Airlines

Japan Airlines arranges extra flights for sumo wrestlers due to weight concerns

Japan Airlines had to make an unexpected change to its flight schedule after discovering that two of its aircraft were approaching their weight limits. This was not due to an abundance of luggage, but rather to a passenger list that included some of Japan’s heaviest citizens.

A group of sumo wrestlers had to take an additional trip because Japan Airlines was worried that the extra weight of the passengers could have had an impact on safety.

According to the report, they were traveling to attend a sporting event. When staff discovered that sumo wrestlers were on the passenger lists late on Thursday and that their estimated average weight was 120 kg, considerably over the 70 kg average, there was concern over fuel capacity.

However, when airline employees learned how many wrestlers were booked on each journey, they made plans to transport some of the athletes on a separate jet. Instead, a second flight was organized to transport 27 of the wrestlers, and 14 of them flew from Osaka to Tokyo to catch it. Additional planes were also scheduled to transport the athletes home after the competition.

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Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.