The Week In Travel

JFK International Airport has this week revealed plans for a new $9.5 billion international terminal. This comes as part of a $19 billion airport transformation plan and will include increased shopping options, cutting-edge terminal architecture, dining facilities, and lounge areas. The terminal is set to open in 2026 and will be the largest in the airport, boasting 23 gates and over 300,000 square feet of retail, dining, and lounge space.

Across the pond, the UK Government has unveiled a roadmap for drones and electric air taxis, targeting the first eVTOL flying taxi flight by 2026. The ‘Future of Flight’ action plan suggests the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAW) market could contribute £45 billion to the UK economy by 2030. The plan also forecasts drone deliveries starting by 2027, with the potential of autonomous air taxis being introduced by 2030.

In sustainability news, the Lufthansa Group has reported over a million passengers have opted for its new Green Fares within the first 12 months across its European network. This accounts for approximately three percent of eligible bookings, with the group stating demand is continuing to steadily rise across all booking classes.

Enhancing connections between North America and the Far East, American Airlines is set to launch a new route between New York’s JFK Airport and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, becoming the sole U.S. carrier to operate nonstop flights between the two airports. The flights will offer roundtrip connections to over 30 cities across Japan and East Asia, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 28th June.

And finally, offering a peek into the curious mind of a child - Molly Mackenzie from Mount Gambier, Australia shared her confusion at her kids’ unusual choices of toys to take on a plane journey. Instead of the types of choices we might expect, Molly’s six-year-old opted for a Christmas mug and a toy bin, while her three-year-old clung to a broken umbrella. The bizarre selection left Mackenzie, along with the million plus people who enjoyed the story on TikTok, scratching their heads. Let’s hope the kids were entertained!