A top-ranking Senate Democrat has voiced concerns about the legal justification for the FAA’s decision to recall approximately 3,000 safety inspectors and engineers to return to work without pay amid the longest government shutdown in US history.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways has become the latest airline to join “Worldwide by easyJet,” enabling passengers of the two airlines to connect through London Gatwick Airport.

South African Airways (SAA) has suspended its 3X-weekly service to Blantyre, Malawi, after the South African aviation regulator found what it described as serious safety risks at Blantyre Chileka International Airport. Blantyre is the second city of the small southern African state.

US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers called out of work over the holiday weekend at the highest rate since the partial government shutdown began Dec. 22, 2018, while staffing shortages contributed to increased wait times at several large-hub airports.

An Aeroflot Airline Boeing 737-800, en route from Astana (Kazakhstan) to Moscow, skidded off the runway while taxiing after landing at Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) Jan. 21, at 5:49 p.m. local time.

An Aeroflot Airline Boeing 737-800, en route from Surgut to Moscow Sheremetyevo (flight SU1515), changed course and landed at Russia’s Khanty-Mansiysk Airport Jan. 22 after an unruly passenger demanded the aircraft be diverted to Afghanistan.

Bangkok Airways has announced the resignation of its CEO after Thai regulators said he must step down and pay penalties for alleged share trading irregularities.

Two deals have kicked off aviation services consolidation in 2019, with Danish freight-forwarder DSV launching a bid for Swiss rival Panalpina, and Menzies Aviation securing approval to acquire UK ground handler Airline Services.