During the week of April 21 to April 27, 2025, Istanbul Airport claimed the title of Europe’s busiest airport, a feat largely attributed to a recent major upgrade in its runway operations. Data released by The European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) revealed that the airport managed an average of 1,482 flights per day, outpacing other leading European airports such as Amsterdam Schiphol and London Heathrow.

This surge in activity followed the introduction of Europe’s first triple independent runway system on April 17, 2025. This innovative setup allows three runways to be used simultaneously for takeoffs and landings, boosting the airport’s hourly flight capacity from 120 to 148 movements. The new system not only reduces aircraft waiting times and delays but also cuts down on taxiing times, helping to lower carbon emissions and promote more environmentally friendly operations.

The implementation of this advanced runway configuration was a coordinated effort involving multiple stakeholders, including İGA Istanbul Airport, the State Airports Authority (DHMI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), Turkish Airlines, and EUROCONTROL. To prepare for this change, over 500 air traffic controllers completed more than 4,500 hours of intensive training focused on managing the new airspace layout safely and efficiently.

The system is supported by state-of-the-art radar technology and integrated with Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) tools, which enhance runway utilization and improve flight scheduling accuracy.

The launch event featured a symbolic simultaneous takeoff of three Turkish Airlines flights, attended by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, who emphasized the strategic significance of this development in elevating Istanbul Airport’s global standing. Turkish Airlines Chairman Prof. Ahmet Bolat also praised the upgrade, highlighting its potential to improve flight punctuality and support the airline’s expansion plans.

This operational advancement aligns with Istanbul Airport’s long-term goal of accommodating up to 200 million passengers annually. In 2024, the airport already served around 80 million travelers, making it one of Europe’s busiest hubs after London Heathrow. The increased runway capacity is expected to enhance both passenger and cargo throughput, stimulate tourism and business travel, and generate substantial economic benefits. Additionally, the environmental improvements resulting from reduced fuel consumption and emissions underscore the airport’s commitment to sustainable growth.

The enhanced efficiency at Istanbul Airport is also anticipated to have positive ripple effects across European airspace by easing congestion and improving overall traffic flow. This milestone sets a new standard for airport operations and positions Istanbul as a leading example of innovation in the global aviation industry.

In essence, Istanbul Airport’s emergence as Europe’s busiest airport during this period is closely linked to the successful deployment of its pioneering triple independent runway system, which has significantly expanded its operational capacity, improved passenger experience, and reinforced its role as a major international aviation hub.

IndiGo Airlines is making bold moves to strengthen its position in the aviation sector by investing in a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, while ramping up ownership of its aircraft fleet in a strategy aimed at long-term growth and resilience.

At the airline's recent annual general meeting, leadership disclosed plans to increase the share of aircraft that IndiGo owns or holds on finance leases to between 30 and 40 percent by 2030—a significant jump from the current 16.5 percent. Presently, IndiGo operates 416 aircraft, with 69 owned or finance-leased, a figure that has doubled in just the past year as the airline expands across both domestic and international routes.

This shift toward higher fleet ownership is driven by the airline's goal to enhance capital efficiency, mitigate supply chain risks, and lower operating costs in the long run. Unlike dry leasing, which requires aircraft to be returned at lease end, owning aircraft gives IndiGo greater control over its assets and provides stability crucial for executing long-term network plans. The airline currently has an aircraft backlog of 920 orders and aims to grow its fleet to about 600 aircraft by the end of the decade.

Financially, IndiGo is on solid footing. For fiscal year 2025, the airline posted a net profit of ₹7,258 crore along with substantial free cash reserves of ₹33,150 crore. Despite some shareholder calls for higher dividends, IndiGo’s leadership emphasized that current priorities lie in reinvesting profits into growth initiatives such as fleet expansion, infrastructure development, and enhancing customer experience through services like cargo, digital innovations, loyalty programs, and in-flight upgrades.

One of the most notable projects is the new MRO facility underway in Bengaluru, with CEO Pieter Elbers confirming a planned ₹1,000 crore investment over two years. Initially focused on servicing IndiGo’s own fleet, the facility has the potential to expand to offer maintenance services to other carriers, reflecting IndiGo’s vision to become a key player in India’s aviation services industry.

Internationally, IndiGo is ramping up aircraft deliveries at approximately one per week, underscoring ambitions to increase market share, especially in under-penetrated regions like Europe. New premium offerings such as IndiGo Stretch and a rapidly growing loyalty program—now with over four million members are part of the carrier’s efforts to attract broader customer segments. The airline continues to bolster its digital presence, with a third of bookings made via online platforms, prioritizing enhanced digital engagement and ancillary revenue streams.

Chairman Vikram Mehta pointed out that despite facing geopolitical challenges and rising costs, India’s air travel demand remains robust, underpinned by sustained economic growth. This resilience has led IndiGo to press ahead with its investment-focused strategy, prioritizing long-term market leadership and competitiveness over short-term caution.

With a growing fleet under ownership, a state-of-the-art MRO facility in Bengaluru, and ongoing advancements in service and technology, IndiGo is forging a path to maintain its dominant position in India and to broaden its footprint internationally.

In a move set to redefine loyalty benefits for frequent flyers worldwide, Oman Air and Turkish Airlines have unveiled a strategic partnership between their Frequent Flyer Programmes (FFP). This collaboration aims to enrich the travel experience by broadening mileage earning opportunities and expanding network access for members of both airlines.

Effective from August 1, 2025, members of Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles programme, which boasts over 21 million members, can now earn miles when flying to Oman’s key destinations — Muscat, Salalah, and Khasab — as well as across the entire Oman Air network. Conversely, Oman Air’s Sindbad loyalty programme members will gain the advantage of earning miles across the extensive Turkish Airlines network, spanning Türkiye, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.

Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, highlighted the significance of this alliance: “This latest loyalty agreement, part of our ongoing partnership, is a meaningful step in expanding the value of our Sindbad programme and strengthening Oman Air’s international reach. We look forward to offering our guests even more rewarding travel experiences around the world.”

Echoing this enthusiasm, Ahmet Olmustur, Chief Commercial Officer at Turkish Airlines, remarked, “Miles&Smiles becomes even more accessible with this agreement. This partnership opens doors for our leisure and business travelers, simplifying their global journeys and making each trip a remarkable story.”

This partnership not only strengthens the global footprint of both airlines but also exemplifies their commitment to delivering enhanced value and seamless connectivity to their loyal customers worldwide.

In a proactive safety measure, Qatar Airways has issued a travel advisory banning passengers from carrying or checking in certain models of Anker power banks. This decision follows a recent recall triggered by concerns over potential fire and burn hazards linked to defective lithium-ion batteries.

The affected Anker models include those recalled in June 2025: Power Banks with model numbers A1647, A1652, A1681, A1689, A1257, as well as the popular Anker PowerCore 10000. Additionally, models A1642, A1647, and A1652 recalled in October 2024 are also prohibited on flights.

Qatar Airways has emphasized the importance of passenger vigilance, stating, "We kindly ask all passengers to verify any Anker power banks in their possession prior to travel. If your device is part of the recall, it is prohibited from being brought onboard."

The recall, issued last month by Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), highlights risks of internal short circuits that could cause overheating and potentially ignite fires. In response, the Ministry is coordinating with dealers to offer those affected a free replacement, gift voucher, or a refund for the purchase price.

This ban aligns with broader safety efforts across the aviation industry to prevent incidents caused by malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries. Passengers are urged to check their devices carefully and comply with the advisory to ensure safe travel.

Travelers planning flights with Qatar Airways should take prompt action to confirm whether their Anker power banks fall under the affected models and avoid bringing them onboard to avoid inconvenience and ensure safety throughout their journey.

In a strategic move to broaden its global footprint, Turkish Airlines has submitted a binding offer to acquire a minority stake in the Spanish carrier Air Europa. This potential partnership is part of Turkish Airlines’ ambitious plan to strengthen its presence across Latin America, leveraging Air Europa’s established networks.

According to a statement from Turkish Airlines, the investment aligns with its long-term growth strategy outlined in the airline’s 2033 vision. "Following comprehensive feasibility studies, the investment has been assessed as consistent with our objectives for sustainable value creation," the airline noted.

By joining forces with Air Europa, Turkish Airlines aims to tap into new revenue streams and enhance operational diversity within both passenger and cargo sectors. Air Europa’s robust presence in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin American markets offers Turkish Airlines a strategic gateway to these key regions.

Financial terms of the proposed stake remain undisclosed, leaving industry watchers eager to learn more about the deal’s implications for the competitive landscape in international aviation.

This initiative underscores Turkish Airlines’ commitment to expanding its global reach while deepening its regional engagement across emerging markets.

In a significant legal dispute, British Airways (BA), the UK-based airline, has sued the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), the operator of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), seeking compensation exceeding $290,000. The lawsuit stems from a June 2022 incident in which a British Airways Airbus A380 superjumbo was severely damaged due to malfunctioning ground power equipment at the airport.

The affected aircraft, a nine-year-old Airbus A380 registered G-XLEL, had just completed a transatlantic flight from London Heathrow to Boston on June 8, 2022. Upon arrival, it was assigned a gate where it would normally be connected to the airport's power supply through the jetbridge. However, on this occasion, the jetbridge's power unit was out of service, requiring the use of a mobile Ground Power Unit (GPU) instead.

British Airways alleges that this replacement GPU malfunctioned, causing extensive electrical damage to multiple systems on the aircraft.

This unexpected damage forced British Airways to cancel the aircraft’s return flight to London immediately, stranding hundreds of passengers and crew in Boston. The airline faced complex logistics for repairs, as it lacked local maintenance contracts capable of handling A380 electrical system repairs in Boston. Critical aircraft components were removed and flown back to London for assessment and repair before the aircraft itself was ferried empty to London for further servicing. Consequently, the aircraft was grounded for several weeks.

The aircraft in question was recently returned to service in November 2021 after pandemic-related storage, only to be taken out of operation again due to this incident. British Airways filed the lawsuit exactly three years and one day after the incident, claiming at least $293,000 in damages and associated operational costs. Alongside Massport, the lawsuit also named the manufacturer of the faulty GPU.

While details remain confidential, an out-of-court settlement was reached shortly after the lawsuit was served, bringing the dispute to a close without a public trial.

British Airways currently operates a fleet of 12 Airbus A380 aircraft, with G-XLEL among the newer members, delivered in 2016. The airline is planning an extensive refurbishment program for its A380 fleet, expected to commence later this year. The upgrade will introduce new First Class suites, the latest Club World business class seats, and refreshed World Traveller cabins, reducing total seat capacity to favor a more premium travel experience. The first of these refurbished aircraft is projected to return to service by mid-2026.

This incident underscores the critical importance of reliable airport ground support equipment and highlights the operational challenges airlines face when unexpected technical issues arise far from their maintenance bases. The settlement also reflects the serious financial and logistical implications such equipment failures can have on international air carriers.