Austrian Airlines became the 3rd most punctual airline in Europe in 2025. 99.3 per cent of Austrian Airlines’ flight departed on schedule in the previous year, an increase of +0.7 percentage points. Passenger satisfaction ratings also improved further in 2025, as did Austrian’s brand strength in its home market of Austria. At the prestigious Skytrax Awards, the Austrian Airlines team received the title of “Best Airline Staff Service in Europe” in 2025, as it did in 2023. In addition, Austrian Airlines cabin crews were also voted number 1 in Europe and among the top 20 worldwide.

At the same time, the Lufthansa Group and Austrian Airlines are investing heavily in the future at their Vienna location. The shell construction for a total of 5,000 square metres of new lounge space at Vienna Airport was handed over, which is scheduled to go into operation in 2027 with the terminal expansion of the airport.

At the same time, preparations for the renewal and expansion of Premium Economy Class are in full swing for next winter. The presentation of the new uniforms is also planned for 2027, just in time for the company’s 70th anniversary. Apart from minor adjustments, the appearance of the current uniforms has remained unchanged for 30 years.

The flight schedule has also been revised for the upcoming important summer months. Austrian Airlines will be flying to 7 new destinations from the 2026 summer schedule onwards, including the trendy destination of Ponta Delgada in the Azores, as well as Bilbao and Alicante in Spain. There is also an exciting new insider destination, namely Ohrid in North Macedonia. Bergen on the west coast of Norway invites you to enjoy a ‘coolcation’.

Credits: Austrian Airlines

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Three people are dead after a light plane crashed at an airport in regional New South Wales, Australia, and burst into flames.

The crash happened in Shellharbour in the Illawarra region on Saturday about 10am.

Police have confirmed three people are dead.

Images from the scene show the destroyed aircraft in the middle of the runway, with police and firefighters surveying the scene.

Only the blue and white tail is visible, as the fuselage has been totally burnt.

There are multiple emergency services vehicles on the tarmac and a fire and rescue command bus at an entrance to the runway.

Flight data shows a privately owned, six-seat, single-engine Piper Cherokee Lance aircraft began to depart Shellharbour at 10am.

Flight tracking shows the plane veered to the left and crashed as it began to take off from the westward runway.

Aerial footage shows blackened tarmac consistent with the publicly available flight path data.

The flight data also shows the plane was destined for Bathurst, about 170km away, where the V8 Supercars are racing this weekend.

“Emergency services are currently on scene at a fatal aircraft crash in the state’s Lake Illawarra area,” a police spokesperson said.

“Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District have been informed that a light aircraft crashed at the scene shortly after takeoff.”

“Upon impacting with the ground, the aircraft caught on fire, which was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW.

“Three people are confirmed deceased. There are no reports of any other people being injured.”

A crime scene has been set up and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified.

“Further information will be supplied once it becomes available,” the police spokesperson said.

The Lake Illawarra Police District chief inspector is scheduled to provide more information this afternoon.

Local state MP Katelin McInerney labelled the news “devastating”.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in the crash, as well as the dedicated first responders.”

Credits: Australia

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