12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today

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

=== Sunday, March 8 === 

Emirates To Resume Flights After Brief Halt On Missile Threats
Dubai’s Emirates plans to resume operations after flights were temporarily suspended on Saturday, following disruptions caused by another round of interceptions. About 30 minutes after it closed check-in and told passengers not to go to the airport, the carrier said it will resume operations and travelers with confirmed bookings could proceed to the airport. Bloomberg

Plane Ticket Prices Likely To Soar As Iran War Brings Huge Fuel Price Surge: United CEO Says Impact Will Probably Start Quick
The war in Iran has already caused the cost of plane tickets to rise, experts say. Jet fuel, which accounts for about one-fifth of airlines’ operating expenses, surged a staggering 56% in the days following the initial Feb. 28 U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a key Middle East trade route for oil and liquefied natural gas, is effectively closed amid the conflict. NY Post

Travel Industry Pushes Congress To End DHS Shutdown
With the busy spring break travel season looming, travel and aviation industry leaders urged Congress to end the stalemate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security before federal workers at airports miss a full paycheck. NPR

Repatriation Flights Return Citizens From The Middle East: What Travelers Need To Know
Countries around the world are still working to safely return nationals stranded by war in the Middle East, with more evacuation flights set to take off in the coming days. However, the situation remains challenging and flight schedules are likely to be disrupted for some time, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth telling media Thursday night that the fight has “only just begun.” CNN

Iran War Threatens Global Travel Industry As Passengers Get Stuck
At least 20,000 flights in and out of the Middle East have been canceled since the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. More than a million people were affected by cancellations and airspace closures. It’s part of a growing number of conflicts that have affected the global tourism industry this year and shows that people far from falling missiles, drone attacks, and other geopolitical flashpoints aren’t immune to ripple effects. CNBC

The Narrow Corridor Planes Are Being Pushed Through To Avoid The Middle East Just Got Even Narrower
More airplanes have been re-routing through the Caucasus since Saturday’s strikes on Iran. Azerbaijan closed part of its airspace after an airport was hit by a drone on Thursday. It’s the latest country to be dragged into the conflict. Business Insider

Viking Reinstates Egypt River Cruises After Reassessment
After saying earlier this week it was canceling Nile River cruises for the rest of March, Viking said Thursday that it would resume departures on March 12. Viking reconsidered after monitoring the U.S.-Iran war and speaking with longtime ground operators in Egypt. The current U.S. State Department travel advisory also factored into its reversal. Travel Weekly

Travelers Stranded By War Learn Insurance Won’t Cover Flight Cancellations
As the war in Iran grounds flights worldwide, hundreds of thousands of travelers scrambling to get home are discovering a harsh reality: their travel insurance won’t cover replacement flights or extended hotel stays. Insurers, including Allianz SE and Zurich Insurance Group, don’t cover claims tied to the conflict under standard travel policies. Fighting has shuttered Gulf airports, including Dubai’s main airport, severing a critical transit corridor for long-haul travel. Bloomberg

Maps Show How Muscat Became The Center Of Middle East Air Travel When The Region’s Biggest Airports Closed
Governments and airlines are using Muscat as a hub, while other Gulf airports are limited. Business Insider created three maps showing how flights from the Omani capital have changed. Oman has friendlier relations with Iran than other Gulf countries do. Business Insider

MSC Cancels Departures In The Middle East
MSC Cruises cancelled two upcoming cruises in the Middle East onboard the MSC Euribia due to the current situation in the Arabian Gulf. The sailings scheduled to depart from Dubai on February 28 and March 7, 2026, will no longer go ahead. Cruise News

Stranded: Canadians Fear ‘Indefinite’ Stays In War-Torn Middle East
Canadians stranded by flight cancellations in the Middle East since U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran say they now face an indefinite wait. One traveler, Devin Ramoutar, said he arrived in Dubai with his parents and sister for a short vacation and their return flight has been canceled six times since American airstrikes began. Travel Industry Today

British Airways Boosts Flights To Cincinnati
British Airways is expanding its nonstop London Heathrow to Cincinnati service to six weekly flights from 29 March 2026, thanks to strong demand. This boosts capacity to Northern Kentucky International Airport by up to 60%. The route, first launched in 2023, remains the only nonstop air link to the UK from the Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana region. Travelmole

JetBlue Debuts Flights To Florida From JFK And Boston
JetBlue made its inaugural flight to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) today from New York’s JFK Airport, marking the airline’s 11th destination in Florida. The airline is also launching a new nonstop service between VPS and Boston Logan International Airport later today. TravelPulse

Americans Are Leaving The US In Record Numbers
In its 250th year, America is seeing more people move out than move in—a phenomenon not definitively seen since the Great Depression. The Trump administration hailed the negative net migration as the fulfillment of its immigration crackdown. Beneath the optics, however, Americans are leaving in record numbers, seeking more affordable and safer countries. WSJ

America’s Founding Documents Fly Out Of Nation’s Capital For First Time On The Freedom Plane
For the first time in U.S. history, several founding documents will travel to multiple cities aboard a dedicated jet in honor of the nation’s founding. “This initiative is all about bringing our history to life… and sending America’s big birthday party from the nation’s capital to the very heart of America,” said Monica Crowley, U.S. chief of protocol. CNN

Parties And Missile Threats: On Board A Cruise Ship Stuck In The Middle East Crisis Zone
Lesley Ballantyne woke to an emergency alert on her phone: “Potential missile threats, seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building.” Outside, the only lights were those of Dubai port. Her partner, Alistair, seemed to have slept through it. CNN

=== Friday, March 5 === 

—More Repatriation Flights As Middle East Airspace Shutdown Leaves Thousands Stranded
Dozens of repatriation flights were due to depart from the Middle East on Wednesday as governments rushed to bring home tens of thousands of citizens stranded by the intensifying U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran. Reuters

—Airline Ticket Prices Soar On Asia-Europe Routes After Gulf Airport Closures
The price of flights between Asia and Europe has soared after the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs due to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, with airline websites showing tickets on many popular routes booked out for days. Major Gulf hubs, including the world’s busiest international airport Dubai, remained closed for a fourth day on Tuesday, slashing capacity on popular routes like Australia to Europe. Reuters

—Trump Administration Push To End New York Congestion Pricing Illegal, Judge Rules
The Trump administration’s efforts to end congestion pricing in New York City were illegal, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Judge Lewis Liman formally allowed the program, which charges cars that enter a section of Manhattan, to continue. The Hill

—As Iran Conflict Escalates, Oil & Gas Prices Soar
The average cost of a gallon of gas in the US was $3.11 yesterday, up by 11 cents from Monday and 23 cents from a month ago, per AAA. Analysts believe oil prices could reach $100 per barrel, which could push gas to $4 per gallon. Morning Brew

—Middle East Flights Virgin Atlantic Resumes Scheduled Dubai To London Route
Virgin Atlantic resumed operations out of the UAE with its first flight to London Heathrow since Middle East airspace closures began. The scheduled 11:20 am flight took off from Dubai International Airport at 11:50 am local time. EuroNews

—Dubai Says Limited Flights Have Resumed From Its Airports
Flights resumed on a limited basis from Dubai International Airport on Monday night as the U.S.-led attack on Iran caused chaos in the Middle East. Emirates prioritized travelers with existing bookings. The New York Times

—Trinidad And Tobago Declares State Of Emergency
Trinidad and Tobago declared a new state of emergency Tuesday due to ongoing violent crime, granting the government additional powers to make arrests and conduct searches without warrants. Travel Industry Today

—War Prompts Viking To Cancel March Nile River Cruises
Viking canceled its Nile River cruises through the end of March as war continues between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Avalon Waterways and Tauck also paused operations in Egypt. Travel Weekly

—Southwest Airlines Planning To Add More Bin Space On Flights
Southwest Airlines plans to add larger bins to some airplanes to increase the number of carry-on bags by 50%. kvue.com

—Body Recovered After 33-Year-Old Man Entered Restricted Area Of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
A 33-year-old Hawaii resident died after entering a closed area within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Feb. 26. He was airlifted and pronounced deceased at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. AccuWeather

—No Departures At Brussels Airport On March 12 Due To Strike
Belgium’s Brussels Airport will have no departing passenger flights on March 12 due to a national strike, with some arriving flights also potentially affected. Reuters

—Here Are The US Airlines Most Vulnerable To Rising Fuel Prices
Not all airlines are equally equipped to handle rising fuel costs after the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran. Analysts at Citi identified the most impacted carriers. MarketWatch

—After ‘Priceless’ Violin Flies On Lap, Lufthansa Changes Carry-On Rules
Carolin Widmann had to cradle her multimillion-dollar instrument during a flight to Germany, prompting Lufthansa to adjust its carry-on policies. The New York Times

—LAX People Mover Considered Years Late, Over Budget, With No Opening Date Announced
Los Angeles International Airport’s long-delayed Automated People Mover remains closed with no new opening date, frustrating travelers ahead of major events. FOX 11 Los Angeles

—Everything Went Downhill Travelers Are Anxious About Going Abroad
Kendyl Grender’s partner company canceled upcoming Egypt trips, leaving travelers anxious as they navigate changes and disruptions. USA Today

—Kristi Noem ousted from Homeland Security post amid recent turmoil
Kristi Noem, the former South Dakota congresswoman and governor who has led President Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security in his second term, was ousted from her position on Thursday. Trump announced on Truth Social that he will nominate Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., to replace Noem, effective March 31. Fox News

=== Tuesday, March 3 === 

State Department Urges Americans Across Mideast To Depart As Strikes Continue
The State Department on Monday urged Americans across the Middle East to depart as soon as possible using all available transportation, though many airports around the region remain closed as airstrikes persist. Weekend strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran have disrupted U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the region as Iran retaliates. The U.S. embassy in Bahrain is closed, Americans in Kuwait have been told to stay indoors and diplomatic staff in Jordan were temporarily evacuated Monday over a threat. NBC News

US Ambassador To Israel Advises US Citizens To Evacuate Via Egypt, Citing Limited Options
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Tuesday advised American citizens who wish to leave Israel to depart via Egypt, hours after the U.S. urged its citizens across the Middle East to evacuate amid fighting with Iran. Israel’s airspace has been shut since Saturday morning following preemptive strikes on Iran and flights from neighboring Jordan have also been limited by Iranian retaliatory action. Times of Israel

US Issues Worldwide Alert Urging Caution For American Travelers
The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide security alert on Feb. 28 following the attack on Iran, advising Americans to exercise increased caution. The department warned that travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures may occur and urged travelers worldwide, especially in the Middle East, to follow guidance from local U.S. embassies and consulates. Embassies in Israel, Jordan, Qatar and Oman recommended that U.S. citizens shelter in place. Travel Weekly

Gulf Airlines Restart Some UAE Flights As Governments Work To Extract Citizens
Several international airlines cautiously resumed a limited number of flights from the United Arab Emirates on Monday, offering some relief for travelers stranded by widespread airspace closures after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliation across the region. AP

Airline Ticket Prices Soar On Asia Europe Routes After Gulf Airport Closures
Flight prices between Asia and Europe have surged following the closure of major Middle Eastern hubs due to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Airline websites show tickets on popular routes booked out for days as key hubs including Dubai remain closed for a fourth day, cutting capacity on routes such as Australia to Europe where Emirates and Qatar Airways typically hold significant market share. Reuters

Southwest Airlines Refining New Seating Process Amid Boarding Complaints
Southwest Airlines is refining aspects of its new assigned seating policy after complaints from customers and crew. Some longtime travelers have voiced frustration over the shift from open seating while others report difficulty finding overhead bin space near their seats, saying early boarders are filling front bins. The Hill

Two Planes Clip Each Other At Newark Airport, FAA Says
The Federal Aviation Administration said a Singapore Airlines flight and a Spirit Airlines plane clipped each other while positioned at a gate at Newark Liberty International Airport. CBS New York

FAA Plans To Reduce Flights At Chicago O’Hare Citing Overscheduling
The Federal Aviation Administration plans to reduce flights at Chicago O’Hare this summer, saying major airlines have overscheduled service. The FAA will hold a schedule reduction meeting with airlines after United Airlines announced plans to add about 200 daily flights and American Airlines also revealed an increase. The summer schedule runs from March 29 through October 25. CNBC

Mexican Americans Worry About Families After Cartel Violence
Following cartel-related violence in Jalisco, including burned vehicles and stores in Guadalajara, Mexican Americans say they are concerned about family members. The unrest followed a Feb. 22 Mexican military operation that officials said resulted in the capture and death of cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes. USA Today

Starlink Wi Fi Now Available On A Quarter Of United Airlines Flights
Starlink satellite internet is now available on roughly 25 percent of United Airlines flights. Early users report strong connectivity capable of streaming, web browsing and video calls, marking a significant upgrade in inflight Wi Fi performance. CNET

British Columbia To Adopt Year Round Daylight Saving Time
British Columbia will move to year round daylight saving time, with the March 8, 2026 clock change marking the final shift. The province will eliminate the November time change as it transitions to a permanent schedule. BBC

Spring Brings Record High Temperatures Across The US
Meteorological spring began March 1 but millions across the South are experiencing summerlike heat. Forecasters expect dozens of high temperature records to fall from the Desert Southwest to the mid Atlantic and into parts of the Great Lakes and Northern Plains this week. Weather Channel

US Airlines Expect 171 Million Spring Travelers In Record Season
U.S. airlines are preparing for one of the busiest spring travel seasons on record, with Airlines for America projecting 171 million passengers between March 1 and April 30, a 4 percent increase over last year. Carriers expect to transport an average of 2.8 million passengers per day. Fox News

Kristi Noem Accused Of Creating Security Risks With Shoes On Policy
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces criticism over a policy allowing passengers to keep their shoes on at airport security checkpoints. The no shoes rule was introduced in 2006 after a failed attempt to detonate explosives hidden in footwear aboard an American Airlines flight. The Independent

American Airlines To Build New 17 Gate Concourse At Miami Airport
American Airlines has unveiled plans for a major expansion of Concourse D at Miami International Airport, including a new 17 gate conccourse valued at $1 billion. The Dallas based carrier operates much of its Latin America and Caribbean network from Miami. TravelPulse

=== Friday, March 1 === 

Dubai Airport, Iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel Damaged In Iranian Missile Strikes
Dubai’s international airport and its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel sustained damage as overnight Iranian retaliatory attacks spread across the Gulf states and the wider Middle East, reaching beyond U.S. bases and interests. Four people were injured at the airport, the emirate’s media office said early on Sunday. Reuters

Tanker Hit Off Iran Coast While Fears Of Oil Price Rises Grow
A ship has been struck by an “unknown projectile” off the Iranian coast, the UK Maritime Trade Organisation has said, amid fears strikes in the Middle East could drive up global oil prices. The British agency that oversees trade routes said a vessel sailing north of Oman and east of the Strait of Hormuz had been hit but that a fire in the engine room was now under control. BBC

German Cruise Passengers Stranded In The Persian Gulf Amid Iran Attacks
This is not how the holidaymakers had imagined their cruise. The escalating crisis in the Middle East has left thousands of tourists stranded on their ships in the Gulf region. US military bases in the Persian Gulf are now coming under fire from Iran in response to the US-Israeli attacks on Saturday morning. EuroNews

Mexico Recently Passed A New Vaping Ban. Most US Tourists Don’t Know About It
There are a litany of reasons travelers considering a Mexican vacation should probably hold off for a few more weeks, but not all of them are obvious. For one, nobody wants to go to jail after realizing it’s no longer legal to vape there anymore. In mid-January, Mexico’s legislature passed a law penalizing “all activities related to electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and other analogous electronic systems or devices specified by law,” Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum said in a translated statement. Chronicle

Northeast Faces Up To 8 Inches More Snow After Record 38 Inches Last Week
Just a week ago, numerous snowfall records were shattered across New England thanks to a powerful nor’easter that hammered the region across two days. The smallest state in the United States set a jaw-dropping new record with its snowfall totals as over 36 inches of fresh snow piled up in Rhode Island’s capital city of Providence. But the highest amount reported by the National Weather Service even exceeds that total. Men’s Journal

Convicted Stowaway Svetlana Dali Arrested Again After Flight From Newark To Milan
A woman on probation for stowing away on an international flight has been arrested again after sneaking onto a flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Milan, Italy, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the matter. Svetlana Dali, convicted in 2024 for flying to Paris without a passport or ticket, was taken into custody Thursday at Milan’s Malpensa Airport, said the official, who was not authorized to disclose information publicly about the case and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. AP News

It’s Whale-Watching Season. Here’s Where To Spot Them Near LA
It’s whale watching season, which always makes me think of the novel Moby-Dick. In the book, Captain Ahab chased a whale for vengeance. I recently chased whales off the coast of Los Angeles, but in my case, it was in pursuit of the beauty and majesty of the natural world. With warm, relative to Alaska, spring waters, migratory rest stops and great feeding grounds, Los Angeles County’s coast is considered part of the “Blue Highway,” a crucial whale migration corridor and one of the best places to spot the gentle giants. LA Times

Tampa Airport’s Pajamas Joke Causes Social Media Firestorm
Tampa International Airport made a splash on social media on Thursday when it unveiled plans to become the first airport to ban travelers from wearing both pajamas and croc footwear. The only problem: it was just a joke. After posting on X that the “madness stops today” regarding travelers wearing pajamas, Tampa airport spokesperson Beau Zimmer told The Associated Press the post was a joke, with the social media team taking a tongue-in-cheek approach to posting on X. TravelPulse

G Adventures Tour Group Caught In Mexico Cartel Violence
When violence rocked parts of Mexico on Feb. 22, some G Adventures guests found themselves in the middle of it. Around 9 a.m., while a group of travelers were heading to Guadalajara from Puerto Vallarta, their vehicle was stopped by what company spokeswoman Kimberly Greiner described as “unauthorized individuals on the highway.” Travel Weekly

20% Of All US Flights Were Grounded Due To Massive Blizzard
Roughly 20% of all flights departing from the United States were grounded on Feb. 23. New York City, Boston and Newark airports saw more than 90% of flights canceled due to the historic blizzard. Cancellations persisted through Tuesday, Feb. 24, with about half of flights departing from northeastern airports canceled. People

Facebook Travel Groups Can Be A Gold Mine—If You Avoid The Trolls
The surest way to snag great travel tips and become overwhelmed and riled up all at once while planning a vacation? Dive into a Facebook travel group. There’s one, and typically many more, for every inch of the travel spectrum. Travel-hacking moms. Points for normal people. The national park-obsessed. Disneyland, Disney World, Tokyo Disney, Disney for families and Disney for adults. Every travel credit card, airline and hotel status level. Costco Travel fans. Rick Steves’s Europe. Cruisers can even join a group for their specific voyage. WSJ

Passenger Traffic Falls By More Than 7% At Las Vegas Airport In January
Harry Reid International Airport is reporting a more than 7% decline in passenger traffic for January, according to new monthly data. According to the report, the airport handled 4,021,130 passengers last month, a 7.9% decrease compared to the 4,365,745 passengers recorded in January 2025, according to the Clark County Department of Aviation. Domestic travel accounted for the majority of traffic at 3,684,533 passengers, down 6.8% year over year. International passenger volume fell more sharply, dropping 19.2% to 272,145 compared to 336,734 in January 2025. Fox 5

=== Wednesday, February 25 === 

Shelter-In-Place Lifted In Mexico Tourist Areas After El Mencho Death
Americans no longer need to shelter in place in Mexico. Shelter-in-place orders have been lifted in the cities where they had remained, according to a Feb. 24 security alert from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico. Additionally, flights have returned to normal in Guadalajara and extra flights are planned for Puerto Vallarta’s airport. USA Today

U.S. Travel Group, Lawmakers Urge Trump To Resume Use Of Global Entry Program
A U.S. travel industry group and lawmakers on Tuesday called on Donald Trump’s administration to reinstate the Global Entry program, which expedites U.S. customs and immigration clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. The Department of Homeland Security on Sunday suspended the program but reversed course on its initial plan to also suspend the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program. DHS said the move was necessary to “preserve limited funds and personnel” during a partial shutdown. Reuters

Spirit Airlines Reaches Deal To Emerge From Bankruptcy, Avoiding Closure Threat
Spirit Airlines, which had been in danger of going out of business due to ongoing losses and two bankruptcy filings, has reached a deal that will allow it to survive, albeit as a smaller company. The budget airline announced Tuesday that it made an agreement with creditors that will allow it to emerge from bankruptcy later this spring or early summer. CNN Business

U.S. Airlines Cancel Over 2,000 Flights Tuesday As Storm Disruption Continues
U.S. airlines canceled over 2,000 flights on Tuesday, far fewer than a day earlier, as a powerful winter storm that disrupted airports across the Northeast was expected to ease by evening, with strong winds expected to continue into the early hours. U.S. News

Snowstorms In Northeast: After A Bomb Cyclone Blizzard, More Snowfall Looms For The Region
Thousands in the Northeast remained without power amid freezing temperatures Tuesday as people from that region and the mid-Atlantic dug out from extreme snowfall — including more than 2 feet in several states — from the previous two days and faced continuing travel disruptions including hundreds of canceled flights. Temperatures in much of the Northeast are not expected to climb above freezing Tuesday, so snow melting may be limited. CNN

U.S. House Narrowly Fails To Pass Aviation Safety Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday failed to pass key aviation legislation despite pleas from lawmakers and relatives of those killed in the worst U.S. aviation disaster since 2001. The House voted 264–133 in favor of the ROTOR Act, passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate in December, that would require aircraft operators to equip their fleets with a safety system known as the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast system, or ADS-B, by the end of 2031. Under fast-track rules, the bill needed a two-thirds majority to pass and fell one vote short. Reuters

Southwest Airlines To Introduce New Starlink Free Wi-Fi
After years of constant requests from onboard passengers, Southwest Airlines has officially confirmed the debut of a new and improved in-flight Wi-Fi system starting this summer. According to TravelPulse, the new, ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi will soon make its way to hundreds of Southwest aircraft by the end of 2026, bringing faster, more accessible connectivity to travelers. Parade

Princess Ship Rescues 4 People At Sea During Caribbean Cruise
A Princess Cruises ship rescued four people during a Caribbean cruise. Regal Princess “responded to a small vessel in distress and safely rescued four individuals at sea” on Feb. 23, the cruise line said. “All four individuals were brought onboard and were evaluated by the ship’s medical team,” Princess told USA Today in an emailed statement, adding that their safety and well-being remain the immediate priority. USA Today

American Airlines Jet Lands In Miami With Bullet Holes After Trip To Colombia
Bullet holes were found on the wing of an American Airlines Boeing jet after landing in Miami from Colombia, according to a report. Flight AA923 landed at Miami International Airport on Monday when a routine post-flight inspection found puncture marks on the 737 MAX 8’s right aileron, which is responsible for lateral balance, AirLive reported. New York Post

Trump Organization Unveils Plan For ‘Australia’s Tallest Building’
U.S. President Donald Trump’s company has announced plans for a skyscraper in Australia which, according to his son Eric, will be the country’s tallest building. The tower will be built on Queensland’s Gold Coast and will stand 335 meters (1,100 feet) high, taller than The Shard in London. BBC

LAX Airport Employee Fired After Placing ‘Free Palestine’ Stickers On Airport Equipment
A member of ground staff at Los Angeles International Airport has been fired after placing “Free Palestine” stickers on airport ground equipment. The incident prompted a law enforcement investigation, with police identifying the individual within hours after reviewing CCTV footage. The situation — which delayed an EL AL flight to Tel Aviv — was initially reported as vandalism against passenger belongings but was later determined not to have occurred. Simple Flying

Jim Breuer Fumes After American Airlines Bumps Him From First Class At The Gate: ‘This Is Foul’
“SNL” alum Jim Breuer criticized American Airlines after claiming he and his wife were downgraded from first class to economy moments before boarding. The comedian said the situation began when they decided to splurge on first-class tickets to visit their daughter during her internship in Honolulu, sharing details in a YouTube video. MSN

The Latest On Mexico Travel: Cancun And Other Cities ‘Have Returned To Normal’
Advisors spent Sunday and Monday dealing with client concerns about travel to Mexico, where travelers were urged to shelter in place after the killing of a prominent cartel boss triggered violence and disruptions. Conditions in major tourist destinations, including Cancun, have since returned to normal, according to industry reports. Travel Weekly

Trump Attack On Iran Could Halt Gulf Flights To U.S., Etihad Warns
A potential U.S. attack on Iran could force Gulf airlines to abandon flights to the United States, according to Etihad’s chief executive. The airline’s routes to the U.S. currently follow the shortest path directly over Iran, and diversions might require so much additional fuel that some aircraft could not complete the journey without refueling stops. The Telegraph

=== Monday, February 23 === 

Power Outages Reported, Thousands Of Flights Canceled As Storm Slams Northeast
A massive winter storm slamming the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with blizzard conditions on Monday led to power outages and forced thousands of flights to be canceled. More than 40 million people were under blizzard warnings along 700 miles of the East Coast from Maryland to Maine, and travel bans were issued across multiple states. The region was grappling with slick roads and whiteout conditions. CBS News

Flight Cancellations Follow Chaos At Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara Airports
Flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports have been disrupted after Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a military raid. Air Canada temporarily suspended operations in Puerto Vallarta due to an ongoing security situation on Sunday, Feb. 22, per Reuters. Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines also reported diverted or canceled flights. USA Today

DHS Abruptly Reverses Suspension Of TSA PreCheck
The Transportation Security Administration said PreCheck airport security lanes are operating normally. The agency’s statement came hours after the Department of Homeland Security said the service was suspended. DHS said Global Entry, however, is suspended. CNBC

In 2025, The US Was The Only Tourist Area To See A Decline In Visitors
The U.S. has the unfortunate distinction of being the only major tourist destination that saw a decline in visitors in 2025, and it looks like that trend will continue into 2026, according to a new report. Tourism grew worldwide in 2025, but the U.S. saw a 6 percent drop last year, according to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council. The Independent

DoorDash Is Extending Its Pause On Operations In New York City After Blizzard Hits The Northeast
DoorDash extended its pause on operations in New York City until 2 pm Eastern time on Monday. Grubhub, meanwhile, said Monday that it had resumed deliveries in the city. The Northeast faces power outages and flight cancellations after a blizzard hit the region. Business Insider

British Tourist With A Valid Visa Detained By ICE For Six Weeks
A British grandmother was detained by ICE for six weeks while on a road trip holiday in the United States, despite having a valid visa and passport. Karen Newton, 65, left her home in Hertfordshire, UK, in late July 2025 for a holiday in the United States with her 66-year-old husband Bill. The Independent

Country Singer Cancels Canadian Tour After Being Denied Entry Into Country Over Felony
Charley Crockett has canceled a string of shows scheduled in Canada over the next two weeks. In a statement shared on Instagram, the musician regretfully informed fans that he was denied entry into the country on two occasions this past weekend. The restriction stems from his felony conviction for marijuana possession dating back to 2014. Rolling Stone

Canada Certifies Gulfstream Jets Following Trump’s Threats
Canada on Friday approved some newer models of Gulfstream business jets for flying in domestic airspace, about three weeks after President Trump complained about regulatory delays and threatened economic repercussions for the country’s aerospace sector unless rectified. WSJ

500 Passengers Forced To Spend Night On Grounded Planes After Heavy Snow Cancels Flights And Airport Staff Go Home
Flights at Munich Airport in Germany were affected by heavy snow on Thursday, Feb. 19. Several flights were canceled and passengers were left stuck on planes after airport staff went home, leaving no stairs or buses to transport them to the terminal. Both Lufthansa and the airport said they “deeply regret the inconvenience caused.” People

Dog Abandoned At Airport Ticket Counter Is Adopted By Responding Officer
A fluffy goldendoodle was tied to a metal structure inside a Las Vegas airport as he watched his owner walk away from a JetBlue ticket station. Officers approached her and asked why she left the dog. The woman replied that the airline would not allow her to fly with it. Washington Post

Shark Attack ‘Mutilates’ Wing Foiler, He Dies From Horrific Injuries
A wing foil surfer has died following a shark attack on New Caledonia. The unnamed 55-year-old man, who worked as a doctor, was wing foiling on February 22 in the bay of Anse Vata, near Pointe Magnin, in Nouméa. He suffered fatal injuries to his arms and legs. Surfer

JetBlue Must Face $100 Million American Airlines Lawsuit In Texas, Judge Rules
JetBlue failed to convince a Texas state judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought by American Airlines seeking more than $100 million over the companies’ defunct commercial alliance in the Northeast. Judge Jerry Bullard rejected JetBlue’s arguments that the contract dispute was outside Texas courts’ authority. Reuters

Top Noem Aide Entered Cockpit Before Firing Pilot Over Missing Blanket
Top U.S. homeland security aide Corey Lewandowski entered the cockpit of a government jet uninvited during a flight last year, after which he fired a pilot over a misplaced blanket. Lewandowski, a long-time ally of President Trump, was traveling with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Reuters

Top US Airline Lobbyist Says Capping Credit Card Interest Rates At 10% Could Harm Industry
The head of the trade group representing major U.S. airlines said that President Trump’s proposal to cap credit-card interest rates at 10% could have massive repercussions for aviation, potentially leading to fewer passengers and fewer airplanes. Reuters

=== Saturday, February 21 ===