view it as an additional charge to previously free benefits like carry-on luggage and seat selection. Gurneet, a 28-year-old student from Greater Toronto said: "I believe there must be an alternative that makes flights more affordable without sacrificing comfort." Melissa Fisher, of Portland, Oregon said that travelers have limited power to fight back, as low-cost airlines increasingly charge for extras in order to boost their finances. What are you going do? What if you don't want to fly? "Pay more?" She said. The reclining economy seats are not for everyone. They often cause disputes in the air. WestJet reported that half of the passengers who tried the new seats preferred a fixed recline in order to prevent others from encroaching upon their personal space. The airline will complete the remaining 42 aircraft early next year. They will represent less than one-third of its narrowbody fleet. "Unfortunately there is no legal right to reclined seats," said Dr. Gabor Lukacs of Air Passenger Rights, a nonprofit organization. (Reporting by Allison Lampert, Montreal; Doyinsola Oladipo, New York; Editing and production by Joe Brock and Rosalba Brien).
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Transport ministry: Lithuania closes airports because of balloons from Belarus
The Lithuanian Transport Ministry said that the Vilnius and Kaunas Airports in Lithuania were closed Friday night because of meteorological weather balloons coming from Belarus. This is the third disruption to the airports this month. In recent weeks, drone sightings have caused chaos at European airports including Copenhagen, Munich, and the Baltic region. In a press release, the Lithuanian transport ministry stated that all traffic was suspended at both airports until 2200 local (or 1900 GMT). National Crisis Management Centre said that "tens" of balloons were noted on radar. Authorities have confirmed that the Vilnius Airport was closed on Tuesday, October 5 and 5, after smugglers balloons carrying contraband cigarettes from Belarus entered the airspace of the capital city. Inga Ruginiene, the Lithuanian prime minister, said that Wednesday The Baltic country will close its border to Belarus if balloon smugglers enter again from Belarus. (Reporting and writing by Andrius Sytas; editing by Terje Solsvik).
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US to expect more flight delays, as controllers will soon miss their paychecks
Sean Duffy, the U.S. Transportation secretary, said on Friday that he expected more flights to get delayed. Air traffic controllers will miss their first pay as a government shutdown enters its second week. 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. Duffy told Fox News' America Reports that "you'll see more disruption as we approach Tuesday" and "after." Duffy told a press conference in Philadelphia Airport that Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control academy would run out of funds within weeks and that some students have already decided to drop out. Airlines prepare for more disruptions. Nick Daniel, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said during a press conference that controllers face immense stress. Some are even taking on second jobs to pay for their bills. Daniels stated that the shutdown is "an unnecessary distraction" and makes it impossible for employees to focus on their jobs. This, in turn, makes the system less safe. "We didn't start a shutdown. Our elected officials end the shutdown, not us. "Our message is clear: End the shutdown now." The Transportation Department reported that about 6.6% of the flights were delayed on Thursday due to the absence of air traffic controllers. This is slightly higher than the 5% normal but still lower than the 53% experienced in the days prior during the shutdown. The FAA reported that staffing problems at the air traffic control caused delays in travel to New York, Washington DC, Newark, and Houston airports on Thursday. This is slightly higher than the normal 5%, but much lower than 53% of flights delayed during previous days. 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. Even before the shutdown, many air traffic controllers were working six-day weekends and mandatory overtime. (Reporting and editing by Leslie Adler, David Gregorio, and David Shepardson)
Citgo auction pits Icahn-backed oil refiner, financial institution group
An oil refiner backed by activist investor Carl Icahn and a group of creditors holding claims against Venezuela are completing in the last mile of a. U.S. court auction for Citgo Petroleum, according to 3. individuals knowledgeable about the matter.
A total of 18 lenders holding judgments for financial obligation defaults. and expropriations in Venezuela totaling $21.3 billion are. pursuing earnings from the auction of shares in Citgo's parent,. organized by a federal court in Delaware. But offers are not. expected to cover that quantity entirely.
A financial investment group that consists of miner Gold Reserve. and a system of corporation Koch Industries have actually used about $9. billion in combined money and claims versus Venezuela, two of. the people, who were not licensed to speak openly about the. matter, said.
Icahn-controlled CVR Energy independently sent an. all-cash quote of about $8 billion, individuals with understanding of. the auction stated.
Both current offers are above the greatest $7.3 billion bid. submitted in a first round previously this year, however far away from. Citgo's market evaluation of in between $11 billion and $13 billion.
The court officer supervising the auction, Robert Pincus,. last week asked for extra time to examine the complex provides. and reach an arrangement on terms. Creditors can use claims. against Venezuela in lieu of money in some cases.
The procedure has actually permitted business including Gold Reserve,. which has a more than $1 billion claim, and Koch Industries,. with a $457 million claim, to sign up with forces with investors recommended. by investment bank Centerview Partners, who have actually contributed. money to the quote, the 2 sources added. Lenders can use. claims as comparable to money.
Gold Reserve and court officer Robert Pincus declined to. remark. Centerview did not have an immediate remark. Koch did. not respond to ask for remark. CVR decreased to comment, however. the company's president in late July told financiers it was. exploring tactical deals in refining.
Gold Reserve in June said it had gotten $36 million. through a private positioning of shares and lined up a partner, FJ. Management, to support its bid.
At least 5 groups of investors sent binding bids in. the 2nd round, and 3 protected financing dedications from. banks and advisors consisting of JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley. and Rothschild & & Co, people close to the. matter informed Reuters in July.
SOME WILL END UP EMPTY-HANDED
According to the court's terms, bidders have an. opportunity to add further celebrations to their deals to improve. their value and can likewise complete their bids after sent,. making the process dynamic.
However due to the fact that of the mounting claims, some financial institutions will end. up empty-handed no matter which of the offers the court. accepts. Shareholders with protected claims against Venezuela likewise. have actually opposed they were largely locked out of the auction.
Venezuela, which is the middle of a severe political crisis. following a disputed presidential election, has called the. auction a theft of its treasured foreign property. Citgo and its. supervisory boards likewise have battled to postpone the auction and win. U.S. assistance for keeping Venezuelan ownership.
The seventh-largest U.S. refiner by volume has been. controlled by supervisory boards appointed by Venezuela's. opposition because 2019, when the United States severed its ties. with Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA.
The Houston-based business has been extremely successful. Its. first quarter earnings was $410 million, and it earned $2.04. billion for all of 2023.
The U.S. judge managing the case, Leonard Stark, has. opposed any substantial delay to completing the case, initially. presented by miner Crystallex in 2017. Stark found Citgo's. parent, PDV Holding, accountable for Venezuela's debts and bought. its shares took.
In early July, Pincus said the bidding round had been. effective, with a number of competitive bids received, a change. from a first bidding round in January thought about disappointing. by Citgo's lawyers.
In a filing looking for more time to work out and examine the. bids, Pincus did not reveal the identities of any bidders. Citgo. said in court in July it had actually not been briefed about the bids.
When a finalist is identified, the court will schedule a. 21-day duration for participants to challenge the recommendation. By Aug. 22, a winner must be selected, and the court has set. Oct. 15 to authorize a winner subject to approval by the U.S. Treasury Department.
Citgo, the crown gem of Venezuela's foreign assets, has. storage terminals, pipelines and 3 oil refineries that can. process as much as 807,000 barrels each day of crude oil into fuels.
(source: Reuters)