UK Aviation News

Supersonic bombers begin to arrive at RAF Fairford as Iran bombing intensifies United States Air Force (USAF) B1-B supersonic bombers have started to arrive at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise and the bombing on Iran by the US intensifies. The first aircraft arrived this evening with sources saying up to 6 aircraft are expected during the deployment. The Rockwell B-1B Lancer is one of the United States’ primary long-range strategic bombers, designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads at high speed over intercontinental distances.

Supersonic bombers begin to arrive at RAF Fairford as Iran bombing intensifies

United States Air Force (USAF) B1-B supersonic bombers have started to arrive at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise and the bombing on Iran by the US intensifies. The first…

European Cargo to establish cargo base at Teesside Airport Cargo flights to China are set to begin from Teesside International Airport after a landmark agreement secured a major new long-haul freight link, delivering a significant boost to regional trade and international connectivity. UK-based global air freight carrier European Cargo has confirmed it will establish a new operational base at Teesside Airport Business Park in a multi-million-pound investment designed to strengthen the airport’s role as a key logistics gateway for the North of England.

European Cargo to establish cargo base at Teesside Airport

Cargo flights to China are set to begin from Teesside International Airport after a landmark agreement secured a major new long-haul freight link, delivering a significant boost to regional trade and international connectivity. UK-based…

UK–Middle East Flights Face Widespread Disruption as Regional Airspace Closures Continue The aviation analytics firm Cirium has reviewed scheduled flights and cancellation data between the UK and the Middle East, revealing widespread disruption as airspace closures continue across parts of the region. Despite the ongoing situation, 74 flights are scheduled to depart from the UK to Middle Eastern destinations today (2 March), representing 24,705 seats. However, cancellation rates vary significantly by country, with some routes effectively suspended.

UK–Middle East Flights Face Widespread Disruption as Regional Airspace Closures Continue

The aviation analytics firm Cirium has reviewed scheduled flights and cancellation data between the UK and the Middle East, revealing widespread disruption as airspace closures continue across parts of the…

Loganair opens winter 2026/27 schedule with fares from £54 one-way Loganair has unveiled its 2026/27 winter schedule, with flights now on sale through to March 2027 as the carrier looks to capitalise on strong seasonal demand across its regional network. Passengers booking early will have access to the airline’s lowest fares, with the UK’s leading regional airline encouraging customers to secure travel plans in advance of what is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year, particularly around Christmas and New Year.

Loganair opens winter 2026/27 schedule with fares from £54 one-way

Loganair has unveiled its 2026/27 winter schedule, with flights now on sale through to March 2027 as the carrier looks to capitalise on strong seasonal demand across its regional network. Passengers booking early will have access…

UK flights to Middle East suspended as US launches attacks on Iran Flights from the UK to key middle-east airports such as Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been suspended until further notice after the US launched attacks on Iran this morning prompting retaliations by Iran against many of the Gulf States. Retaliatory strikes by Iran have so far seen missiles attacks on Israel, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria.

UK flights to Middle East suspended as US launches attacks on Iran

Flights from the UK to key middle-east airports such as Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been suspended until further notice after the US launched attacks on Iran this morning prompting retaliations by Iran against many of the Gulf…

IAG posts record results as British Airways plans Boeing 787 expansion at Gatwick International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways and Aer Lingus, has reported record financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, highlighting sustained demand for air travel and setting out ambitious fleet and network plans - including the deployment of new Boeing 787s at London Gatwick. The group, which also owns Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL, recorded revenues of €33.2 billion for the year, up 3.5 per cent, while operating profit before exceptional items reached €5.0 billion.

IAG posts record results as British Airways plans Boeing 787 expansion at Gatwick

International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways and Aer Lingus, has reported record financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, highlighting sustained demand for air travel and…

Airlines UK Annual Dinner 2026: Industry Champions Growth but Warns on Rising Costs The UK’s airline industry has hailed Government backing for expansion and sustainability while warning that rising costs risk undermining the nation’s global competitiveness. Speaking at the Airlines UK Annual Dinner 2026, Chair, Baroness Liz Sugg welcomed strong ministerial support for growth, airspace modernisation, airport expansion and the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), but cautioned against policies that could place an “unsustainable cost base” on carriers.

Airlines UK Annual Dinner 2026: Industry Champions Growth but Warns on Rising Costs

The UK’s airline industry has hailed Government backing for expansion and sustainability while warning that rising costs risk undermining the nation’s global competitiveness. Speaking at the Airlines UK Annual…

Dublin based ACIA Delivers Third ATR 72-600 to PNG Air ACIA Aero Leasing has delivered a third ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft to PNG Air, further strengthening the Papua New Guinean carrier’s domestic fleet. The regional aircraft leasing specialist confirmed that the latest turboprop has been placed on lease with PNG Air, marking another milestone in the growing relationship between the two companies. The delivery forms part of the airline’s wider fleet renewal and expansion strategy aimed at enhancing connectivity across Papua New Guinea’s challenging and geographically diverse landscape.

Dublin based ACIA Delivers Third ATR 72-600 to PNG Air

ACIA Aero Leasing has delivered a third ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft to PNG Air, further strengthening the Papua New Guinean carrier’s domestic fleet. The regional aircraft leasing specialist confirmed that the latest turboprop has been…

Evolito to Develop Electric Wheel Taxi System with Airbus and UK Government Support Oxfordshire based Evolito Limited has been selected to develop a cutting-edge electric wheel taxi system as part of a UK-backed aerospace consortium, in a move aimed at reducing emissions and operating costs during aircraft ground operations. The initiative, known as Project SONATA (System Optimisation of Non-Propulsive Energy in Aircraft Taxi Technologies and Architectures), brings together major industry and research partners including Airbus, the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Innovate UK, the University of Southampton, Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, Magnomatics, Drive System Design and DePe Gear.

Evolito to Develop Electric Wheel Taxi System with Airbus and UK Government Support

Oxfordshire based Evolito Limited has been selected to develop a cutting-edge electric wheel taxi system as part of a UK-backed aerospace consortium, in a move aimed at reducing emissions and operating costs during…

Finnish Air Force F-18 confirmed as first aircraft for RIAT 2026 The first aircraft for this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo has been revealed, with a Finnish Air Force F-18 set to take part in the flying display at RAF Fairford. With less than six months to go until the Gloucestershire air base is transformed into a world-renowned aviation showcase, organisers have confirmed the Finnish Hornet as the opening participant for RIAT 2026.

Finnish Air Force F-18 confirmed as first aircraft for RIAT 2026

The first aircraft for this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo has been revealed, with a Finnish Air Force F-18 set to take part in the flying display at RAF Fairford. With less than six months to go until the Gloucestershire…

Turkish Airlines unveils special livery 500th aircraft as fleet passes major milestone Turkish Airlines has marked a significant milestone in its long history with the unveiling of its 500th aircraft, a landmark moment for the carrier that began operations in 1933 with just five aircraft. The new addition to the fleet, an Airbus A350 named TK Family, joined the airline at the end of 2025 and was formally presented during a special ceremony at Istanbul Airport.

Turkish Airlines unveils special livery 500th aircraft as fleet passes major milestone

Turkish Airlines has marked a significant milestone in its long history with the unveiling of its 500th aircraft, a landmark moment for the carrier that began operations in 1933 with just five aircraft. The new…

Loganair Expands Jersey Hub with Four New Direct Routes, Including Paris Debut Regional carrier expands island network with new UK, Irish and French services for summer 2026 Loganair has unveiled plans to strengthen connectivity from Jersey with the launch of four new direct routes to Norwich, East Midlands Airport, Dublin and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The services, which go on sale today, represent a significant expansion of the airline’s presence on the island and will provide enhanced access to key regional, business and leisure destinations across the UK and Europe.

Loganair Expands Jersey Hub with Four New Direct Routes, Including Paris Debut

Regional carrier expands island network with new UK, Irish and French services for summer 2026 Loganair has unveiled plans to strengthen connectivity from Jersey with the launch of four new direct routes to Norwich,…

Air Canada becomes latest A350 customer as it upgrades long-haul fleet Canadian flag carrier, Air Canada has disclosed a form order for eight Airbus A350-1000 wide body airlines making it the latest customer for the popular long range aircraft. Air Canada's current long haul fleet is primarily made up of rBoeing 777 and 787 aircraft but the new order marks a pivotal moment in the airlines fleet upgrade plans. The lower operating costs of the A350-1000 will give Air Canada a competitive advantage on long-haul routes, especially transatlantic routes between Canada and Europe and with a range of up to 9,000 nautical miles it will also be central to the airlines route expansion plans.

Air Canada becomes latest A350 customer as it upgrades long-haul fleet

Canadian flag carrier, Air Canada has disclosed a form order for eight Airbus A350-1000 wide body airlines making it the latest customer for the popular long range aircraft. Air Canada's current long haul fleet is primarily…

Airbus kicks off 2026 with 19 aircraft deliveries European OEM Airbus has made a strong start to 2026 delivering 19 aircraft to 15 customers in Janurary and gained orders for 49 aircraft. As usual, single-aisle aircraft dominated the deliveries with 15 A320neo family aircraft delivered, including 10 A321neos and five A320neos going to customers including Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air and Aer Lingus. Three Airbus A220-300s were also delivered to Air France, Air Canada and Breeze Airways.

Airbus kicks off 2026 with 19 aircraft deliveries

European OEM Airbus has made a strong start to 2026 delivering 19 aircraft to 15 customers in Janurary and gained orders for 49 aircraft. As usual, single-aisle aircraft dominated the deliveries with 15 A320neo family aircraft delivered, including…

New Chief Inspector of Air Accidents appointed at AAIB The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), Britains air accident investigators, has appointed Robert Balls as the new Chief of Air Accidents. He takes over the role with immediate effect replacing Crispin Orr, who had been in the role for nine years. Rob joined the AAIB as an inspector specialising in Engineering in 2020 before becoming a principal investigator in 2024. Before his role at the AAIB he was in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an officer.

New Chief Inspector of Air Accidents appointed at AAIB

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), Britains air accident investigators, has appointed Robert Balls as the new Chief of Air Accidents. He takes over the role with immediate effect replacing Crispin Orr, who had been in the role for…

British Airways Helicopters: A Pioneering Chapter in UK Rotary Aviation British Airways Helicopters occupies a unique place in the annals of UK aviation history. Although the company ceased operations nearly four decades ago, its role in shaping helicopter services — from scheduled passenger flights to offshore oil support — remains a fascinating chapter in British civil aviation. Origins and Early Evolution The story begins with British European Airways (BEA), which experimented with rotary-wing aircraft shortly after the Second World War.

British Airways Helicopters: A Pioneering Chapter in UK Rotary Aviation

British Airways Helicopters occupies a unique place in the annals of UK aviation history. Although the company ceased operations nearly four decades ago, its role in shaping helicopter services — from scheduled passenger…

Cardiff Airport in court over £205m Welsh Government Subsidy Welsh Government owned Cardiff Airport (CWL/EGFF) is locked in a Tribunal, which started today, where it must defend the £205.2 million subsidy it received from the Welsh Labour Government in April 2025. The case has been brought by regional rival Bristol Airport (BRS/EGGD) which says the size of the subsidy amounts to a breach of competition laws resulting in carriers potentially being tempted away from Bristol.

Cardiff Airport in court over £205m Welsh Government Subsidy

Welsh Government owned Cardiff Airport (CWL/EGFF) is locked in a Tribunal, which started today, where it must defend the £205.2 million subsidy it received from the Welsh Labour Government in April 2025. The case has been brought by…

CAA Data shows most complained about UK airlines Data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has unveiled the most complained about airlines operating from the UK and top of the list may, or may not surprise you. In the months from Mid 2024 to Spring 2025 the CAA says that it received over 43,000 complaints about UK airlines ranging from denied boarding and late operations through to lost luggage.

CAA Data shows most complained about UK airlines

Data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has unveiled the most complained about airlines operating from the UK and top of the list may, or may not surprise you. In the months from Mid 2024 to Spring 2025 the CAA says that it received over 43,000…

Boeing and Airbus in line for large order from Saudia According to a report in Bloomberg, Saudia Airlines is in talks with both Boeing and Airbus about future aircraft purchases which could result in an order totaling 150 aircraft. Boeing is likely to be the recipient of the widebody orders while the single-aisle A320neo family is likely to be the Airbus component, probably A321neos. Talks are said to be at an early stage but will include both passenger and cargo aircraft to support Saudia Arabia's ambitious 

Boeing and Airbus in line for large order from Saudia

According to a report in Bloomberg, Saudia Airlines is in talks with both Boeing and Airbus about future aircraft purchases which could result in an order totaling 150 aircraft. Boeing is likely to be the recipient of the widebody orders while…

Air Cambodia places their largest ever Single-aisle order Southeast Asian carrier Air Cambodia has placed its largest ever single-aisle airliner order with US OEM Boeing for up to 20 737 Max airliners. The deal was announced at the Singapore Airshow and consisted of a firm order for 737 Max8 jets and options for a further 10. Air Cambodia will utilise the performance of the 737 Max 8 to expand its route network as well as improving passenger comfort and service.

Air Cambodia places their largest ever Single-aisle order

Southeast Asian carrier Air Cambodia has placed its largest ever single-aisle airliner order with US OEM Boeing for up to 20 737 Max airliners. The deal was announced at the Singapore Airshow and consisted of a firm order for 737 Max8 jets…

Police on scene of Cirrus crash near Rochdale Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they attending the scene of a light aircraft crash in Littleborough near Rochdale. The Cirrus SR20 is understood to have departed Birmingham earlier this morning before coming down around 11am this morning. The aircraft carries a ballistic recovery system known as CAPS and that appears to have been deployed in the incident but images on social media show the parachute caught in power lines.

Police on scene of Cirrus crash near Rochdale

AGS Airports secures £745 million refinancing as AIB joins lending syndicate AGS Airports has completed a £745 million refinancing package, strengthening its long-term financial position and supporting continued investment across its UK airport portfolio. The refinancing, finalised in December 2025, sees AIB join the banking syndicate following a series of primary and secondary market transactions. The operator of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports collectively handles more than 11 million passengers a year and plays a key role in regional connectivity across Scotland and southern England.

AGS Airports secures £745 million refinancing as AIB joins lending syndicate

AGS Airports has completed a £745 million refinancing package, strengthening its long-term financial position and supporting continued investment across its UK airport portfolio. The refinancing, finalised in December…

New Travel Trends Revealed in The Great British Holiday Audit 2026 The annual Great British Holiday Audit for 2026, recently released by easyJet and easyJet Holidays, has revealed a fascinating shift in how British travellers will plan and experience their holidays over the coming year. The latest findings, based on a survey of 2,000 British holidaymakers, show that the future of travel is being shaped by cultural, technological, and generational changes.

New Travel Trends Revealed in The Great British Holiday Audit 2026

The annual Great British Holiday Audit for 2026, recently released by easyJet and easyJet Holidays, has revealed a fascinating shift in how British travellers will plan and experience their holidays over the coming year. The latest…

Aer Lingus confirms it is ceasing long-haul operations at Manchester Airport Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus (EI/EIN) has confirmed it is ceasing long-haul operations from Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC)from the 31st of March 2026, with the New York service ending earlier in late February. The transatlantic flights to New York, Orlando and Barbados are operated by Aer Lingus UK (EH/EUK), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aer Lingus which was set up specifically for the Manchester long-haul operations.

Aer Lingus confirms it is ceasing long-haul operations at Manchester Airport

Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus (EI/EIN) has confirmed it is ceasing long-haul operations from Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC)from the 31st of March 2026, with the New York service ending earlier in late February. The…

The wheels are falling off British Airways, literally!

A British Airways (BA/BAW) flight from Las Vegas to London Heathrow suffered a bizarre event yesterday when one of the main wheels separated from the aircraft after departing Las Vegas and whilst the gear was retracting. In video, widely…

Eurowings and Wizz Air Bolster Gatwick Presence in Strategic Shift London Gatwick (LGW/EGKK) has seen a significant boost to its European and medium-haul network this week as airlines finalise their summer 2026 schedules. The announcements, led by the Lufthansa Group and Wizz Air, underscore a growing trend of carriers pivoting towards Gatwick to secure growth that remains elusive at a slot-constrained Heathrow. Eurowings Moves Operations South In the most notable move of the week, German carrier Eurowings has confirmed it will relocate a substantial portion of its London flying from Heathrow to Gatwick starting 29 March 2026.

Eurowings and Wizz Air Bolster Gatwick Presence in Strategic Shift

London Gatwick (LGW/EGKK) has seen a significant boost to its European and medium-haul network this week as airlines finalise their summer 2026 schedules. The announcements, led by the Lufthansa Group and Wizz Air, underscore a…

Delta Airlines orders 31 additional Airbus widebody airliners US carrier Delta Airlines has placed an order with Airbus for 31 additional widebody airlines as it looks to grow its fleet. The order consists of 16 A330-900s and 15 A360-900s which will serve Delta's expanding long-haul markets. Delta's fleet of all Airbus aircraft ranges from the single aisle A220 and A320 family of aircraft through to the A350-1000 and it has a backlog with the European OEM of 200 aircraft.

Delta Airlines orders 31 additional Airbus widebody airliners

US carrier Delta Airlines has placed an order with Airbus for 31 additional widebody airlines as it looks to grow its fleet. The order consists of 16 A330-900s and 15 A360-900s which will serve Delta's expanding long-haul markets.…

UPS brings forward retirement of its MD11 fleet in light of Louisville crash Global parcel and logistics giant UPS has confirmed it will retire all of its entire 27 strong fleet of McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) MD11s replacing them with the incoming Boeing 767 Freighters, 15 of which they expect to have delivered this year. All MD11s have been grounded since the 8th November following a fatal crash in Louisville, Kentucky last November which saw the No1 engine detach from the aircraft due to structural failure of the pylon.

UPS brings forward retirement of its MD11 fleet in light of Louisville crash

Global parcel and logistics giant UPS has confirmed it will retire all of its entire 27 strong fleet of McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) MD11s replacing them with the incoming Boeing 767 Freighters, 15 of which they expect to…

Storm Chandra causes flight disruption across UK with over 40 flights cancelled The latest named storm to hit the UK, Storm Chandra, was causing significant disruption at UK airports this morning with strong winds and flooding affecting many areas. According to data from viation analytics firm Cirium, as of 9am this morning 43 flights had been cancelled from UK airports, including 4 that were due to depart across the Atlantic to the US.

Storm Chandra causes flight disruption across UK with over 40 flights cancelled

The latest named storm to hit the UK, Storm Chandra, was causing significant disruption at UK airports this morning with strong winds and flooding affecting many areas. According to data from viation analytics…

Airbus Helicopters posts strong order growth and market gains in 2025 Airbus Helicopters recorded a robust performance in 2025, securing 544 gross orders (536 net) from 205 customers across 50 countries, underlining continued growth across its civil, parapublic and military portfolios. The manufacturer delivered 392 helicopters during the year and captured a 51% share of the global civil and parapublic market, while its military market share rose to 28%. Order intake in unit terms increased by nearly 20% year-on-year, reflecting strong demand across all weight categories.

Airbus Helicopters posts strong order growth and market gains in 2025

Airbus Helicopters recorded a robust performance in 2025, securing 544 gross orders (536 net) from 205 customers across 50 countries, underlining continued growth across its civil, parapublic and military portfolios. The…