Cathay Pacific left red-faced by mass toilet blockages

Engineers at Cathay Pacific are working round the clock to find the source of a spate of mysterious toilet blockages that have hit several planes in its fleet.

Over the past fortnight, washroom facilities on the carrier's Airbus A330 and A340 jets have repeatedly been put out of action by an unknown technical problem.

One flight from Hong Kong to the Saudi capital Riyadh even had to make an emergency landing in Mumbai after all ten of the plane's toilets were hit by blockages.

SWISS: 6 new daily flights to Geneva, from Heathrow

From January 10, 2010, Geneva-bound travellers will have more options from Heathrow Airport (LHR).

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is to offer six new daily flights to Geneva from LHR.

The Swiss national airline will also increase the number of seats from the UK to Switzerland by up to 30 per cent as a result of a closer partnership with bmi, its sister airline in the Lufthansa Group.

Cathay Pacific offers more legroom for a fee

Cathay Pacific Airways is the latest major carrier to introduce a charge for seats with greater legroom such as those at the bulkhead and in exit rows.

Now, all Economy-Class travellers (as long as they meet the safety requirements) can reserve the seats by paying a fee of about £60 ($100 US) each way or by redeeming 20,000 Asia Miles.

The charge comes into effect on December 1. From January 1, 2010, customers will be able to bag an extra-legroom seat on flights to China and regional destinations for approximately £15 ($25 US) or 5,000 Asia Miles.

Etihad Airways wins prestigious travel award

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based airline, enjoyed its share of the limelight at this year’s World Travel Awards.

The carrier picked up two prestigious awards: the World's Leading Airline and World's Leading Airline in the First Class category while Virgin Atlantic was named World's Leading Transatlantic Airline.

Delta reinstates Manchester to New York JFK link

Barely a month after scrapping its Manchester to New York JFK service, Delta Air Lines has confirmed that it will reintroduce the route next summer.

The connection, which is jointly operated by codeshare partner Air France / KLM, will be reinstated next May after being temporarily taken out of service on January 7.

Free ski and board carriage to Alps with Swiss

Swiss International Air Lines has declared that it is the only carrier which lets passengers carry ski and snowboard equipment to the Alps free of charge.

Its claim follows the decision by British Airways to axe free carriage of winter sports equipment, which must now be included in standard baggage allowances.

Lufthansa app brings Twitter to the skies

Twitter and Facebook addicts can now keep friends up-to-date on their precise status even when they're 30,000 feet in the sky and their phones are switched off.

Though most airlines still prohibit passengers from using mobile devices, Lufthansa has developed a brand new app which automatically posts flight data to your followers.

United unveils annual subscription fee for baggage

New baggage charges rarely win the praise of the flying public, but United Airlines' novel approach to levying the fee could be about to change that.

Frequent fliers in particular will be drawn to the new system, which gives passengers the option of paying an annual fee of $249 (£157) for near-unlimited luggage.

Bankrupt Sterling Airlines still taking to the skies

Sterling Airlines may have gone bust 12 months ago, but you wouldn't be able to tell that if you were a passenger flying from its former base in Copenhagen.

Despite filing for bankruptcy in October 2008, the airline's planes are still taking to the skies one year on – sporting its distinctive red livery and defunct brand name.

The Boeing 737s are now owned by Danish airline Cimber Sterling, which according to The Copenhagen Post hasn't bothered repainting five of its six acquisitions.

New York flights from Iceland Express

Low-cost airline Iceland Express will start flying to New York via Reykjavík next summer.

The airline will fly from ten airports around Europe including London Gatwick. The other departure points are Berlin, Copenhagen, Oslo, Aalborg, Gothenburg, Billund, Warsaw, Krakow and Luxembourg.

Flights will take off on June 1, 2010, operate four times per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) and cost between £163 and £250.

Eastern Airways adds news flights to Norway

Eastern Airways has confirmed that it will increase the number of Norwegian flights it operates from its bases in Aberdeen and Newcastle airports.

A new early evening flight will be added to its Aberdeen route schedule on October 5, while Newcastle will also gain an extra service later in the month.

Iceland Express adds Gatwick to Akureyri service

Iceland Express has added a new route from London Gatwick Airport to the northern city of Akureyri, opening up an alternative to the capital Reykjavik.

The new service is due to launch in June 2010 and will give people flying from Gatwick a direct connection to Iceland's second city – famed for its natural beauty.

Gulf Air bucks trend by raising baggage allowance

Gulf Air is going against the grain of trends in the airline industry by raising its baggage allowance at a time when other carriers are cutting theirs.

Bahrain's national airline has announced that it will increase its free checked allowance for passengers in all three classes from October 1 onwards.

Swiss: winter Manchester-Geneva flights

Swiss International Air Lines is to repeat its winter service from Manchester Airport to Geneva. TTG reports that the popularity of the flights last year has ensured its return this ski season.

The twice-weekly flights will start on Sunday, December 20, with a 10am flight. The Saturday service (scheduled for Boxing Day, December 26) will depart at 5.15pm. The service will continue until April 11, 2010.

American adds Manchester to New York service

American Airlines has confirmed that it plans to launch a new daily connection between Manchester Airport and New York JFK Airport next summer.

The announcement comes just one week after rival US carrier Delta Air Lines said that it is axing its daily Manchester to New York JFK service from January 7.

SAS holds onto 'most punctual major airline' title

SAS Scandinavian Airlines has retained its accolade of being Europe's most punctual major airline, newly released figures by FlightStats reveal.

During the summer months of June, July and August, 92.65 per cent of all SAS flights arrived on time, making it the most reliable large carrier in Europe.

Cathay Pacific opens new Heathrow link to Fiji

London Heathrow Airport is to gain a brand new route connecting the British capital to the South Pacific Island of Fiji, courtesy of Cathay Pacific.

The new service includes a stop-over in Hong Kong, where passengers will be transferred to a code-share flight operated by Fijian national carrier Air Pacific.

Qantas criticised for Antarctic sightseeing flights

Qantas has come under fire for plans to operate a series of sightseeing flights over Antarctica, including trips using its massive Airbus A380.

The Australian carrier has chartered the superjumbo for a special New Year's Eve flight over the South Pole, to be followed by two services in 2010.

CityJet to scrap Shannon-Paris link

CityJet, the Air France subsidiary, is to axe its link between Shannon Airport in the West of Ireland and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

The service started in February 2008, following Aer Lingus's decision to end its Shannon to London Heathrow flights. The route was seen as an important connection between the Mid-West region of Ireland and Paris. However the worsening economic situation in Ireland and a lack of passengers have  sounded the death knell for the service.

Delta scraps Manchester flights to New York

Delta Air Lines has announced that it is withdrawing its connection from Manchester Airport to New York JFK in response to falling demand over the winter season.

The carrier will axe the service, introduced three years ago, on January 8, leaving Continental and Pakistan International Airlines as the only airlines operating the route.

Thomas Cook expands Leeds Bradford services

Thomas Cook Airlines has confirmed that it will be adding three new destinations to its forthcoming route programmes for Leeds Bradford Airport.

The carrier's winter schedule now includes flights to Sharm el Sheikh and Monistir in Tunisia, while its summer 2010 timetable features new flights to Antalya as well as Sharm.

Etihad Airways unveils new Heathrow lounge

Business travellers flying with Etihad Airways will soon be able to take advantage of the carrier's brand new lounge at London Heathrow Airport.

The premium lounge, located in Terminal 4, will be open to all first and business class customers, as well as Etihad Guest Gold and Silver card holders.

No-frills airlines 'may charge for carry-on bags'

Low-cost carriers could be just a heartbeat away from charging passengers to bring carry-on luggage aboard their flights, one leading expert has claimed.

With airlines long raking in extra cash for hold luggage, Rick Seaney of FareCompare.com says charging for handheld bags is simply a "logical progression".

SkyEurope latest: Lifeline for stranded customers

Several airlines have stepped in to help customers of SkyEurope who were stranded when the carrier formally ceased operations this morning.

Ryanair, Wizz Air and Czech Airlines are all offering assistance to people due to fly with the carrier, which had bases in Kosice, Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague.

Delta unveils flatbeds on Heathrow flights

Delta Air Lines has said it is close to completing the roll-out of fully-flat business class seats on all its routes from London Heathrow Airport.

The carrier already offers flatbed seats on flights to New York JFK, Atlanta and Detroit, and will install the feature on its Minneapolis service this month.

End of the road for stricken SkyEurope

SkyEurope, the Slovak-based low-cost carrier, has declared bankruptcy and cancelled all its flights after finally succumbing to financial difficulties.

The airline had been hit hard by the global economic slowdown, recently slashing its fleet from 15 to just 5 aircraft and struggling to meet debt repayments.

Its demise leaves several thousand passengers stranded across Europe, with all flights from its bases in Bratislava, Prague and Paris being cancelled indefinitely.

Eastern Airways offers new flights to Bergen

Eastern Airways (www.easternairways.com) will start flying from Aberdeen and Newcastle to Bergen in October, offering an important link to companies in the oil and gas industries as well as leisure travellers keen to see this charming old town.

One-way flights, with taxes, to the second-largest city in Norway, will cost from £89.

Graeme Ross, Eastern Airways’ Scotland director, said: “The announcement of two new direct services to Bergen from Aberdeen and Newcastle demonstrates our commitment to developing routes between the UK and Norway.

Lufthansa to Muslims: Spend Ramadan in Europe

It might not be top of their 'to-do' list this Ramadan, but Muslims in the Middle East are being offered discount fares on flights to Europe with Lufthansa.

The German flag carrier is offering "Ramadan Specials" for seats on many of its mid-haul routes, raising some eyebrows about the suitability of the special offer.

Ramadan is the holiest period in the Islamic calendar, with Muslims being discouraged from indulging in excesses. Many would say that includes overseas breaks.

VLM axes London City to Isle of Man flights

VLM has announced that it no longer plans to resume direct flights between the Isle of Man and London City Airport this September.

The airline had originally said it would be restarting the service for the winter period, but flagging demand for business traffic has forced it to reconsider.

Uncertainty grows about Excelsis Airways

There is growing uncertainty over whether a new airline based at Durham Tees Valley Airport will get off the ground, following an investigation by The Northern Echo.

Excelsis Airways was due to start taking bookings on flights to London City Airport next month, becoming the first new airline to be based in the region for more than 35 years.

But after tracking down the elusive man behind the carrier, Nigerian businessman Victor Bassey, The Echo has made some startling revelations about his fledgling company.

Air Canada online check-in now available at London Heathrow

Online check-in is now available to Air Canada passengers departing from London Heathrow Airport.

Flyers can check-in - and print their boarding pass - between 24 hours and one hour before the flight is scheduled to depart.

Melbourne flights - from £590 with Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has already moved forward the launch dates for its flights to Amritsar and Goa, and now the growing airline has announced a new service from London to Melbourne.

Flights to Melbourne will take off three times per week between December 5 and 29. Outbound flights will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and the return legs on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. From December 31, flights will go daily.

Iceland Express plans Birmingham-Reykjavik flights

Quirky Icelandic low-cost airline Iceland Express (website: www.icelandexpress.com) is planning a link between Birmingham and Reykjavik next year.

The seasonal service is expected to run on Sundays, for just 13 weeks. Flights will touch down at Keflavik International Airport, located 50km (30 miles) southwest of Reykjavik.

Dog flies business class with Israeli airline

An Israeli woman has reportedly paid $32,000 (£19,000) so that her dog can fly in business class on an El Al flight from Paris to Tel Aviv.

The pet-lover, known only as Rivkah, said she could not tolerate the thought of her beloved Orchuk travelling in the cargo hold, as is standard practice.

After offering to pay extra, El Al agreed to reserve the entire business cabin for Rivkah and Orchuk – even removing some seats to make room for his cage.

Gulf Air announces London to Iraq flights

Gulf Air has confirmed that will launch a five-times weekly service from London Heathrow to the Iraqi capital Baghdad, connecting via its hub in Bahrain.

The flag carrier will become the third airline to operate the route when it launches on September 1, joining Royal Jordanian Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

Manx2 steps in to rescue Newcastle link

Manx2, the Isle of Man based airline, has stepped in to ensure that Eastern Airways' cancellation of its Newcastle service will not leave the island cut off.

The regional carrier said it will operate a limited service from Ronaldsway Airport to the northern city, following reports that its rival had withdrawn the route.

Lufthansa gives passengers 'sunshine insurance'

People who fly with Lufthansa can now claim compensation if their holiday is blighted by rainclouds, the German flag carrier confirmed today.

Under the terms of its new 'sunshine insurance' scheme, the airline will pay €20 per day for up to 10 days to anyone whose vacation is disrupted by wet weather.

Aeroflot promises more 'eye-catching' stewardesses

Aeroflot, the Russian carrier seen by many as a rusty emblem of Soviet-era brusqueness, is vowing to hire sultry air hostesses in a bid to modernise its image.

Like most of the country's former state-run enterprises, the airline has long struggled to overcome its reputation for treating customers with cavalier indifference.

But after seeing a "wonderful" video clip of Virgin Atlantic's nubile cabin crew, CEO Vitaly Savelyev reckons he has found the solution: "[Hire] very eye-catching girls." 

New airline spies Tees Valley to London link

The first airline to be based in the Tees Valley region for more than 35 years has moved a step closer to its official launch, The Northern Echo reports.

Excelsis Airways, which will operate flights from Durham Tees Valley to London City Airport, has now started a recruitment drive for 100 staff at the base.

Ski specialist offers direct flights to Valais

Ski specialist Snowjet has announced that it will operate a new route this winter between London Stansted and Sion Airport in the Swiss Valais Region.

The connection will be the only scheduled service from the UK to Sion, providing ski enthusiasts with easy access to some of the region's most popular resorts.

Icelandair boosts Glasgow and Manchester flights

Icelandair is boosting the frequency of flights it operates between Reykjavik and its UK hubs at Glasgow and Manchester airports this winter.

From September 25, the Icelandic carrier will run two extra weekly flights from the British airports, bringing its total number of UK regional links to four.

Vueling set to debut at London Heathrow

Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling will touch down on British soil for the first time this summer when it takes over several routes operated by newly acquired Clickair.

The two airlines will formally complete a merger on Thursday (July 9), boosting Vueling's route network to 46 destinations and making it Spain's second largest carrier.

AirAsia X adds more flights to Kuala Lumpur

AirAsia X has responded to strong demand for its route between London Stansted Airport and Kuala Lumpur by adding two extra weekly flights.

The no-frills carrier had operated the link five times a week since its launch in March, but following strong ticket sales it now becomes a daily service.

Budget airline plans standing-only flights

China's first private airline, Spring Airlines, is pushing the concept of no-frills travel to the extreme, announcing plans to strip its aircraft of seats.

Spokesman Zhang Wuan unveiled the proposal yesterday, telling CCTV that standing-room-only cabins could accommodate up to 40 per cent more passengers.

The move follows comments by China's vice premier, Zhang Dejiang, who argued that citizens "should be able to get on a plane like catching a bus".

Storm clouds gather for ailing SkyEurope

The future of SkyEurope remains in doubt after the continental low-cost carrier was forced to file for bankruptcy protection from its creditors last week.

Followings months of declining passenger numbers, the Slovakia-based airline has sought protection from a Bratislava District Court in an effort to restructure its debt.

Wind Jet to fly from London Luton to Forli

There will be a new way for travellers to reach Italy from next week.

Wind Jet, the Catania-based airline, (website: w4.volawindjet.it) will start flying from London Luton to Forli on Thursday, July 2.

Swiss International Air Lines' discount for young flyers

Prior to the low-cost airline revolution, child fares were the norm. Then, the low-costers shook up the market and children aged two and over were treated as adults and charged accordingly.

Now Swiss International Air Lines has introduced a child fare that is 33 per cent less than the standard adult fare. The taxes, fees and other charges will still be applied to tickets for children.

Air Canada to allow pets as hand luggage

Air Canada passengers will soon be able to carry their pets as hand luggage on international flights, following a change to the airline's baggage policy.

The Canadian national carrier, along with its regional affiliate Jazz, will become one of the few airlines to allow cats and small dogs in the cabin from July 1.

Delta to drop routes from Edinburgh and London Gatwick

Delta Air Lines is the latest carrier to announce that it will be axing routes this autumn.

Citing high jet fuel prices, softer travel demand and the spread of Swine Flu, Delta says it will reduce some services from September.

Of most interest to UK flyers will be services from Edinburgh and London Gatwick airports.

Austrian Airlines switches terminal at Heathrow Airport

Austrian Airlines (website: www.aua.com) is moving to Terminal 1 at London Heathrow Airport.

From Tuesday, June 16, travellers taking flights with Austrian Airlines will have to make their way to Check-in Zone K in Terminal 1 rather than Terminal 2.