Jeffrey Epstein shared emails, flights, and meals with some of the richest people on the planet. Here's how these billionaires made their money and how they were connected to Epstein. Read more below:

U.S. airlines canceled flights to and from the Mexican cities of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara on Monday amid cartel-related violence over the weekend, leaving tourists stranded.

Airlines suspended operations at some major airports and expect to restart some flights on Monday and more on Tuesday.

A major snowstorm in the Northeast United States has led to more than 5,300 flight cancellations, significantly impacting airline stocks as travel disruptions mount.

Four flights arriving at Hyderabad airport were diverted due to heavy rainfall in the area.

Blizzard in US forces SWISS to cancel flights  SWI swissinfo.ch

Indian airline IndiGo has announced the cancellation of its Pune–Bangkok flight route for the upcoming summer season.

Smoke billows from burning vehicles in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday. @morelifediares via Instagram/Youtube/@morelifediares via REUTERS Cartel violence has caused major disruption in parts of Mexico and

El Prat airport is increasing its operations with 9,100 additional flights and enhanced VIP services to accommodate the Mobile World Congress, with airlines offering extra travel options.

The new Dutch cabinet's plan to open Lelystad airport for holiday flights faces significant hurdles due to serious doubts from experts regarding its environmental permit.

Unidentified drones caused significant disruptions at Danang International Airport during the Lunar New Year holidays, leading to 54 flight delays. Authorities are investigating the incidents.

Starlux Airlines, a Taiwanese carrier, has announced it will begin offering flights to Busan, South Korea, starting June 1.

Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, called on the population for calm after the military operation in which drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, one of the most

Unauthorized drone activity near Da Nang International Airport disrupted 54 flights during the first and sixth days of the Lunar New Year, causing significant delays and forcing aircraft into holding patterns.

Feb. 22, 2026 | Violence erupts in Puerto Vallarta after a drug lord is killed by police, cancelling flights and forcing tourists to shelter in place. Team Canada settles for silver in Olympic hockey

A powerful Nor'easter on the US East Coast has caused significant disruptions to air travel between the UAE and the US, leading Emirates and Etihad to cancel and reschedule numerous flights to New York and Boston.

Sri Lanka is intensifying its efforts to attract tourists from the Middle East by launching an expanded promotional campaign and introducing new direct flight routes.

Evidence related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's flights to the UK has reportedly been destroyed. Separately, Prince Andrew's Metropolitan Police protection was instructed to guard an Epstein dinner in New York.

After videos of panic inside the Guadalajara airport spread on social media, the airport operator acknowledged "hysteria among passengers" but said that there had been no security incidents. The post

An 81-year-old agreement is being highlighted as a way for travelers to secure more affordable business class flights.

Moscow reports they have downed Ukrainian drones and introduced temporary restrictions at city airports.

Jazeera Airways introduces a 'Fly Now, Pay Later' scheme, becoming the first Kuwaiti airline to offer interest-free installment payments for flights to enhance travel affordability.

Air India has canceled its New York and Newark flights for Monday in anticipation of a severe winter storm and heavy snow forecast across the northeastern United States.

Emirates cancels flights to New York, Newark as severe snowstorm hits US  khaleejtimes.com

Executives at Children’s Health Ireland are facing pressure to explain and address over €374,000 spent on flights and accommodation for staff traveling to the US headquarters of an IT giant for work on its electronic system.

Severe winter weather, including abundant snowfall, is causing widespread disruption across 16 counties in Romania and Bucharest, leading to power outages, fallen trees, blocked roads, a canceled flight at Otopeni, closed maritime ports, and train delays.

When planning a multigenerational trip to the Caribbean during the busy holiday season, our family settled on an ultra-luxury cruise. David Morris We booked the least expensive suite on a Seabourn ultra-luxury cruise for about $9,000. After crunching numbers and seeing high-end resort prices, this felt reasonable for a family trip. We loved getting to see lots of new places and not worry about having to plan our meals. I paid $9,000 for what was technically the cheapest room on an ultra-luxury cruise — a price that initially felt steep until I compared it with alternatives. My family had been planning a multigenerational trip to the Caribbean during the busy period between Christmas and New Year's Eve, which is also one of the most expensive travel weeks of the year. We wanted something that felt indulgent without becoming logistically exhausting or financially disproportionate once all the extras were added up. At first, we looked at high-end beach resorts, but they were commanding eye-watering rates. I saw a few in Barbados and St. Barts charging over $4,000 a night for a room, and that price doesn't even include food, drinks, and gratuities. The costs seemed like they could really add up. As we ran the numbers, an all-inclusive cruise began to make more sense. Plus, we liked the idea of exploring Caribbean destinations we hadn't visited before without having to deal with multiple hotel check-ins, flights, and transfers. A port-heavy itinerary could allow us to sample several places while unpacking just once. So, our group settled on a 12-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Seabourn Ovation. Our family booked two rooms and spent about $20,000 on the cruise. David Morris We traveled as a group of five: my mother, my brother and sister-in-law, their 7-year-old son, and me. In total, we booked two entry-level suites — one for my mother and me, and another for my brother, sister-in-law, and their son — bringing the combined cruise fare to just over $20,000 for five people across 12 nights. This figure includes accommodations, all meals, a selection of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, and gratuities. We saved some money on my 7-year-old nephew's fare thanks to the cruise line's third-guest-at-half-price policy. By booking through a preferred travel advisor, I also received $400 in onboard credit, plus an additional $250 referral credit (which my brother's family also received). Our cabin felt like part of a boutique hotel. David Morris Our suite measured 302 square feet, plus a 68-square-foot balcony. Its decor was pretty minimal, but it felt a bit elevated with accents of marble, dark wood, and glass. Despite being the cheapest option on the ship, this room felt more like it was part of a boutique hotel than just a standard cruise cabin. The walk-in closet was a pleasant surprise. David Morris The base-category suite felt thoughtfully laid out, with a seating area, a couch, a table, two beds, and a generously sized walk-in closet. Our clothes and bags easily fit inside with space to spare. In the other suite, a sofa bed was set up as a dedicated sleeping space for my nephew. The bathroom had dual sinks, a tub, and a compact but functional shower. David Morris The bright-white bathroom featured dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a glass-enclosed shower. My only critique was the shower size, which felt slightly tight compared to ones in some newer ships we've sailed on. Our room's minibar was stocked exactly to our preferences. David Morris We were delighted to find our room's minibar stocked with complimentary ginger beer, juices, and the spirits we requested prior to our sailing. Twice-daily housekeeping kept everything meticulously refreshed. Room aside, we were pretty happy with the ship. David Morris Since all of our meals, standard beverages, and gratuities were included in the cost of the cruise fare, we didn't have to budget or crunch numbers during our trip. We had most of our dinners in the ship's main dining room, which was so easy. It felt quite formal, and the rotating menus kept things interesting across the 12-night itinerary. Passengers also had access to The Patio, a poolside eatery with laid-back fare, and The Colonnade, a more casual spot serving buffet breakfasts and lunches, plus seated themed dinners. We also enjoyed our opportunities for specialty dining. 12 David Morris Options for specialty dining included a sushi restaurant and a Mediterranean eatery called Solis, which was a standout for me. The menu featured steak, lobster, and whole grilled fish deboned tableside. I particularly loved its post-dinner affogatos Pools, hot tubs, and quieter outdoor spaces were easy to find. 13 David Morris The ship has a large main pool surrounded by lots of loungers, though we preferred the smaller hot tubs in other areas. Quieter spots, like the hot tub at the bow with incredible views of the ocean, quickly became our favorites. My favorite area on board was The Retreat. 14 The Retreat. David Morris Located on the top sundeck, The Retreat was my favorite area on the ship. The space offered shaded cabanas, a noticeably calmer atmosphere than the main pool deck, and attentive, unhurried service. To access it, passengers had to pay an additional $150 per day on port days or $250 on sea days. Booking it on sea days felt especially worthwhile. The quiet setting made it easy to relax or catch up on a bit of remote work on my laptop without feeling out of place. Excursions cost extra, but they felt well-organized and fairly priced. 15 David Morris We mostly booked excursions through the cruise line for peace of mind. Our favorite was in Saint Lucia, where a packed day included a catamaran ride, volcano hike, mud bath, and snorkeling. The excursion ran late, but the ship waited for us as it had been booked through them. Holiday surprises added to the experience. 16 David Morris On Saint Kitts, the crew arranged a private Christmas Day beach party with grilled lobster and drinks. Later, Santa Claus arrived by Jet Ski to serve caviar and Champagne in the surf. The cruise's overall cost felt reasonable considering everything it included. 17 David Morris Ultimately, our cruise averaged out to about $333 per person, per night. That felt surprisingly fair considering how much was included in our 12-night trip. We also really enjoyed the ship's intimate size. Compared to other mega-ships carrying thousands of people, this 600-passenger vessel felt calm, navigable, and personal. We never felt overwhelmed by crowds, even on sea days. Although children aren't typically the target audience for ultra-luxury cruises, my nephew genuinely had a great time alongside the mostly older guests. His sailing also felt like a great value, considering he was charged half price as a third guest and still had his own proper bed. For a multigenerational holiday trip that combined ease, variety, and consistent service, the value ultimately justified the price. All in all, we enjoyed the trip enough to book another Seabourn voyage (at a discounted price) before disembarking. Read the original article on Business Insider

United Airlines is implementing changes that will result in some fliers earning fewer miles for the same flights.

Window Closing On Iran Diplomacy: IAEA's Grossi Issues Pessimistic Outlook Oil prices climbed early Thursday as markets zeroed in on the prospect of US action against Iran, lifting energy shares alongside crude - with West Texas Intermediate above $66 a barrel. The US military build-up in the Middle East means Iran's window to reach a diplomatic agreement over its atomic activities - which Tehran insists is for peaceful domestic energy purposes - is at risk of closing fast, according to the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog speaking to Bloomberg Television.  At this moment the Trump-assembled armada threatening Iran includes two aircraft carriers, a dozen warships, hundreds of jets, and advanced air defenses. Over 150 US military cargo flights have delivered weapons to the Middle East this month, with a surge of aircraft still headed to the region. Some say the build-up is already nearing Iraq war levels. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi underscored the clock is ticking. "There is not much time but we are working on something concrete," said Grossi, in reference to meetings in Geneva with Iranian diplomats. "There are a couple of solutions the IAEA has proposed. IAEA inspectors haven't verified the state of Iran's stockpile of near-bomb-grade uranium or assessed the scope of damage dealt to enrichment facilities for more than eight months. Ironically enough, it was the unprovoked surprise Israeli and US attacks which shut the door on such inspections, also after the White House itself insisted on several occasions that the Islamic Republic's nuclear program was "obliterated" in the series of US bunker-buster bomb attacks on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Which is it? Bloomberg and various analysts have speculated that before the Israeli attacks in June, Iran had enough highly-enriched material to quickly craft about a dozen warheads, assuming the scenario Tehran issued the order to weaponize its nuclear program. Grossi said he also met with Trump’s envoys on Tuesday in Geneva, alongside the IAEA's some six hours of meetings with Iranian diplomats. He asserted that an IAEA return to the damaged facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz "hinges on the possibility of a wider type of agreement." "We are conscious of the fact that there is this political negotiation," Grossi added. However, the Iranians are likely going to remain deeply distrustful of the UN watchdog and Grossi himself, given that the surprise June attack resulted in Iranian officials accusing the IAEA team of leaking sensitive data on Iranian facilities to Israel. This is perhaps why Grossi himself appears pessimistic when commenting on the potential the forge a new deal before US military action ensues.  "There cannot be a deal if the IAEA isn’t able to verify," said Grossi, who described to Bloomberg he's seeking a solution by threading the red lines set by both sides. "It’s not impossible," he said. "There are certain things that Iran understands cannot be pursued. We have to provide the watertight verification there is no deviation." Some reports say a US attack on Iran could come as early as this weekend... Major US naval, air buildup in the Middle East sets stage for potential Iran war. CNN and CBS reported Wednesday that the US military will be ready to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, though Trump has reportedly not made a final decision yet… pic.twitter.com/cRJOwP2PY8 February 19, 2026 As the second US carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is about to enter the Mediterranean while headed toward the CENTCOM area of responsibility, regional analyst Levent Kemal observes, "The US military buildup in the Middle East is going beyond dialogue or gunboat diplomacy. This is clearly an important preparation for a war aimed at removing the Iranian regime from the regional power balance equation." Tyler Durden Thu, 02/19/2026 - 09:15

Bangladesh has barred SpiceJet from its airspace over unpaid dues, forcing the airline to reroute flights from Kolkata to northeastern cities like Guwahati. While SpiceJet assures constructive engagement for resolution, the extended flight paths are impacting operations. This comes as the budget carrier recently reported a significant quarterly loss.

Ryanair is reportedly considering allowing British dual nationals to board UK flights without a British passport, aiming to alleviate concerns about new immigration rules.

Following the release of the Epstein files, some universities have taken action involving faculty or affiliates named in the documents, prompting a call for students and professors to share their experiences.

Jet2 has barred two people from ever flying with it again after they brawled midair. OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images British budget airline Jet2 barred two people after a midair brawl prompted a diversion on Thursday. Jet2 said it plans to "vigorously pursue" the pair to recoup costs for the diversion. Unruly passengers can face civil and criminal prosecution in addition to airline lawsuits. "Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday" — except when it ends in a midair brawl. The British budget carrier has issued lifetime bans to two passengers after a flight from Turkey to England diverted to Belgium on Thursday following a fight on board, the airline told multiple news outlets. It's unclear what caused the altercation, but videos circulating on social media show passengers screaming and pushing as cabin crew and others attempted to break it up. The plane later continued to the UK after police removed the two passengers. Jet2 said in a statement that the pair exhibited "appalling behavior" and that it would "vigorously pursue them" to recoup the costs of the diversion. Diversions aren't cheap: they can cost airlines tens of thousands of dollars in fuel, labor, and airport fees. Any hotel and transportation costs also add up. "As a family-friendly airline, we take a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive passenger behaviour, and we are very sorry that other customers and our colleagues on board had to experience this too," the airline said. Jet2 has a history of chasing down unruly passengers. In 2019, the airline barred a disruptive traveler and billed her about $115,000 after she attempted to open an exit door midair, prompting a diversion escorted by military jets. In 2022, two brothers who fought on board another Jet2 flight forced a diversion and were later charged about $68,000 and issued lifetime bans. Other airlines have taken similar approaches, seeking reimbursement from passengers whose behavior disrupted flights. Budget competitor Ryanair, for example, last year filed a lawsuit seeking about $18,000 from a passenger it described as disruptive after a diversion to Portugal in April 2024 left 160 people needing overnight accommodation. Unruly passenger incidents surged during the pandemic, when mask mandates fueled confrontations between travelers and airline staff. Data from the Federal Aviation Administration shows there were nearly 6,000 reports on US airlines in 2021 — up about 500% from roughly 1,000 the year before. Reports fell to about 2,500 in 2022 and further to roughly 1,600 in 2025, though they still remain well above pre-pandemic levels. There have been 126 reports so far in 2026. The FAA maintains a zero-tolerance policy and has issued more than $20 million in civil fines since 2020 (these are separate from the money airlines can collect through lawsuits). In more extreme cases — such as physical assaults on crew — passengers have faced criminal prosecution, including by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, resulting in larger fines and jail time. Read the original article on Business Insider

The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) anticipates the tourism industry will be a major contributor to GDP growth this year, driven by increasing flights and arrivals.

Workers at Kenya's primary airport have initiated a strike, leading to significant flight delays and disruptions for travelers.

Pilots and crew at Germany's flag carrier Lufthansa staged a 24-hour strike over pension disputes, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and significant travel disruption.

During the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to serve around 145,000 passengers in about 940 flights per day.

Experts and travel editors are discussing various methods and tools, from hypnosis to cabin crew discussions, to help individuals overcome their fear of flying and ensure more relaxed journeys.

A severe snow blizzard hit parts of the northeastern United States, causing over 30 cm of snow, blocking millions of travelers, and leading to the closure of roads, suspension of trains, and cancellation of approximately 5700 flights.

Wizz Air will temporarily suspend access to its booking platform and digital customer service channels overnight from February 25 to 26 for maintenance, though all flights are expected to operate as scheduled.

Severe weather in the United States has led to the cancellation of several Icelandair flights to the country, leaving around 1,700 passengers with disrupted travel plans. As reported by RÚV, the airli

Hundreds of passengers were forced to spend the night on Lufthansa planes at Munich Airport after five flights were canceled due to heavy snowfall, leading to sharp criticism of the airport and airline.

American Airlines Group Inc. is seeking approval to resume flights to Venezuela, alongside reporting solid financial guidance for 2026.

Heavy snowfall led to the cancellation of flights at Munich Airport, leaving approximately 500 passengers stranded amidst chaotic conditions.

Thirteen flights to and from Dublin, and one from Shannon, have been cancelled due to a snow storm hitting the east coast of the United States, causing weather chaos.

Hundreds of passengers were forced to spend the night on planes at Munich Airport after heavy snowfall prevented flights from departing and terminals were full, leaving no buses to return them.

Blizzard slams US Northeast, closing roads and canceling flights  Reuters

LONDON: Thousands of dual British nationals risk being denied boarding on flights, ferries and trains to the United Kingdom from Feb 25, unless they carry a valid British passport as new border controls come into force this week. The change confirmed by the UK Home Office means British citizens who also hold another nationality will be required to present a British passport when travelling to the UK. Those without one must apply for a “certificate of entitlement” attac­hed to their non-Britis...

The South Korean Embassy in Iran on Monday advised Korean nationals in the Middle Eastern country to leave it when flights are available as tensions are growing over the United States' possible military attack on Tehran. US President Donald Trump said last week he is considering limited military strikes on Iran, exerting pressure on Tehran to reach a new nuclear deal. "We advise (Korean nationals) to leave Iran when available flights are in operation," the embassy said in a safety notice uploade

There has been 13 flights to and from Dublin Airport that have been cancelled today due to a storm on the east coast of the USA.

Mexico confirmed on Sunday that soldiers had killed one of the country's biggest drug lords and the leader of the violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera – one of the most wanted men in both Mexico and the United States. Retaliatory violence has spread to multiple states, as roads are being blocked and flights canceled.

Delta Airlines anticipates halting flights at airports in New York City and Boston in preparation for an approaching storm.

Air Canada and United Airlines have both announced the suspension of their flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Around 500 passengers were forced to spend the night inside planes at Munich Airport after their flights were canceled due to heavy snow, and a lack of buses prevented them from returning to the terminal.

Some flights in the United States have been cancelled due to a winter storm, according to the Jamaica Gleaner.

Kenya Airways has announced the cancellation of its Nairobi-New York flights, citing adverse weather conditions as the reason for the disruption.

Air India cancels New York, Newark flights due to severe winter storm  khaleejtimes.com

Air India cancels New York, Newark flights amid severe US winter storm  Gulf News

Road transport in Romania is returning to normal after a recent episode of snow and blizzards, with the National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration announcing that no roads are closed or restricted, and no flights are canceled or delayed at Bucharest airports.

Air Serbia has announced changes to its flights between Belgrade and New York scheduled for February 22nd and 23rd due to anticipated heavy snowfall at John F. Kennedy Airport.

Investigators have requested an arrest warrant for a graduate student suspected of being behind recent drone flights into North Korea.

A reporter was detained in Cameroon while investigating the Trump administration's deportation flights to the country, which have brought the total number of deportees to 17.

Snowbird destinations from Palm Springs to southern Florida are feeling the impact as Canadians remain hesitant about traveling to the US. Sarah Gray/Business Insider New data from Longwoods International shows Canadians are still hesitant about traveling to the US. Major snowbird destinations from Palm Springs, California, to southern Florida are feeling the impact. Canadians are opting for Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean instead, or for domestic travel. Canadian travellers are still unhappy with President Donald Trump, and that's affecting the 2026 outlook of visitors to the US from Canada. In 2025, there was a noticeable travel chill from the US's northern neighbor, following President Donald Trump's quips about the "51st state" and the levying of hefty tariffs. A January survey of more than 1,000 Canadian prospective travelers found that they remain hesitant to travel to the US and would rather support domestic tourism, according to Longwoods International, a tourism industry market research company. According to Longwoods International, 55% of surveyed Canadian travelers report that they intend to travel to the US within the next 12 months, which remains mostly unchanged from 54% reported in October 2025. Among those who intend to make the trip, only 9% say they have already made bookings. In 2025, 4 million fewer Canadian travelers visited the US than the previous year, marking a 22% drop, according to the US Commerce Department's National Travel and Tourism Office. Seventy-three percent of Canadian respondents to the latest survey, who said they changed their 2026 travel plans to avoid the US, cited economic policies and tariffs. Other factors are also at work. More than 40% of respondents told Longwoods International that they strongly or somewhat disagree that the US is a place that values international travelers, welcomes travelers with diverse backgrounds, is a safe place to visit, and feels welcoming in general, and the number of Canadians who agree that the US feels safe to visit has been declining over the past year. Popular destinations for Canadian snowbirds, such as southern California and Florida, have been trying to woo them back. But it appears that those attempts have fallen flat as Trump continues to threaten Canada with tariffs and recently threatened to delay the opening of a bridge Canada paid for. In 2025, California's Gov. Gavin Newsom began trying to convince Canadians with targeted video campaigns that California welcomes them. Recently, heart-shaped banners featuring the Canadian flag also popped up in Palm Springs, which, according to the Los Angeles Times, is feeling a chill this winter from fewer Canadian tourists. "Sure, you-know-who is trying to stir things up back in DC, but don't let that ruin your beach plans," Newsom said in a campaign video. "California is the ultimate playground — over 2,000 miles from Washington and a world away in mindset." According to Visit California, the number of Canadian visitors to the state still fell by over 18% in 2025 compared to the year prior, slipping to 1.4 million. In 2024, Visit California showed that 1.7 million Canadians visited the state and spent around $3.7 billion. Even Disney, the happiest place on earth, is feeling the impact as international travelers skip the US. In the Walt Disney Company's first-quarter earnings report earlier in February, the company said it is facing "international visitation headwinds" at its US parks, including Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. Visit Florida lists Canada as the state's top source of international visitors, with around 3.4 million travelers from Canada to the state in 2024. In 2025, the state saw a 15% year-over-year drop, according to Visit Florida, with only 2.9 million visitors from Canada. Canadian airlines Air Transat and WestJet are also suspending all or some flights from Canada to the US this summer. "We saw a notable decline in transborder travel demand throughout 2025," Julia Kaiser, media relations advisor for WestJet, told Global News earlier in February. "As a result, we made timely decisions to modify our network to stay aligned with where Canadians want to go." The slowdown in trips to the US doesn't mean that Canadians are no longer traveling. Longwoods International said that 45% of Canadian travelers who changed their plans for a US trip now say they would substitute it with a domestic trip, while about a quarter of prospective travelers are looking toward Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. As of February 17, China also opened up visa-free entry for all Canadian citizens, allowing up to 30 days of travel for business, tourism, family visits, or transit. Read the original article on Business Insider

South Korea's annual air traffic volume surpassed 1 million flights last year, primarily due to a significant rise in international travel.

South Korea is pursuing a partial reinstatement of the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, specifically the no-fly zones, to prevent unauthorized drone flights.

Canadian airlines are scaling back their flight services to the US, with Air Transat completely withdrawing from the American market for the summer.

Ten bird species have been identified as a growing threat to aviation safety in Thailand, with over 6,000 birdstrikes reported nationwide in the past five years.

China is reportedly retaliating against Japan with measures like recalling pandas and cancelling tourist flights, following PM Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.

Another airline has ceased operations and canceled all flights after its operating license was revoked.

Border Patrol Fired Army Lasers At Party Balloons, Forcing El Paso Air Traffic Shutdown On Wednesday, after the FAA suddenly shut down airspace over El Paso, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the unsettling move was prompted by a "cartel drone incursion," and assured Americans that "the threat has been neutralized." However, that shutdown, which impeded everything from commercial air traffic to medevac helicopter flights, was actually caused by a trigger-happy border Border Patrol unit firing a US Army laser weapon at a party balloon, not far from El Paso International Airport.  The introduction of the weapon into a border-security role without FAA approval may have violated federal law. The proposal for arming the border patrol with the anti-drone weapon was first presented to Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg in the spring of 2025, sources tell the New York Times. The goal was the interdiction of drones used to smuggle drugs across the frontier. According to two people, Pentagon staff cautioned that the idea would require approval of the FAA and Transportation Department, but Feinberg said the Pentagon was free to do what it wanted with the weapons. The Pentagon called their account "a total fabrication."  In a Feb 6 email obtained by the Times, the FAA's chief lawyer warned a DOD official that putting the weapon into the border-enforcement mix without restricting the airspace "a grave risk of fatalities or permanent injuries” to civilians flying overhead.  CPB officers reportedly fired an AeroVironment LOCUST laser counter-drone weapon on loan from the US Army (AeroVironment photo) In the predawn hours on Monday, Feb 9, as military service members observed, Customs and Border Protection officers fired the laser weapon at what they assumed was a drone near Fort Bliss, but it was actually a metallic party balloon. Around 5pm that day, a DOD official emailed an FAA lawyer, reiterating the Pentagon's stance that prior FAA approval wasn't needed, and that the laser weapons would continue to be employed on the border, adding that he "looked forward" to a meeting to discuss the topic.  FAA officials were said to be outraged. Early Tuesday evening, the FAA warned the Pentagon and National Security Council that an FAA-mandated shutdown of airspace near El Paso was imminent. Then came the extraordinary order from FAA administrator Bryan Bedford that airspace above El Paso would be closed for 10 days. The "temporary flight restriction notice" forbid any flights below 18,000 feet in the affected area. An angry El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said the "unnecessary" airspace shutdown, which lasted a few hours, caused "chaos and confusion," including the diversion of medevac flights to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Bedford rescinded the order on Wednesday.   The laser weapon was fired a balloon approaching Fort Bliss, which is immediately adjacent to El Paso International Airport The incident has intensified pre-existing tension between the DOD and the FAA, which goes back to the disastrous January 2025 collision between an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed 67 people. At least two near-misses with Army helicopters followed.  While it's been widely and credibly reported that CPB fired at a party balloon, the administration has yet to officially rescind its claims about a "cartel drone incursion." Meanwhile, the safety question hangs heavy in the air. In October 2024, an official at US Northern Command said safety concerns were, at the time, keeping lasers off the table where drone interdiction was concerned:  “The biggest thing right now is the impact of the laser when it moves beyond its target. You know, how far is it going? What’s that going to do? How long does the laser need to remain on target before it begins to inflict damage and so on, right?”  It's far from clear if those questions have since been satisfactorily answered. To the extent they're still being sorted out, maybe that process shouldn't be taking place next to El Paso International Airport.  Tyler Durden Sun, 02/15/2026 - 13:25

A severe snowstorm has impacted the US north-east, leading to widespread disruptions, millions affected, and over 5,000 flight cancellations.

Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said investigations into the cause of the fire had commenced, while civil and structural engineers would assess the integrity of the building. The post MMIA fire: 14 trapped persons rescued, 3 flights diverted – FAAN appeared first on Vanguard News.

Fuel prices rise and flights are grounded after 2ft of snow drops on some parts of region — with more to come

Air Europa is expanding its services by launching a new direct flight route from Madrid-Barajas Airport to Tangier, Morocco, with flights set to begin on June 16.

Starlink satellites will soon enable constant online connectivity for passengers on Lufthansa flights, making them more reachable in the air than on the ground.

Air Arabia has announced discounts of up to 40% on select flights for travel between March and June 2026, with bookings required by February 25.

India has advised its citizens currently in Iran to leave the country using available transportation, including commercial flights, due to escalating regional tensions.

Unauthorized drones disrupted flights at Da Nang airport, causing delays for over 50 aircraft during Vietnam’s busy Lunar New Year holiday.

The Indian Embassy has issued an advisory urging its citizens to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights.

At least 28 US military flights have operated from airbases in the UK and Cyprus in recent days, according to open-source flight tracking data analysed by The i Paper. The movements are part of a US m

Officials from Tashkent and Prague are in discussions regarding the launch of regular direct flights between the two cities.

Cancún International Airport faces widespread delays and cancellations, affecting hundreds of travelers during a busy travel period.

Thirteen flights to and from Dublin airport on Monday have been cancelled due to a storm on the east coast of the USA.

American Airlines Says Due To Ongoing Situation In Puerto Vallarta (PVR) & Guadalajara (GDL), Co Canceled Flights To & From PVR & GDL For Remainder Of Feb 22  TradingView

Canceled flight at LaGuardia Airport ahead of massive i=winter storm. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP A significant winter storm will pummel much of the Northeast from Sunday to Monday. Airlines are delaying

Four airports in Moscow imposed flight restrictions for security reasons as the Russian capital came under drone attack, with at least seven drones reportedly involved.

Jazeera Airways has become the first Kuwaiti airline to offer a 'Fly Now, Pay Later' option, allowing interest-free installment payments for flights through a partnership with deema to enhance travel affordability.

Across New York City and the northeast part of the country, 30 million people are under blizzard warnings as a winter storm is set to bring heavy, wet snow.

Air India cancels New York, Newark flights amid severe US winter storm Gulf News

More than €374,000 has been spent by Children’s Health Ireland on flights and accommodation for staff working on its electronic system to visit the US headquarters of an IT giant over the last three years.

Air Serbia has informed passengers of changes to flights between Belgrade and New York due to anticipated severe weather and heavy snowfall at John F. Kennedy Airport.

A new initiative between the Greek Ministry of Interior and Google aims to boost practical AI and digital work skills within the public sector starting in 2026.

Shops and supermarkets shut, flights were canceled and garbage piled up across Argentina on Thursday as unions staged a 24-hour general strike against President Javier Milei’s labor reforms. Transport was largely halted, trains stood empty and protesters blocked key roads into Buenos Aires, with some clashes reported.

Two airlines have canceled all domestic flights and two others operate sparsely, while public transport has also been affected La entrada Air travel grinds to near halt due to general strike in Argent

British and French human rights activists are calling on several airlines to stop their involvement in 'one in, one out' deportation flights, labeling them as cruel.

Singapore invites single Americans to a unique dating experience. Forget apps, 'aunties' will select your match. Two lucky winners get a free trip to Singapore for a blind date. The package includes flights, accommodation, and an 'auntie-approved' itinerary. This campaign blends tourism with human connection, showcasing Singapore's culture and food. Applications close March 13, 2026.

Spirit Airlines experienced significant flight cancellations, leaving numerous travelers stranded in South Florida.

China is escalating its retaliation against Japan, including recalling pandas and canceling tourist flights, after Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan.

The planned strike followed a labor dispute with authorities over pay increases, benefits and better working conditions. Kenya's main Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a major transport hub in Africa.

China’s first man in space, Yang Liwei, has officially retired from active duty, but he has not stopped training and remains ready to don a spacesuit again if needed. He said in a CCTV interview on Saturday that the country’s first group of astronauts had been grounded in October according to regulations, but “if our motherland needs us, we can resume flights”. Yang, now a deputy chief designer for China’s crewed space programme, was the first Chinese national to reach Earth’s orbit in 2003. On...

Cologne/Bonn Airport temporarily suspended outgoing passenger processing and cleared a security area following a security alert.

Russian airlines have been forced to suspend flights to Cuba after US sanctions led to problems securing fuel for their aircraft.