New Airline Launches Service in North Rhine-Westphalia
A new airline, Flydba, is set to revive a domestic flight connection between Stuttgart and Münster/Osnabrück Airport starting January 17. This service, which will operate every Friday, aims to cater specifically to business travelers from Stuttgart needing access to the Münster/Osnabrück region. The airline, founded by Martin Michael, a veteran in civil aviation, will utilize a small Diamond DA62 aircraft with a capacity of five seats. The flight is scheduled to depart Stuttgart in the morning and return from Greven in the evening, making it a convenient option for corporate clients.
The pricing for this service is notably high, with one-way tickets ranging from 580 to 720 euros, which positions it as an impractical choice for private travelers. Michael acknowledges the criticism surrounding short-haul flights, particularly in light of environmental concerns, but argues that for many businesses, the time saved is worth the cost.
Violence Disrupts Air Travel in Haiti
In a troubling development, two American commercial flights were shot at while approaching Port-au-Prince International Airport, leading to heightened security concerns and the suspension of flights by several airlines, including JetBlue and Spirit Airlines. On Monday, a Spirit Airlines crew member was injured when gunfire from the ground struck the aircraft, prompting a diversion to the Dominican Republic. Similarly, a JetBlue flight was targeted just before takeoff, although no injuries were reported among passengers.
These incidents coincide with an increase in gang violence in Haiti, which has led to the closure of the airport and a travel advisory for the region. The UN has called for unity among Haiti's political factions to address the escalating violence, which has resulted in thousands of deaths this year alone. The Multinational Security Support Mission, led by Kenya, has pledged to assist in restoring stability to the country.
