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March 31, 2025

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March 31, 2025

Easter events in Lower Austria: tradition and diversity

Belinda Borg March 31, 2025 11:01

The Easter season in Lower Austria offers locals and guests a variety of traditional markets, cultural events, and culinary experiences. From artistic handicrafts to regional specialties, the various regions of the state invite you to celebrate Easter in a special atmosphere. In the Weinviertel, the custom of "In die Grean geh'n" (Going into the Grean) is cultivated. On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, an Easter walk will take place in the Stoitzendorf cellar lane, welcoming the awakening nature. In the past, winegrowers used this way to thank their helpers for their work with a hearty snack. The Waldviertel region invites you to the beginning of spring with the Easter market at Rosenburg Castle. On the weekends of April 5/6 and 12/13, 2025, artists and artisans will present their works in the staterooms and gardens of the Renaissance castle. Culinary offerings and demonstrations of historical falconry at 11:00 a.m. and 15:00 p.m. round out the program. The Easter Market at the Cathedral in Wiener Neustadt will take place on April 11 and 12, 2025. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of handicrafts, Easter decorations, and regional delicacies. The market is organized in cooperation with the "This is what Lower Austria tastes like" initiative. These events reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Easter traditions in Lower Austria and offer both cultural and culinary highlights for visitors of all ages.

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Federal police execute numerous arrest warrants at airports

Stephen Steiner March 31, 2025 10:02

The Federal Police executed around 1500 arrest warrants at German airports last year, according to the Federal Police Headquarters in Potsdam. These executions are based on the analysis of approximately 91.200 passenger data records by the Federal Criminal Police Office. These measures are intended to maintain security and facilitate law enforcement. In addition to executing arrest warrants, the Federal Police prevented the transport of persons suspected of document forgery or human trafficking in around 800 cases. These preventive measures are intended to prevent illegal activities in travel and protect Germany's borders. The Federal Police thus plays a crucial role in controlling air traffic and combating crime. The cooperation between the Federal Police and the Federal Criminal Police Office enables the effective identification and arrest of criminals and the prevention of illegal activities. The analysis of passenger data is an important tool for ensuring security at airports and supporting law enforcement. The Federal Police relies on modern technologies and well-trained personnel to fulfill its duties.

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Lufthansa Group improves customer service

Amely Mizzi March 31, 2025 09:04

The Lufthansa Group has significantly expanded its customer service for the start of its summer flight schedule. The aim is to offer travelers better service for rebookings, baggage tracking, and flight disruptions. Digital offerings, particularly via the app, have been expanded to simplify travel planning. Customers can now rebook more flexibly, reserve seats, and receive automatic refunds in the event of schedule changes. The introduction of Travel ID is intended to further enhance the travel experience by providing personalized information and solutions. Baggage can also be tracked with AirTags and online forms can be used for compensation claims. A new Help Center offers support for service inquiries, and an AI chat assistant is available in multiple languages. The Lufthansa Group relies on digital innovations and improved communication channels to optimize customer service and enhance the travel experience.

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Frankfurt: Fraport stops Terminal 1 project and plans general renovation of Terminal 2

Amely Mizzi March 31, 2025 08:30

Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe's most important hubs, is facing profound changes. While the planned redesign of Terminal 1 (T1) has been halted for the time being, airport operator Fraport has announced a comprehensive renovation of Terminal 2 (T2). The measures are intended to modernize the airport in the long term, but will initially lead to a transition phase in which the newly built Terminal 3 will assume a central role. Fraport originally planned to fundamentally restructure the security checkpoints in Terminal 1. The checkpoints were to be relocated from their current locations further into the landside areas to enable more efficient processes. However, this project would have had far-reaching consequences for ongoing operations. "We would have a permanent construction site in Terminal 1 for at least the next five years," explained Fraport CEO Stefan Schulte during the presentation of the consolidated financial statements for 2024. Such a construction project would have meant massive restrictions for travelers and airlines, as T1, with a capacity of 40 million passengers annually, is the most important terminal at Frankfurt Airport. In addition to the logistical effort, economic considerations also played a role. The costs for the planned restructuring would have been high. Instead, Fraport opted for a technical modernization of the existing security areas: "We will upgrade the existing security checkpoints with modern CT scanners," Schulte said. These scanners allow passengers to leave liquids and electronic devices in their hand luggage, which speeds up the screening process. Similar systems are already in successful use at several international airports. Terminal 2 will be temporarily closed While the renovation project in Terminal 1 has been halted, Fraport is still pursuing long-term modernization plans. Terminal 2, which is currently used for

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Time change and spring fatigue affect road safety

Belinda Borg March 31, 2025 08:08

The annual time change from winter to summer time on the night from Saturday to Sunday causes many people to experience a temporary mini-jet lag. This affects the biorhythm and can lead to difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and exhaustion. Added to this is seasonal spring fatigue, which further weakens the body. Traffic psychologists warn of the risks in road traffic. The time change and the associated fatigue can lead to driving errors and violations of rules. This significantly increases the risk of accidents. Increased caution is particularly advised in the first few days after the change. Experts advise drivers to allow sufficient time and take additional breaks on longer journeys. Anyone feeling tired should avoid long journeys or use public transport. Exercise in the fresh air can help stimulate the circulation and facilitate adjustment to the new rhythm.

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LOT expands long-haul fleet with two additional Boeing 787-8s

Stephen Steiner March 31, 2025 07:39

The Polish airline LOT Polish Airlines is further expanding its long-haul fleet. As announced by Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak on March 27, 2025, the airline has acquired two additional Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. With this decision, LOT aims to strengthen its market position and develop new intercontinental routes. Demand for modern long-haul aircraft is high worldwide, especially for aircraft with long range and high fuel efficiency. Klimczak emphasized in a statement that the acquisition of the two Dreamliners is a significant step for the airline's expansion. LOT manager Michał Fijoł confirmed to Polish media that the new aircraft are expected to enter service in 2026. This is not an outright purchase, but a leasing model. The aircraft will be leased for a period of twelve years from DP Aircraft, a UK-based company specializing in commercial aircraft leasing. The total value of the lease is approximately $167,63 million. Growing importance of the long-haul network LOT Polish Airlines already operates 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including eight of the shorter 787-8 version and seven of the larger 787-9 variant. With the expansion to a total of ten 787-8 aircraft, the airline intends to further expand its long-haul offerings. LOT currently flies to 98 destinations in 50 countries, primarily serving long-haul routes to the United States, Canada, China, Japan, and South Korea. Expanding the fleet could enable the airline to offer additional destinations in North America and Asia. Leasing as the preferred model in aviation The acquisition of aircraft through leasing agreements is common practice in the aviation industry. Airlines

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RegioJet draws positive conclusions for night train Prague–Chop

Stephen Steiner March 31, 2025 07:08

One year after the launch of the Prague–Chop night train, the Czech railway company RegioJet is drawing a positive conclusion. Since its launch on March 28, 2024, almost 80.000 passengers have used the service, with an average occupancy rate of 90 percent. The service was established specifically to meet the growing demand among Ukrainian travelers for travel to the European Union. The night train runs daily and connects Prague with the Slovak city of Košice and the Ukrainian border town of Chop. From there, connections are available to the Ukrainian railway network. The service offers a comfortable alternative to buses and cars, as it features sleeping cars. Passengers also receive free drinks, breakfast, and dinner. Ticket prices start at the equivalent of around 16 euros, with a bed starting at 34 euros. RegioJet is also committed to improving rail infrastructure in Ukraine. The modernization of Chop station began in November 2024, with RegioJet providing, among other things, new railway sleepers. An additional modernized siding was put into operation in December 2024. RegioJet has been operating train connections between the Czech Republic and Ukraine since 2022.

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Violent flight movement at United Airlines: Two passengers seriously injured

Belinda Borg March 31, 2025 06:38

A sudden change in altitude on a United Airlines flight from New York to San Francisco in September 2024 resulted in serious injuries to two passengers. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has now released its final report on the incident. According to the report, an abrupt response by the cockpit to a warning from the collision avoidance system (TCAS) triggered a violent aircraft movement that resulted in the injuries. On September 19, 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 757-200, registration N12125, was en route from New York/Newark to San Francisco. The aircraft was already descending and was instructed by air traffic control (ATC) to remain at its cruising altitude of 31.000 feet (FL310) when the incident occurred. Approximately 500 feet before reaching the intended altitude, the TCAS system issued a traffic and collision warning for another aircraft 1.500 feet below. The first officer piloting the aircraft then deactivated the autopilot and the automatic thrust control and attempted to heed the warning. According to the NTSB investigation report, the crew performed an "abrupt altitude correction," which resulted in a sharp vertical movement of the aircraft. This movement was so severe that several people on board were injured. Seriously injured passengers and crew members. At the time of the incident, the fasten seatbelt sign was already activated, but some passengers were still in the lavatories. One passenger, who was exiting one of the onboard lavatories, was thrown into the air by the sudden movement of the aircraft and landed with full force on his leg, fracturing his ankle. Another

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SunExpress reports record numbers and expands offering for 2025

Stephen Steiner March 31, 2025 06:03

The Turkish airline SunExpress, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, is experiencing strong demand for summer 2025. According to CEO Max Kownatzki, advance bookings are 20 percent higher than last year. The Turkish Riviera and Anatolia are particular focuses of expansion. In 2024, the airline achieved the best result in its history with revenue of 2,2 billion euros and 15 million passengers. Despite rising costs and operational challenges, SunExpress is planning a significantly expanded offering for 2025. 85 aircraft will be operated during the peak season, seven more than in the previous year. The route network comprises 237 connections to 92 destinations in 35 countries. In the DACH region, SunExpress is massively expanding its Antalya program. Up to seven daily flights will depart from Düsseldorf this summer, and up to six from Cologne. New routes include Erzurum, Bursa, and Kayseri. Collaboration with partner airlines is also growing: 120 weekly flights to Egypt are being marketed for Air Cairo, while Electra Airways is offering new connections to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. A codeshare agreement with Eurowings is in preparation. Despite these successes, SunExpress expects economic challenges in 2025. Rising fees and compensation payments could weigh on its balance sheet. Leasing contracts have been extended to offset capacity bottlenecks caused by delayed aircraft deliveries. The long-term goal is to grow the fleet to 2035 aircraft by 166. The ACMI division will also be further expanded; SunExpress currently operates four aircraft for South African Airways and nine for AJet in the 2024/2025 winter season.

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Unusual route: Qantas passengers transported to Heathrow by bus

Amely Mizzi March 31, 2025 05:34

A sudden power outage at London's Heathrow Airport on March 21, 2025, led to the complete closure of Britain's largest aviation hub. Numerous airlines were forced to divert their flights or cancel them altogether. The Australian airline Qantas was particularly affected, with its planes diverted to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport shortly before their scheduled landing in London. With Heathrow closed for almost 24 hours, Qantas had to find an unconventional solution to still get its passengers to London – by bus. Diversion to Paris – the only alternative Qantas operates two daily connections to London Heathrow: a direct flight from Perth and a connection from Sydney via Singapore. On Friday morning, both planes were shortly before their scheduled landing at Heathrow when the airport was forced to suspend operations due to the power outage. Since returning to the departure airport or a longer wait seemed impractical, Qantas decided to divert the planes to Paris. After landing, however, the company faced a new challenge: How could the stranded passengers get to London as quickly as possible? An eight-hour bus ride instead of a one-hour flight The decision was made to take a bus ride – an unusual continuation of a long-haul journey for many travelers. While a flight from Paris to London normally takes around an hour, a bus ride between the two cities can take up to eight hours, depending on traffic and waiting times at the border. According to Qantas Managing Director Vanessa Hudson, however, this solution was chosen for pragmatic reasons: "The airport infrastructure in London was paralyzed, and there was no possibility of onward travel by plane.

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