Flag carrier of Spain; part of IAG; connects Madrid with a global network
The pope’s Iberia charter has been grounded by a maintenance issue while returning from Spain. King Felipe VI personally escorts Pope Leo XIV to a different plane on the Canary Islands airstrip; the pope’s trip to Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands continues to draw attention to migration and religious outreach.
Aer Lingus has announced a transformation plan to cut costs and 6% of capacity, targeting a 12-15% operating margin as fuel costs and macro challenges weigh on earnings. The carrier will cut 290 head office jobs plus 70 pilot and 140 cabin roles, removing several unprofitable routes, with more changes expected through 2027.
Meliá has announced it is withdrawing from Cuba, effective Friday, citing significant operational, legal, economic and financial difficulties amid new US sanctions. The move follows sanctions targeting Cuba’s tourism ministry and GAESA, intensifying a pre-existing crisis in the island’s tourism sector.
A total solar eclipse has swept from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland to parts of Spain and a sliver of Portugal, while much of western Europe, Canada and the northern US has seen a dramatic partial eclipse. Crowds have flocked to Spain and Iceland for minutes of totality; scientists and space agencies have run live coverage and field experiments.
WestJet flight attendants have walked off the job over pay for duties performed while the plane is on the ground. CUPE 8125 says some ground work remains unpaid, while WestJet argues credit-hour compensation covers pre- and post-flight duties. A 72-hour strike notice has expired and negotiations continue, threatening further disruption for travellers over the long weekend.
Tui has seen a sharp drop in pre-tax profits in its third quarter as fuel costs rise amid the Middle East conflict. The group reports weaker bookings and higher costs, but notes some signs of recovery in demand and continued price pressure.
A series of high-altitude eclipse observations are under way across Europe, North America and beyond. NASA-backed aircraft chase the moon’s shadow to extend totality, while airlines offer special flights and Iberia livestreams the event from Spain.