Air France is France’s flag carrier and a member of the Air France–KLM group, based at Tremblay-en-France. It operates as a major European airline. Current news highlights global disruptions and industry shifts affecting travel and aviation.
The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has reached at least 2,344 confirmed cases with 37 deaths recorded in 24 hours, and WHO modelling has said the true toll could be two to four times higher. Cases have spread to multiple provinces and to Uganda while strikes, attacks on clinics and funding shortfalls are hampering the response.
United and Delta have announced new paid options that remove middle seats in select rows and unbundle premium fares. United will sell an Economy Plus row without a middle-seat on its incoming A321XLRs later this year, and Delta has expanded "Basic" fares into First, Premium Select and Delta One for some routes starting September.
The Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo has intensified, with cases rising and deaths increasing. Health workers are striking over unpaid salaries, while international partners warn the official figures may undercount the true toll. Trials for treatments have begun, and vaccination efforts remain limited by the absence of a vaccine for this strain.
UK authorities are coordinating with airlines and remaining refineries to safeguard jet fuel supply amid rising costs tied to the Iran war and disruption in Middle East shipping routes. Government and industry sources say airlines continue normal operations, but more flexibility and gear-up in stock management are under way as prices remain volatile.
A Paris Court of Appeal has ruled Air France and Airbus liable for the 2009 AF447 crash, imposing the maximum corporate-manslaughter fines of €225,000 on each company. Relatives of victims describe the ruling as a milestone in a 17-year legal battle; prosecutors anticipate further appeals, prolonging the process.
Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines remains under scrutiny as a safety audit probes pilot concerns about flying near conflict zones and wage-driven incentives. Regulators say compliance is intact, while pilots flag risks amid broader regional turbulence.
Airlines are expanding premium cabins and adding routes to host World Cup cities as bookings rise in June and July. United, Delta and others are boosting capacity with larger aircraft and special routes, while some markets see premium pricing and strategic network adjustments.
Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National and Dulles International face intermittent flight suspensions during America 250 events, with the MWAA warning that airspace closures could affect schedules through late summer. Travelers are urged to monitor updates and contact airlines for changes.
A Delta passenger has been indicted for interfering with flight crew after an in-flight incident on May 9, prompting a mid-air diversion. The flight attendant reported being slapped as service was being conducted; the plane landed in Atlanta where the suspect was detained and is awaiting trial.
A patient at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is being tested for Ebola. Public Health Scotland says there are no confirmed cases in Scotland, and UK authorities are coordinating with international partners as they monitor evolving outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda.