The incident involved a perimeter fence breach overnight on 17 October 2026, prompting a temporary suspension of operations in the northern section of the strategic east German cargo hub. An airport spokesperson said air traffic operations had been unaffected, and any disruption is reported to have been minimal, with, for example, an Amazon cargo plane forced to use the southern runway instead of the north.

Other reassurances were also issued. After a search by federal police and regional officers from Saxony state officers, authorities later said: “It is highly likely that a vehicle drove through the fence. However, a search of the airport grounds found neither a vehicle nor any unauthorised individuals.” Later, other outlets reported the incident had been caused by a learner driver.

BREAKING: Unknown individuals ram fence near Russian cargo planes at Leipzig airport According to Bild, the aircraft in question are three cargo planes that have been banned from taking off since the war began. Reuters’ report makes no mention of Russian planes, but it does confirm a large-scale police operation. Investigators believe a vehicle likely broke through the fence. Police described it as a “security-related incident.” Leipzig/Halle airport closed its northern runway and suspended flights on the northern side of the airfield. On August 4, a high-profile incident occurred at the same airport: a drone equipped with explosives was found near Ukrainian cargo planes. The German government blamed Russia for the alleged sabotage attempt.

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) October 18, 2026

Nonetheless, the security breach follows an attempted drone attack on a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at the same airport on 4 August this year, which saw the huge freight carrier, usually deployed for military assistance to Ukraine, attacked while it was parked, by three “explosive-packed drones” that were “piloted by Russian military-intelligence assets,” according to German officials. The attack in that instance was thwarted due to a combination of failed detonation and poor targeting, but the potential for a major incident and further deterioration of international relations appears high.

A study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies found 144 suspected drone sightings across 13 European countries between August 2024 and February 2026, with civilian airports, military, and critical infrastructure all in the crosshairs. Meanwhile, Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office has recorded 165 suspected acts of sabotage since the beginning of 2026.

The Wall Street Journal has since alleged that intelligence reveals Russian President Vladimir Putin personally approved the intensification of hybrid attacks on European infrastructure. German Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt said after the August incident that the country would put into place a comprehensive protective shield to prevent similar acts of sabotage and aggression. 

But, after President Trump’s lifting of oil sanctions on Russia (amid a campaign to ease fuel prices to win electoral support in the US midterms), how Europe responds as a bloc to the ongoing threat represented by Russia is now the question on many observers’ minds. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament on 21 October 2016, insisting that Russia could not be regarded as a trusted partner since it has already been seen to “weaponise” energy dependency. Issuing a “crystal clear” message that Europe would not lift sanctions, she called for a true European “energy union” and proposed bolstering Europe’s energy security through improved power grids, cross-border connections, and joint energy purchasing. Meanwhile, European Council President Antonio Costa promised continued financial and military backing for Ukraine, and European leaders pledged to boost the bloc’s defences and protect critical infrastructure.

L’article Leipzig Airport security breach raises fears of Russian sabotage in Europe est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Berlin-based operator plans to run three services a week in each direction, calling at Bremen and Augsburg. Tickets are already on sale, with one-way fares starting at €65 — a price point suited to building rail itineraries through Germany or connecting onwards.

Southbound trains are scheduled to leave Hamburg at 9:22 pm, stop in Bremen at 10:30 pm and Augsburg at 7:35 am, before arriving in Munich at 8:14 am. Northbound departures will leave Munich at 9.20 pm, serve Augsburg at 9.51 pm and Bremen at 7:20 am, reaching Hamburg at 8:27 the following morning.

At launch, every passenger will be allocated a “Nox Suite.” The enclosed space is designed around a large seat that reclines into a two-metre lie-flat position alongside the window. It also includes a work or dining table, power sockets, and storage for large luggage. Nox is using leased Deutsche Bahn intercity carriages, each configured with 30 suites and sliding doors for additional privacy.

That proposition is more modest than the fully private bedrooms outlined when the company first presented its plans. Nox now says it intends to introduce rooms for one or two occupants during a later phase to be confirmed, either in 2028 or from 2029. Bathrooms would remain shared.

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There will be no dining car. Instead, passengers will be able to order paid meals, including breakfast, for service at their seats. The company is also developing arrival extras such as access to showers, coworking facilities or hotel rooms. Children under four will travel free when accompanied by an adult.

Nox says it wants to make overnight rail a compelling substitute for short-haul flying. Co-founder Thibault Constant told Afar that daytime travel can waste valuable hours and hailed night train travel as “relaxing.” In a separate company statement reported by Euronews, he said the aim was to give every passenger space to work and rest while combining transport, an overnight stay, and arrival the next morning.

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The Hamburg–Munich service is the first test of a much larger proposed network. Nox has set a target of serving 100 European cities on 35 routes by 2035, with Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, Copenhagen, Paris, Rome, and Warsaw among the destinations previously identified. Reaching that scale will depend on rolling stock, track access, and operating approvals across several national systems.

Nox’s introductory fare and business-class-inspired layout will test Constant’s theory that passengers are seeking seat-based alternatives to sleeper products, while waiting for the promised private rooms. The route’s first months should therefore offer an early measure of Nox’s ability to turn an ambitious continental plan into a viable night-train business.

L’article New Hamburg–Munich night train to launch with private suites from €65 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The new collection was created by Lower Bavarian traditional clothing manufacturer Spieth & Wensky and combines elements of regional dress with Lufthansa’s corporate design. The airline’s crane logo appears on the buttons of knitwear worn by female and male crew members, while Lufthansa’s characteristic “Wing Pattern” has been incorporated into the skirts and waistcoats. 

The initiative continues a tradition that Lufthansa began two decades ago. The airline’s first long-haul crew dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing departed Munich for New York on 1 September 2006.

“For 20 years, our long-haul crews have swapped their uniforms for Bavarian traditional costume during Oktoberfest season,” said Heiko Reitz, Lufthansa Airlines Executive Board Member and Hub Manager Munich. He added that the new design continues the airline’s long-running tradition of Oktoberfest flights from Munich, with details created specifically for Lufthansa cabin crews. 

The new outfits made their in-flight debut on 19 September, coinciding with the start of Oktoberfest. Traditionally dressed crews operated two international services from Munich that day: flight LH764 to Bangalore and LH722 to Beijing. A third themed flight, LH768 from Munich to Singapore, is scheduled for 27 September. 

Lufthansa is also extending its Oktoberfest celebrations beyond the three special flights. Throughout September, selected intercontinental services departing Munich and Frankfurt are offering specially created Bavarian menus across all travel classes. Dishes include white-sausage terrine and pretzels, as well as Oktoberfest favourites such as Wiesn roast duck, fried chicken and apple strudel. 

Passengers travelling on continental routes can also take part in the seasonal offering, with Lufthansa serving an Oktoberfest menu in Business Class from 17 September until 6 October.

The celebrations extend to Lufthansa lounges across Germany, where guests can find Bavarian beers, regional dishes and Oktoberfest-themed decorations during the festival period. 

Lufthansa has also redesigned its Oktoberfest amenity kits for 2026. Until the end of September, First, Business and Premium Economy passengers travelling on long-haul flights from Germany will receive travel and hygiene products presented in specially designed felt pouches intended to double as Oktoberfest accessories.

L’article Lufthansa unveils new Bavarian crew uniforms for Oktoberfest 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

This decision follows a spate of alcohol-related incidents, including the assault of a Deutsche Bahn security employee during a routine ticket inspection last week. The allegedly intoxicated passenger reportedly beat and kicked the employee, causing them to fall from a moving train and sustain serious injuries. According to Deutsche Bahn, this attack highlights the link between alcohol consumption and violence across the railway network.

“We are taking action”, said Deutsche Bahn chief executive Evelyn Palla in a statement announcing the new rules. “We have observed too often that violence increases where too much alcohol is consumed.”

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She added that alcohol bans already in place at some stations have led to lower crime rates and less waste, and stated that the railway operator is determined to improve safety for both employees and passengers, citing last week’s “brutal and senseless attack”.

Thirty stations around the country already ban alcohol, including Cologne, Munich and Hamburg. Berlin’s central and Gesundbrunnen stations are next on the list, with the ban expected to take effect on 1 September.

Any passenger found flouting the rule will be asked to leave the station, while repeat offenders may receive permanent bans from all Deutsche Bahn stations.

The ban will apply to platforms and station halls, but restaurants, bars, and other licensed station venues will still be permitted to sell alcohol. According to Deutsche Bahn, passengers will not be prohibited from carrying alcohol in sealed containers in their luggage or shopping bags. 

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The ban will not apply on board trains, where alcoholic drinks will still be available to purchase in dining cars on long-distance journeys.

Alexander Poitz, deputy chairman of the German Police Union (GdP), said that the country’s largest stations were “hotspots of criminal activity”. He said that violent crimes there usually involve alcohol or drugs, and that attacks against security personnel are frequent.

Given that Germany has the largest railway network in Europe, with 33,400 kilometres of track and around 50,000 trains running daily, the police union has criticised the move, saying that it would be difficult to enforce in its current form and would require significant investment in security, surveillance technology and lighting.

Critics have also pointed out that the violence would not disappear with the ban, but merely be displaced elsewhere.

In 2024, the German Federal Police recorded 27,160 violent offences in and around stations across the country.

Germany’s move to ban alcohol consumption is the first nationwide and operator-wide ban in Europe. In the UK, alcohol is generally permitted at National Rail stations and on trains in England and Wales, though Transport for London (TfL) has banned open alcohol across its stations and network since 2008. In Scotland, ScotRail restricts alcohol during night and morning hours. In Belgium and the Netherlands, alcohol restrictions tend to be local or area-based rather than nationwide rail bans.

L’article Germany to ban alcohol at all 5,400 railway stations from October est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

All along this meandering valley in western Germany, farmers are out in the June sunshine, clambering across slate embankments to inspect their beloved crops.

But times are changing in the Mittelmosel surrounding the postcard-pretty town of Cochem. The wine business isn’t what it used to be, and the much-needed tourism it feeds is facing steep challenges, too.

The first thing you notice is that visitors to the area are getting older and they’re more self-sufficient than ever before, staying in their comfortable RVs and cruising the river on their e-bikes.

The region is a “stronghold” for mature and senior visitors (typically aged 55+), though regional tourism strategies are successfully drawing younger “active travellers” (35-50), according to the Tourism and Marketing Office in Trier, a heritage-laden city downriver.

Local businesses are having to adapt to new realities. Hotels, restaurants, wine houses and zimmers have either found new niches to get the zippy bikers to stop in for a local treat, adjusted their opening times, or closed for good.

This is the reality of an increasingly competitive tourism sector here in Germany, but also in other European regions, as pointed out by the EU Tourism Platform.

For starters, wine-tasting weekends are less popular among younger generations who don’t drink as much as their parents, and don’t have spare cash even if they did. As “digital nomads,” they may even prefer to combine work and travel in far-flung destinations like Thailand. Low-cost airlines and better connections make it cheaper and easier too.

That’s a great shame because the Rhineland-Palatinate Holiday Region, as they like to call it, has so much to offer, and it’s only a few hours from major capitals. The pace of life is somehow different, as chilled as the crisp white wines produced here.

Powerful natural forces

A mother swan glides along the river’s edge with this year’s fluffy, grey brood in tow. Farm hands work their way along vine rows, trimming and tidying the already lush growth. In picking season, they will navigate the banks on cable-driven elevators.

It hasn’t always been so tranquil. Powerful natural forces have shaped the Rhenish Massif spanning western Germany, eastern Belgium, Luxembourg and northeastern France. This looping topography is responsible for the hyper-steep, south-facing slopes bathing this cool climate region in warming sunlight. Great for wine-growing, but the historically fast-flowing waterway has also been known to throw seasonal tantrums.

Thanks to huge engineering projects in the mid-20^th century – including a network of locks and barrages – the river has been mostly tamed into a more dependable transport lane. It’s not uncommon today to see cargo barges laden with industrial goods sharing the water with multi-deck cruise boats.

Yet, nature still has its way sometimes. A prolonged heat wave in 2022 nearly crippled shipping along the Mosel and Rhine rivers. Floods (Hochwasser) remain a scourge as well, with the most recent occurring last year. Esplanades, campsites and parking lots in several riverside towns like Zell and Cochem were hit hard. Climate change could make these events more common.

Two wheels, two banks on a loop

For those exploring by land, the bike lanes are smooth sailing for e-biking baby boomers. Paths flank both sides of the Mosel, making it a neat circuit. Cyclists can pedal down one bank, cross a bridge or small passenger ferry, and return up or down the opposite side. That means new sites and scenes at every turn.

Those with time and money to spare can quickly and safely navigate the river and surrounding terrain. What was once a punishing trek is now a gentle, assisted cruise. Couples clad in matching high-vis garb glide effortlessly past medieval backdrops, their panniers packed with picnics and wine.

The undisputed hub of the lower Mosel is Cochem, a bustling town dominated by the Reichsburg (Imperial) Castle, a fairy-tale fortress looming above the vines and timber-framed houses below. Visitors can explore Cochem’s winding alleyways, ride the Sesselbahn chairlift for a panorama of the river and surrounding peaks, or explore the Bundesbank Bunker – a once-secret underground vault that hid billions of Deutsche Marks during the Cold War.

Continuing south, cyclists encounter Beilstein, affectionately known as the “Sleeping Beauty of the Mosel”. Squeezed almost unnaturally between the vines and a bend in the river, this well-preserved medieval village is paternally watched over by the ruins of Metternich Castle. The town’s quirky architecture and cobbled passages have graced many films and holiday albums over the years.

Northern soul you can taste

Visitors love the atmosphere, but no trip to Beilstein or the region is complete without sampling some fresh Rieslings or floral Rivaners. This ‘tasting experience’ is rooted in the traditional Weinhäuser taverns and Straußwirtschaften – makeshift bars run by vintners within their own courtyards and cellars.

The wine culture and distinct flavour notes are a product of the valley’s unique geology, positioning and slatey soil that absorbs heat during the day and distributes it overnight. The end result is German wines with an unmistakable northern soul.

A signature stony minerality, a crisp taste described by those who know such things as “wet stones or rain on hot pavement”. Experts also wax on about “vibrant and sharp acidity” with some “bright and citrus” notes worthy of their warmer southern cousins.

Flammkuchen and other fare

Such distinct vinous profiles demand a culinary counterweight. The food culture of the Mosel Valley is unpretentious, hearty and designed to complement the acidity of the drier whites. Menus feature rich pork dishes, hotpots and locally sourced trout.

But the region’s go-to accompaniment is the traditional flammkuchen (tarte flambée). Originating in the Franco-German borderlands, this flatbread is traditionally topped with schmand (similar to crème fraiche) or scattered generously with smoked lardons (speck), finely sliced onions, and often seasoned with nutmeg.

Traditionally baked in wood-fired ovens for just a few minutes, the edges crisp up while the centre tends to remain soft. The salty, smokiness of this pizza-like tarte is a gastronomic foil to an off-dry Mosel wine.

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A Gen-Z story

Beneath the idyllic surface of this postcard-primed destination, a striking demographic and socio-economic story emerges. Look closely at the patrons stopping for a mid-afternoon tasting these days, and you can’t fail to notice a pattern. Where are the Gen-Zers?

Data confirms a widening behavioural gap. Today, only 18% of young people aged 18 to 31 drink German wine regularly, and fewer still (11%) opt for sparkling varieties or Sekt. For the 39% who do drink, according to a study quoted by the newspaper Die Rheinpfalz, wine is no longer their default; they prefer spirits and ready-to-drink options.

Other ‘drug affinity’ studies in Germany show that those born after 2000 who do enjoy a tipple are opting for organic wines or the increasingly popular category of ‘no or low’ alcohol alternatives neatly branded as ‘NoLo’.

This pattern replaces the traditional all-or-nothing drinking culture. The mindset of Gen-Z drinkers, according to industry observers like Verallia, is more focused on moderation, wellness and sophisticated socialising. Another trend driving NoLo growth, notes this glass bottle and packaging company, is “zebra striping” or alternating alcoholic beverages with NoLo drinks.

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Social and behavioural changes are only half the story. Cost-of-living concerns are a key factor as well. Higher real estate and mortgage costs, steep rent and persistent day-to-day inflationary pressures mean less disposable income across the board for weekend jollies on the Mosel. And premium bottles of wine are simply out of reach for younger consumers.

Competition is another factor. If a young traveller is going to spend limited savings on a holiday, a weekend getaway to the cooler climes of northwestern Europe has less appeal. Easy connections between European capitals and tropical destinations like Phuket and Krabi are a more exotic option for Gen-Zers.

To complicate matters, the German wine industry is battling its own fiscal demons. Rising energy and material costs for glass bottles and increases in the national minimum wage have squeezed profit margins at family-run estates.

While reports of some regions in France being paid to pull up vines to combat oversupply, Mosel vintners are instead facing a quiet crisis of attrition, struggling to pass increased production costs onto a price-sensitive domestic market.

Quiet crossroads

This shift is leaving its mark on local populations. Where tourism and the wine industry have long sustained quiet villages tucked between the vines and the water, that calm certitude is starting to fray.

It is late June – not quite peak summer, but certainly the cusp of the season – and yet many of the local businesses remain closed during the week. Some permanently. In Briedern, one hotel-restaurant seems to be bucking the trend. Business is steady, but staff are under no illusions. A local waitress laments that her establishment feels a bit like “the last man standing”, a winner-takes-all in a town trying to keep up.

While larger, castle-crowned destinations like Cochem and Beilstein still draw the daytime crowds, the smaller intermediate villages appear to be feeling the squeeze.

The vineyards of the Mosel are not about to disappear. Devoted farmers still nurture their crops, and the landscape remains as breathtaking as ever. But as the traditional wine-tourist demographic ages, the region faces a crossroads.

Planning your Mosel visit

Getting there and around

• By car: Distance from Brussels to Cochem is around 340 km or a 3.5-hour drive, depending on traffic.
• By public transport: Regular rail links via Eurostar or ICE trains from Brussels-Midi to Cologne (Köln) or Koblenz. From Koblenz, local regional trains (Moseltal-Bahn) run to Cochem station. The fastest combined routes take over 4 hours.
• Mosel river cruises: Local operators such as Gebrüder Kolb run daily schedules. Options include short panoramic loops from Cochem and scenic “lock cruises” through the Fankel barrage to Beilstein.

Historic sites

• Reichsburg Cochem (Imperial Castle): Open daily for the summer season. Interior visits are accessible via guided tours only.
• Burg Metternich (Beilstein): Through the town and up a steep stairway, the hillside ruins are open daily except Mondays.

Top-rated places to stay

(Based on Booking.com and TripAdvisor guest satisfaction reports, as of 15 June 2026)

In Cochem

• Hotel Villa Vie Cochem (Rating: 9.3/10): A boutique-style hotel located a short walk from the centre with river views.
• Hotel Altes Winzerhaus (Rating: 9.2/10): A family-run B&B sitting directly on the promenade with direct views of the Reichsburg.
• Hotel Villa Vinum Cochem (Rating: 9.1/10): Featuring natural stone architecture and timber-framed accents, the hotel has an upscale vibe.

In Beilstein

• Hotel Lipmann ‘Am Klosterberg’ (Rating: 9.3/10): Rustic and well-situated, overlooking the historic town squares and rolling vineyards.
• Hotel Restaurant Alte Stadtmauer (Rating: 9.2/10): Guests appreciate the hospitality and characterful setting integrated into the village’s old defences.
• Hotel Haus Burg Metternich (Rating: 8.6/10): Traditional charm and a gateway for exploring the castle trail and cobblestone lanes.

L’article Discovering Germany’s Mosel Valley: A journey through vineyards, castles and river villages est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In a press release announcing the closure of the base, Ryanair called Berlin the most failing airport in Europe. According to the Irish low-cost airline, air traffic has collapsed by almost 30% from 36 million passengers in 2019 to 26 million in 2025. Moreover, Ryanair points out the airport’s 50% fee increase since 2019.

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Furthermore, according to Ryanair, aviation fees in Germany as a whole have steeply increased since 2019. The carrier lists three financial pain points in particular:

• Germany’s aviation tax, going up from €7.30 to €15.50 per passenger
• Security fees, doubling from €10 in 2024 to €20 per passenger by January 2028
• ATC fees, trebling from €1 to €3.30 per passenger

“German aviation is broken. The Govt. admits that it is uncompetitive, yet there is no strategy to cut aviation taxes or high airport fees – despite Ryanair warning that Germany would lose traffic, connectivity, jobs and trade. Since 2019, Ryanair has been forced to close its bases in Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Stuttgart (resulting in the loss of 13 based aircraft) in addition to stopping all flights to Dresden, Leipzig and Dortmund,” said Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson.

The press release goes on to say that the seven aircraft previously stationed at Berlin will be reallocated to lower-cost airports in other EU states as of October. The carrier will prioritise countries such as Sweden, Slovakia, Albania, and Italy. Flight crew will be offered alternative positions in the Ryanair network across Europe.

“Ryanair has many other lower cost airports, and zero aviation tax countries across Europe competing for scarce capacity growth, all of whom are taking action to reduce access costs by abolishing aviation taxes, lowering airport charges and reducing ATC fees. With no meaningful cost reform in Berlin or in Germany nationally, we have no alternative but to switch aircraft from Germany to other more competitive markets elsewhere in Europe while Germany and Berlin Airport continue to fail,” Eddie Wilson continued.

Ryanair has begun phasing out services from its Berlin Brandenburg base. The LCC saw a drop from 36 million passengers in 2019 to 26 million last year.#Berlin #Ryanair #Airport #closure pic.twitter.com/NvJPMzGKG5

— NextFly (@nextflyapp) April 28, 2026

Contradicting statements

As one of the arguments for the shutdown of its Berlin base, Ryanair also mentions a planned 10% increase in airport fees at Berlin Airport. However, according to the airport organisation, that percentage has never been communicated or projected.

“We are surprised by Ryanair’s announcement at this point in time. We are engaged in ongoing negotiations with the airlines. An increase in airport charges is not planned,” the airport stated in a post on X.

The carrier’s announcement comes shortly after Germany’s Finance Ministry of the Federal Cabinet said it would be rolling back flight taxes to 2024 levels.

L’article Ryanair to close down Berlin base, blaming traffic collapse and cost increase est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The collection includes around 40 pieces, featuring both newly designed garments and updated versions of existing items. Lufthansa’s signature colours, dark blue and yellow, remain central to the overall look, ensuring continuity with the brand’s identity. One of the most distinctive elements is a cape designed for cabin and ground staff, which connects earlier uniform traditions with a more contemporary design language. The overall concept aims to balance elegance with practicality, ensuring staff are supported during long and demanding working days. 

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A key part of the development process was the involvement of employees from across the airline. Staff tested the garments and provided feedback on comfort, fit, and functionality. This input helped refine the final designs and ensured they reflect real operational needs in both cabin and ground environments. The process also placed emphasis on durability and sustainability, both of which are becoming increasingly important in aviation uniform design.

“Our new uniform is far more than just a piece of clothing; it is an expression of our identity and a promise to our guests worldwide. It is our business card and stands for quality, reliability, and the unmistakable style that our passengers experience on every journey with Lufthansa,” said Lufthansa Airlines CEO Jens Ritter. It highlights how the uniform is positioned as part of the airline’s broader service identity. Rather than being seen as simple workwear, it is intended to communicate the company’s values in a visible and consistent way to passengers.

“Working closely with Lufthansa, we have combined tailoring expertise with aviation know-how. The new looks represent quality, durability, and our shared commitment to excellence,” said Senior Vice President Global Marketing at Hugo Boss James Foster.

Flexibility is another central feature of the new uniform system. Employees will be able to mix and match new items with existing pieces, allowing for greater personal adaptability while maintaining a consistent overall look. This approach also supports more efficient resource use by extending the lifespan of existing garments. Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in airline operations, and the new system reflects this shift toward more responsible design choices.

The introduction of the uniforms also fits into a broader historical evolution within the airline. Over the decades, Lufthansa’s uniforms have changed alongside developments in society, fashion, and aviation. Despite these changes, core visual elements such as dark blue and yellow have remained constant, reinforcing brand recognition. Uniforms have consistently served both functional and representational roles, acting as workwear while also expressing the airline’s identity to passengers. The latest collection continues this tradition while updating it for modern expectations. 

Rollout of the new uniforms will begin in phases from the fourth quarter of 2026. This gradual introduction will allow for a smooth transition across different departments and operational areas. The initiative forms part of a wider effort by Lufthansa to modernise its brand and strengthen its position in the premium aviation segment. As the airline approaches 100 years since its first flights in 1926, the new uniforms reflect both continuity and change, linking its heritage with its future direction. 

L’article Lufthansa unveils new uniforms designed by Hugo Boss ahead of 100th anniversary est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Frankfurt Airport’s new aviation infrastructure has been in the making since 2015. With a footprint of 176,000 square meters, floor space reaching 403,000 square meters, and 112,000 tons of steel used during the construction, Terminal 3 has quite literally been a massive undertaking.

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Since 23 April 2026, the new terminal and two extra piers (H and J) have been officially open. Designed to handle 19 to 25 million passengers a year, Terminal 3 will gradually take over those airlines currently operating out of Terminal 2.

Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, and T’Way Air switched terminals starting from the beginning, while a schedule can be consulted on Frankfurt Airport’s website to know when the other airlines will follow. A so-called Sky Line people mover transports passengers to the other terminals in eight minutes.

According to the airport, Terminal 3 was designed in such a way as to “view the airport not merely as a place of transit, but as a space for experience.” Therefore, the building was conceived much like a city, with piers, gates, and lounges considered as the equivalent of a city’s streets and squares.

“These days airports have become a destination in their own right. In fact, they typically receive more visitors than many city centres. This makes it even more important for airports to also perform some of the same functions as cities. We’re making this happen in Terminal 3,” German architect Christoph Mäckler, who was in charge of the project, explained.

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Artsy airport

In order to elevate the general feeling of the terminal even further, Frankfurt Airport selected an Artist in Residence to give the building an artistic touch. The chosen artist is Frankfurt-based Tobias Rehberger, a professor at the Städelschule and winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale. His works centre around the theme of transition, which stands central at airports across the globe. Slogans including ‘Say Hello To Goodbye’ or ‘In 2 Days Tomorrow is Yesterday Somewhere Else’ are focal points in his art.

“These neutral spaces often sap your energy. You sit at the gate and feel as though you’re wrapped in cotton wool. However, when you turn these ‘non-places’ into places, a sense of identification arises. You could say, ‘Let’s meet there.’ This completely transforms the experience, both psychologically and mentally, and even physically. Art can take this a step further by triggering thought processes and opening up new perspectives, not merely being decorative,”  commented Tobias Rehberger.

Of course, Terminal 3 also features a number of culinary and shopping outlets. The building has two food courts, a bar, and a selection of restaurants such as EL&N London, Sophia Loren Restaurant, Origin Bar + Eatery, and Burger King. Standard Duty Free shops, as well as more upscale options including BOSS, FALKE, and LONGCHAMP, complete the offer.

L’article Frankfurt Airport opens new Terminal 3 built to serve 25 million travellers est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In an effort to deal with social faux-pas such as littering—with which the city has a growing problem—the “carrot not stick” concept aims to encourage tourists to get involved in local social projects, litter-picking, or contributions to community spaces. In exchange for their engagement, visitors will receive rewards such as free experiences or entry at participating museums, and reduced prices or treats at restaurants and cafés.

The “BerlinPay” scheme borrows heavily from an idea implemented in Copenhagen in recent years. “CopenPay” incentivises responsible or sustainable tourism, such as using public transport, with rewards offered by local stakeholders. According to a survey undertaken by destination manager Wonderful Copenhagen, since the introduction of the programme in 2024, 70% of visitors to the Danish capital have taken part in environmentally beneficial actions.

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Berlin, a city that spent €13.1 million on cleaning in 2025, is hoping for a similar impact. The first year of its scheme will focus on the German capital’s waterways in particular, where problem littering covers a spectrum from the illegal dumping of bulky waste to flicking cigarette butts into the open.

Similar schemes have been implemented in Fiji, where visitors are invited to “give back” one hour of “Loloma time” to the community. Hawai’i has mooted the same with a “only a stranger for a day” concept, arguing that tourists increasingly want to feel a part of the places they visit, and that participating in good deeds triggers feel-good hormones and deeper connections.

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Critics point out that people go on holiday to relax and escape obligations, as well as highlighting the role that residents, not visitors, should play in keeping their hometowns clean. But there remains some emphasis on local responsibility too in the approach Berlin is taking. It is targeting cigarette butt culprits with fines that have been increased more than three-fold to a minimum of €250, going up to €3,000 in some cases. Fly tipping can attract fines of up to €11,000, or €15,000 if the waste is toxic. More money is being spent on staffing to catch offenders too.

And of course, please don’t forget: you still pay the city tax on your hotel stay. So first you pay, then you clean. Sounds like a great deal. Or not? Judge yourself! #BerlinPay

— Kat_Concu (@ConcuFdp) April 15, 2026

Advocates of the BerlinPay programme point out data from Copenhagen proving what Hawai’i and Fiji say: that visitors do in fact demonstrate an appetite to do good deeds and connect with hosts and destinations while on holiday. “When people are on holiday, they are more open to new ideas,” said Rikke Holm Petersen, head of communications and behavioural research at Wonderful Copenhagen. Over 30,000 people have participated in responsible travel actions in Copenhagen thanks to the programme—and local stakeholders are seeing an uptick in spending. Bike rentals went up 59% in the wake of the scheme.

L’article Berlin rewards responsible visitors instead of imposing tourist taxes and fines est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Pilots working for national flag carrier Lufthansa are set to withdraw labour from midnight on Monday, 13 April to midnight on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, according to announcements from Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) Union that affect the airline’s Cargo, Cityline and Eurowings brands.

A suite of flight cancellations followed the two-day strike call, with major hubs in cities including Berlin, Frankfurt, Leipzig, Munich, and Stuttgart experiencing short notice disruption to up to 75% of schedules.

The misery for flyers comes on top of the previous week’s walkouts by cabin crew deemed “completely disproportionate,” by Lufthansa brand chief Jens Ritter. Even though union representatives have claimed there had been an effort not to disrupt seasonal holidays, the strikes took place Orthodox Easter and are estimated to have hit 580 flights and 72,000 passengers by the morning of Friday, 10 April.

“Despite a deliberate decision not to take strike action over the Easter holidays, no serious offers were forthcoming,” union President Andreas Pinheiro said. “During this period, there was neither a response nor any discernible willingness to engage in talks on the part of the employers,” he explained.

In the wake of recent disruption across the Middle East, Lufthansa appears to be trying to prioritise routes in the region, committing to destinations including Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. For other customers, free rebooking, refunds, or Deutsche Bahn tickets are available for affected services between 11 April and 21 April.

The strikes are the third to take place in the space of a month, with the industry predicting a summer of disruption ahead as the recent industrial action by both pilots and crew across Lufthansa subsidiaries is partly a symptom of wider restructuring taking place inside the Group. Its Cityline operations are slated to close down by the end of 2026, when they will switch to its City Airlines umbrella—a move that critics have previously said is designed to get around aircraft size limits. In the light of the controversy and feared job losses, Verdi Union has secured better working conditions, retirement packages, and a pay rise worth up to 35% by spring 2029 for around 500 employees.

L’article Hundreds of flights cancelled as Lufthansa pilots call two-day strike est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.