Flight Buzz
Bombay HC Disposes PIL On Illegal Meat Shops Near Airports, Cites Pending Cases On Aviation Safety
Bombay HC dismisses PIL on meat shops near airports citing pending similar petitions | File Photo
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking enforcement of aviation safety rules that prohibit illegal slaughterhouses, meat and fish shops, and non-vegetarian markets within a 10-km radius of the city’s airports.
A division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne noted that similar issues are already pending before the court in two other petitions. “Needless to state that the issue raised by petitioner in this petition is already sub judice and another PIL of the same issue cannot be entertained,” the court said.
The PIL was filed by Akhil Bharat Krishi Go Seva Sangh, an animal rights organisation founded by Mahatma Gandhi. It urged the court to form a committee to monitor illegal facilities near airports and report the findings.
The plea highlighted that bird hits are a major risk factor for aircraft safety, and that the presence of meat and fish markets close to airports increases the chances of such incidents.
It alleged that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had violated safety regulations by issuing hundreds of permits for goat slaughtering during Bakrid in 2024 and 2025 — some as close as 2.5 km from the airports.
The petitioners argued that despite multiple FIRs against owners of such illegal units, operations continued unchecked. They claimed that the BMC and other authorities had failed to act even after repeated complaints and clear evidence of violations.
The PIL sought urgent directions to shut down all illegal meat-related establishments within the restricted zone and to bar the BMC from issuing any licenses—temporary or permanent—for such activities in the future.
Flight Buzz
China Eastern Airlines launches Shanghai-Copenhagen route
COPENHAGEN — China Eastern Airlines on Thursday launched a new direct route between China’s Shanghai and Denmark’s Copenhagen, strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.
An Airbus A330 aircraft landed at Copenhagen Airport at 7 pm local time, where it was greeted with a traditional water salute. After two hours, the return flight departed Copenhagen, carrying over 250 passengers back to Shanghai.
A ceremony was held at Copenhagen Airport’s terminal to celebrate the inaugural flight. China Eastern Airlines prepared special commemorative gifts for passengers on both the outbound and return journeys.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Denmark Wang Xuefeng said the new route creates another “air bridge” between China and Denmark, helping to deepen practical cooperation in various fields, enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and promote business exchanges and collaboration.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The new route will initially operate three flights per week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Starting Sept 24, the service will expand to four weekly flights, adding a flight on Wednesdays.
Flight Buzz
Aegean Airlines to start direct flights from Greece to New Delhi and Mumbai in 2026
Aegean Airlines has announced the addition of two new Airbus A321neo XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft, enabling the airline to significantly expand its international reach, including its much-anticipated entry into the Indian market. The state-of-the-art aircraft, with a flight range of up to 10.5 hours, will support the launch of direct flights from Greece to India, starting in March 2026.
The airline has confirmed it will commence five weekly flights to New Delhi from March 2026, followed by three weekly flights to Mumbai from May 2026, establishing its first two destinations in India. The full flight schedule and ticket availability will be announced by the end of September 2025. Aegean is also evaluating further expansion in the Indian market with future connections to Bangalore, as well as other long-haul destinations including the Seychelles, Maldives, Nairobi, Almaty, and Lagos, aligned with the delivery of additional A321neo LR aircraft in 2027 and 2028.
With this latest addition, AEGEAN’s total Airbus A320/A321neo order now stands at 60 aircraft, 36 of which have already been delivered. The new A321neo XLR aircraft are configured with just 138 seats, featuring 24 fully lie-flat Business Class Suites with aisle access and premium privacy, and a spacious Economy Class equipped with 4K entertainment screens, satellite Wi-Fi, USB charging, and enhanced overhead bins, promising a superior long-haul experience.
The aircraft will be delivered in December 2025 and January 2026, bolstering Aegean’s specialized fleet for long-haul destinations beyond the EU, particularly those exceeding four hours in flight duration.
Eftichios Vassilakis, Chairman, Aegean stated, “The addition of these two A321neo XLR aircraft with special configuration, which will be delivered in 2025, in addition to the four A321neo LRs that we plan to take delivery in 2027 and 2028, accelerates our access to the extremely important Indian market, but also allows for the immediate upgrade of our product and services to destinations outside the EU, longer than 4 hours in which we already operate. The A321neo XLR and LR aircraft mark the beginning of a new chapter for Aegean, with new possibilities for growth but also new options for our passengers and the connectivity of our country. With new fleet capabilities, strong vertically integrated support infrastructure and most importantly drawing upon the creativity and strengths of our people, we plan to move forward with ambitious but also careful and consistent steps as always.”
Flight Buzz
American, Delta and United Airlines Face Many Flight Cancellations Across US Due to Severe Thunderstorms: New Updates You Need to Know
Friday, July 18, 2025
Severe thunderstorms have triggered significant disruptions across the U.S., leading to Many flight cancellations by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The powerful storm systems, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and high winds, have caused these airlines to cancel 42 American Airlines flights, 37 Delta Air Lines flights, and 35 United Airlines flights. With storm-related chaos affecting airports nationwide, travelers are facing extensive delays and uncertainty about their flight statuses. This article provides the latest updates on these cancellations, along with essential tips for navigating the ongoing disruptions.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – New York
New York’s LaGuardia Airport, a major hub for domestic flights, was one of the hardest hit by the recent thunderstorms. The airport saw significant disruptions, affecting many flights and causing long delays for passengers. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines were among the carriers most affected, with many travelers left waiting for hours at the airport.
In response to the chaotic conditions, airlines urged passengers to check their flight statuses regularly and to plan for potential delays. While many flights were re-routed or grounded, travelers were advised to stay informed and flexible with their travel plans.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a major international gateway, was another airport that faced widespread disruptions due to thunderstorms. Both American Airlines and United Airlines reported operational challenges, with hundreds of flights delayed and cancellations affecting passengers traveling from the Windy City.
Airlines at O’Hare struggled to clear the backlog of delayed flights, leaving many travelers frustrated and uncertain about their travel plans. Passengers were advised to monitor their flight statuses frequently and to explore alternative options if their flights were significantly delayed.
Washington D.C. – Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport also faced severe weather-related disruptions. The storms led to numerous delays and cancellations, with American Airlines experiencing significant operational challenges. The storms affected flights across multiple routes, and passengers were left with limited options for rebooking or rescheduling their flights.
Travelers at Reagan National Airport were advised to stay in close contact with their airlines and to check for alternative travel options. With storm conditions expected to persist, it was critical for passengers to remain flexible with their plans.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport, another key New York-area airport, was not spared from the storm’s wrath. United Airlines, based at Newark, saw a significant number of its flights delayed or cancelled due to the inclement weather. Travelers were advised to arrive early and be prepared for potential delays at the airport, as rebooking options remained limited.
Passengers at Newark were also advised to frequently check the status of their flights and to make alternative arrangements if their flights were canceled.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – New York
At John F. Kennedy International Airport, the storm system continued to wreak havoc, causing delays and cancellations for both domestic and international flights. Delta Air Lines, one of the major carriers at JFK, reported significant operational challenges due to the thunderstorms. Passengers were left with limited options as weather conditions worsened, and the airport became congested with stranded travelers.
Travelers were urged to remain flexible and to reach out to their airlines for rebooking options. Despite the chaos, JFK staff worked tirelessly to manage the large volume of impacted passengers.
Washington D.C. – Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Dulles International Airport, located in Virginia, faced its share of disruptions as thunderstorms moved through the region. United Airlines, which operates a significant number of flights from Dulles, was especially affected. Passengers were advised to stay updated on their flight status and consider rescheduling their travel plans if their flights were affected.
What Travelers Should Do Amid These Disruptions
Given the widespread impact of the thunderstorms, passengers are urged to take proactive steps to minimize the stress caused by these disruptions:
- Check Flight Status Frequently: Always stay updated with real-time information through the airline’s app or website to track any changes or cancellations.
- Stay in Contact with Airlines: If your flight is delayed or canceled, contact your airline immediately for rebooking options and compensation details.
- Be Flexible: Given the unpredictable nature of storm disruptions, flexibility with your travel plans is key to reducing stress.
- Pack Essentials: In case of long delays, it’s important to have snacks, water, and any necessary medication on hand while you wait.
Severe thunderstorms have caused widespread flight cancellations, with 42 American Airlines, 37 Delta Air Lines, and 35 United Airlines flights grounded across the U.S., leaving thousands of travelers stranded. This article provides the latest updates on the disruptions and essential tips for navigating the chaos.
Thunderstorms across major U.S. airports have caused widespread travel disruptions, especially affecting American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. As airlines work to clear the backlog of delayed and canceled flights, travelers are urged to remain informed and flexible. By staying in contact with their airlines and preparing for potential changes to their itineraries, passengers can better navigate the ongoing storm-related chaos.
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