An El Al 777-200 in London. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Israel’s main international airport has been inoperable for the longest amount of time in the country’s 76-year history following airspace closures in the Middle East due to the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Israel closed Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport shortly after its strike on Iranian military and alleged nuclear enrichment sites on Thursday night. The airport has been closed to scheduled flights for over six days now.
On Wednesday, Israeli flag carrier El Al posted a statement on social media saying its first recovery flights landed in Israel that morning.
‘More than 70,000 people have registered on our website for recovery flights,” the airline stated in its post on X. “Based on this registration, we conducted a mapping of destinations to determine where recovery flights will be operated from. Flights will be carried out gradually, subject to government approval.”
Tomorrow (Thursday), eight additional recovery flights will operate from the following destinations: Larnaca, Paphos, Budapest, Athens, Milan, Rome, and London (Luton).
We emphasize that passengers on these flights have already been assigned and will receive a notification… pic.twitter.com/wsOL5JNIKW
AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
On Monday, the airline operated its first scheduled flight from its Freetown hub to the British capital, London. This is its first intercontinental route.
A CFM LEAP-1B engine on a 737 MAX (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Sierra Leone’s national carrier, Air Sierra Leone, has commenced flying to the United Kingdom.
On Monday, the airline operated its first scheduled flight from its Freetown hub to the British capital, London. This is the airline’s first intercontinental route.
The service is operated with a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, leased from U.K.-based Ascend Airways. The narrowbody aircraft seats up to 189 passengers in an all-economy class cabin.
First Intercontinental Route
The airline intends to operate a year-round service on the route, with up to three weekly rotations between Freetown and London Gatwick in the peak season. There is a significant number of Sierra Leone nationals residing in the United Kingdom.
Sierra Leone’s newly formed flag carrier operated its maiden flight in January between Freetown and Lagos, Nigeria. The route is operated with an Embraer E145 aircraft.
The airline has plans to expand its route network once it grows its fleet. It plans to add services to other West African capitals such as Accra, Monrovia, Abidjan, Dakar, Conakry, and Banjul in the future.
Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.
Ryanair Aircraft Clips Barrier After Landing
A Ryanair flight from London Stansted struck a barrier while taxiing at Greece’s Kalamata International Airport on June 18, damaging its wingtip.
A Ryanair 737 MAX 8 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
A Ryanair Boeing 737 MAX aircraft arriving from London sustained significant wing damage after clipping a barrier while taxiing at Kalamata International Airport in southern Greece on Wednesday.
Flight FR6080, which departed from London Stansted Airport on the morning of June 18, landed normally at the regional Greek airport despite encountering turbulence during descent. However, while taxiing to its stand, the aircraft’s wingtip made contact with an airport perimeter barrier, causing visible damage.
Ryanair flight FR6080 Right winglet hit a fence at Kalamata airport in Greece during taxiing after landing.
The Boeing 737 aircraft had arrived from London Stansted when the incident happened.
Ryanair spokesperson said the aircraft had landed safely, but as it taxied, “the… pic.twitter.com/4cKoHi5Pk8
The Greek Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) has not yet issued a public statement or report on the incident. It remains unclear whether any formal investigation will be launched, though standard procedure typically includes an internal assessment and report filed by the airline and airport operator.
The incident occurred during the onset of Europe’s summer holiday travel period, when many leisure destinations such as Kalamata — a gateway to the southern Peloponnese — experience sharp increases in seasonal traffic. Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget carrier, offers several weekly flights from the U.K. to Greek islands and southern mainland destinations.
No injuries were reported in Wednesday’s incident, and no delays or cancellations were noted on subsequent flights departing Kalamata.
Tolga is a dedicated aviation enthusiast with years of experience in the industry. From an early age, his fascination with aviation went beyond a mere passion for travel, evolving into a deliberate exploration of the complex mechanics and engineering behind aircraft. As a writer, he aims to share insights , providing readers with a view into the complex inner workings of the aviation industry.
Cathay Pacific Adds More U.S. Service
Cathay Pacific is set to expand its operations in the United States later this year with more flights on a three-month-old route.
Cathay Pacific is set to expand its operations in North America later this year. On Thursday, the Hong Kong-based airline said it will increase service on a three-month-old route.
Beginning in October, the carrier’s Hong Kong to Dallas/Fort Worth route will operate on a daily basis. In an April interview with AirlineGeeks, Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau hinted at “new opportunities” in the U.S., including daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth.
“But I think the immediate target I gave to my team is [to] make sure that the DFW flight is a success,” Lau said. “And if possible, step it up to a daily flight as soon as possible because I think we need a good daily product in order to achieve all the connections.”
The route, which launched in April as the only non-stop passenger service between Texas and Hong Kong, is currently operated four times per week. The soon-to-be daily route will be operated by an Airbus A350-1000.
Westbound flights from Hong Kong (Flight CX876) are scheduled to depart at 4:05 p.m. local time and arrive in Dallas/Fort Worth at 5:55 p.m. the same day. Eastbound service from Dallas/Fort Worth (Flight CX875) will depart at 10:55 p.m. and arrive in Hong Kong at 4:35 a.m. two days later.
A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Bookings for the daily service will open on Thursday. The airline said the expanded schedule reflects strong demand since the route’s debut and will provide additional connectivity for both passengers and cargo between North Texas and Asia.
With this adjustment, Dallas/Fort Worth becomes Cathay Pacific’s eighth North American gateway served by nonstop flights from its Hong Kong hub.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 12:05 p.m. ET to correct the date of American’s last service between Hong Kong and Dallas/Fort Worth.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
South Africa’s privately-owned carrier, Airlink, will grow its fleet with ten new leased Embraer jets.
Under the scope of an agreement yet to be finalized, Airlink will grow its current fleet, comprising of 68 aircraft, with the new E195-E2 aircraft, leased through Azorra. Deliveries from Embraer’s facilities in Brazil are expected to take place from later this year through to 2027.
“This decision marks a significant milestone in our relationship with Airlink. The E195-E2 offers the perfect combination of increased capacity, efficiency and flexibility, helping Airlink expand its network while maintaining the high-frequency service its passengers value. We are proud to partner with Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to introduce this new generation aircraft to Airlink.” Azorra CEO John Evans said in a news release.
Fleet and Route Network Expansion
Since Qatar Airways acquired a stake in the airline last year, Airlink is better positioned to carry out fleet and route expansion. The airline has its sights set on adding new services to Accra and Lagos from Cape Town, as well as Mauritius and Zanzibar, from Johannesburg.
Airlink has operated Embraer aircraft since 2001. The new aircraft will enhance Airlink’s economic efficiencies and reduce emissions across its schedule and network, which covers 45 destinations in 15 countries, including St. Helena Island in the South Atlantic and Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.
In addition, the new 136 and 124-seater aircraft are expected to achieve fuel savings of up to 29 percent compared to the earlier-generation E195s, which Airlink currently operates.
Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.
Report: Emergency-Power Believed to be Online in Air India Crash
Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner likely had its emergency-power system online before crashing after takeoff last week, according to a new report.
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Air India’s Boeing 787 likely had its emergency-power system online before crashing after takeoff last week.
According to a Wall Street Journal report published Wednesday, investigators of the crash believe the aircraft’s emergency-power generator was active during the incident. Citing people familiar with the probe, WSJ stated that the preliminary finding raises new questions for investigators.
During emergencies where both engines fail, a ram air turbine (RAT) propeller serves as a backup generator from the bottom of the 787’s fuselage, according to WSJ. The electricity produced helps run flight control systems and other essential aircraft components.
U.S. investigators and the National Transportation Safety Board are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
The NTSB will be leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday.
Air India flight 171 was taking off from Ahmedabad to London on June 12 when it lost altitude and crashed into a local medical college campus. The crash killed over 200 people aboard, leaving only one survivor.
The crash marked the first fatal crash and total hull loss for Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
The carrier recently launched service between Taipei and Ontario, California, its fourth destination in the U.S. It is also slated to add service to Phoenix.
Starlux's first Airbus A350-900 at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport after its delivery flight. (Photo: Starlux)
Starlux Airlines of Taiwan has signed a new agreement with Airbus for 10 more A350-1000 widebody jets.
Announced at the Paris Air Show on Wednesday, the deal brings Starlux’s total A350 order to 18 aircraft.
“This aircraft offers efficiency, range, and comfort, making it the perfect fit for our strategy to optimise long-haul operations while delivering an exceptional passenger experience,” said Starlux CEO Glenn Chai in a news release. “As we continue to strengthen our international network, the A350-1000 will play an important role in driving growth, sustainability, and operational flexibility.”
Starlux, which has its headquarters in Taipei, operates an all-Airbus fleet of 28 aircraft, including A350-900s, A330neos, and A321neos. It has a total of 30 aircraft on order with Airbus, including A350-1000s and A350F freighters.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
NTSB Warns of Smoke Risk on Boeing 737 MAX
According to the NTSB, the flight deck rapidly filled with “acrid white smoke” so thick that the captain had difficulty seeing the instrument panel.
Close-up photo of damage to the 737 MAX's left engine (Photo: Southwest Airlines, via NTSB)
The National Transportation Safety Board has issued urgent safety recommendations following incidents where smoke entered the cockpit and cabin of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines.
“The NTSB found that the engine load reduction device, or LRD, a safety feature designed to reduce the severity of vibrations transmitted from a damaged engine to the airframe, can result in damage to the engine oil system,” the agency stated in its Wednesday report.
Recent Incidents
The recommendations stem from two separate incidents involving Southwest flights. On December 20, 2023, Southwest flight 554, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, departed from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport when a bird was ingested into the left engine shortly after takeoff.
According to the NTSB investigation, the flight deck rapidly filled with “acrid white smoke” so thick that the captain had difficulty seeing the instrument panel. The first officer called for oxygen masks, and the pilots were able to clear the smoke after following emergency procedures. The aircraft returned to New Orleans without injuries to any of the 139 people on board.
A similar incident occurred on March 5, 2023, when Southwest flight 3923 ingested a bird into its right engine during departure from Havana. In this case, vapor fog filled the passenger cabin, prompting an emergency return to the airport.
The NTSB determined that in both incidents, activation of the Load Reduction Device caused tubes supplying oil to the engine sump to become dislodged. This allowed oil to enter the core compressor upstream of the pneumatic bleed ports that supply air to the cabin and cockpit.
“The oil was exposed to high temperatures and resulted in smoke and fumes that were then fed into the cockpit,” the NTSB report explained.
A CFM LEAP-1B engine on a 737 MAX (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Investigators found that when the first officer pulled the engine fire switch during the New Orleans incident, the smoke quickly dissipated because the pressure regulating shutoff valve automatically closed, preventing further contaminated air from entering the aircraft.
Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair, signed the report containing five safety recommendations addressing the issue.
Urgent Recommendations
The NTSB’s “urgent” recommendation to the Federal Aviation Administration calls for ensuring that “operators inform flight crews of airplanes equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines of the circumstances described in National Transportation Safety Board Aviation Investigation Report AIR-25-03, emphasizing Boeing’s changes to the quick reference handbook and flight crew operations manual so pilots are aware of actions to take if they encounter smoke in the cockpit or cabin after load reduction device activation.”
The report noted that Boeing has already updated its flight crew operations manual and quick reference handbook to include engine failure with smoke or fumes as a condition requiring immediate action.
Additionally, the NTSB recommended that aviation regulators work with CFM and Boeing to develop and implement software modifications that would prevent or limit smoke from entering aircraft cabins during LRD activation incidents.
“Even though pilot action can mitigate the amount of smoke released into the cockpit or cabin after LRD activation on CFM LEAP-1B engines, CFM International and Boeing’s planned software modification, once incorporated, would likely close the pressure regulating shutoff valve more quickly, thus minimizing the quantity of smoke and reducing the flight crew’s workload,” the NTSB concluded.
The agency also directed the FAA, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and Civil Aviation Administration of China to determine if similar risks exist with LEAP-1A engines used on Airbus A320neo aircraft and LEAP-1C engines on Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China C919 airplanes.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
Egyptian flag carrier Egyptair has ordered an additional six A350-900s from Airbus.
The deal, announced Wednesday at the Paris Air Show, brings Egyptair’s total order of A350-900s to 16, the two companies said in a statement.
Egyptair officials said the addition of the widebody A350 to its fleet in the coming years will support future long-haul routes.
“Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to integrating the next-generation aircraft into our fleet,” said Egyptair CEO and Chairman Ahmed Adel. “It will enable us to meet rising demand for long-haul travel, support our network expansion plans over the next five years, and contribute to Egypt’s broader efforts to promote more sustainable air transport.”
Egyptair currently operates a mix of Airbus and Boeing airplanes, including the A330-300, the A320neo, and the 787-9.
An EgyptAir Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner preparing to depart for Cairo using sustainable aviation fuel. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Airbus has booked over 200 orders for new aircraft since the Paris Air Show began earlier this week, signing agreements with All Nippon, LOT Polish Airlines, and Riyadh Air, among others.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Iberia Plans New North American Routes
As part of a new investment and fleet expansion plan, Spanish flag carrier Iberia is launching routes to Philadelphia, Toronto, and Monterrey, Mexico.
An Iberia A330-200. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Spanish flag carrier Iberia plans to launch new routes to North America as part of a sweeping five-year strategic plan.
In a statement released Wednesday, the airline said it is adding Philadelphia, Toronto, and Monterrey, Mexico, as destinations, though it did not provide a timeframe.
Iberia said it is prioritizing new routes across the Atlantic as it scales up its long-haul fleet from 45 aircraft to approximately 70. In March, the carrier announced plans to launch service between Madrid and Orlando, Florida, and Recife and Fortaleza, Brazil.
Iberia’s strategic plan, known as Flight Plan 2030, aims to increase annual profitability to between 13.5% and 15%, which would allow the airline to reinvest about €6 billion, or $6.9 billion. Aside from growing its fleet, Iberia wants to refurbish all of its long-haul aircraft cabins, hire an average of 1,000 new workers per year, and transform Madrid–Barajas Airport, its home base, into a major European air hub.
Iberia also plans to develop its maintenance center near Madrid-Barajas, currently known as La Muñoza, into “Ciudad Iberia,” a cutting-edge aerospace technology and innovation complex. The carrier expects to move its corporate headquarters to the site in the coming years.
In the U.S., the carrier is also looking to increase existing service to San Francisco and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!
Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox
