In response to severe flooding that has rendered Salgado Filho Airport in Porto Alegre inoperable, the Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulator, the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), has enacted a temporary prohibition on the sale of airline tickets to and from the airport.

This measure applies across all sales channels, including travel agencies, and will remain in effect until ANAC reevaluates the situation.

The closure of the airport, located in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, has had significant repercussions, affecting more than 490,000 passengers. The terminal remains indefinitely closed due to the flooding, with the runway still submerged under water.

In light of these circumstances, airlines are offering flexibility to affected customers. Passengers can reschedule their flights to Porto Alegre within a year of the original scheduled date without incurring additional fees. Alternatively, they can opt for a refund, either in cash or credit.

To accommodate displaced travelers, airlines have increased the number of flights to nearby airports in the southern region of Brazil. This increase aims to prioritize passengers who already have issued tickets.

According to ANAC’s directives, airlines must identify and prioritize contact with passengers who have a pending return journey, whether traveling to or from Rio Grande do Sul, to facilitate their reaccommodations preferentially.

An airline worker in Indonesia narrowly escaped serious injury in a harrowing incident at Jakarta Airport.

The episode unfolded when colleagues inadvertently removed the airstairs from a TransNusa Airbus A320 just as the worker stepped off the plane, causing him to plummet to the tarmac below.

Reports detail the heart-stopping moment when the worker, engaged in conversation inside the aircraft, exited the door only to find himself stepping into thin air. Caught off guard by the sudden absence of the stepladder, he fell to the ground as his colleagues looked on in shock.

Fortunately, the quick response of those nearby ensured the worker received immediate medical attention, with reports indicating his condition is now stable and he has avoided serious injury. A viral video of the incident, shared by CEO of Avialaz Consultants Sanjay Lazar, has sparked widespread concern on social media platforms, drawing attention to the dangers faced by aviation personnel in high-pressure environments.

In the footage, two crew members can be seen detaching the stepladder, unaware of the worker’s imminent departure from the aircraft. Moments later, the worker steps out, only to be met with empty space and a sudden descent to the ground. The chaotic scene unfolds as papers scatter in the air and bystanders rush to aid the fallen worker.

In a groundbreaking move toward seamless travel experiences, two Italian airports, Milan Linate and Catania, are leading the way with innovative “FaceBoarding” technology at their security checkpoints.

This cutting-edge facial recognition system enables passengers to breeze through the airport without the hassle of presenting their passport or boarding pass.

Here’s how it works: passengers over 18 simply need to check-in and then proceed to the FaceBoarding desks, where they scan their passport or electronic ID card and undergo a facial scan for verification.

Once registered, travelers can enjoy expedited processes at security screening and boarding gates, with dedicated lanes ensuring priority for FaceBoarding users. Initially available for ITA Airways and Scandinavian Airlines passengers, the trial phase of this technology promises a glimpse into the future of air travel.

While other airlines still require traditional document checks, those participating in the trial can enjoy the convenience of passport-free boarding. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Soon, with the FaceBoarding app launching in June, registered users can streamline their future journeys by attaching boarding passes directly to their scanned identity documents. This seamless integration aims to enhance passenger convenience and airport efficiency.

Moreover, frequent flyers have the option to register for FaceBoarding for one or all of their flights during the trial period, which extends until December 31, 2025. This initiative optimizes the airport experience by minimizing the need for document checks while maintaining stringent security measures.

Meanwhile, on a broader scale, the European Union is gearing up to introduce another form of biometric technology. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will automate the registration process for non-EU travelers, including those from the UK, streamlining entry procedures across EU airports.