Flight Buzz
Puerto Rico Passenger Traffic Grows on Strength of International Flights
Passenger traffic at Puerto Rico’s main air hub is on the rise — with international travel leading the way.
While it’s not as big a jump as in periods, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan reported a 3.2 percent year-over-year increase in total passenger traffic in the second quarter, according to new data from Aerostar Airport Holdings (ASUR).
That growth was driven by a notable 15.2 percent surge in international arrivals and departures, underscoring Puerto Rico’s expanding global connectivity. Domestic traffic from the mainland US and USVI also grew modestly, rising by 1.7 percent over the same period.
Puerto Rico’s traffic, which has been growing steadily in the post-pandemic period, is a good barometer for the general state of the region’s travel demand.
The gains reflect Puerto Rico’s growing appeal to international travelers, alongside a steady rebound in U.S. mainland travel. Over the past year, several airlines have added new nonstop routes to San Juan from major cities in Latin America and Europe, helping broaden the destination’s reach beyond its traditionally strong North American base.
The airport continues to play a pivotal role in Puerto Rico’s tourism sector — with sustained passenger growth pointing to strong demand as the island moves deeper into the summer travel season.
By Euronews Travel with AP
Published on
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Russia on Sunday opened a regular air link between Moscow and Pyongyang, a move reflecting increasingly close ties between the two countries.
The first flight operated by Russian carrier Nordwind took off from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday, carrying over 400 passengers, and landed in North Korea’s capital around eight hours later.
Tickets for the flight were priced at 45,000 rubles ( around €480), according to Russian state media outlet TASS. It reported that authorities gave Norwind permission to fly to North Korea in July.
The airline used to carry Russians to holiday destinations across Europe, including Spain and Germany, until the EU banned Russian carriers from operating in its airspace in 2022.
Russia’s Transport Ministry said there will be one flight a month to meet demand. It may be the first regular flight between the two capital cities since the mid-1990s, according to Russian aviation blogs and follows the resumption of the 10-day Moscow to Pyongyang rail service in June.
Previously, the only direct flight between Russia and North Korea was the service from Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East, which operates three times a week.
North Korea’s tourism push
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who visited North Korea’s new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort earlier this month to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, promised to encourage Russian tourists to visit the complex.
The resort, which can accommodate nearly 20,000 people, is at the centre of Kim’s push to boost tourism to improve his country’s troubled economy.
North Korea has been slowly easing the curbs imposed during the pandemic and reopening its borders in phases. But the country hasn’t said if it will fully resume international tourism. Restrictions still largely ban foreign tourists from entering the country.
Regular flights between Russia’s eastern port city of Vladivostok and Pyongyang reopened in 2023 following a break caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Russia and North Korea have sharply expanded military and other ties in recent years, with Pyongyang supplying weapons and troops to back Russia’s military action in Ukraine.
Monday, July 28, 2025
Wizz Air, the leading Hungarian low-cost airline, has achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching 1,000 daily flights across Europe. This achievement highlights Wizz Air’s commitment to offering affordable and accessible travel options for millions of passengers every day. As one of the fastest-growing airlines in Europe, Wizz Air has expanded its reach significantly, connecting more cities and regions through its extensive network.
This major accomplishment is not just a milestone for the airline itself, but also for the broader European aviation industry. With its fleet of modern aircraft, innovative services and extensive route network, Wizz Air has cemented itself as a key player in European air travel.
Expansion of Routes and Increased Frequencies
The achievement of 1,000 daily flights reflects Wizz Air’s ongoing efforts to expand its routes and increase the frequency of its most popular services. Wizz Air has made it a priority to grow its network, especially by opening new routes that connect major European cities, regional hubs and underserved markets. For instance, the airline recently launched daily flights between Chisinau, Moldova and Bucharest, Romania, providing faster and more convenient travel options for passengers.
Such strategic route expansions help meet the demand for both business and leisure travel. By providing more flight options, Wizz Air enables passengers to travel at times that are most convenient for them, while also fostering economic growth in the regions it serves. Additionally, the airline’s commitment to increasing flight frequencies on high-demand routes ensures that travelers have greater flexibility and more choices when planning their journeys.
Beyond its existing routes, Wizz Air has also shown a keen interest in expanding into new markets, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe. With Europe’s demand for travel continuing to grow, Wizz Air’s decision to bolster its presence in these regions provides a much-needed boost for both local economies and the airline’s expanding customer base.
Fleet Modernization and Operational Efficiency
A significant contributor to Wizz Air’s ability to achieve such an extensive operational reach is its fleet modernization strategy. The airline operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with the majority of its aircraft being Airbus A320 and A321 models.
The fuel-efficient nature of these aircraft plays a crucial role in helping the airline offer competitive ticket prices without compromising on service quality. This focus on maintaining a younger fleet also ensures that Wizz Air can better manage its environmental footprint, aligning with broader industry trends toward more sustainable aviation practices. The new, fuel-efficient aircraft not only help reduce operational costs but also significantly cut down on carbon emissions, contributing to the airline’s sustainability goals.
Moreover, the efficiency of the fleet ensures that Wizz Air can maintain high levels of punctuality and reliability, which are essential factors in the airline’s ability to handle 1,000 flights per day. With advanced technology and consistent performance, the airline is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for air travel while ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.
Wizz Air’s Commitment to Sustainability
As Wizz Air celebrates the 1,000 daily flight milestone, it is also placing a strong emphasis on sustainability. In a world where environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important, Wizz Air has taken several steps to ensure its operations are as sustainable as possible.
The airline has invested heavily in its fleet, opting for aircraft that are not only more fuel-efficient but also produce fewer carbon emissions per passenger. Wizz Air’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact goes beyond just fleet efficiency. The airline has introduced various initiatives to reduce waste and conserve resources, and it is actively exploring innovative solutions to further reduce its carbon footprint. These efforts align with broader industry movements towards sustainability, and Wizz Air is positioning itself as a leader in the green aviation space.
Enhanced Passenger Experience and Customer Service
Alongside its fleet modernization and sustainability efforts, Wizz Air continues to enhance its customer service offerings. The airline understands the importance of delivering a seamless travel experience, particularly as the demand for air travel grows. In response to this, Wizz Air has improved its onboard services, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable flying experience.
Wizz Air’s fleet features modern interiors, including improved seating, better cabin lighting, and additional onboard services designed to make travel more convenient and pleasant for passengers. In addition to improving the in-flight experience, the airline has also invested in its customer service operations, including online booking systems, mobile app functionality, and check-in processes.
By continually refining its services and passenger touchpoints, Wizz Air ensures that it remains competitive in an increasingly crowded market. As part of its ongoing commitment to its customers, the airline is focused on providing a high-quality experience at an affordable price, helping to build brand loyalty among travelers.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wizz Air
As Wizz Air celebrates the achievement of operating 1,000 daily flights, the future looks bright for this rapidly growing airline. With continued fleet growth, increased route frequencies, and expanded sustainability initiatives, Wizz Air is well-positioned to maintain its momentum in the years to come.
The airline has ambitious plans for further expansion, particularly into new European markets and beyond. As travel demand rebounds across the globe, Wizz Air is poised to meet this demand with a robust network and efficient operations. The airline’s ongoing commitment to low-cost travel, combined with its focus on sustainability and customer service, will ensure that it remains a dominant player in Europe’s competitive airline industry.
Conclusion
Wizz Air’s achievement of 1,000 daily flights is not just a testament to the airline’s rapid growth and operational efficiency but also a reflection of the increasing demand for low-cost air travel in Europe. By continuously expanding its fleet, increasing frequencies, and focusing on sustainability, Wizz Air is helping to shape the future of air travel.
The milestone marks a significant step in the airline’s journey and highlights its ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the aviation industry. As Wizz Air continues to grow and evolve, passengers can look forward to even more travel options, enhanced services, and a more sustainable future of air travel. Wizz Air’s success at reaching 1,000 daily flights shows that the airline is not only meeting the needs of today’s travelers but also positioning itself for success in the years ahead.
Image Credit:- Wizz Air
Flight Buzz
Nordwind Airlines Resumes Direct Flights from Moscow to Pyongyang, Marking a Geopolitical Milestone
Monday, July 28, 2025
In a surprising development, Nordwind Airlines resumed direct flights between the Russian capital Moscow and the North Korean capital Pyongyang, the first such flight in generations. The first flight takes from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport on July 27, 2025 and marks increasing synergies between Russia and North Korea. The development takes place amid growing geopolitical tensions, from the strike in Ukraine that has reshaped the diplomatic and aviation landscape around the world.
The Boeing 777-200ER jet was scheduled to have flown about 6,500 kilometers and arrived after about eight hours. The flight service is planned to run once a month to start, and could gain more frequency if the demand is high. We open a whole new page in the life of Nordwind Airlines, which has been mostly engaged in leisure and charter programs before.
The Boeing 777-200ER and the Expansion of Nordwind Airlines’ Fleet
The 777-200ER operating this route is one of Nordwind’s growing fleet of long-haul aircraft. The Boeing 777-200ER, which holds 440 passengers, is ideal for long international flights. The plane is designed to be comfortable both for short and long flights, and should offer all necessary services to passengers who will be on the eight-hour flight between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Nordwind Airlines, best known previously for its flights around Europe and to Southeast Asia, must now direct new routes in a dynamically developing geopolitical reality. While the airline finds its footing in these changes, the new Moscow-Pyongyang route is a sign that it can pivot to meet the demands of an evolving market, in the process also serving a growing role for Russian geopolitics.
Ticket Prices and Booking Process
Tickets for the Moscow-Pyongyang flights cost around 44,700 rubles (around $570 USD), but both outbound and return flights were already reportedly sold out shortly after the announcement of the service. That is relatively high demand considering very few people are actually traveling to North Korea right now. For now, the flights will continue monthly, and passengers are able to book their seats through Nordwind’s official outlets, giving priority to Russian citizens and other passengers who can orchestrate the needed diplomatic and logistical arrangements.
With Russia’s existing existential support for the route and Nordwind’s operational flexibility, this new route is likely to play a crucial role in developing more interactions between Russia and North Korea. The return flight from Pyongyang to Moscow is scheduled to leave on 29 July 2025, also with an equivalent amount of interest.
Geopolitical Context: Strengthening Ties Between Russia and North Korea
The reopening of direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang is taking place as Moscow and Pyongyang are forging closer ties. As war rages in Ukraine, North Korea has reportedly been selling weapons to Russia including shells for artillery to aid its military campaign. The two countries have also collaborated on a number of agreements, and the air link will take forward the relationship between the two nations, said to representatives.
As both countries navigate global sanctions and economic pressures, they are exploring ways to strengthen their cooperation. For Russia, the Pyongyang flight represents an opportunity to engage with a nation that, despite its political isolation, holds strategic importance in the region. For North Korea, the flight service carries symbolic significance as a way to show off its diplomatic overture and deepening ties with Russia.
The Role of Air Travel in Geopolitical Diplomacy
The move to resume direct flights between the two capitals is also a reminder of how the world of air travel can throw weight around in international affairs. While North Korea is politically and economically isolated, it has previously used air travel as a means of shoring up ties with other countries. North Korea’s state-owned airline, Air Koryo, has in the past flown between Pyongyang and several Russian cities, including Vladivostok, which is near North Korea geographically.
This new route though reflects a change in North Korean air plays. Through the direct flights on Nordwind Airlines, the Russian government has sent a clear sign to North Korean citizens and foreign travelers who want to enter or leave the country that there is now an alternative. What´s more, this policy also reflects Russia´s aspirations to keep and expand its positions in Asia since the relations between this nation and the West are far from the best.
Passenger Experience and Future of the Route
For passengers traveling on the Moscow-Pyongyang route, the experience promises to be unique. Although both Moscow and Pyongyang are culturally rich cities, they are vastly different in terms of infrastructure and amenities. The flight itself is designed to offer the comfort of long-haul travel, with in-flight entertainment, meals, and relaxation services. However, the destination itself is fraught with challenges, with many international travelers unsure about the accessibility and availability of tourist services in North Korea.
The flight’s success will largely depend on the ability of Nordwind Airlines and local authorities to provide services that meet international expectations while navigating the restrictions imposed by North Korea’s isolationist policies. With this new service, both Russia and North Korea are looking to strengthen not only their diplomatic ties but also the viability of such routes for future travel and potential expansion.
The Impact of Global Travel Policies on the Aviation Industry
The re-establishment of the Moscow-Pyongyang route offers insights into the shifting global travel landscape. While Russia faces increasing isolation from Western countries, it is using aviation routes like these to maintain its global connectivity. Additionally, this new flight emphasizes the importance of diplomatic relations in shaping international air travel routes. Given the ongoing geopolitical tensions, it is likely that this route will remain subject to periodic changes based on international developments.
Conclusion: The Future of Moscow-Pyongyang Flights
The Moscow-Pyongyang route isn’t just about an airline expanding its operation as Nordwind Airlines enters its new era; it also reflects a wider geopolitical and economic southeastward movement that’s underway. Whether that route develops into a more established service will depend on a variety of factors – political developments, foreign diplomacy, and public demand for travel between these capitals.
For travelers interested in visiting North Korea, the new flight service offers a direct flight to the isolated country from Russia, which itself is trying to establish its role in the world order. Nordwind The flight is a keystone in Nordwind’s strategy amid evolving trends in international aviation, and it underscores its flexibility with changing geopolitical scenarios and politics.
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