Airlines

Los Angeles World Airports Prohibits Sale of Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles

As part of its ambitious sustainability plan to minimize plastic waste at LAWA facilities and progress towards zero waste, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

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According to the guidelines, single-use plastic water bottles must be replaced with containers made of sustainable alternatives, such as recyclable aluminium or glass, by LAWA and firms having lease or concession agreements at LAX and VNY. The policy also covers vending machine providers and airport activities in addition to restaurants, concessions, and lounges.

The policy applies to pre-packaged single-use plastic bottles of all sizes that contain non-carbonated, unflavored purified water, spring, mineral, artesian, well, or tap water. It also applies to bottles that contain electrolyte-enhanced water. Onboard bottled water is not subject to this rule.

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In order to ensure that travelers had easy access to drinking water in advance of the ban on single-use plastic water bottles, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power collaborated with LAWA to build additional hydration stations across LAX’s terminals. The LAWA Facilities Management Division currently looks after the hydration stations, and as part of a routine maintenance programme, they are inspected and repaired.

The LAWA Sustainability Action Plan includes plans for LAX and Van Nuys Airport to achieve net zero in the following areas by the year 2045: no potable water consumed for non-potable uses, and zero carbon emissions from LAWA operations. Waste reduction and water management are just two of the plan’s key components. By 2045, LAWA also intends to use only renewable energy.

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.