Miguel Praga

🛩 Ryanair launched a loyalty program eight months ago, expecting 250,000 subscribers, but only 55,000 joined. The program earned €4.4 million, charging €79 per subscriber, but incurred €6 million in costs, resulting in a loss. The program was shut down as Ryanair's Michael O'Leary quickly addresses underperforming initiatives. This aligns with past decisions like canceling onboard phone services and a partnership with Logitravel. The program failed to boost frequent flyer usage.

🛩 Donald Trump announced the closure of Venezuelan airspace, warning of imminent actions against drug trafficking. On Thanksgiving, Trump stated U.S. military forces would soon act in Venezuela. The FAA cautioned airlines about the worsening security and military activity. The U.S. has targeted Venezuelan boats, causing 80 deaths, as part of its anti-drug trafficking efforts, and plans unspecified future steps.

🛩 Air India lost a Boeing 737 for 13 years after retiring it from service in 2012. It was discovered in an airport hangar in Kolkata during a 2025 inventory check following privatization. Originally acquired in 1982, the plane was sold and later repurchased in 2007. Despite numerous notifications from the Kolkata airport, Air India failed to account for it in their records. The plane has since been relocated, repaired, and sold.

📍 From December 8 to 15, Imserso offers five-day nature circuit trips across 15 destinations in Spain, costing €305.75. Departures include Madrid, Valencia, Jaén, Oviedo, Toledo, Pamplona, Badajoz, Burgos, Pontevedra, Sevilla, Alicante, and Cuenca. Open to all accredited pensioners, travel cost to departure points is self-funded if not local. Managed by Ávoris, it encompasses two of three tourism lots for seniors.

✈️ Iberia, November 2025, faces Airbus A320 crisis. Ordered to inspect 6,000 units worldwide due to potential flight control software issues. Iberia's IAG staff worked overnight for urgent updates to avoid involuntary altitude loss. Most fleet updated; minimal pending work. No flight delays or cancellations expected. Iberia ensures passenger and crew safety remain priorities, commending staff efforts.

📦 José Luis Ábalos, former Spanish Minister of Transport, dropped two bombshells before a court appearance: accusations against Begoña Gómez, Pedro Sánchez's wife, regarding Air Europa's bailout and a leak from Sánchez about a fiscal investigation into Koldo García. Ábalos implied potential influence-peddling linked to the 2020 SEPI-assisted rescue. Despite the loan's repayment, suspicions linger. Ábalos and García, now imprisoned, suggest pressure on Moncloa and other political figures involved in rapid intervention.

🛩 Airbus alerta de posibles fallos en control de vuelo de unos 6,000 aviones A320 debido a la radiación solar. Un reciente incidente mostró que la radiación podría corromper datos críticos. EASA informó sobre un descenso no controlado en un A320, implicando mal funcionamiento del ELAC. Iberia, operadora del modelo, asegura no habrá cancelaciones ni retrasos. Se trabaja en cambios necesarios para garantizar seguridad.

🛫 Wizz Air, November 2025, Tel Aviv: Wizz Air plans to establish a base in Israel to lower airfare costs, following their failed expansion in Abu Dhabi. CEO József Váradi, after meeting with Transport Minister Miri Regev, stated regulatory and business challenges remain, but significant progress has been made. Local airlines oppose the move, fearing foreign competition. The Israeli government aims to conclude negotiations by January's end.