Miguel Praga

💥 An American Airlines-operated Bombardier CRJ700 collided with a Blackhawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington DC on January 30, 2025. The plane, on approach to Ronald Reagan Airport with 64 occupants, burst into flames. A search and rescue operation was launched with at least 18 bodies recovered from the river, while CNN reported all passengers dead, citing emergency services at the scene.

🏷 Non-UK, non-resident citizens previously entering the UK with just an ID must now request an ETA costing initially £10 (€12) valid for two years, soon increasing to £16 (€19). Despite IATA's opposition, Willie Walsh criticizes the unexpected ETA price hike and the additional APD—the highest air passenger tax globally—slated to rise in April, potentially derailing the Labour government's goal of 50 million tourists by 2030. The EU's similar ETIAS is cheaper, lasting three years. The UK's tourism appeal lies in the Royal Family and English language, particularly for Americans.

🚢 Christian Estrosi, president of Nice, announced a ban on cruise ships with over 900 passengers at Villefranche sur Mer port, effective July 1. This move is a first for any port and aims to reduce pollution and waste from non-spending travelers. Nice prohibits shuttles for tourists from moored ships due to port size restrictions. CLIA reported three large and 34 medium ships planned to anchor in 2025. Villefranche and Nice see roughly 150,000 cruisers annually, just 1% of the airport's 15 million passengers. Estrosi's authority extends 300 meters offshore, leaving room for potential cruise anchoring beyond this limit.