In a statement issued this week, the UN aviation agency said there was no evidence that commercial air travel posed a heightened risk of Ebola transmission and stressed that existing international health and aviation protocols were designed to manage such outbreaks without disrupting global connectivity.

“ICAO is coordinating with WHO and its Member States to provide risk-based and evidence-informed mitigation measures to prevent the transmission of the disease through air travel while protecting the health of aviation personnel and passengers, reassure travelers, and maintain essential air connectivity,” the organisation said, pointing to strengthened coordination procedures developed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ICAO stressed the importance of adhering to WHO recommendations to mitigate any risks linked to the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which health authorities say does not spread through casual contact or through the air, but through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or blood. 

The WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 17 May after confirmed cases were reported in eastern Congo and linked cross-border infections emerged in Uganda. According to the UN health agency, the global risk of transmission remains low, even as authorities intensify surveillance and containment measures in affected regions.

Ebola outbreak: @WHO Director-General @DrTedros has arrived in DR Congo.

“I came here to show the communities in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu that they are not alone,” he said, urging the international community to step up support. pic.twitter.com/RuknxhLbXb

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) May 29, 2026

Aviation systems introduced after the COVID-19 pandemic are helping authorities respond more effectively. These include rapid information-sharing protocols between governments, airlines, airports and health agencies, as well as the use of digital health declarations and contactless border procedures.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, new protocols have been established by ICAO for rapid, standardized information sharing among States, airlines, airports, and health agencies,” the organisation said. ICAO added that updated health-related provisions have also been integrated into Annex 9 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and into its Facilitation Manual.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от UNDPUganda (@undp_uganda)

The outbreak has nevertheless sparked debate over airport screening measures, particularly in Europe. Questions have been raised over whether European airports should begin screening passengers arriving from affected regions, although WHO has not recommended widespread screening outside outbreak zones. Instead, the UN health agency is urging national authorities to work closely with airlines and the tourism sector.

“Countries should not close borders or impose restrictions on travel and trade,” WHO said in its latest recommendations, advising targeted exit screening in affected countries, where travellers displaying symptoms consistent with Ebola can be identified before departure.

Several countries have already stepped up monitoring procedures for arriving passengers, particularly those travelling from Central Africa. Aviation and public health authorities are also reviewing preparedness measures and contingency plans should the outbreak expand further.

In partnership with @inrb_kinshasa, we are scaling up #Ebola diagnostic capacities in the #DRC, and strengthening the laboratory network to deliver real-time data, rapidly identify confirmed cases, save their lives and swiftly contain the outbreak. pic.twitter.com/WKhaSmAe4t

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 28, 2026

Health officials continue to emphasise that Ebola is far less transmissible through casual contact than airborne diseases such as influenza or COVID-19. WHO has repeatedly stated that the likelihood of transmission during air travel remains very low because infected individuals are generally too unwell to travel once symptoms develop.

Aviation officials insist that safeguards introduced since COVID-19 have significantly improved the industry’s ability to respond to public health emergencies without grounding international travel networks.

ICAO said it would continue monitoring the situation, working closely with WHO, member states and the aviation industry as the situation develops, while maintaining that international air transport operations can continue safely under current guidance.

L’article ICAO says international air travel remains safe as Ebola outbreak sparks global monitoring est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Since 26 May 2026, easyJet has been officially being investigated by the Italian competition watchdog Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM). The organisation argues that the carrier misleads customers during the booking process on the website and app, particularly when they opt to travel with checked baggage.

Off to Italy in the morning and get a notification from Easyjet – and you are absolutely sure they are cancelling your flight..
They're not – they are just checking that I really don't want to pay for extra baggage.

— Michael Volpe OBE (@NoisyMV) December 15, 2023

Allegedly, the airline automatically shows bundled purchases of checked baggage and/or sports equipment for round-trip flights as the default option. One-way travellers and those who only want to bring additional luggage on one leg of their trip are required to interrupt the booking and to override the airline’s default option.

“Only the average price of the service was advertised, and the default option was set to the combined purchase of the service for both legs of the journey, even when the customer was not actually interested,” the AGCM writes.

This means that travellers were consistently shown the average price of the service instead of the actual fee, thus leading to unfair commercial practices according to the watchdog. The misleading and aggressive commercial practice particularly goes against Articles 20, 21, 22, 24, and 25 of the Consumer Code, the AGCM argues. The launch of the investigation by the watchdog allegedly follows a request for voluntary compliance with which easyJet has not complied.

“We are aware of the proceedings opened by the AGCM and will fully cooperate with the Authority throughout its investigation. We believe we have always acted in line with applicable consumer laws and remain committed to ensuring transparency and fairness for our customers. We will now carefully review the Authority’s notice and consider our next steps,” an EasyJet spokesperson said about the matter.

AGCM investigations in the past

It is not the first time for the AGCM to be investigating a budget airline, or easyJet in particular. In May 2021, for example, the organisation handed out a €2.8 million fine to easyJet, Ryanair, and Volotea. The three airlines did not offer cash refunds for cancelled flights once Italy lifted its COVID-19 restrictions, opting for vouchers instead. Although easyJet appealed, the Lazio Regional Administrative Court in Rome rejected their claim in February 2025.

#Antitrust: sanzione di 4,2 milioni a #Ryanair per mancato #rimborso dei #volicancellati#easyJet #Volotea #tutelaconsumatori #pratichescorrette #trasporti #trasportoaereo #voucher #COVID19 #emergenzasanitaria https://t.co/JUs0AwMGeM

— Autorità Antitrust (@antitrust_it) May 24, 2021

Just last year, in December 2025, the AGCM issued a €255 million fine to Ryanair. The reason for its decision was the airline’s “abusive strategy” in obstructing third-party travel agencies, which allegedly started in April 2023. The antitrust organisation judged that the budget carrier used an elaborate strategy that included facial-recognition checks, payment blocks, and mass account deletions to deter travel agencies from purchasing its flights. However, Ryanair immediately decided to appeal the decision, and a definitive ruling hasn’t been made yet at the time of writing.

L’article Italian competition watchdog launches investigation into easyJet baggage policy est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The expanded network comes as carriers outside the Middle ​East reroute flights between Asia and Europe ​away from major travel hubs in the region, ⁠in response to the severe disruption in air travel ​caused by the US- Israeli war on Iran.

The Air New Zealand-SIA alliance will add 72,000 seats for the Northern Winter season, boosting overall seat capacity between the two countries by 17% from late October 2026.

Air New Zealand ​will operate three flights per week between Singapore and Christchurch aboard its ‌Boeing ⁠787 aircraft. The Kiwi carrier will also ⁠add four weekly Auckland services, to be operated using Boeing 777 and 787 ​aircraft.

SIA, on the other hand, will drop down a third, to just two flights between Singapore and Auckland, served by Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER.

But together with SIA’s existing scheduled Christchurch service, which operates 12 flights per week, the two airlines will operate 15 weekly services between November 2026 and February ​2027.

The announcement marks the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic wiped flights from schedules that Air New Zealand will fly long-haul from the country’s second-largest city.

Also coming in November 2026, the flag carrier’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service from Christchurch to Tokyo Narita Airport, and to Perth, Australia, which will be the shortest of the new long-haul routes.

Expanded schedules and increased seat capacity on routes operated by some of the world’s largest aircraft are a boost for Christchurch and further evidence of strong demand across the Asia-Pacific region. Air New Zealand also recently added a non-stop flight to Rarotonga, and Singapore and Air New Zealand are not the only long-haul operator eyeing the market.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Air New Zealand (@airnz)

Emirates flies from Christchurch to Dubai via Sydney all throughout the year, while the Northern Winter season sees Cathay Pacific, China Southern, and United Airlines add routes to Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and San Francisco, respectively. In addition, Jetstar offer nonstop flights to Cairns, and Solomon Airlines is due to launch a non-stop link to Port Vila.

L’article Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand boost trans-Tasman seat capacity with long haul connections est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Uzbekistan has unveiled an ambitious tourism roadmap to 2030, setting out a long-term strategy aimed at positioning the country as a major global destination. The plan targets 20 million international visitors annually by the end of the decade, alongside a rise in tourism’s contribution to GDP from 3.5% to 7%. Authorities aim to generate more than USD 6 billion in annual tourism exports, while significantly expanding accommodation capacity, including a doubling of four- and five-star hotels and a total hotel stock reaching around 95,000 rooms. Improving internal mobility is also a key priority, with faster transport links planned between major cities to support both international arrivals and domestic travel flows.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Travel Tomorrow (@traveltomorrow.eu)

The strategy is already being supported by large-scale investments and infrastructure development. Uzbekistan is currently implementing 34 tourism master plans and constructing 31 new travel facilities, backed by approximately 950 billion soums allocated this year for sector development. Upgrades to roads and public infrastructure are underway, alongside broader expansion of hospitality services. Early indicators suggest strong momentum, with about 4 million foreign visitors recorded in the first four months of 2026 — up 30% compared to the same period last year— while tourism exports have already reached approximately USD 1.6 billion.

Alongside infrastructure growth, Uzbekistan is broadening its tourism offering across multiple segments, including ecotourism, gastronomy, ethnographic and pilgrimage tourism, as well as medical, sports and MICE travel. The diversification strategy is designed to reduce seasonality and attract a wider range of international visitors throughout the year, reinforcing the country’s positioning as a fast-growing destination at the crossroads of the historic Silk Road.

Ambassador Gayrat Fazilov stressed that Uzbekistan is now recognised as a safe and welcoming destination and is actively simplifying travel procedures while expanding visa-free access for many countries, including European states.

“Located at the crossroads of the ancient Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan has for centuries served as a bridge between civilizations, cultures and trade routes. Today, this historical legacy is being transformed into a modern and highly attractive tourism destination,” Fazilov underlined. 

Fazilov also outlined Uzbekistan’s long-term ambitions, including reaching 20 million annual international visitors by 2030, alongside major investments in infrastructure, hotels, and transport connectivity. He emphasised that cooperation with European partners, including the Benelux region, is expected to play an increasingly important role in tourism development, investment, and cultural exchange.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Travel Tomorrow (@traveltomorrow.eu)

The event featured remarks from Ms Amina Kokten, representing Turkish Airlines, who highlighted the carrier’s long-standing presence in Belgium and its extensive global network. She noted that Turkish Airlines operates multiple daily flights between Brussels and Istanbul, with increased frequency during the summer season, offering onward connections to a wide international network. She also pointed to the airline’s fleet of more than 500 aircraft and annual passenger volume exceeding 90 million, underscoring its capacity to support strong connectivity to Central Asia, including Uzbekistan.

Turkish Airlines reaffirms its position as a key global connector between Europe and Central Asia, operating since 1933 as a Star Alliance member. The airline’s network spans more than 350 airports across 120 countries, and it holds a Guinness World Record for flying to the most countries based on verified annual route operations.

Turkish Airlines also continues to invest in its passenger experience, including the rollout of its Crystal Business Class with full-flat seats, enhanced entertainment, free Wi-Fi, live television, and upgraded onboard dining concepts such as “flying chef” service. The carrier has also been recognised internationally, winning “Best Airline in Europe” for the tenth time at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Its Istanbul hub at Grand Airport remains a central transit point, offering more than 500 check-in points, premium lounges, and additional services, including pet-friendly facilities. The airline’s “Tour Istanbul” programme allows eligible passengers with layovers from 6 to 24 hours to take free guided city tours, with hotel accommodation options available for extended transit times. 

Connectivity to Uzbekistan remains strong, with frequent services to Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Urgench, further supported by domestic rail links within the country.

Speaking at the gathering, António Buscardini, Tourism Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Benelux, described the country as undergoing “one of the most dynamic tourism transformations in the world,” evolving from a mainly Silk Road-focused destination into a modern international tourism player. “What always strikes me is the extraordinary hospitality of the Uzbek people. There is a warmth and generosity that travellers immediately feel,” he added.

Participants at the event converged on a shared message: Uzbekistan is entering a new phase of international tourism growth, with the Benelux region positioned as an important focus in its efforts to attract more European travellers.

Against this backdrop, the Tashkent International Tourism Fair “Tourism on the Silk Road,” set to take place this autumn, will serve as a major regional platform for networking, cooperation and exploring new tourism routes across Uzbekistan and Central Asia, further strengthening the country’s position as a growing tourism hub in the region.

As Uzbekistan evolves while preserving its traditions, its tourism offer is becoming a mix of heritage and modern experiences. Its growing visibility in Europe and stronger links with major international hubs show its ambition to become a leading global destination.

L’article Uzbekistan showcases tourism ambitions in Brussels as it targets 20 million visitors by 2030 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The proposed financial penalty came in an announcement made on 26 May 2026, after an FAA audit into the Sea-Tac-headquartered airline and a series of alleged incidents that took place over the year from early 2024 to early 2025.

“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $165,000 civil penalty against Alaska Airlines for allegedly allowing intoxicated passengers to board flights,” the administration statement said, going on to note: “FAA regulations prohibit airlines from allowing anyone who appears to be intoxicated to board an aircraft. The alleged incidents occurred on 11 flights between February 2024 and February 2025.”

@tonyveraveniceowl Alaska airlines passenger denied boarding too much too Drink at LAX Airport #Alaskaairlines #LAXAIRPORTPOLICE #LAXairportpolice #deniedboarding #LAXairport #flying #cops #police ♬ original sound – Tonyvera TVNEWS

Alaska Airlines now benefits from 30 days after receiving the FAA’s enforcement letter to decide on and make a response to the agency.

The carrier released remarks to press highlighting that it had fully cooperated with the agency during the audit and had already implemented a response to the agency’s feedback, including making changes to the way it trains staff.

“Since the FAA shared these concerns with us over a year ago, we made meaningful changes to ensure compliance with the FAA’s expectations – ‌including ⁠enhanced training for all flight attendants and customer service agents,” Alaska said in its release. “We respect the results of the FAA’s audit and are confident in the changes that have been ⁠in place for the last year to ensure our shared standards are being met,” the carrier added.

At the time of writing, the airline had not yet confirmed whether or not it would be issuing any legal challenge to the fine within the one-month time frame.

Alaska’s stock value was not significantly affected by the FAA announcement, with the fine viewed as relatively minor compared to larger macroeconomic concerns such as the current oil crisis.

Alaska is not the only airline to receive penalty notices related to alcohol and drug violations from the FAA recently. In fact, it should perhaps consider itself lucky, as its forfeit is lower than that of some rivals. In April, the agency proposed a $304,000-fine (approximately €262,000) for Southwest Airlines and $255,000 (around €220,000) for American Airlines, with both accused of failing to carry out follow-ups to employee drug and alcohol tests. A range of staff are subject to the intoxication testing regime, including aircraft mechanics, flight crew members, and pilots.

L’article FAA proposes $165,000 fine for Alaska Airlines over drink and drug violations est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

European carriers are increasingly targeting Tanzania as demand grows for adventure tourism and nature-focused travel. New routes are expected to reduce travel times and limit the number of stopovers previously required for visitors heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport, the main gateway for climbers and safari travellers.

Brussels Airlines has added Kilimanjaro to its African network, strengthening connections between Europe and East Africa through its Brussels hub. The airline said the expansion is part of its broader strategy to grow its long-haul presence on the continent, offering more streamlined access for European passengers heading to Tanzania. “Tanzania is a top destination for safaris, and we’re proud to contribute to the local economy by connecting Kilimanjaro to Brussels and beyond,” Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, Brussels Airlines. 

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Brussels Airport (@brusselsairport)

Italian carrier Neos Air is also set to launch seasonal direct flights between Milan Malpensa and Kilimanjaro from 14 July to 20 October 2026, before continuing to Zanzibar. The new route will provide travellers from southern Europe with more non-stop connections to Tanzania, as demand grows for itineraries combining safari experiences, beach holidays, trekking and climbs of Kilimanjaro.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Neos Air (@neosair)

Looking further ahead, Air Tanzania is preparing to enter the European market with a new long-haul link. The airline plans to launch direct flights between London Gatwick and Kilimanjaro International Airport in July 2027, operating at least three times per week. The carrier also intends to connect the UK with Zanzibar, positioning the route as part of a broader expansion aimed at attracting both leisure and diaspora travel between Britain and Tanzania.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от AviationSource (@avsourcelive)

For many European travellers, reaching Kilimanjaro has traditionally required multiple connections through hubs in the Middle East or Africa. The addition of more direct services from airlines based in Europe — and now from Tanzania itself — signals a shift toward simpler, more time-efficient travel options.

The improved flight connections to Kilimanjaro are also expected to boost access to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park. The region is home to the annual Great Migration, when more than 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra cross the plains. 

Alongside wildlife highlights, Mount Kilimanjaro, a UNESCO World Heritage site, continues to draw tens of thousands of trekkers each year, with popular routes such as Machame and Marangu offering different approaches to the summit experience.

The improved connectivity is also expected to benefit Tanzania’s tourism economy. The Kilimanjaro region supports a wide network of guides, porters, hotels and safari operators, and Mount Kilimanjaro remains one of Africa’s most visited natural landmarks, drawing climbers from around the world.

L’article Kilimanjaro gets more direct flights from Europe as airlines expand Tanzania routes est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.