12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
(This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information):

Tuesday, May 27
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,794,349 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 26

FAA Didn’t Issue Key Notice About Malfunctioning Airport Weather Observation System Before Deadly San Diego Crash
Leading up to the fatal plane crash near Montgomery Field Airport early Thursday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration didn’t issue a notification to pilots that a key weather observation system at the airport was malfunctioning, according to a review of agency notification records. The small Cessna jet crashed into military housing near San Diego’s Tierrasanta neighborhood. The six people who were on the plane are presumed to be dead, according to authorities. KPBS Public Media

Skiplagged Founder Aktarer Zaman On Selling Hidden-City Tickets
The metasearch site Skiplagged has been irritating airlines for more than a decade by promoting hidden-city fares that violate airline policies. In October, the practice caught up with Skiplagged in the form of a $9.4 million judgment to American Airlines for copyright infringement for using the American logo. Airlines editor Robert Silk caught up recently with Skiplagged’s founder, Aktarer Zaman. Travel Weekly

LA Hotel Industry Slams Huge Minimum Wage Hike
Los Angeles City Council approved a big minimum wage hike for hotel and airport workers. It will see a phased increase of 50% over the next three years. The ordinance will see the $20 an hour minimum rate increase over the next three years to $30 an hour by the time of LA 2028 Olympics. Travelmole

Tourists From Countries Badly Hit By Trump Tariffs Are Staying Away From US
Holidaymakers in countries hit the hardest by Donald Trump’s trade tariffs are taking the US off their list for trips abroad, according to online travel booking data. Findings from the hotel search site Trivago also suggest that UK and US travellers are increasingly choosing domestic holidays amid concerns over an uncertain economy. The Guardian

Air Canada Axes Four U.S. Routes
Air Canada will end service in four U.S. markets later this year. The network shake-up comes amid an ongoing lull in travel demand between the two countries. In October, the airline will suspend flights between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Montreal, in addition to Indianapolis and Toronto. The last scheduled flight on these two routes will operate on Oct. 20. Airline Geeks

Australian Woman Says She Was Deported After Visiting Her US Army Officer Husband At Hawaii Base
An Australian woman who was deported from the US after visiting her American husband stationed in Hawaii says she was detained in prison overnight alongside murderers before getting sent home. Nicolle Saroukos, 25, of Sydney, says she was held in federal prison overnight after trying to enter the country with her mother so the two could visit her husband, Matt, a US army lieutenant stationed on Oahu, Hawaii News Now reported. The Independent

Endurance Swimmer Completes Circumnavigation Of Martha’s Vineyard Ahead Of ‘Jaws’ 50th
A British-South African endurance athlete crossed the finish line of his 62-mile multi-day swim around Martha’s Vineyard on Monday, becoming the first person to swim all the way around the island. Lewis Pugh, 55, began swimming multiple hours a day in the 47-degree water on May 15 to raise awareness about the plight of sharks as the film “Jaws” nears its 50th birthday. He wants to change public perceptions and encourage protections for the at-risk animals — which he said the film maligned as “villains, as cold-blooded killers.” NBC News

Caribbean Courts Canadians Amid US ‘Crisis’
Many Caribbean nations are looking further north than usual for visitors as economic turmoil threatens the United States and wary (and aggrieved) Canadians look for alternative destinations to the U.S. for their summer holidays. Indeed, Canada – already the well-established No. 2 or 3 source market for most of the islands in the Caribbean (and sending well over 3.3 million visitors to the region annually, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization) was top of mind at last week’s 43rd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua, with one Canadian delegate telling Travel Industry Today, “This was a good year to come to the show. All of the destinations are looking to Canada and have marketing dollars to spend.” Travel Industry Today

How A Live-Feed From LAX Became YouTube’s Latest Hit
On any given day, Nancy Bliven will spend hours watching 747s roar down the runway at LAX. Which itself might not be particularly remarkable — except for the fact that she lives more than 2,000 miles away. “I’ll turn on the 24-hour YouTube channel and put that on,” says the 68-year-old retired computer consultant from Wixom, Michigan. “It as much entertains my cats as it does me.” Hollywood Reporter

New $8.3B Underwater Tunnel Will Be The Longest In The World
A groundbreaking $8.3 billion project, slated for completion in 2029, is poised to become the world’s longest subaqueous rail and road tunnel. The ambitious plan aims to significantly slash travel time between Scandinavia and Central Europe via a route beneath the Baltic Sea. Irish Star

European City Asks Tourists To Stop Stealing Cobblestones From Its Historic Streets
When tourists say they wish they could take a piece of their favorite place home with them, sometimes they mean it a bit too literally. Belgium’s picturesque city of Bruges has issued a request that tourists stop stealing cobblestones from its UNESCO-recognized medieval streets. Local politician Franky Demon says an estimated 50 to 70 cobblestones disappear per month — even more during peak season — and it costs 200 euros (about $225) per square meter to replace them and fix the damage. CNN

More Than A Dozen Injured In Stabbing At Hamburg Train Station In Germany
More than a dozen people who were injured in a stabbing attack at the central train station in the German city of Hamburg were stable, police said Saturday. A 39-year-old woman, a German national, was arrested at the scene of Friday’s attack without putting up resistance and police said they believe she acted alone. LA Times

Monday, May 26

6 Victims of San Diego Plane Crash ID’d, Including Metal Band Drummer
The six people who died in a fiery San Diego small plane crash Thursday have been identified. There were no survivors. Among the lost were Daniel Williams, 39, a drummer for the Christian metal band The Devil Wears Prada, Larry Williams, his father, told TMZ. San Diego, CA Patch

Airlines Boss Reacts to Europeans Cutting US Flights
Some of the largest airlines in Europe have sounded the alarm on declining demand for flights to the U.S. Bosses at Delta, Air France-KLM, and Lufthansa all noted that trans-Atlantic flights, which make up a significant chunk of their revenue, had become less popular in the first quarter of the Trump administration. Newsweek

Florida Man Sentenced to 30 Days for Shooting and Poisoning Dolphins
For years, Zackary Barfield of Panama City, Fla., made his living on the Gulf of Mexico guiding fishing charters, often with dolphins trailing close behind, riding the boat’s wake. But when the dolphins began stealing red snapper from his clients’ lines, prosecutors say, the longtime captain turned predator. Between 2022 and 2023, Mr. Barfield laced baitfish with pesticide and shot at dolphins from his boat, doing so once in front of “two elementary-aged children,” the U.S. attorney’s office for the Northern District of Florida said on Friday in a statement. The New York Times

Meet Hercules and Ned, the Border Collies Fending off Wildlife at West Virginia’s Busiest Airport
Hercules and Ned have quite the spacious office at West Virginia’s busiest airport. The border collies and their handler make daily patrols along the milelong airfield to ensure birds and other wildlife stay away from planes and keep passengers and crew safe. Hercules is also the chief ambassador, soaking in affection from passengers inside the terminal while calming some nervously waiting to board a flight at West Virginia International Yeager Airport. AP

Five Skiers Found Dead Near Luxury Swiss Resort
The bodies of five skiers have been found near Switzerland’s luxury resort of Zermatt. Emergency services were alerted a day earlier to some abandoned skis at an altitude of about 4,000m in the Rimpfischhorn mountain area, the prosecutors’ office in Canton Valais said. Rescue workers found the bodies near the Adlergletscher glacier, after air and ground searches in the area in southwest Switzerland near the border with northern Italy. The Independent

Britney Spears Drinking, Lighting Cigarette on Flight, Authorities Called
Britney Spears caused a big commotion on a private jet Thursday … so much so, authorities met her after she got off the plane and gave her a warning. Multiple sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ … Britney was flying with her security from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to LAX when she started drinking — then pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and started smoking. The flight attendants were alarmed and ordered her to put out the cig, which she did. We’re told she was “difficult” … and when the plane landed, our sources say she was met by authorities and warned about her conduct. She was then free to leave. TMZ

Passengers Rushing off Flights on Landing to Be Fined £50 in Turkey
Holidaymakers too eager to get off the plane in Turkey will now face fines for standing up when the aircraft is still moving. Travellers caught rising into the aisle before their row is ready to disembark may have to pay $70 (£52) to authorities in Turkey. Turkey’s civil aviation authority hopes to stop impatient passengers dashing for the doors before the aircraft is stationary. The Independent

After Decades, One of San Francisco’s Most Controversial Public Monuments May Come Down
When city officials announced plans to transform San Francisco’s Embarcadero Plaza last July, locals seemed optimistic. The proposed project included the construction of a new waterfront park more than twice the size of Union Square, with renderings showing five acres of vast greenery replacing the existing concrete expanse and pathways leading to food trucks and sculpture gardens strewn with fairy lights in a bid to draw people downtown again. SF Gate

An Oregon Man Who Quit His Job to Set Sail with His Cat Arrives to Cheering Fans in Hawaii
An Oregon man who quit his job at a tire company and liquidated his retirement savings to set sail for Hawaii with his cat, Phoenix, reached his destination Saturday, welcomed by cheering fans at the end of a weekslong journey that he documented for his mass of followers on social media. AP

American Emigration to Britain Rises
A record number of Americans applied for British citizenship in the first three months of this year, and for the right to live and work in Britain indefinitely, according to official data. In the year to March, 6,618 Americans applied for British citizenship, the highest annual figure since records began in 2004, according to statistics released by Britain’s Home Office on Thursday. The New York Times

The American ‘Revenge Travel’ Surge Is Over. Fear and Uncertainty Are Big Factors
Francisco Ayala and his wife have canceled the cruise they planned to take to see the Northern Lights this year. The reasons are complicated. Ayala is a natural-born US citizen, and his wife is a naturalized citizen. But given reports of people — even with legal status — being detained and questioned at US borders, Ayala said taking a trip out of the country for fun doesn’t seem worth the potential risk. CNN

Passenger Experiencing Medical Crisis Attempts to Open Plane Door Mid-Flight to Houston
A Houston-bound plane was diverted to Seattle Saturday morning after a passenger allegedly tried to open an emergency exit mid-flight. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport officials told Fox Business the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, coming from Tokyo, was diverted to Seattle while passengers and the flight crew restrained the individual. Fox Business

Top 14 Travel Stories of the Week
May 18 – May 25

Boeing, DOJ Reach Deal To Avoid Prosecution Over 737 Max Crashes
Boeing and the Justice Department reached a deal that would allow the aircraft maker to avoid prosecution for a fraud charge tied to two 737 Max crashes, which killed 346 people. Crash victims’ family members have repeatedly called for more accountability and for Boeing officials to stand trial over the crashes. Boeing had a three-year agreement with the Justice Department in the last days of the first Trump administration that shielded it from prosecution from a fraud charge over the Max aircraft’s development. CNBC

Demand, Traffic Falls At Newark Airport Following Outages
Passenger traffic and demand have declined sharply at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport, according to data from two travel companies, after a series of air traffic disruptions prompted cautious travelers to transit through nearby airports. Since April 28, the number of travelers selecting Newark as their arrival airport declined 19% and about 15% fewer travelers chose the airport for departure, according to Booking Holdings’ unit Kayak. The data suggests that reports about safety have affected traveler behavior. MSN

United Airlines Reaches ‘Industry-Leading’ Labor Deal With Flight Attendants, Union Says
United Airlines reached an “industry-leading” tentative labor deal for its 28,000 flight attendants, their union said Friday. The deal includes “40% of total economic improvements” in the first year and retroactive pay, a signing bonus, and quality of life improvements, like better scheduling and on-call time, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA said. CNBC

European Airline Cancels 1,400 Summer Flights Amid Pilot Shortage
Thousands of UK holidaymaker’s summer travel plans are in turmoil after a European airline cancelled 1,400 flights. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has axed around 1.5 per cent of its scheduled departures until October 2025. According to air passenger rights company AirAdvisor, as many as 50,000 UK passengers will be affected by the flight cancellations, including those with connecting and indirect itineraries. The Independent

International Student Enrollment at Harvard Blocked by Trump Administration
The Trump administration has barred Harvard from allowing international students to enroll at the university, after the school lost its ability to use the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The SEVP program allows for noncitizens to study at the university under a specific visa. “As a result of your refusal to comply with multiple requests to provide the Department of Homeland Security pertinent information while perpetuating an unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students, promotes pro-Hamas sympathies, and employs racist ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ policies, you have lost this privilege,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a letter to the university. ABC News

US Air Traffic Control System Failing Americans, Airline CEOs Say
Major airline CEOs on Wednesday called on Congress to approve billions of dollars in funding to modernize the United States’ aging air traffic control system, saying it is “failing Americans.” The Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control network’s woes have been years in the making. But a rush of high-profile mishaps, near-misses and a deadly January crash involving an American Airlines regional jet caused public alarm and prompted new calls for action. Reuters

American Airlines Opens New Lounges in Philadelphia
Combined, the two lounges occupy a former Terminal A-West Admirals Club space that closed for a renovation in 2019. The new lounges will replace the Admirals Club lounge in the A-East Terminal. The 12,500-square-foot Flagship Lounge has a seating capacity for 200. Amenities include a self-service wine station, a full-service bar, six shower suites, and dishes by local chef and James Beard Award semifinalist Randy Rucker. Travel Weekly

Universal’s Epic New Theme Park Kicks Off Latest Front in Media Wars
This is an epic — pardon the pun — week for Comcast and the wider media business. Epic Universe, the first major new theme park in the US in 20-plus years, is opening in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday. Fans are expected to camp out overnight ahead of the official opening day. Comcast’s NBCUniversal says Epic is the “most technologically advanced theme park” ever. It cost an estimated $7.7 billion and took more than six years to build. Accordingly, Comcast is putting all its corporate muscle into the launch. CNN

FAA Implements Newark Flight Caps: What Travelers Should Know
The FAA is reducing flight capacity at Newark Liberty International Airport to alleviate congestion. The interim order sets a maximum hourly rate of 28 arrivals and departures during runway construction, increasing to 34 afterward. Recent issues at Newark include construction, staffing shortages, equipment problems, and a radio outage. USA Today

Passenger Jet Had To Abort Takeoff To Avoid Runway Collision At New York’s LaGuardia Airport
Federal officials are investigating why two planes got dangerously close on a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport earlier this month despite the airport being equipped with an advanced surface radar system that’s designed to help prevent such close calls. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board said Monday that they are investigating the May 6 incident when a Republic Airways jet had to abort takeoff because a United Airlines plane was still taxiing across the runway. AP

Spain Blocks More Than 65,000 Airbnb Holiday Rental Listings
Spain’s consumer rights ministry said on Monday it had ordered Airbnb to withdraw more than 65,000 listings for holiday rentals from its platform, saying they violated existing rules. The Spanish government as well as city councils and regional authorities have launched a general crackdown on tourism rentals via sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com, which many Spaniards say are creating excess tourism, cramping housing stock and making renting unaffordable for locals. Reuters

No More Basic Economy: Delta Air Lines Reworks Airfare Structure
Delta Air Lines is renaming its fare classes, including folding Basic Economy into a new “Delta Main” category. Delta Main will have three levels: Basic, Classic, and Extra, offering varying perks and restrictions. Other fare classes like Delta Comfort and Delta First will also see name changes, but the onboard experience will remain the same. These changes apply to flights departing on or after October 1. USA Today

Plane Flew for 10 Minutes With No One at the Controls After Co-Pilot Fainted
A Lufthansa flight to Spain flew with no one at the wheel for 10 minutes after the co-pilot lost consciousness while alone in the cockpit, according to a report from German news agency dpa. The incident occurred on a flight from Frankfurt to Seville on February 17, 2024. While the 43-year-old captain was using the restroom, the 38-year-old co-pilot of the Airbus A321 fainted. The Independent

Turks And Caicos Blocks Cruise Ship Call Due To Illness Outbreak
A Princess Cruises ship was denied docking in the Turks and Caicos due to an illness outbreak. The Enchanted Princess ship was denied just 30 minutes before its scheduled arrival at Grand Turk. The Turks and Caicos government reviewed the Maritime Health Declaration (MDH) the ship had submitted. It noted at least 50 cases of illness onboard. TravelMole

Saturday, May 24

Boeing, DOJ Reach Deal To Avoid Prosecution Over 737 Max Crashes
Boeing and the Justice Department reached a deal that would allow the aircraft maker to avoid prosecution for a fraud charge tied to two 737 Max crashes, which killed 346 people. Crash victims’ family members have repeatedly called for more accountability and for Boeing officials to stand trial over the crashes. Boeing had a three-year agreement with the Justice Department in the last days of the first Trump administration that shielded it from prosecution from a fraud charge over the Max aircraft’s development. CNBC

Newark Liberty Airport Is Bracing For More Delays On Memorial Day Weekend
There is more turbulence for travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration is significantly reducing the number of hourly flights as the airport deals with runway construction, radar outages and an air traffic controller shortage. And all of it comes ahead of Memorial Day weekend. CBS News

Demand, Traffic Falls At Newark Airport Following Outages
Passenger traffic and demand have declined sharply at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport, according to data from two travel companies, after a series of air traffic disruptions prompted cautious travelers to transit through nearby airports. Since April 28, the number of travelers selecting Newark as their arrival airport declined 19% and about 15% fewer travelers chose the airport for departure, according to Booking Holdings’ unit Kayak. The data suggests that reports about safety have affected traveler behavior. MSN

United Airlines Reaches ‘Industry-Leading’ Labor Deal With Flight Attendants, Union Says
United Airlines reached an “industry-leading” tentative labor deal for its 28,000 flight attendants, their union said Friday. The deal includes “40% of total economic improvements” in the first year and retroactive pay, a signing bonus, and quality of life improvements, like better scheduling and on-call time, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA said. CNBC

European Airline Cancels 1,400 Summer Flights Amid Pilot Shortage
Thousands of UK holidaymaker’s summer travel plans are in turmoil after a European airline cancelled 1,400 flights. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has axed around 1.5 per cent of its scheduled departures until October 2025. According to air passenger rights company AirAdvisor, as many as 50,000 UK passengers will be affected by the flight cancellations, including those with connecting and indirect itineraries. The Independent

Chilling ATC Audio From Business Jet Crash: “I Think We’ll Be Alright”
A Cessna Citation II crashed into a residential area in San Diego, two miles from the runway. This happened in the early hours of the morning, with very limited visibility. What a heartbreaking accident, especially when you consider the factors here, and hear the air traffic control audio. The pilot had been flying all night from New York, the alternatives weren’t looking good, etc. One can’t help but wonder if this would’ve ended differently if exhaustion weren’t such a factor, and/or if the alternative airports had better conditions. May those who lost their lives rest in peace. One Mile at a Time

At Least 12 Injured In Hot Air Balloon Crash Near Popular Tourist Site In Mexico
At least twelve people were injured in a hot air balloon crash near an archaeological site near Mexico City on Friday, local authorities said. The balloon undertook a “forced landing” in San Martin de las Pirámides after hitting an air pocket, according to a statement from the civil protection agency for the state of Mexico. The twelve people who were aboard are being treated for injuries at a local clinic, the statement said. MSN

British Airways Extends Flight Suspension Until July 31, As Aegean Returns
British Airways on Friday extended the cancellation of flights to and from Israel until July 31, following the Houthi missile strike at Ben Gurion Airport at the beginning of the month. The airline had previously halted all flights until mid-June. Air France, meanwhile, further extended its own flight pause from May 24 to May 26. It was unclear whether this would be extended further. Daily Mail

Passengers Aboard 19-Day Princess Cruise Were Informed The Captain Died Mid-Trip
A cruise captain died at sea in the middle of a 19-day cruise, PEOPLE has confirmed. Captain Michele Bartolomei was captaining the Diamond Princess cruise when he died suddenly on May 19 following a medical emergency while the ship was in Taiwan. “It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, who had a sudden medical emergency and died onboard Diamond Princess,” Princess Cruises tells PEOPLE in a statement. “Captain Bartolomei was a respected leader, whose decades of service at sea exemplified professionalism, dedication, and care for both guests and crew.” People

Turks And Caicos Blocks Cruise Ship Call Due To Illness Outbreak
A Princess Cruises ship was denied docking in the Turks and Caicos due to an illness outbreak. The Enchanted Princess ship was denied just 30 minutes before its scheduled arrival at Grand Turk. The Turks and Caicos government reviewed the Maritime Health Declaration (MDH) the ship had submitted. It noted at least 50 cases of illness onboard. TravelMole

Man In Norway Wakes To Find Huge Container Ship In Garden
A man in Norway woke up to find a huge container ship had run aground and crashed into his front garden. The 135m-ship (443ft) missed Johan Helberg’s house by metres at about 05:00 local time (03:00 GMT) on Thursday. Mr Helberg was only alerted to the commotion by his panicked neighbour who had watched the ship as it headed straight for shore, in Byneset, near Trondheim. BBC

Prominent Washington Doctor Dies Trying To Hike Rim Of Grand Canyon
A trip to the Grand Canyon turned to tragedy, leaving a prominent Washington state doctor dead. Sadly, the 74-year-old passed away while attempting to hike the rim of the Grand Canyon. He doesn’t believe that heat played a role at the Grand Canyon in Smith’s death. “I think it was 100 degrees or close to it, but he’s really good about hydrating,” Helpenstell said via Fox News. “He’s always drinking fluids. … He’s way too smart to be pushing beyond his limits. I think this was just a freak thing.” MSN

Friday, May 23
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,959,287 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 22

Trump Administration Bars Harvard From Enrolling International Students
The Trump administration has barred Harvard from allowing international students to enroll at the university, after the school lost its ability to use the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The SEVP program allows for noncitizens to study at the university under a specific visa. “As a result of your refusal to comply with multiple requests to provide the Department of Homeland Security pertinent information while perpetuating an unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students, promotes pro-Hamas sympathies, and employs racist ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ policies, you have lost this privilege,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a letter to the university. ABC News

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Woman Found Guilty of Stowing Away on Delta Flight From New York to Paris
A federal jury has convicted Svetlana Dali of stowing away on a Delta flight to Paris last November after passing through security in a lane reserved for crewmembers and bypassing gate agents by blending in with boarding passengers. Dali had been charged with a federal stowaway count for boarding an overnight Delta flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Nov. 26, 2024, and traveling to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in France without having a ticket. She had pleaded not guilty. ABC News

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‘The Worst I’ve Ever Seen’: The Demise of Affordable Summer Getaways
The days of revenge travel are over. After years of being cooped up at home, travelers rushed into the world with a vengeance, sparking a major travel boom from 2022 to 2024. But years of rising prices and a slew of new tariff threats have cast uncertainty over the economy. A summer vacation survey by Bankrate in March found that only 53% of Americans said they planned to take a vacation this summer — about the same as last year but a drop from 2023, when 63% planned to take a vacation. Of those forgoing travel this year, 65% cited cost as the main factor; and of those opting to travel, almost a third said they plan to take on debt to do so. Insider

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Southwest Air CFO Warns of Ongoing Softness in Travel Demand
Southwest Airlines Co. continues to see softness in air travel demand that emerged earlier this year and pushed many carriers to pull back their profit forecasts. “We have not seen in the industry an inflection back,” Southwest CFO Tom Doxey said at a Wolfe Research conference on Thursday. The airline expects unit revenue to be flat to down 4% this quarter, after seeing the measure come in 6 points below its outlook at the start of 2025. Bloomberg

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As PCH Reopens, Malibu Urges Beachgoers to Be Safe and Respectful
Pacific Coast Highway will reopen to the public Friday morning, just in time for Memorial Day weekend, and as Malibu prepares for the summer season with new safety and enforcement measures in place. The highway will open at 8 a.m. with no pass requirements, restoring a major coastal route that had been closed due to wildfire recovery efforts. Up to two lanes will be open in each direction with a 25 mph speed limit through active work zones, officials said. KTLA

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Death Toll in Australia Floods Rises to Four, Tens of Thousands Stranded
A wild weather system that dumped around four months of rain over three days shifted south towards Sydney on Thursday bringing heavy rain overnight, though the weather bureau, in its latest update, said it is expected to ease by Friday evening. Reuters

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First-Ever Nonstop Flight From Phoenix to Asia Coming in 2026
Phoenix is getting its first-ever nonstop flight to Asia. Taiwanese carrier Starlux Airlines plans to launch new nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in early 2026. The route is still pending final government approval, but when it does officially launch, Starlux will operate three or four flights per week between PHX and TPE, according to the office of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. TravelPulse

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Africans Lost Nearly $70M to Denied Visa Applications to Europe in 2024
When Joel Anyaegbu’s application for a Schengen visa to travel to Barcelona was denied late last year, he was surprised but immediately reapplied. He sent in more documents than were required, including bank statements and proof of property ownership in Nigeria. He was rejected again. “The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay were not reliable,” read a checklist returned with his passport from the Spanish consulate in Lagos. The 32-year-old gaming consultant said he felt humiliated. CNN

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Las Vegas Tourism Faces Uncertainty Under Divisive Federal Policies
The year 2024 served as a victory lap of sorts in the Las Vegas tourism industry’s recovery from the pandemic. Emboldened by its first-time status as the host of the Super Bowl, Las Vegas set a high mark in visitor spending for the third consecutive year, pulling in $55.1 billion from a visitor count that fell just 800,000 people shy of the 42.5 million who came here in 2019. Las Vegas Weekly

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Luxury Meets Sustainability: Exploring The Brando’s Eco-Friendly Paradise
The Brando, the ultraexclusive resort that opened on Marlon Brando’s private island in French Polynesia 10 years ago, remains one of the most sustainable luxury getaways on the planet with its unique ocean-powered air-conditioning system, solar-power systems, research center and more. But please don’t call it an ecoresort. Travel Weekly

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‘Economy Class Syndrome’ Is a Medical Issue That Can Happen on Flights — No Matter Where You Sit
Experts call it “economy class syndrome” — but it can happen to anyone in any class of an airplane. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT as it’s known, occurs when blood clots in one or more veins. It can happen at any time, but people who travel on long-haul flights are at a higher risk because they sit for long periods of time, said Dr. Pinakin V. Parekh, a consultant cardiologist at Singapore’s Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre. CNBC

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Airlines Brace for the Summer of Hell
Summer’s usually a boom time for airlines. This year could change that. Airlines began 2025 projecting strong growth. But since then, one issue after another has cut into passenger demand. Air traffic control problems are causing flight delays and cancellations, feeding into traveler worries over safety that began in January with the worst US air crash in decades. A global trade war and other economic concerns are driving down the value of the dollar, making overseas travel more expensive for Americans. CNN Business

Thursday, May 22
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,508,527 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 21

US Air Traffic Control System Failing Americans, Airline CEOs Say
Major airline CEOs on Wednesday called on Congress to approve billions of dollars in funding to modernize the United States’ aging air traffic control system, saying it is “failing Americans.” The Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control network’s woes have been years in the making. But a rush of high-profile mishaps, near-misses and a deadly January crash involving an American Airlines regional jet caused public alarm and prompted new calls for action. Reuters

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American Airlines Opens New Lounges in Philadelphia
Combined, the two lounges occupy a former Terminal A-West Admirals Club space that closed for a renovation in 2019. The new lounges will replace the Admirals Club lounge in the A-East Terminal. The 12,500-square-foot Flagship Lounge has a seating capacity for 200. Amenities include a self-service wine station, a full-service bar, six shower suites, and dishes by local chef and James Beard Award semifinalist Randy Rucker. Travel Weekly

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Small Private Plane Crashes Into San Diego Neighborhood: Police
A small plane has crashed in a neighborhood of San Diego on Thursday morning, starting a large fire and damaging at least 15 homes and multiple cars, fire officials said Thursday. Officials are working to to get everybody out of the neighborhood and they will be going home to home to find out if there is anybody inside, San Diego Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations Dan Eddy said at a press conference, referring to it as “like a movie scene.” ABC News

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Universal’s Epic New Theme Park Kicks Off Latest Front in Media Wars
This is an epic — pardon the pun — week for Comcast and the wider media business. Epic Universe, the first major new theme park in the US in 20-plus years, is opening in Orlando, Florida, on Thursday. Fans are expected to camp out overnight ahead of the official opening day. Comcast’s NBCUniversal says Epic is the “most technologically advanced theme park” ever. It cost an estimated $7.7 billion and took more than six years to build. Accordingly, Comcast is putting all its corporate muscle into the launch. CNN

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Summer Travel Demand Is Soaring — But European Airlines Are Short on Planes
Airlines have been struggling to refresh their fleets as the two leading manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, have faced problems meeting delivery targets. “Demand looks good for the summer,” EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe.” “The main capacity constraints are around airline deliveries, with both Airbus and Boeing not meeting their original delivery schedules and therefore all airlines receiving their aircraft later,” he added. NBC News

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Memorial Day Weekend Weather Forecast: Sluggish Storm Could Dampen Plans As National Temperature Split Sets Up
Whether you are traveling or planning outdoor activities, weather conditions this Memorial Day weekend could be a factor to weigh into your decision-making, especially east of the Rockies. Travel, particularly by car, is expected to be busy this year with AAA anticipating that a record 45.1 million people will venture at least 50 miles from home over the holiday period. Here’s a look at where rainfall could slow some down and how a nationwide temperature split might factor into your activities. Weather Channel

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Two Israeli Embassy Staff Members Killed Outside Jewish Museum in Washington, DC
Two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed by a gunman who later yelled “Free Palestine!” while being arrested in Washington, DC, Wednesday night, authorities said. The slain staffers, who the Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs named as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were a couple who officials say were soon to be engaged. The two were attending an event for young professionals at the Capital Jewish Museum hosted by the American Jewish Committee. At around 9 p.m. outside the museum, they were approached by a gunman who opened fire and killed them, officials said. CNN

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US Airport Security Agency Does Not Rule Out Privatization
The acting head of Transportation Security Administration said on Tuesday the agency did not rule out considering a plan to privatize the government agency while defending a proposed cut for screening officers. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Some Republican senators want to privatize the agency that was created by Congress after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Reuters

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Navy Technician Charged With Making a False Bomb Threat on a Hawaiian Airlines Flight
A Navy technician was arrested on charges of making a false bomb threat while he was on a Hawaiian Airlines flight, authorities said. Electronics Technician 1st Class John Stea, 35, was arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat and false report of a security threat. San Diego Harbor Police allege in a news release that Stea told a flight attendant on Hawaii Airlines Flight 15 that the passenger next to him had a bomb as the flight was getting ready to depart. The flight attendant told the captain about the potential threat, police said. NBC News

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FAA Issues Ground Stop at Austin Airport Over Staffing Issues; 160 Flights Delayed
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Wednesday, delaying more than 100 flights amid ongoing staffing shortages — part of a broader national trend straining the air traffic control system. The disruption comes as Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest hubs, enters its fourth week of significant delays and, more recently, flight caps due to a combination of staffing shortages, recent technological failures, and ongoing runway construction. Yahoo

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Travel Agent Sees Drop in U.S. Bookings
While the United States was once a top travel destination for Canadians looking for sunshine, shopping, and seasonal escapes, those travel patterns are changing. According to Laurie Leonard, a senior corporate travel agent with Enjoy Travel in Timmins, American destinations just aren’t drawing the same crowds anymore. “I have noticed that my flights and stuff, even to Miami, Orlando, are not what it used to be. It’s on a decline,” Leonard told TimminsToday. Leonard, who’s been in the business for 25 years, said U.S. politics are a factor. Travel Industry Today

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Boeing Finally Speeds Up Pace of 737 MAX Production Following Last Year’s Mid-Air Panel Blowout
Boeing expects to stabilize 737 MAX production at 38 airplanes a month over the next couple of months, its Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Quality Doug Ackerman told reporters on Tuesday. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration capped output at 38 airplanes a month after a mid-air panel blowout in a nearly new 737 in January 2024. New York Post

Wednesday, May 21
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,320,174 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 20

— FAA Implements Newark Flight Caps: What Travelers Should Know
The FAA is reducing flight capacity at Newark Liberty International Airport to alleviate congestion. The interim order sets a maximum hourly rate of 28 arrivals and departures during runway construction, increasing to 34 afterward. Recent issues at Newark include construction, staffing shortages, equipment problems, and a radio outage. USA Today

— Delta Air Lines Resumes Flights to Israel, Lufthansa Extends Suspension
Delta Air Lines said Monday it will resume daily nonstop flight services to Tel Aviv from New York’s JFK airport starting the next day, while the Lufthansa group said it would extend its suspension until June. On May 4, both carriers joined a list of foreign airlines canceling flight services to Israel, after a ballistic missile fired by Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen struck an area of Israel’s main international Ben Gurion Airport. The Times of Israel

— Flight From California to Hawaii Evacuated After Alleged Bomb Threat
A flight to Hawaii from California was delayed roughly five hours after a passenger allegedly made a bomb threat just as the aircraft pushed back from the gate at San Diego International Airport on Tuesday morning. Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15 to Honolulu was scheduled to depart around 8:30 a.m., according to Flight Aware, but soon after the flight detached from the jetway, a passenger was reportedly overheard making a threat to the aircraft’s safety. The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department dispatch received a call from the flight’s captain after a flight attendant said a passenger reported a possible bomb onboard. SF Gate

— United Airlines Issues Apology for In-Flight Meal Problem
United Airlines is apologizing to passengers at a major American airport this week following significant issues related to in-flight meals. The airline switched to a new catering company, and is now experiencing “significant disruptions to its in-flight food and beverage service,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Men’s Journal

— A Nor’easter Is About to Hit the Northeast in May. That’s Very Unusual.
Nor’easters are powerful storms that form near the East Coast, driven by the strong temperature contrasts that arise when cold, continental air collides with warm, moist air over the Atlantic. People living along the Eastern Seaboard may be familiar with these storms, but they are much less common during late spring because the temperature differences that form them tend to be weaker. Washington Post

— Man Arrested After Allegedly Trying to Climb on Carnival Cruise Ship
A man was arrested after allegedly trying to climb onto a cruise ship over the weekend. Law enforcement responded to reports of the incident at the overseas passenger terminal at The Rocks, a historic area in Sydney, Australia, around 3 p.m. local time on May 17, according to the New South Wales Police Force. “On arrival, officers attached to Marine Area Command found the man suspended over the water from the mooring line,” police told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. USA Today

— Safest Sunscreens: Only 25% Are Safe and Effective, New Report Says
Only one fourth of sunscreens on store shelves in the United States deliver safe and effective protection against the harmful rays of the sun, according to an annual report which analyzed more than 2,200 sunscreens available for purchase in 2025. “Our criteria include the ability of the sunscreen’s active ingredients to provide balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays, as well as any hazardous chemical ingredients in the product,” said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, or EWG, a consumer organization that has produced the annual sunscreen guide since 2007. CNN

— Southwest’s Skycaps Have Been at San Diego Airport for Decades. Now They’re Leaving for Good
The long familiar Southwest Airlines employees who provide curbside baggage service at San Diego International Airport will be gone for good by the end of this week, as part of a previously announced budget-cutting move. Going forward, the airline says it will contract out the skycap service to a third-party company. San Diego is one of just 10 remaining airports among the 52 skycap locations in the Southwest network that still use airline employees, an airline spokesperson said Wednesday. San Diego Union-Tribune

— ‘We Really Need Visitors’: Los Angeles Tourism Has Fallen Off a Cliff
Four months after devastating wildfires ripped through the Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena, Los Angeles is still reeling. Rebuilding inches along, but with limited access up the Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu businesses are reporting million-dollar losses. Further east, a slower cleanup is underway while homeowners insurance woes continue and legacy businesses try to figure out what’s next. And in the bigger picture, one of the city’s main sources of revenue is struggling, too: tourism. SF Gate

— Aman Ventures Into Bahamas With Lavish Amancaya Resort Project
Luxury hospitality brand Aman is expanding into the Bahamas with Amancaya, a new $260 million resort and residence development planned for Exuma. According to the company, Amancaya will be set across two private cays and feature a 36-room hotel as well as branded residences. Plans also call for a marina, beach club, an Aman Spa and multiple dining venues. Travel Weekly

— Had Avelo Airlines Not Canceled Flight 101 From Las Vegas to Santa Rosa Last Monday, I Might Be in Jail Today
Avelo, which launched in 2021, appeared to be a likable upstart that offered flights to and from small cities like Burbank, New Haven, and, near us, Santa Rosa. It’s been a breeze to drive 30 minutes from our home to the Santa Rosa airport and fly to Vegas nonstop. Shaprio Writes

— Dad Goes Viral for Spending $1,400 on Spontaneous Family Disney Trip
It’s no secret that Disney World is expensive, but just how much of a hit will your wallet take? Well, one dad from Florida went viral after breaking down the price of his $1,400, unplanned visit to Disney World. Craig Stowell, a professional YouTuber based in West Palm Beach, Florida, took his family to Walt Disney World in April, during Easter weekend and had some sticker shock after he spent a grand total of $1,391.91 on parking, tickets, food and drinks, he told USA TODAY.

Tuesday, May 20
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,303,507 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 19

Newark Airport Air Traffic Controllers Experience Another Alarming System Outage
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed Monday that a fourth system outage occurred at the facility handling flights in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport. The agency said the Philadelphia control tower handling the air traffic lost radio frequencies for about two seconds at around 11:35 a.m. NY Post

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Passenger Jet Had To Abort Takeoff To Avoid Runway Collision At New York’s LaGuardia Airport
Federal officials are investigating why two planes got dangerously close on a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport earlier this month despite the airport being equipped with an advanced surface radar system that’s designed to help prevent such close calls. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board said Monday that they are investigating the May 6 incident when a Republic Airways jet had to abort takeoff because a United Airlines plane was still taxiing across the runway. AP

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Hawaii’s Once-Vivid Coral Reefs Are “All Bleached White”
Jarrod Taylor has been diving in the waters off the coast of Honolulu for 20 years, and he has witnessed a seismic shift happening not just in Hawaii but across the world’s oceans. Coral reefs — which are essential for maintaining marine life and biodiversity, as well as helping protect coastal communities from storms — are losing their colors and transforming in the warming waters fueled by changing climate. CBS News

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A Man Had Heart Attack Symptoms On A Flight. A Cardiologist And A Pocket-Sized Tool On Board May Have Helped Save His Life
Oklahoma cardiologist Dr. TJ Trad was fast asleep on his flight from Uganda last month when a member of his team woke him up to say someone needed a doctor. Trad rushed over to the passenger who needed help to find a man drenched with sweat and complaining of chest pain. The man looked at the doctor and anxiously asked, “Am I going to die?” CNN

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White Sox Unveil A Graphic Installation Honoring Pope Leo XIV And His World Series Appearance
There is a new landmark at the home of the Chicago White Sox — Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2. That’s where Father Bob — the future Pope Leo XIV — sat for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. The White Sox unveiled a graphic installation Monday that pays tribute to the new pontiff and that moment during their last championship run. The pillar artwork features a waving Pope Leo XIV, along with a picture from the TV broadcast of the future pope sitting with good friend Ed Schmit and his grandson, Eddie. AP

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A Japanese Manga Claims A Natural Disaster Is Imminent. Now, Some Tourists Are Canceling Their Trips
A Japanese comic book warns of a “real catastrophe.” A psychic predicts mass destruction. A feng shui master urges people to stay away. This might sound like the plot of a disaster movie but for Japan’s tourism industry, a recent spate of so-called earthquake-related “predictions” like these has led to more superstitious travelers, particularly in East Asia, canceling or delaying their holidays. CNN

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Airbnb Is Using AI To Block Your Neighbor’s Party Plans
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Airbnb is once again deploying its anti-party technology across the U.S., sending a clear message to would-be troublemakers: not on our watch. The platform announced Monday that its system, which was designed to block high-risk bookings that could result in disruptive house parties, will be in effect for both Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. This marks the fourth year for the strategy. Men’s Journal

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Basically, Delta’s New Classic Fare Brands Are A Little Extra
Delta has been teasing that it would have some sort of “Basic Business” unbundled offering for a long time. We expected to see it at the airline’s last investor day, but that didn’t happen. Apparently the airline wasn’t ready. But now… it still hasn’t happened. But Delta has reorganized its fare brands in a way that sets the stage for an eventual Basic product in all cabins. That’s the only interesting bit of news in this whole shift. Cranky Flier

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A British Man On Trial In Bali For A Drug Offense Pleads For A Lenient Sentence
A British man on trial for drug offenses pleaded for leniency Tuesday in a court on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali after a charge that could carry the death penalty was dropped. Thomas Parker, from Cumbria in northwest England, was arrested on Jan. 21, at a villa near Kuta beach, a popular tourist spot, after he allegedly collected a package from a motorcycle taxi driver at a nearby street. AP

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Couple Tried In New Zealand After Escaping On Business Class Flight After $2M Fraud
An Indian-origin couple defrauded New Zealand’s Ministry of Children for $2m and siphoned money into overseas bank accounts before flying back to their hometown on a one-way business class ticket. Neha Sharma and her husband Amandeep Sharma have pleaded guilty to charges related to a fraud scheme targeting Oranga Tamariki, New Zealand’s Ministry for Children, between 2021 and 2022. The Independent

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“Asbestos Of The Sky” – The Aviation Industry’s Darkest Coverup
The aviation industry proudly claims that air travel is “the safest way to travel.” However, this narrative conceals a longstanding and disturbing truth: since its inception, the industry has exposed both passengers and crew to toxic air due to fundamentally flawed aircraft design—placing profit above human safety. In flight, every passenger and crew member depends on a consistent air supply. The common assumption is that this air is either fresh or at least adequately filtered. You may have sensed—then quickly dismissed—that there could be issues with cabin air quality. But the problem goes far deeper than occasional lapses in quality control. Alarmingly, it is not accidental, but systemic—built into the very design of modern aircraft. SayerJi

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Can Mount Everest Really Be Climbed In A Week?
A commercial expedition is planning to take clients up the tallest mountain in the world in record time with the help of xenon gas. But some in the climbing and medical world worry whether the strategy is an unnecessary gamble. When Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary made their first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, it took more than two months of effort to reach the summit. In order to adjust to the extreme thin air at high altitude, the team spent several weeks acclimatising, working their way slowly upwards. After reaching Base Camp, they spent seven weeks making brief forays up and down the mountain to set ropes, lay ladders and establish ever higher camps before their assault on the summit. In short, they laid siege to the mountain. BBC

Monday, May 19
Yesterday’s TSA checkpoint numbers
TSA officers screened 2,929,439 people at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday, May 18

Spain Blocks More Than 65,000 Airbnb Holiday Rental Listings
Spain’s consumer rights ministry said on Monday it had ordered Airbnb to withdraw more than 65,000 listings for holiday rentals from its platform, saying they violated existing rules. The Spanish government as well as city councils and regional authorities have launched a general crackdown on tourism rentals via sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com, which many Spaniards say are creating excess tourism, cramping housing stock and making renting unaffordable for locals. Reuters

Train Strike Ends After Snarling New York Travel
Train service in New Jersey will resume Tuesday after striking transit workers and officials came to a tentative agreement following several days of mass misery for New York area commuters. Train engineers seeking higher pay went on the first statewide transit strike in more than 40 years on Friday at a minute after midnight as contract talks fell apart. AFP

Some German Tourists, Fearing Harassment or Detention, Are Avoiding U.S.
The detention of a German woman made headlines across Europe. ‘Is the USA cracking down on German tourists entering the country?’ a German newspaper asked. ‘I love traveling to the States but I don’t think I’m going to risk it this year,’ said one German citizen who usually visits the United States three times a year. Los Angeles Times

No More Basic Economy: Delta Air Lines Reworks Airfare Structure
Delta Air Lines is renaming its fare classes, including folding Basic Economy into a new “Delta Main” category. Delta Main will have three levels: Basic, Classic, and Extra, offering varying perks and restrictions. Other fare classes like Delta Comfort and Delta First will also see name changes, but the onboard experience will remain the same. These changes apply to flights departing on or after October 1. USA Today

Poland Seizes Tires for Boeing Aircraft Headed for Russia
Polish customs seized 5 metric tons of tires for civilian Boeing aircraft which were due to transit through Belarus and Russia, the country’s National Revenue Administration said on Monday, adding such goods are covered by European Union sanctions. Western countries have imposed broad-ranging sanctions against Russia and its ally Belarus since Moscow’s February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Reuters

US Drops Suit Against Southwest Airlines Over Chronically Delayed Flights
The U.S. Department of Justice dropped a lawsuit late on Friday against Southwest Airlines, filed by the Biden administration in its final days, that accused the carrier of illegally operating chronically delayed flights. The Department of Transportation filed suit in January, saying Southwest operated unrealistic schedules and seeking maximum civil penalties. Reuters

2 Dead, 19 Injured After Mexican Navy Sailboat Crashes Into Brooklyn Bridge
A Mexican Navy sailboat with 277 people on board crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday evening, killing two people and injuring more than a dozen others who were on board in a dramatic scene along the New York City waterfront, according to authorities. The crash occurred at 8:30 p.m., resulting in at least 19 people injured, according to the New York Police Department. Four people were left with serious injuries, according to city officials, who gave a press briefing late Saturday evening. Mayor Eric Adams said early Sunday that two people were dead following the crash. Two others remained in critical condition, he said in a statement posted to social media. ABC News

In Spain, a Homelessness Crisis Unfolds in Madrid’s Airport
Every morning at 6 a.m., Teresa sets out in search of work, a shower and a bit of exercise before she returns home. For the past six months, that has been Terminal 4 of Madrid’s international airport. Teresa, 54, who didn’t want her full name to be used because of safety concerns, is one of the estimated hundreds of homeless people sleeping in the Spanish capital’s airport amid a growing housing crisis in Spain, where rental costs have risen especially fast in cities like Madrid, the country’s capital, and Barcelona. AP News

Plane Flew for 10 Minutes With No One at the Controls After Co-Pilot Fainted
A Lufthansa flight to Spain flew with no one at the wheel for 10 minutes after the co-pilot lost consciousness while alone in the cockpit, according to a report from German news agency dpa. The incident occurred on a flight from Frankfurt to Seville on February 17, 2024. While the 43-year-old captain was using the restroom, the 38-year-old co-pilot of the Airbus A321 fainted. The Independent

Flights Reduced by 40% at Paris-Orly Airport After Traffic Control Systems Break Down
France’s civil aviation authority asked airlines to reduce flights by 40% at Paris-Orly airport on Sunday evening after air traffic control systems suffered a breakdown. The authority, known as DGAC, said in a statement that some “regulation” was needed involving a significant reduction in the number of flights. The statement didn’t provide details on the cause of the breakdown. AP

Kentucky NWS Forecast Office Faced Federal Staffing Cuts Before Deadly Tornadoes Hit
The office is one of four forecast offices that no longer has overnight staffing because of a shortage of meteorologists, according to Tom Fahy, legislative director for the weather service employees union. Hundreds have left the agency amid cuts ordered by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, to slash the cost and size of the federal government. USA Today

Alaska Airlines Planes Clip Wings at Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Prompting FAA Probe
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating after two Alaska Airlines planes clipped wings at a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport gate Saturday. At about 12:15 p.m. local time, ground-service tugs were pushing back two aircraft from their gates when their winglets touched, an Alaska Airlines spokesperson told FOX Business. Fox Business

Top 12 Travel Stories of the Week
May 11 – May 18

Boeing Nears Deal To Avoid Guilty Plea, Prosecution In 737 MAX Crashes Case
Boeing has reached a tentative nonprosecution agreement with U.S. prosecutors in a fraud case stemming from two fatal 737 MAX plane crashes that killed 346 people, people familiar with the matter said. The agreement would forestall a June 23 trial date the planemaker faces on a charge it misled U.S. regulators about a crucial flight control system on the 737 MAX, its strongest-selling jet. It would require a judge’s approval. The agreement, if approved, would be a blow to families who lost relatives in the crashes and have pressed prosecutors to take the U.S. planemaker to trial. Reuters

This Air-Traffic Controller Just Averted A Midair Collision. Now He’s Speaking Out
Jonathan Stewart was into his fourth hour overseeing the planes flying near Newark, N.J., when he noticed two aircraft speeding nose-to-nose on his radar scope. A business jet that had departed the Morristown airport was heading toward another small plane that had taken off from nearby Teterboro, a hub for corporate flying. A midair collision was potentially seconds away with planes flying at the same altitude. The veteran air-traffic controller had been scribbling callsigns for the planes and flight information in a notebook, worried that radar and radio communication might fail as they had days earlier. After recognizing the unfolding conflict, he instructed the pilots to turn the planes away from each other, which they did. WSJ

New Jersey Transit Engineers Go On Strike After Failed Deal Between Union And Rail Service
Engineers at New Jersey Transit went on strike early Friday, bringing trains on the nation’s third-largest commuter rail service to a halt. A final day of negotiations between the state-run commuter rail service and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) failed to reach an 11th hour deal to prevent a strike. CNN Business

Porter Airlines Exits San Diego & Scraps Montreal–Las Vegas Plans
Porter Airlines has quietly cut two US routes, one already in operation and another that was planned for the upcoming winter season. At the end of next month, the Canadian carrier will halt its existing route from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to San Diego. It currently operates four times a week using an Embraer E195-E2. SimpleFlying

Wheels Up On United Airlines’ 1st Flight Equipped With Starlink Internet Service
Passengers on board a United flight bound for Detroit on Thursday morning will fly on the airline’s first Starlink-equipped aircraft, which will provide them with satellite internet service while in the air. The first-of-its-kind flight will take off from O’Hare International Airport at 7:35 a.m., headed to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and passengers on board will be able to use high-speed, gate-to-gate internet service provided by Starlink. NewsNation

Singapore’s Changi Airport Starts Building Fifth Terminal After Pandemic Pause

Singapore’s Changi Airport on Wednesday started construction of a fifth terminal, as the world’s fourth-busiest airport by international passengers expands to capitalise on growing air travel in Asia after the pandemic. The airport will also integrate a third runway, which is currently used by the military, by 2030. Reuters

Southwest Air Hints at International Expansion in DOT Filing
Southwest Airlines Co. has filed with the US Transportation Department for authority to fly to any country with which the US has an Open Skies aviation agreement, signaling the carrier intends to expand its small international route network. Approval of the request could allow Southwest to fly to countries in Europe, the UK, much of Latin America and parts of Asia and Africa. The Dallas-based airline also sought the ability to transport “persons, property and mail” to countries that enter aviation agreements with the US in the future, according to the document. Bloomberg

Canada-U.S. Travel Drops for 4th Straight Month, New Data Suggests
Travel between Canada and the U.S. has dropped again. Return trips by Canadians from the U.S. declined for a fourth consecutive month compared with the year prior, data released by Statistics Canada shows, while travel by Americans coming to Canada is also on the decline. The data, released Monday, showed the number of Canadians who had returned from the U.S. in April by vehicle totaled 1.2 million, a 35.2 per cent decline from what was seen the same month last year. Global News

United Adds Caviar Service and Luxe Jammies in Race for Superpremium Travelers
United Airlines thinks international business class can be a little bit fancier. The soft pajamas, caviar service and noise-canceling headphones United plans to offer in its Polaris Studio suites next year are the latest signs that superpremium travel is surviving the current economic turbulence. WSJ

Tourists Are Cancelling Trips to the US – Here Are Three Reasons Why
International travel spending in the United States is projected to fall by $12.5 billion, or seven per cent, in 2025, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC CEO Julia Simpson said the unpopular policies from the administration of President Donald Trump, fear of being stopped at the border and an unfavourable exchange rate had pushed international tourists towards alternative destinations. The Independent

Trump Administration in Talks to Accept New Air Force One as Gift From Qatar
President Trump’s administration is in talks with the Qatari government about accepting a luxury Qatari plane for his use as president and potentially beyond, according to people familiar with the matter. Under the potential arrangement, which is raising legal and ethical concerns, the plane owned by the Qatari royal family would be used as Air Force One while Trump is in office after being retrofitted by a U.S. defense contractor. The U.S. wouldn’t pay for the luxury 747-style jumbo jet. It may then be gifted to the Trump presidential library for Trump to use after he leaves office, the people said. WSJ

Watch Fire at Parking Garage Close to Jacksonville International Airport
A fire at a Jacksonville International Airport hourly parking garage on Friday, May 16, forced operations to shut down and delayed flights. The blaze was reported at around 12:45 p.m. ET, according to The Florida Times-Union, part of the USA TODAY Network. “Due to a fire in the Hourly Garage, the airport is currently closed. JFRD is on-site working on the issue. JSO has blocked inbound and outbound road access to the airport. Additional details will be forthcoming soon,” a post from airport officials said. USA Today