The Philippine movie was screened at Bozar in Brussels for the 19^th International Film Festival for Young Audiences, Filem’On. Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, Sunshine explores universal topics focusing on health, religion, and women’s rights.

The production attracted a diverse audience, including diplomats, students, cinema enthusiasts, members of the Philippine diaspora in Brussels, and members of the festival jury.

“We are so happy that a Filipino film has been selected to participate in this, the 19^th Filem’On International Film Festival for Young Audiences,” said Pablito A. Mendoza, Deputy Head of Post and Consul General at the Embassy of the Philippines to Belgium and Luxembourg.

Sunshine: A critically acclaimed production

For this year’s edition, Filem’On chose the theme “Boundless,” challenging the boundaries of the global society of the 21^st century. In a world where anyone can move freely and meet across national borders, people often challenge their perception of identity and who they are. This year’s selection embodies that idea, with Sunshine being the perfect example: a local story that depicts cross-border issues.

The movie, which premiered in 2024, has won and been nominated for multiple awards.  “Sunshine is a film that won the Crystal Bear for Best Film at the 75^th Berlin International Film Festival, the Narrative Feature Jury Award and Narrative Feature Audience Award at the Austin Asian American Film Festival,” noted Mendoza. Besides this, the film has participated in the Toronto International Film Festival, the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the San Diego Filipino Film Festival, and the New York Asian Film Festival.

“I understand that Sunshine is in competition for the CIFEJ Award, which is given by the International Centre for Children and Youth Film – Centre International du Film pour l’Enfance et la Jeunesse (CIFEJ), an international organization dedicated to films for and by young people. We wish Sunshine the best of luck,” Mendoza concluded. Jury members of the CIFEJ award who attended the screening are Monica Wahi, curator, creative producer, and acquisition consultant; Anis Lassoued, director and producer at Lumière Films, and Andrey Hadjivasilev, director and producer at Revive Vision.

A story about women’s rights and resilience

The powerful drama successfully depicts the struggles of a teenager whose dreams are threatened by pregnancy. Maris Racal, in the role of Sunshine – the protagonist – does a marvellous job depicting the fears, helplessness, and determination of the young woman.

Racal shifts from misery to happiness in seconds, delivering not only an artistic performance but also an emotional journey of hope and despair. The narrative skilfully guides viewers through contemporary Philippine society and how the issue portrayed in the movie is being tackled not only by teenagers but also by adults.

Jadaone plunges into the unjust situation facing the main character, the prejudice, once people find out about Sunshine’s situation and the illegal actions taken to escape what had happened. But the director does not stop there. She briefly touches upon other issues in the country – inadequate hospital facilities, ignorance in disadvantaged communities, and leniency towards familial child abuse.

The film led to a deep discussion that raised questions about taboo and truth while shedding light on the viewers’ reflections.

Audience reactions

At the end of the screening, the moviegoers entered a discussion about the film’s meaning and background. One viewer was particularly curious about the context of the production and its reception. “In the Philippines, abortion is illegal, but what do locals think about it, and is it screened there?” they asked.

This question was answered by another spectator who was born and raised in Manila, in the Philippines. “The movie was screened first at international film festivals because the production team knew they would get a lot of pushback,” they said. The film crew relied on the acknowledgement it received internationally, which eventually brought it to the big screen in the Philippines. “It was a blockbuster success in the first two weeks,” they concluded.

Despite the potential pushback, another person from the crowd explained that Sunshine was “screened in the House of Representatives and in front of members of Congress,” noting that those who attended the event had “a positive” reaction to the film.

Several attendees from the Philippines confirmed that the movie truthfully depicts the reality in the country and the issues women face. “I appreciate the accuracy in terms of how some scenes were portrayed,” one said, highlighting the film’s authentic portrayal of societal challenges.

Filem’On will run until 5 November 2025, with a variety of screenings held at Bozar, Galeries, Cinematek, Kinograph, and other locations across Brussels.

L’article Filipino film Sunshine captivates Brussels with a bold story on women’s rights est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

“Baggage rules must be simple and transparent, that’s why we proactively adopted the standard minimum dimensions agreed by Member States in June,” said Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines4Europe (A4E).

According to A4E, most of its members already include a personal item “that far exceeds the proposed size.” The association also cited data showing that passengers “would rather pay a lower basic fare, which includes a single, small carry-on, with an additional cost for larger hand luggage.” A4E stated that this contradicts the European Parliament’s proposal to include a second cabin ban in the basic ticket fare.

“Passengers now have more clarity and can continue to choose between airlines offering this standard or a bigger size. This decision both listens to consumers’ needs and is grounded in how airlines operate in practice. The polar opposite of the overzealous proposal to offer a ‘free’ second cabin bag,” explained Georgoutsakou.

For A4E, allowing passengers to choose whether to bring a carry-on represents “a common-sense step.” The association argues that it will ensure transparency and consistency without driving ticket prices up, increasing aircraft emissions due to heavier loads, and causing longer boarding times.

However, the airline association has been in strong opposition to the Members of the European Parliament’s proposal to allow all passengers to bring a trolley hand luggage free of charge. Airlines for Europe noted that if this amendment is passed, it will “override the commercial freedom of airlines guaranteed under EU legislation and needlessly impose a service on travellers who prefer to fly light.”

On 13 October 2025, the European Parliament Committee on Transport and Tourism said that all passengers should have the right to carry one personal item, such as a backpack or a handbag that fits under the seat in front, as well as one “small piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 100 centimetres, weighing no more than 7 kilograms.

This move comes after Ryanair has increased staff rewards for detecting oversized luggage, in an effort to enforce its existing baggage rules strictly. Starting 1 November 2025, Ryanair staff will see their bonus for detecting oversized bags increase from €1.50 to €2.50 per identified bag, according to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary.

L’article European airlines standardise cabin bag rules: What travellers need to know est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

PIA was barred from the EU and UK skies in June 2020. This move followed a crash in Karachi on 22 May 2020 that took the lives of nearly 100 people and exposed information about pilots operating with fake or questionable licences. According to the investigation, 262 out of 850 PIA pilots held potentially invalid documents. Moreover, it was believed that many did not even take the pilot qualification exam.

The ban on the EU was lifted in November 2024 after safety reviews and inspections were successfully completed. This allowed PIA to resume flights to Paris in January 2025. The UK also lifted its restrictions on July 16, 2025, once it determined that aviation safety standards had improved, describing them as “satisfactory and in line with international norms.”

The first flight to mark the return linked Manchester with Islamabad, taking off from the Pakistani capital on 25 October 2025. “The flight to Manchester is a remarkable beginning, but we are firmly determined to start flights to London and Birmingham next,” said Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif during a ceremony held at Islamabad International Airport.

According to Asif, the direct connections are essential for more than 1.4 million Pakistanis in Europe and the UK, explaining that the remittances they drive are of utmost importance for Pakistan’s economy. “Providing them with direct flights is both a moral and national duty,” he noted.

It is said that Birmingham will be connected to Islamabad first, while flights to London will be considered depending on demand.

Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan’s High Commissioner in the UK, viewed the resumption of services as a key development that strengthens economic and cultural connections between the two nations.

“This milestone will bring major economic benefits; generating substantial revenue, boosting trade and tourism, and expanding the movement of people and goods,” he said.

PIA heads to Manchester! A genuine joy to wave off the first flight by a Pakistani carrier to the UK in five years. Here’s to more destinations and connections! pic.twitter.com/PLMWmUooFp

— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) October 25, 2025

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation and the diaspora in the UK, saying, “With the grace and blessings of Allah Almighty, Pakistan’s image is being restored across the world.” He noted that even though the suspension had damaged PIA’s reputation, the “journey of improvement in every national institution, through reforms, was progressing at a rapid pace.”

Despite this milestone, PIA is still facing operational difficulties. For years, the carrier has struggled with debt, mismanagement, and regulatory issues. Its fleet has suffered a severe blow – six of its 12 Boeing 777s are grounded indefinitely as a result of financial challenges in obtaining spare parts.

L’article Pakistan International Airlines resumes UK flights after five-year ban est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The scientists who authored the paper analysed 4.8 million guest reviews on the platform from five major US cities, namely Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and New York City. They examined data from 2015 to 2019, identifying two types of safety reviews.

New paper in the journal on the benefits and costs of Airbnb safety reviews co-authored by Aron Culotta, Ginger Zhe Jin, Yidan Sun and Liad Wagman. Details herehttps://t.co/BURWbRzy5x

— Marketing Science (@Mrktng_Science) October 21, 2025

The first type refers to listing safety reviews that mention problems within the property, such as broken locks or other unsafe conditions. The other type focuses on vicinity safety reviews, which address concerns about the neighbourhood, including feelings of insecurity or crime.

The team found that only 0.5 percent of the reviews flagged safety. Nearly half of them were vicinity safety reviews. “These numbers show that even rare safety reviews can shape guest behaviour and underscore the importance of decisions by digital platforms regarding their review systems,” said Liad Wagman, one of the co-authors of the study.

Following a safety review, a listed property’s performance suffered a hit. Occupancy fell by 1.5 to 2.4 percent while the average nightly prices decreased by 1.5 percent. Moreover, guests who experienced first-hand safety issues were 60 percent less likely to reserve through Airbnb.

Me: Can you confirm in writing that Airbnb doesn't consider an opioid pill found in a 4 yo bed a safety issue?

Airbnb: It is a safety issue, but we cannot cancel pic.twitter.com/e5eVn9Fb9D

— wono (@wono_strategy) July 24, 2025

To validate these claims, the researchers compared the Airbnb reviews to official crime statistics across the five cities. The findings showed that the reviews, even though subjective, aligned with actual crime patterns, particularly within low-income and minority neighbourhoods.

The results show that the priorities of the travellers and the priorities of the platforms are not aligned. “Our results suggest that Airbnb faces a dilemma,” said Ginger Zhe Jin, another of the co-authors of the paper. “Removing neighbourhood safety reviews can improve short-term revenues but at the expense of guest welfare. Highlighting safety reviews benefits guests but lowers revenues, creating a tension between consumer protection and platform profits.”

Even though I read all great reviews, the @airbnb we stayed in was robbed. I wrote this after we left. The house is still available for rent even though @Airbnb knows it has been robbed at least 3 times! They don’t care about your safety. The thief went through my kid clothes! pic.twitter.com/BTtRn1jSso

— Rosie (@RosieBL) October 18, 2023

The study concludes that transparency about neighbourhood safety could ease traveller concerns. Rather than hiding existing safety reviews, Airbnb should provide context about the area, which may include crime statistics or details on local safety measures. Additionally, according to the researchers, Airbnb could also implement safety measures on its platform. This could include marking potentially unsafe areas with visible warnings or providing additional tools that help guests assess local risks.

Such measures could help boost the platform’s trustworthiness without causing a major drop in bookings.

L’article Airbnb safety review can push away travellers, study finds est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Tourism growth

“The summer of 2025 saw an average of 35,000 flights per day across the European network, which is one per cent higher than the pre-pandemic levels of 2019,” highlighted Tânia Cardoso Simões, Director Aviation Transformation at EUROCONTROL, during the Global Tourism Forum (GTF) that took place in Brussels last 20-21 October.

Simões noted that, according to EUROCONTROL’’s latest report, the European airspace is expected to handle around 11 million flights by the end of 2025. The figure is projected to rise further in 2026, reaching approximately 11.4 million flights. By 2031, Eurocontrol anticipates around 12.4 million flights across the continent.

Moreover, according to Eurostat, overnight stays in EU tourist accommodation reached 1,279 million in the first half of 2025, marking a 2.3 per cent rise from the 1,249 million recorded during the same period in 2024. Foreign visitors accounted for almost half of the overnight stays, with Malta, Cyprus, and Croatia recording the highest overnight stays.

Airport infrastructure and hospitality

To handle the growing number of passengers and tourists and the pressure on aviation staff, the industry needs transformative changes. One way to do this, according to Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, is to “merge check-in, immigration, and security into one seamless process.” This would not only improve airport capacity, said Griffiths, but also improve passenger purchasing. “If you have gone through the check-in a few minutes, then you are going to be far more predisposed to spend money,” Griffiths noted with humour. Such a move would help airports achieve better financial sustainability.

Besides airport infrastructure, hospitality also has to improve in order to provide travellers with a better customer experience. Regardless of the technological advancements of the 21^st century, human interaction and experience are what make a difference for regular flyers. “If people are trained properly, we can be a genuine hospitality experience,” remarked Griffiths. “We need to communicate with travellers on an individual basis and to make absolutely sure we are reassuring them.”

Sustainability Aviation Fuel

With thousands of daily flights, cutting emissions is one of aviation’s top priorities, making the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is a fuel used in commercial aviation that reduces carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent. It can be produced from various sources such as waste oil and fats, green and municipal waste, and non-food crops.

Both Griffiths and Simões agree that this is something that should change in the current aviation operations. “We have to incentivise production. Our idea is by 2032 to have sustainable fuel to represent a significant share of aviation’s fuel,” Griffiths explained.

To support SAF development and deployment, in July 2025, the aviation industry, represented by DESTINATION 2050 partners, fuel suppliers, and cargo and express delivery operators released a call for accelerated policy that would help de-risk investment, bridge the cost gap between conventional and sustainable fuel, and create the regulatory and financial conditions needed to scale up the production and deployment of SAF.

Simões not only highlighted the importance of SAF but also added other important components of sustainable flights. She noted that hydrogen combustion and electric batteries can also be utilised for standardising more sustainable aviation operations. Hydrogen combustion in this context works like jet fuel – it is burned to generate thrust.

Hydrogen-powered airplane would emit only water vapour instead of carbon dioxide, but storing hydrogen requires cryogenic tanks capable of maintaining temperatures as low as –253 °C, since hydrogen must remain in a liquid state at such extremes. The tanks require significant space, which would mean the aircraft would have to be redesigned.

Despite these difficulties, Airbus has made publicly available its designs for an electric, hydrogen-powered airplane. Airbus initially indicated that the aircraft was scheduled for its first flight in 2035, but according to new data, this won’t happen until later in the decade.

In the future, airports also need to become greener and energy self-sufficient. Soon, Griffiths pointed out, “every single surface of Dubai Airports will be covered with solar panels.”  In this way, airports would be able to produce the necessary energy they need to operate independently.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Automation and digital aviation will also play a crucial role in modern airports and the future of aviation. Currently, in the United Arab Emirates, AI is used when an aircraft arrives at an airport gate, according to Frederico Fernandes, CEO of WIZE. Fernandes explained that the technology monitors the different teams working around the plane – refuelling, baggage, maintenance, security, and boarding. He also added that AI identifies what is happening and helps the operations centre manage everything in real time.

Moreover, AI has also been deployed for luggage monitoring, which decreased the number of mishandled luggage in 2024. Another use of the model was piloted in the UK, where London Heathrow Airport tested an AI air traffic system. This aims to support air traffic controllers, while they remain “at the heart of the operation.”

While AI could be used to optimise many processes in the industry, many are still worried about AI taking over human operations. “One of the most important questions I get is whether AI is going to be a pilot. And the answer is simple: absolutely not,” he highlighted.

He explained that rather than replacing pilots, AI can complement them. According to Fernandes, his company is the first in the world to offer students pilot training through an AI-based platform. But he explained that he is also aware that people cannot let a “delusional” AI make decisions.

What might the sky of tomorrow look like?

“The future seems bright”, for Tânia Cardoso Simões, from EUROCONTROL. She envisions a “sky where aircraft fly silently, operating with clean energy, as well as airports that generate more power than they consume and flights that waste neither fuel nor time.”

L’article The future of European aviation involves SAF, technology, and seamless airports est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

ArcelorMittal Orbit, built in 2012, became the world’s tallest sculpture, but unfortunately, expectations regarding visitor traffic were not met, which has posed a challenge for a sustainable business model. It is also the UK’s tallest sculpture – rising 114.5 metres above ground. Being the UK’s largest piece of public art, the structure stands as a reminder of the London 2012 Summer Olympics.

In an attempt to save the attraction, Zip World took over operation in September 2024, vowing to transform ArcelorMittal Orbit into a “European first-of-its-kind adventure.” If given a green light, the revamped attraction is expected to bring 60,000 visitors each year.

Zip World submitted the plans for the new “unique and exhilarating experience” earlier in October 2025. According to the proposal, the adventure will strap tourists into chairs and take them from the top of the Orbit to a newly built return tower in Tower Hamlets.

The future return tower will rise 38.7 metres high with zipline cables attached to its top. Adrenaline lovers would be able to ride the zipline to the tower before they are brought back to the launch platform. According to planning officers, the return tower is not expected to impact the protected Metropolitan Open Land, and they have recommended its approval.

In addition, Zip World intends to also install a “gravity descender” attraction. But to do this, the organisation will submit a separate plan.

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On 22 and 23 October, councillors in Newham and Tower Hamlets voted to approve the permission for the zipline. They said that Zip World would be offering a 30 per cent “discount scheme for local residents.” This fee reduction would apply to residents with postcodes “that are in the Olympic Park or touch the Olympic Park.”

The future zipline is set to operate between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm, with a capacity of 60 people per hour, travelling at a speed of 60 kilometres per hour.

The new attraction, according to Zip World’s Andrew Hudson, is also set to recruit a “hyperlocal workforce.”  Hudson explained that the project might create between ten and 15 jobs while preserving existing positions at the tower, which “up until recently has not been doing very well.”

L’article London’s Olympic Park is set to welcome new 440-metre zipline attraction est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

This event united fans of all ages and backgrounds in their shared passion for geek culture. While not as massive as San Diego’s iconic convention, which attracts around 130,000 attendees, Brussels’ Comic Con pulled in crowds from across Belgium and neighbouring countries. In 2019, the convention welcomed about 38,000 visitors over the weekend, filling the halls of Tour & Taxis with cosplayers, collectors, and pop culture enthusiasts eager to meet their heroes and explore the latest in comics, gaming, and fantasy worlds.

So, what drives people to travel hundreds of kilometres for this iconic event?

Panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and Meet & Greets

Among the highlights of Comic Cons are the panel discussions and Q&A sessions with beloved actors and actresses, where fans can connect with their idols in real life instead of on the screen.

This year’s edition welcomed Ewan McGregor, known from his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars prequel movies The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith. Another notable guest of the event was Christopher Lloyd, most famously known for the role of Doctor Emmett Brown in the blockbuster 80s movie Back to the Future. Other notable names of this year’s edition were Jamie Campbell Bower, who starred as Stranger Things’ villain Vecna, and Rebecca Mader, famous for her roles in Lost and Once Upon a Time.

Fans could hear their favourite celebrities speak, sign up for professional photos or autographs. Not surprisingly, Christopher Lloyd’s booth was packed on both days, attracting Back to the Future fandom of all ages. A professional photo with Lloyd cost €120, while a shot with him and the DeLorean, the iconic time machine from the movie, was €199, reflecting the rising demand for these one-of-a-kind experiences.

Cosplayer haven

Dressing up is one of the main activities of Comic Cons and a cornerstone of geek culture, allowing fans to embody their favourite characters. Cosplay is the hobby of dressing as and pretending to be a character from a film, TV, book, or comic book, among others. Visitors could spot Star Wars families, Beauty and the Beast couples, visitors dressed as Teen Titans, and professional Cosplayers such as Ghostbusters Belgique, who had a dedicated booth showcasing items and equipment from the legendary movies.

Cosplayer catwalks divided into four categories – Comic Books, Fantasy/Books, Anime/Manga, and Sci-Fi – allowed dressed-up visitors to fully immerse themselves in the role and showcase their unique attire. During this event, everyone is celebrated for their fandom, whether this is blockbuster films, manga, comics, or literature.

The catwalks are, in fact, competitions for the best costumes, bringing to life beloved characters, imagination, and skill. The winners of the different categories were announced at the end of each day.

Market zone – Geek Market

While cosplay is an immense part of the event and the main creativity driver, the Geek Market offers fans a chance to purchase unique collectibles. It was full of energy, buzzing with vibrant stalls, allowing artists and creators to showcase their work. From comic books and rare Pokémon cards to freshly baked cookies, visitors of the market could roam between the stands for hours, exploring the colourful items on display.

The event featured both local and international artists. Two standouts were Crimson Windrunner and Iva Millian, whose colourful fan art and merchandise were exhibited beautifully. Iva Millian’s crochet plushies and Winx stickers targeted fans of the fantasy fairies as well as cute collectibles. Crimson Windrunner’s prints appealed to fans of games and anime. Moreover, visitors could purchase lightsabers, Harry Potter wands, Zelda swords, a wide variety of plushies, and other merchandise catering to every fan’s obsession.

Activities

Beyond cosplay and celebrity encounters, Comic Con Brussels offered a dynamic lineup of activities. The arcade transported all gamers to retro gaming with Nintendo classics such as Super Mario Bros and allowed those who enjoy a good race to their best, racing on the Mario Kart stages. Dance enthusiasts experienced competitions at the Dance Dance Revolution machines, while the Just Dance corner allowed for group participation and entertaining choreography.

Fans curious about wrestling got to experience live matches just like those on the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stage. Each day, professional wrestlers took the ring for three thrilling bouts, putting on a high-energy show. Photo opportunities added another layer of excitement. Fans were posing in front of the immersive backdrop of Stranger Things’ Upside Down or with the Ghostbusters. A photo with the DeLorean time machine cost €5, drawing Back to the Future enthusiasts. Not surprisingly, the queue saw many dressed as Marty McFly – the protagonist from the franchise – posing with the legendary car. Another photo corner featured Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, and Captain America’s shield, perfect for heroic photos and selfies.

Practical information

For people planning to attend the next edition of Comic Con Brussels on 2 and 3 May 2026, buying tickets early is essential, as they sell out quickly. Saturday morning often sees long queues – they can last up to one hour – so choosing Sunday will likely allow those who want to visit a smoother entry.

Tours & Taxis is easily accessible by public transport, with paid parking available for drivers. There are regular buses running from Brussels North Station to the venue, which take approximately 10 minutes.

Cosplayers can enjoy a discounted ticket, and children under 10 enter free of charge with an adult holding a valid ticket. Early-bird tickets start at €25, making this immersive experience accessible to all.

L’article Why fans travel far for Comic Con est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

On Monday, 27 October, FlightAware reported nearly 7,000 flight delays nationwide, a stark escalation from previous days. The day before, on Sunday, 26 October, there were over 8,800 delays – the highest single-day total since the shutdown began. According to a US Department of Transportation official, 44 per cent of the delays on Sunday were caused by controller absences – a skyrocketing number from the usual five per cent.

On Monday, Southwest Airlines had 34 per cent of its flights delayed while American Airlines had 29 per cent, according to FlightAware. On 28 October, FlightAware recorded around 1,220 delays within, to, or out of the US as of 3:00 pm CET.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staff shortages and imposed ground delays affecting major hubs such as Newark Airport in New Jersey, Austin Airport in Texas, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Monday.

The government shutdown entered its 28^th day on 28 October, the first day that air traffic controllers and other federal employees received a zero-dollar paycheck. This financial hit comes at a critical time for the aviation sector in the US, which is already struggling with fewer staff and tough working conditions.

Since air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers, they must continue working during shutdowns even though they are not being paid. However, they will receive their wages retroactively once the shutdown ends.

Even before the shutdown, the FAA was short roughly 3,500 air traffic controllers from its target staffing numbers. This has led employees to work mandatory overtime and six-day schedules.

Currently, about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are working for free due to the budget standoff between President Donald Trump and the Democrats in Congress.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attended a meeting with controllers on Monday, while the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) organized multiple events on Tuesday to protest the first missed paycheck.

This week, the Senate might vote on a proposal from Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz designed to pay air traffic controllers. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not scheduled it for a vote.

The growing number of delays and cancellations is escalating public frustration and bringing the shutdown’s negative effects under scrutiny, pushing lawmakers to reach a deal.

L’article US government shutdown causes more than 15,000 air traffic delays and cancellations in two days est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Cowley is an industrial district that hosts Plant Oxford, a BMW-owned facility and the city’s largest industrial employer, providing jobs for over 4,300 people.

After more than 60 years of being used only by freight traffic going to and from the BMW Mini Plant, the authorities’ goal is to resume passenger services connecting Oxford to Cambridge. The line is set to receive a major revamp before it opens to the public.

In case you missed the news yesterday, the Cowley Branch Line is to reopen to passengers, with the creation of two new Oxford stations.

Read all about yesterday’s big announcement here (pictures: Network Rail)https://t.co/FLv2PbCP80 pic.twitter.com/GNom1dsIDG

— Oxfordshire County Council (@OxfordshireCC) October 24, 2025

The government has promised to invest £120 million (approximately €137 million) in the project, as well as developing two new stations at Oxford Littlemore and Oxford Cowley, in the south-eastern part of Oxford. The funding is part of a £500 million (approximately €575 million) strategy to improve local infrastructure and allow locals to easily travel around the city.

Part of the scheme is also linking some of the city’s main innovation areas, including the Science Park and the Business Park. The line aims to provide a service every 30 minutes connecting the two new stations with the city centre in 10 minutes. Moreover, there are also plans to expand the network to London Marylebone.

The initiative was announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves on 23 October 2025 during an event at Oxford Parkway. “We have massive ambitions for the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, that’s why we’re reopening the Cowley Branch railway 60 years after it closed, why we’re building more affordable housing and investing in business, and how we’ve been able to unlock £10 billion in private investment,” she said.

The reopening, according to the government, is also expected to create up to 10,000 new jobs. Member of Parliament James Murray described this as a “win-win story” where a governmental investment and the private sector in the trainline will create “long-term, well-paid, high-skilled jobs.”

Cowley Branch Line gets the green light!

Today’s announcement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves is a landmark moment for Oxford’s growth and connectivity. After 60 years closed to the public, the Cowley Branch Line will reopen – creating two new train stations in East Oxford. With… pic.twitter.com/AXDxjgQuHN

— EIT Oxford (@EITOxford) October 23, 2025

According to Network Rail, the reopened line will allow local residents to travel faster and greener throughout Oxford. “The main benefits are reducing congestion on our roads,” said the leader of Oxford City Council, Susan Brown. “We expect to see a lot of people move from driving into the science park and the business park to travelling there by train.”

Moreover, the government is launching initiatives in Cambridge to boost affordable housing and encourage business growth. “We have massive ambitions for the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, that’s why we’re reopening the Cowley Branch railway 60 years after it closed, why we’re building more affordable housing and investing in business, and how we’ve been able to unlock £10 billion in private investment,” concluded Reeves.

L’article Rail line connecting Oxford and Cambridge to reopen under a multi-million dollar government plan est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Flights between the two nations were initially stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 and did not resume after a clash between troops in a disputed Himalayan border that took at least 20 Indian and four Chinese victims. 

In the morning of 27 October 2025, IndiGo flight 6E1703 from Kolkata, India, arrived in Guangzhou, a city in South China, carrying approximately 180 passengers. This move is a sign that the two countries have been gradually restoring their relationship, following a 2024 deal on de-escalating border tension.

#IndiaSoarsBeyondBorders

A new chapter in connectivity!@IndiGo6E resumes direct daily flights between #KolkataAirport & Guangzhou today.
Inaugurated by a passenger, Airport Director Dr. P.R. Beuria and officials from @AAI_Official & IndiGo.
Total passengers onboard: 176. pic.twitter.com/mv6s6e20nt

— Kolkata Airport (@aaikolairport) October 26, 2025

According to the Indian government, restarting direct flights will “facilitate people-to-people contact” and support “the gradual normalization of bilateral exchanges.”

At 3:49 AM on October 27, an IndiGo aircraft, operating as flight 6E1703 with 176 passengers on board, landed safely at #Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The resumption of the Kolkata-Guangzhou route officially restores direct passenger flights between Chinese Mainland… pic.twitter.com/W3PPaeKqF5

— Record GBA (@RecordGBA) October 27, 2025

Additionally, during the Hindu festival Diwali, soldiers on each side of the border exchanged sweets, “marking a gesture of goodwill,” shared Yu Jing, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Embassy in India.

The efforts are part of a series of actions that aim to normalise the ties between the two countries. In August 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to China for his first visit in seven years, meeting with President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. This trip followed an earlier visit that month by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India, where “de-escalation, delimitation, and boundary affairs” were discussed with Delhi officials.

Had a fruitful meeting with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. We reviewed the positive momentum in India-China relations since our last meeting in Kazan. We agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas and… pic.twitter.com/HBYS5lhe9d

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2025

Before the pandemic, the two countries operated around 2,588 scheduled flights, according to data from the Official Airline Guide (OAG). This equals seven one-way flights daily, which highlights the scale of connectivity that existed before the connections came to a halt.

Starting 9 November 2025, China Eastern Airlines is scheduled to begin operating a new route between Shanghai and Delhi with flights scheduled three times per week, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India posted on X.

Direct flights between China and India are now a reality.

Kolkata → Guangzhou launches today.

Shanghai New Delhi starts Nov 9, flying 3 times a week. pic.twitter.com/rxa0ag4jFd

— Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) October 26, 2025

The warming of relations between India and China comes at a time when both countries are grappling with foreign policy challenges posed by US President Donald Trump. India’s relationship with the US has been strained as Delhi attempts to convince Washington to withdraw its plan for 50 per cent trade tariffs.

Meanwhile, the two are facing Western scrutiny over their connections to Russia. Trump is set to meet with President Xi Jinping on 30 October 2025 in an effort to prevent the trade war from escalating.

L’article India and China resume direct flights after five-year halt est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.