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Stena Line Launches 4-Year Partnership with Special Olympics Ireland
Ryanair Adds Extra Seats for NI Football Fans Ahead of 2026 World Cup Play-Offs
RYANAIR has added 1,500 extra seats to/from Bergamo for football fans planning to travel for the Northern Ireland vs. Italy World Cup play-offs on 26 March 2026. To support the high demand
for flights, extra flights have been added for Wednesday 25 March t0 Fri, 27 March 2026. Ryanair’s Jade Kirwan, said:
“Ryanair has added 1,500 extra seats between Belfast and Bergamo for soccer fans travelling
to watch Northern
Ireland take on Italy in the World Cup play-offs on 26 March.”
STENA Line has confirmed a new four-year sponsorship agreement with Special Olympics Ireland (SOI), running from 2025 through 2028. The sponsorship represents Stena Line’s commitment to inclusion, the creation of opportunities for all, and the belief that sport can change lives. Through Stena Line’s support, almost 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from communities across the island of Ireland will gain greater access to training, competition, and personal development opportunities — from grassroots club sessions to representing Ireland on the world stage.
This multi-annual partnership will help SOI expand programmes that build confidence, resilience, and connection among athletes with intellectual disabilities. It will also provide vital funding to ensure that every athlete, regardless of circumstance, has the chance to reach their full potential in sport and beyond. Speaking at the launch of this partnership, Special Olympics Athlete Ashwen
Maliyakal
Killester Basketball Club) said: “As an athlete, Special Olympics has helped me to develop my sporting talents, make friendships, and grow in confidence and leadership skills – it’s about helping everyone to be included and supported to find their full potential and be part of their community. It’s great to see that Stena Line are coming with us on the journey to make that a reality for everyone.” Johan Edelman, Trade Director for Stena Line says “Marking 30 years of service in Dublin and 30 years in Belfast Harbour (20 Nov 2025) are significant milestones for Stena Line, and we’re honoured to celebrate them by launching a new four-year partnership with Special Olympics Ireland. Inclusivity and care are the cornerstones of our company, therefore we’re delighted that we can support these incredible athletes and make a difference in local communities across Ireland.” Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics says “This partnership with Stena Line marks an exciting new chapter for Special Olympics Ireland and the thousands of athletes we serve. This long-term commitment from Stena Line will have a truly transformational impact; empowering athletes at every level, from local clubs to international competition, to achieve their personal best. Partnerships like this don’t just fund sport; they change lives, strengthen communities, and champion inclusion across the island of Ireland. We are deeply grateful to Stena Line for standing with us on this journey.”
Palma Airport Rolls Out New Biometric EES System
PALMA Airport has officially progressed with the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU arrivals.
This change means that UK passport holders arriving in Mallorca will be required to provide four fingerprints and an eye scan when passing through passport control. Travellers are advised that this new biometric process could result in longer waits at passport control
as each passenger is individually registered on the system.
January 2026
Etihad to Welcome 32 New Aircraft in 2027
ETIHAD Airways has announced a major expansion of its widebody fleet with 32 additional Airbus aircraft. The agreement includes a mix of A350-1000s, A350F freighters, and A330- 900s through both direct orders and lease commitments, with first deliveries beginning in 2027. This
new commitment follows
Etihad’s agreement earlier this year for 28 additional Boeing widebody aircraft, bringing the airline’s total new widebody orders for 2025 to 60 across Airbus and Boeing.
With the new Airbus order, Etihad will operate the entire Airbus wide-body fleet, including A380, A350 family including the freighter, and the A330neo. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive
Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Securing 32 additional widebodies – with deliveries beginning in 2027 Etihad’s
– ability to move fast,
demonstrates secure
(Basketball,
Turkish Airlines Launch Smart Tagged Baggage Service
TURKISH Airlines has entered into a partnership with Samsung, marking yet another milestone towards its digital transformation efforts aimed at enhancing passenger comfort. Passengers
are now able to
seamlessly track their baggage using Smart Tagged Baggage Service, powered by SmartThings Find, which enables faster and more efficient
tracking of misplaced or delayed baggage that is equipped with Galaxy SmartTag.
Through this collaboration, Turkish Airlines has become the launch airline to implement SmartThings technologies in passenger baggage tracking worldwide. Utilising Samsung’s technology, passengers will also be able to upload a
photo of their luggage within
the SmartThings Find app, helping identify their baggage more easily. The airline aims to extend the use of SmartThings Find beyond baggage services, integrating location-based capabilities into future passenger- focused digital solutions.
scarce delivery positions, and stay ahead of global capacity constraints. These commitments ensure we can continue our growth trajectory, deliver more premium experiences, and bring even more visitors to Abu Dhabi. “These agreements reflect our confidence in Abu Dhabi’s aviation future and our commitment to positioning the emirate as one of the world’s leading hubs. Etihad’s incredible growth, underpinned by strategic fleet investments, continues to deliver sustainable value while bringing millions of visitors to Abu Dhabi each year. Our partnership with Airbus remains central to achieving our long- term vision. “With 60 new widebody aircraft ordered
this year across Airbus and Boeing, we are building one of the most modern, efficient and flexible long-haul fleets in the world.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus
EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said: “Etihad Airways’ continued investment in our latest-generation widebody aircraft is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the shared vision we have for the future of aviation in the UAE and beyond. The combination of the A350 Family and A330neo will deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility to Etihad’s operations, supporting its future development.”
NI Airport Welcomes Aer Lingus Regional’s Express Bag Drop Introduction
THE largest operator out of Belfast City Airport, Aer Lingus Regional, has announced the introduction of Express Bag Drop kiosks. Powered by the Aer Lingus mobile app, the new two-step process enables passengers to tag and drop their checked baggage in under two minutes. The Express Bag Drop, exclusively available to Aer Lingus Regional passengers, allows those travelling to check in their baggage in just minutes. Aer Lingus Regional are also ground staff are on hand to help familiarise those using the new facility for the first time.
Commenting on the announcement, John Dillon, Head of Ground Operations at Emerald Airlines said:“Our new Express Bag Drop option means that passengers flying with us from Belfast City Airport can enjoy a faster, more streamlined check-in experience.
It’s designed to reduce wait times, minimise stress and give passengers more time to relax, shop or grab a coffee before their flight.” Aer Lingus Regional is currently the only airline at Belfast City Airport offering Express Bag Drop facilities.
Judith Davis, Head of Operations at Belfast City Airport, added
“At Belfast City Airport, we pride
ourselves on providing passengers with a quick, convenient, and hassle-free airport experience. The introduction of Express Bag Drop kiosks by Aer Lingus Regional is a fantastic addition that further enhances the ease and efficiency our travellers already enjoy. Coupled with our speedy security processing times, this new feature means our passengers will have even more time to relax and unwind before their flight.”
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