The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Mexico to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, citing ongoing concerns regarding crime, kidnapping, and terrorism. Specific states carry higher-level warnings, including 'Do Not Travel' designations, urging travelers to be vigilant and informed.
American aviation holding company Air T has agreed to acquire Australian regional airline Rex, aiming to bring it out of voluntary administration. The deal, subject to approvals, includes a financial restructuring with the Australian Government and plans to revitalize Rex's regional operations and Saab 340 fleet.
Vilnius Airport in Lithuania experienced a temporary closure overnight due to numerous balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes from Belarus. The incident, which disrupted 30 flights and affected over 4,000 passengers, prompted Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene to warn of a potential complete border closure with Belarus if such incursions persist. This marks the second such disruption this month.
A cargo aircraft originating from Dubai skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday, resulting in the deaths of two airport ground staff. The Boeing 747 freighter, operated by ACT Airlines for Emirates SkyCargo, veered into the sea after striking a security vehicle. Four crew members were rescued safely.
An Air China flight from Hangzhou to Seoul was forced to make an emergency landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on October 18, 2025, after a lithium battery in a passenger's carry-on luggage ignited in the overhead compartment. The crew successfully contained the fire, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
Vienna police have alerted the public to a surge in burglaries where corrosive acid, often nitric acid, is used to damage cylinder locks on apartment doors. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activity and avoid contact with any unknown liquids found on locks, as the acid poses significant health risks.
Lisbon's Humberto Delgado International Airport faced significant disruptions and passenger chaos after the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) went live on October 12, 2025. Non-EU travelers endured waits exceeding 90 minutes, resulting in missed flights and widespread frustration. Authorities acknowledged a 'critical day' on October 14, citing longer processing times and system teething issues.
Air travelers in Rome faced significant disruptions on Monday, October 13, 2025, as employees of Aeroporti di Roma (AdR) at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports staged a four-hour strike. The industrial action, called by FAST / CONFSAL unions, protested delays in contract renewals and demanded better working conditions and wages.
Germany has commenced the incremental implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) at Düsseldorf Airport. This new digital border control system, affecting non-EU nationals, records biometric data and travel details, replacing traditional passport stamping to enhance security and streamline entries across the Schengen Area.
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a comprehensive travel advisory for Austria, urging citizens to exercise caution due to a 'high' terrorism threat level and reinforced border controls across Europe, including the recent implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System.
Belgium faces widespread disruption on October 14, 2025, as a national strike called by major trade unions protests government reforms to pensions, working conditions, and salaries. Public transport, including metro, bus, and tram services, will be severely impacted, and both Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport have cancelled all departing flights.
OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa is currently facing extended processing times at passport control for both arriving and departing passengers. The delays are primarily attributed to technical issues with the Border Management Authority's Biometric Movement Control System, leading to longer queues and manual processing. Travelers are advised to arrive at least three hours early.
The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) begins its six-month phased rollout on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The system requires non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, to provide biometric data like fingerprints and facial images upon entry to the Schengen Area, replacing traditional passport stamping. Concerns remain regarding potential border delays and the limited availability of a pre-registration app.
Sibiu International Airport has become the first in Romania to implement the EU's new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU citizens, replacing manual passport stamping. The system, operational from October 12, 2025, aims to enhance border security and efficiency by collecting biometric data and travel information.
Iceland's Minister of Infrastructure, Eyjólfur Ármannsson, has introduced new regulations preventing aircraft deregistration without settling outstanding payments to airport operators. The move follows recent airline bankruptcies, including PLAY and WOW air, which left significant unpaid airport charges.
Indonesia has officially launched its 'All Indonesia' digital immigration platform, effective October 1, 2025, to integrate immigration, customs, health, and quarantine declarations into a single online system. This initiative aims to significantly streamline international arrival procedures and enhance efficiency for travelers.
France's main air traffic control union, SNCTA, has called for a strike from October 7-10, 2025, over pay and working conditions. The action is expected to cause extensive flight cancellations and delays across France and European airspace, impacting tens of thousands of passengers.
The Faroe Islands has activated its Strategic Crisis Staff, an inter-agency group, to assess potential drone threats. This move follows a series of drone incidents in Danish airspace and local overflights, prompting coordination with Danish and Faroese police to enhance preparedness around critical infrastructure.
Taxi operators at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda are meeting today to review an eight-point proposal aimed at curbing illegal private drivers and ensuring fair operations. This follows an ultimatum issued by the United Taxi Company, demanding government action by October 1st.
Landings at Bucharest's Henri Coandă International Airport were temporarily suspended on Sunday, September 28, after the crew of an incoming aircraft reported a civilian drone near a runway. Authorities have launched an investigation into the unauthorized drone activity, which poses significant flight safety risks.
