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🇮🇪🇫🇷 DRAMATIC SCENES OVER FRANCE! Aer Lingus flight EI402 was among more than 18 aircraft affected by bomb threats across Europe today. The Dublin–Rome flight, carrying 157 people, was forced to divert to a French military airbase following a bomb threat. When the captain reportedly refused an initial order to land at the military base, TWO French fighter jets were scrambled to intercept and escort the aircraft! The plane eventually landed safely, but the captain is now being questioned by French authorities as an investigation gets underway.

✈️ Israir to Purchase Another Airbus A320-200 Israir has signed an MOU to purchase Airbus A320-200 (4X-ABI), MSN 7110, currently operating for the airline under a long-term dry lease. The purchase price is approximately $17.05 million, with closing expected in November 2026, subject to a final agreement. The acquisition is expected to save Israir approximately $3 million annually in cash flow, with an additional $10 million investment planned for engine overhauls in 2027. The purchase is part of Israir’s growth strategy, targeting a fleet of 10 narrowbody aircraft, at least 5 widebody aircraft and 2 private jets by 2030, carrying approximately 3.5 million passengers annually.

United Airlines Adds Personal Spotify Streaming Onboard United Airlines has launched a new Spotify integration, allowing passengers to access their personal Spotify accounts directly from seatback entertainment screens. Passengers can stream their own music, playlists, podcasts, audiobooks and videos, picking up right where they left off. The feature is rolling out on Starlink-equipped aircraft, with expansion to half of United’s fleet expected by spring 2027. Passengers simply scan a QR code on the seatback screen to connect their Spotify account. No paid Wi-Fi pass is required. United is the first airline to offer this personalized Spotify experience directly through seatback screens.

American Airlines Removes Trump’s Name From West Palm Beach Gate Screens American Airlines has reverted its gate monitor displays from “Pres DJT, W Palm Beach” back to “West Palm Beach, FL.” The change removes the reference to President Donald Trump, whose name was added when Palm Beach International Airport was renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport. The change was noticed this week, shortly after the midterm elections, although reports indicate the display update actually took place in August as part of a planned transition.

Tensions are escalating between Arkia's management and its employees amid the ongoing efforts to sell the airline. Employee representatives accuse the Nakash brothers of attempting to eliminate workers' ownership rights and business influence within the company. Arkia's workers are threatening legal action, with Israel's Histadrut preparing to declare a labor dispute as early as next week. A key decision is expected Sunday, raising concerns about further escalation and possible labor disruptions.

Among the many flights affected late yesterday evening was KLM flight KL461 from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv, which was forced to divert to Bucharest following a bomb threat. All 52 passengers and 6 crew members safely evacuated the aircraft. After security checks, the flight was cleared to depart, but while taxiing toward the runway, the crew reported a technical issue, forcing the aircraft to return to its stand.

UNITED'S NEW COASTLINER HAS ARRIVED United has inducted its first Airbus A321neo Coastliner, registered N74751, marking a new chapter for its premium transcontinental service. The aircraft features 20 Polaris lie-flat business-class suites, 12 Premium Plus seats and 129 Economy seats, for a total of 161 passengers. United has 40 Coastliners planned, primarily for Newark–Los Angeles and Newark–San Francisco routes. The aircraft was delayed by Airbus delivery issues, with its entry into passenger service pushed back from the originally planned summer 2026 launch.

NEW CALIBRATION AIRCRAFT ARRIVES AT BEN GURION Registration T7-INGO recently landed at TLV after flying from Düsseldorf (MGL), via Athens (ATH), to Tel Aviv (TLV). The aircraft is an Italian-built Piaggio P.180 Avanti II, a distinctive twin-engine turboprop. Its mission is to calibrate and test airport navigation and landing systems, including ILS and other precision approach equipment. The aircraft can accommodate up to 9 passengers, in addition to its flight crew.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES UNVEILS $1.5 BILLION LUXURY UPGRADE! Singapore Airlines is investing over $1.5 billion in an entirely new onboard experience across all four cabin classes. First Class will feature private suites with sliding doors, double beds and even the option to dine together, while Business Class will also offer double beds. Passengers can look forward to 4K entertainment screens, Starlink Wi-Fi, over 100 new menu items and upgraded premium amenities. The massive transformation will begin rolling out in the second half of 2027 aboard upgraded Airbus A350s and new Boeing 777-9 aircraft.

THIRD WAVE IN A ROW Europe faced another wave of aviation emergencies this morning, with multiple flights declaring emergency squawk 7700 amid ongoing security threats. ✈️ TAROM RO226 – Prague–Bucharest, following a bomb threat. ✈️ Wizz Air W46136 – Prague–Rome, diverted to Venice. ✈️ TAP Air Portugal TP432 – Lisbon–Paris Orly, declared an emergency.

ITA AIRWAYS CUTS FLIGHTS TO TEL AVIV 🇮🇹 Following Lufthansa Group's recent schedule changes, ITA Airways is also reducing its operations to Israel. Flights AZ812 and AZ815 between Rome and Tel Aviv will be canceled through the end of November. Affected passengers will be transferred to the airline's other flights on the Rome–Tel Aviv route.

✈️ Two pilots aboard a Cessna 172 made an emergency landing on a busy road in North Fort Myers, Florida, this morning. The aircraft struck the rear of a pickup truck while landing on Bayshore Road. Remarkably, no injuries were reported. The FAA is investigating the incident.

🇮🇱 Israeli Airlines Cleared to Fly to Abu Dhabi, Dubai Ban Remains Israeli security officials have approved Israeli airlines to to fly to Abu Dhabi, while the ban on flights to Dubai remains in place. The decision comes after Dubai Airport failed to meet Israel’s required security demands. The move has sparked anger among Israeli airlines, who say Abu Dhabi is not a commercial alternative to Dubai. Israir CEO Uri Sirkis called the decision a “strategic mistake,” demanding equal access and fair competition.

This morning, a Wizz Air co-pilot flying from Tel Aviv to London reportedly discovered a note claiming there was a bomb onboard. The incident was determined to be a hoax. The aircraft continued to London and landed safely.

🇺🇸 Digital Control Towers Begin Operations in the U.S. The FAA has launched its first digital air traffic control towers at two airports: Bartow Executive Airport in Florida and Kenai Municipal Airport in Alaska. The technology uses advanced cameras, infrared sensors and 360-degree displays, allowing controllers to monitor airport operations without relying solely on traditional tower windows. Five additional airports are expected to receive the technology, marking a major step in the modernization of America’s air traffic control system.

U.S. Special Operations MC-130J Arrives in Jordan Last week, November 5, a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II (tail number 20-5935) was tracked flying from Albania to Jordan, reportedly landing at King Abdullah II Air Base. The MC-130J is a specialized C-130 Hercules variant operated by U.S. Special Operations Command, equipped for covert nighttime missions, low-level flying, troop insertion, extraction and resupply in hostile territory. One of its key roles is aerial refueling of special operations helicopters, including MH-60 Black Hawks and MH-47 Chinooks, as well as CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.

SCARY AVIATION INCIDENT: Southwest 737 MAX Flew 44 Flights With Hidden Damage! A Boeing 737 MAX 8 suffered tail damage from powerful 84-mph wind gusts while parked in New Orleans, but maintenance crews failed to detect it. The aircraft went on to operate 44 flights before suddenly experiencing a dangerous Dutch roll at 34,000 feet. Thankfully, the pilots regained control and landed safely in Oakland with 175 passengers and 6 crew members aboard. The NTSB investigation exposed serious inspection failures.

Boeing 777X Has a Secret Upper Deck Most Passengers Will Never See Hidden above the passenger cabin is a dedicated crew-rest area, completely separate from the main cabin. The space includes sleeping bunks for pilots and flight attendants, allowing crews to rest during ultra-long-haul flights. The 777-9 features two pilot bunks and eight additional bunks for cabin crew, all tucked away above passengers

United Airlines pilots pushed back against an ATC routing that would have taken their aircraft directly through the worst part of a severe thunderstorm on November 6. Flight UA471, operating from San Antonio (SAT) to Washington Dulles (IAD), was scheduled aboard a Boeing 737-700 (N17719). The pilots requested an alternative route around the storm, with United dispatch supporting their decision. The safer routing was expected to add nearly an hour of flying time, but the crew prioritized safety over schedule.

The FAA is finally phasing out floppy disks from its air traffic control facilities, replacing technology dating back to the 1980s. Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is among the first locations receiving the new system. The new E-IDS system combines weather, equipment alerts, restricted airspace schedules and pilot reports in one place. The FAA plans to roll out the upgrade to 435 facilities nationwide by the end of 2028.

British Airways Boeing 777 Exceeds Speed Limit Over Atlantic A British Airways Boeing 777-200 (G-VIID), operating flight BA252 from Nassau to London Heathrow, experienced a brief overspeed while crossing the Atlantic. Strong jet stream winds pushed the aircraft to approximately 282 knots at 38,000 feet, around 7–10 knots above its operational limit. Pilots climbed to 39,000 and then 41,000 feet to find smoother air and stabilize the speed. The aircraft landed safely at Heathrow after 7 hours and 57 minutes, with no reported injuries or structural damage.

Air Haifa flight E2 761 from Haifa (HFA) to Thessaloniki (SKG) is diverting back to Haifa. The pilot reportedly reported a flight instrument indication problem while airborne. The aircraft is returning to Haifa as a precaution.

NEW TAX COULD MAKE FLIGHTS FROM ISRAEL MORE EXPENSIVE Israel’s Tax Authority is proposing a new departure tax on every aircraft taking off from Israel, based on aircraft weight and flight distance. Passengers could pay an additional ₪58 on flights to Europe and up to ₪274 on long-haul flights to the US and Asia. The proposal could increase ticket prices by 4–5% and generate approximately ₪1.1 billion annually for the state. The tax has not yet been approved.

DRAMATIC INCIDENT ABOARD ARKIA FLIGHT TO ISRAEL A passenger went on a rampage aboard an Arkia flight from Tbilisi, Georgia, to Tel Aviv today. The situation escalated to the point where flight attendants and fellow passengers had to intervene and restrain the passenger, with assistance from family members. The incident was handled in midair and reported to the relevant authorities. Arkia confirmed the incident but stated that passenger safety was never at risk.

Italy’s Leonardo M-346, known as the “Lavi” in the Israeli Air Force, has emerged as the sole remaining contender in the U.S. Navy’s competition to replace its T-45 training jets. The aircraft is marketed in the U.S. as the M-346N through Textron Aviation Defense. Elbit Systems could also benefit by supplying advanced electronic systems and training equipment. The U.S. Navy has not yet officially selected a winner.

A Russian military aircraft (RA-85042) reportedly landed at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) a short time ago. If confirmed, this would be an unusual development, particularly given the current circumstances. In the past, a civilian Red Wings aircraft operating a commercial flight was mistakenly identified as a Russian military aircraft.

A firefighting helicopter crashed into the Barito River in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, during a water-bombing mission. The Airbus H225 Super Puma (VH-HGM) went down while collecting water from the river. Two crew members survived, while the third was killed.

EL AL Reports $2.7 Billion in Revenue EL AL generated approximately $2.7 billion in revenue during the first nine months of 2026, up 5.7% year over year. Dedicated cargo operations saw revenue surge 26.7%, reaching $76 million. Pictured: Boeing 747-400F (4X-ICK), formerly EL AL’s 4X-ELF, named Hoopoe (Duchifat). The aircraft has since been transferred to Challenge Airlines IL, where it continues flying cargo operations.

Arkia Financial Crisis: Capital Injection Put on Hold as Takeover Interest Grows Arkia’s owners, the Nakash brothers (80%), have frozen a planned capital injection that would have diluted employees’ shares. Following Sunday’s board decision, employee representatives agreed not to declare a labor dispute for now. The Israeli airline is reportedly facing losses exceeding $30 million in 2026, raising concerns about its financial future. Arkia will now explore alternative financing options, with potential buyers reportedly including Rami Levy, owner of Israir. The airline’s future remains uncertain as its financial situation continues to develop.

SIH EXPANDS ITS SECURITY EMPIRE: HALF-BILLION-SHEKEL CONTRACT PORTFOLIO IN ISRAEL SIH Group has won two major Israel Airports Authority tenders worth approximately ₪468 million. The six-year contracts cover airport security screening at terminal entrances and cleaning operations across the airport’s airside areas. The company will continue operating the vehicle and passenger screening units while expanding its cleaning operations to include secured airport zones.

🇺🇸🇮🇱United Airlines flight UA168, operating from Tel Aviv (TLV) to Newark (EWR), has just squawked 7700, the general emergency code. As of now, the reason for the emergency is unknown. No further details have been confirmed.

Update: UA168 from Tel Aviv to Newark rapidly lost altitude following a suspected cabin pressurization issue. The aircraft is currently burning off fuel off the coast of Greece before landing in Athens (ATH). This is being done to reduce the aircraft’s weight and allow it to land safely.

Update: United Airlines UA168 from Tel Aviv to Newark made a precautionary emergency landing in Athens following reports of a burning smell and possible electrical issues onboard. The aircraft landed safely and was met by multiple emergency vehicles, including fire department crews, as a precaution. The flight is now scheduled to depart Athens at 3:40 AM local time later tonight.

EL AL’s newest aircraft is making its way to Israel! The brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registration 4X-EDO, is currently flying from Charleston (CHS) to Tel Aviv (TLV) as flight LY190.

Another diversion involving an Israel-bound flight: EL AL flight LY28 from Newark (EWR) to Tel Aviv (TLV) diverted to Frankfurt (FRA) due to a medical emergency onboard. The aircraft is expected to continue onward to Tel Aviv within the next few hours.

AIR FRANCE A350 IN CLOSE CALL WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES AT LAX An Air France A350 (AF28) made an unauthorized left turn shortly after takeoff from LAX on November 7, heading into the path of an American Airlines A321 (AA1660). Air Traffic Control intervened urgently, warning American of traffic less than a mile away and ordering both aircraft to change course. The aircraft reportedly came within approximately 400 feet of vertical separation. Both continued to their destinations without reported injuries.

United 737 Jet Blast Flips Cessna Upside Down at John Wayne Airport A Cessna 172 overturned at California’s John Wayne Airport on November 7, reportedly after being hit by jet blast from a departing United Airlines Boeing 737. ATC recordings and the aircraft’s operator point to jet blast, although airport officials initially blamed strong winds. A flight instructor and student were aboard the Cessna. Fortunately, neither was injured. A crane was brought in to lift the aircraft back onto its landing gear. An investigation is underway.

British Airways Boeing 787-8 (G-ZBJF) has been stranded at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) since August 28 following a ground vehicle collision. The baggage belt loader reportedly struck the underside of the aircraft, damaging the fuselage near a cargo door. The Dreamliner, valued at approximately $150 million, has now been grounded for over 70 days as repairs continue. A temporary repair could allow it to be ferried to Cincinnati (CVG) for further work.

A Russian military aircraft (RA-85042) reportedly landed at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) a short time ago. If confirmed, this would be an unusual development, particularly given the current circumstances. In the past, a civilian Red Wings aircraft operating a commercial flight was mistakenly identified as a Russian military aircraft.

A Russian government aircraft landed at Ben Gurion Airport overnight, evacuating diplomats and their families.

Following UA168’s diversion to Athens due to a reported smell of smoke onboard, passengers were left stranded in Athens for several hours. Rabbi Mendel Handel of Chabad of Athens personally came to assist the passengers and brought them free sandwiches from his restaurant, Gostijo. TRAVEL TIP: For anyone ever flying through Athens Airport, kosher food options are available at the Skyserv Lounge in Hall A.

EL AL’S 18TH DREAMLINER HAS ARRIVED IN ISRAEL EL AL’s newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered 4X-EDO and named “Am Yisrael Chai”, landed today in Tel Aviv following a direct delivery flight from Boeing’s Charleston facility in South Carolina. The delivery flight featured approximately 30% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), an unusually high proportion for the aviation industry. • 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in total • 4 Boeing 787-8 • 14 Boeing 787-9 The new aircraft features 271 seats across three cabins: Business, Premium Economy and Economy. Below are footage and pictures of today’s arrival. 📸ivrispotter

🇷🇺 UPDATE: MYSTERY RUSSIAN MILITARY AIRCRAFT AT BEN GURION Following its unusual arrival Sunday night, the Russian Ministry of Defense Tu-154M (RA-85042) was still at Ben Gurion as of Monday morning. The aircraft, operated by Russia’s 223rd Flight Unit and under US sanctions, has reportedly been linked to a possible evacuation of Russian diplomats and their families. An onward flight to Abu Dhabi has appeared in flight-tracking data, although its departure has not yet been confirmed. The purpose of the visit and the identities of those on board remain unclear.

🇮🇱 Israel has officially recognized passengers aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 as victims of hostile acts following the attempted terrorist attack. Eligible passengers may receive government-funded psychological treatment, medical care, rehabilitation services, and financial compensation. Those who suffer recognized permanent physical or psychological disabilities may also qualify for monthly benefits.

NEAR COLLISION AT MIAMI AIRPORT! A Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 (LH463) narrowly avoided colliding with an American Airlines Boeing 787-8 at Miami Airport on November 5. The American 787 reportedly failed to hold short as instructed by ATC, turning directly into the 747’s path. The Lufthansa pilots slammed on the brakes, stopping from full taxi speed. The crew told ATC: “That was very close to an accident!”

🇮🇱 EL AL ADDS MORE WEST COAST FLIGHTS! EL AL is expanding its Summer 2027 schedule with additional flights between Tel Aviv and California. San Francisco (SFO): Additional weekly service, with flights operating up to 3 times weekly in each direction. Los Angeles (LAX): An additional Tuesday flight begins May 11, bringing EL AL's total to 9 weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Los Angeles. All flights will operate on Boeing 787 Dreamliners and are already available for booking.

The NTSB has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from Learjet 60 N722BD, which crashed near Greenacres, Florida, on November 1, killing all nine people aboard. The recorder was found at the initial impact site and has been transported to the NTSB’s Vehicle Recorders Laboratory in Washington, D.C., for evaluation. The CVR could provide investigators with crucial information about cockpit conversations and sounds leading up to the crash.

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WORLD RECORD: Airbus A350-1000ULR Sets New Aviation Milestone Guinness World Records has officially recognized the Airbus A350-1000ULR for the longest nonstop flight by a commercial passenger aircraft. The record-breaking flight covered 23,155 km (12,503 nautical miles) from Melbourne to Toulouse in 24 hours and 24 minutes. The achievement marks a major milestone ahead of Qantas’ ambitious Project Sunrise nonstop flights to London and New York.

Dreamliner Enters Its Papaya Era! 🧡🏎️ Etihad Airways has unveiled a stunning Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring McLaren Racing’s iconic papaya-orange and black livery. The aircraft marks the first time a Formula 1 team’s branding has appeared on a widebody commercial aircraft and will fly across Etihad’s global network.

American Airlines Refuses to Honor $650 Compensation Promise Nicholle Acciarri was denied boarding on an American Airlines flight from New York to Cleveland after an aircraft change left fewer seats available. A gate agent reportedly promised her a $650 check or reimbursement for a rental car, which she used to drive to Cleveland. American initially issued just a $250 credit, later claiming the smaller aircraft exempted it from mandatory compensation. Following media intervention, American added another $192 in flight credit, bringing the total to $442 — still short of the promised $650.

🇬🇧🇺🇸 MAJOR U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT RELOCATION FROM THE UK Nine KC-135 tankers and three CV-22B Ospreys departed RAF Mildenhall overnight, relocating to bases across Europe. The movements come amid heightened security at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath following a reported Iran-related threat.