The Lufthansa Group is expanding its fare portfolio for short- and medium-haul flights with a new entry-level fare from May 19.
The Economy Basic fare will be gradually introduced on selected routes and can be booked with all airlines in the Lufthansa Group via digital sales channels such as the airlines’ websites and NDC channels.
The new fare includes one personal item, such as a laptop bag or a small backpack. Carry-on or checked baggage can be included as an add-on service.
The existing Light fare will also be enhanced in the future, allowing travellers the option to rebook their reservation for a fee.
EK A380 fitted with Starlink
Emirates has equipped its flagship A380 with free Starlink Wi-Fi. Additional wireless access points and three antennas enable more than 2Gbps of total aircraft bandwidth across the cabin, supporting in-flight streaming, video calls and gaming.
The first upgraded A380 has returned to Dubai after installation in the UK, with a wider roll-out planned throughout 2026. Installations will soon begin across the entire fleet, with 25 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft already fitted.
Ryanair to close Berlin base
Ryanair will close its Berlin base on October 24, reducing the number of flights it operates to and from Berlin by 50% in its winter schedule. These flights will operate from other bases across Europe.
This is in response Berlin Airport’s recent notice that it will again raise fees by another 10% from 2027 to 2029. The airline said airport fees had increased by 50% since the pandemic even though Berlin’s traffic collapsed by 30%.
Ryanair says all its Berlin-based aircraft will be reallocated to lower-cost EU airports that have abolished aviation taxes, such as Sweden, Slovakia, Albania and Italy.
