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IndiGo announced (06-Mar-2025) plans to commence three times weekly services to Manchester and Amsterdam in Jul-2025, subject to regulatory approval. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers stated: "We're thrilled to announce our first-ever long-haul destinations - Manchester and Amsterdam", adding: "India has strong ties both with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands for business and tourism; and there is a large Indian diaspora who live in these countries". The LCC noted that "the service to Manchester will be the only direct route from India to the north of the UK". As previously reported by CAPA, in Feb-2025 IndiGo signed an agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for the wet lease of three Boeing 787-9s, with the aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2H2025. The LCC stated: "Collectively, these aircraft will enable IndiGo to make an early entry into the long-haul market and establish itself in Europe while the airline awaits the delivery of its Airbus A321 XLR and A350-900 aircraft from 2027 onwards". [more - original PR]

Air France announced (06-Mar-2025) it is gradually introducing its 'Economy Comfort' option on long haul services globally, available for purchase for flights from 06-May-2025. Economy Comfort seats are located at the front of each economy cabin section, and offer increased legroom, extra recline and priority boarding in zone three. The option can be selected as an extra option from the time of reservation until check-in, subject to availability. Flying Blue Platinum members and higher tiers can select the seats free of charge anytime, while Gold members can select it 72 hours before departure. [more - original PR]

Qantas Group, via its official website, reported (07-Mar-2025) Qantas Airways and Jetstar Airways flights to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Ballina will remain suspended until "at least" 09-Mar-2025. Qantas flights to Coffs Harbour resumed on 07-Mar-2025 and Qantas and Jetstar flights to the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay continue to operate.

Virgin Australia stated (07-Mar-2025) it is working with airports, local councils, and authorities as the Cyclone Alfred situation evolves. The carrier has suspended all flights to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Ballina on 07-Mar-2025 and 08-Mar-2025 and aims to resume flights on 09-Mar-2025 "as soon as it is safe to do so". [more - original PR]

UK's Government announced (05-Mar-2025) the "last major step in the rollout" of the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme, expanding the scheme to European visitors. Eligible applicants will require an ETA to travel to the UK, effective 02-Apr-2025. The expansion follows the successful rollout of ETAs to all eligible non-European nationals in 2024, which includes visitors from the US, Canada and Australia. Almost 1.1 million visitors have been issued with ETAs so far. [more - original PR]

Ryanair confirmed (05-Mar-2025) it will delay its transition to 100% paperless boarding passes to the start of its winter schedule for 2025/26 on 03-Nov-2025. Passengers will be required to use the digital boarding pass generated in the myRyanair app during check-in. The LCC stated almost 80% of its passengers already use digital boarding passes. Ryanair expects to eliminate "almost all airport check-in fees" from Nov-2025 as a result of the transition. The move is expected to reduce more than 300 tonnes of paper waste p/a. [more - original PR]