Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) opened a public consultation on August 10 to gather input for its 2027/2028 regulatory agenda. Stakeholders can submit suggestions for changes, inclusions, or exclusions until September 24 via the Brasil Participativo platform. ANAC also held a webinar on August 19 to present the preliminary list of topics.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has appointed Anne Heal as a non-executive director. Heal brings over twenty years of experience in regulation, governance, and strategy, having held senior roles at BT Group and Openreach. She currently holds several regulatory positions. The appointment supports the CAA's commitment to governance and consumer protection.
The Brazilian Aviation Security Team (BASeT) has published the final products of Thematic Subgroups 1, 3, and 4 for the 2025/2026 cycle, including a technical guide to strengthen human resources and just culture in AVSEC, proposals to enhance cooperation among public agencies at airports, and course material for senior management AVSEC training. These materials are based on ANAC regulations and ICAO guidelines.
Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has signed a technical cooperation agreement with France's Service Technique de l'Aviation Civile (STAC/DGAC) and the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) to study the impact of climate change on airport pavement performance. The initial term is 36 months, extendable up to six years. Research will be extended to Brazil, with monitoring equipment installed at Fortaleza Airport, funded by the French side. Results may inform ICAO recommendations.
GBTA welcomes the final approval of the CountEmissionsEU Regulation by the European Parliament. This law establishes a consistent methodology for calculating emissions from transport services, including air and ground transport, enabling business travelers to compare carbon footprints across providers and modes for more sustainable choices.
The Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) jointly published safety objectives for eVTOL (vertical take-off and landing capable aircraft). The document is necessary due to eVTOL's innovative design and operational characteristics, differing from conventional aircraft. This publication is a key step towards developing a regulatory framework for certification, with international harmonization in mind.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) have signed an MOU to strengthen collaboration in aviation training and education. They will establish a framework for cooperation in civil aviation training and capacity-building through joint programmes, academic exchanges, and executive education. The first initiative is a new Masters programme in Intelligent Civil Aviation Management, delivered by the Singapore Aviation Academy and SJTU's Antai College, launching in 2027 for Asia-Pacific aviation professionals.
Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) held a roadshow on July 27-28 in Brasília to present the competitive procedure for renegotiating the Brasília airport concession contract and reinforced the deadline of August 7 for Public Consultation No. 10/2026. The event, organized with the Investment Partnerships Program (PPI) and the Civil Aviation Secretariat, aimed to clarify project details and encourage contributions. Seven groups participated in in-person and online meetings.
The UK CAA published its final decision on the regulatory treatment of early costs for Heathrow expansion. It allows Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) to recover early costs incurred in 2025-2026 through airport charges, capped at £320 million (2024 prices), with safeguards. It also allows Heathrow West Limited (HWL) to recover approximately £4.14 million. The maximum charge per passenger is expected to increase by around 15p in 2028, rising to an estimated 30p in subsequent years.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) published its Airspace Architecture Concept of Operations, outlining a vision to move drone operations from isolated trials to widespread commercial use. It explores enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drones alongside crewed aircraft through technology, digital services, and risk-based safety measures. The vision includes electronic detection, conflict avoidance, reliable communications, digital traffic management, and information sharing.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and SAFRA will trial Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas (UAFAs) at four SAFRA clubhouses from 3 August 2026 for six months. The trial sites are indoor futsal and squash courts at Choa Chu Kang, Mount Faber, Tampines, and Toa Payoh, equipped with drone gates. The public can book free slots via the SAFRA app or web portal. The trial aims to explore safe repurposing of enclosed spaces for recreational drone flying, with potential expansion if successful.
Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), through its Airport Infrastructure Superintendence, published the 'Manual on Responsive Regulation in Civil Aviation Security against Acts of Unlawful Interference (AVSEC)'. The document details how the agency applies responsive regulation in AVSEC oversight, as established by Resolution No. 761 of 2024, replacing the system under Resolution No. 472 of 2018. The model considers risk management, compliance history, ability to correct non-conformities, cooperation, and voluntary adoption of good practices, aiming for more proportionate and efficient oversight. Due to restricted information, the manual is not public and is provided directly to co…
The European Commission has published an implementation strategy to support Member States in applying new EU directives on driving licences and driving disqualifications. Measures include an EU-wide accompanied driving scheme for 17-year-olds, a probationary period for novice drivers, more systematic fitness-to-drive checks, and revised training and testing requirements emphasizing vulnerable road user safety. The strategy also outlines steps for mobile driving licences and EU-wide recognition of driving disqualifications.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore announced a S$4 billion investment over 15 years to upgrade air navigation services, including increasing air traffic controllers, deploying AI systems, and building new facilities, to meet rising air travel demand and support Changi Airport Terminal 5 and three-runway operations.
Under the guidance of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the China Air Transport Association is organizing airlines to develop a group standard for flight overbooking, focusing on standardizing information disclosure and compensation plans. The standard will be open for public comment after completion. This aims to guide airlines in standardizing overbooking handling and protect passengers' rights to information and choice.
The 4th 2nd meeting of CATA's Revenue Accounting Committee was held in Beijing, approving the work report, revised organization rules, and the proposal to revise the Domestic Interline Revenue Accounting Manual. Three new deputy directors were elected. Discussions focused on pain points in revenue settlement, accelerating RMB cross-border clearing, advancing the government procurement ticket platform and CDS integration, and enhancing standardization and digitalization.
EASA has introduced a new regulatory framework (Regulation EU 2026/781 and CS-FSTD Issue 1) modernizing the qualification of Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs). The framework replaces fixed types with a capability-based system, introduces the FSTD Capability Signature (FCS), supports emerging technologies like touchscreen and XR, and offers optional task-to-tool training. Implementation support begins late 2026.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) welcomed the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of a bipartisan package of aviation security and travel facilitation bills, including the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 and the One Stop Pilot Program Extension Act. These measures aim to strengthen Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations, addressing checkpoint congestion, staffing constraints, and inefficiencies in the international travel process. The SAFEGUARDS Act would restore the 9/11 passenger security fee to its intended purpose of funding aviation security, ensuring TSA has resources to meet evolving operational demands. The One Stop Pilot Program Extension Act would allow TSA…
The UK FCDO updated travel advice for Gibraltar, noting that from 15 July 2026, the UK-EU Agreement on Gibraltar will provisionally apply, including new entry requirements for travelers with full British citizen passports. Travelers should check the entry requirements page.
GBTA welcomes the bipartisan introduction of the Quiet Skies Act, directing the DOT to issue a rule banning in-flight voice calls within 180 days. This follows the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act mandate. With satellite connectivity like Starlink enabling calls, GBTA advocates for preserving a quiet cabin.
Chad Lemon, Director of Product Marketing at BCD Travel, reflects on ProcureCon Travel 2026, noting that high-performing travel programs are being rethought from the ground up rather than incrementally improved. Key themes include integrating policy with traveler experience, building trust in AI, managing multi-source NDC distribution, rising hotel costs, and the importance of open ecosystems. Leading programs connect data, policy, and behavior, offer choice within guardrails, and shift from lowest logical fare to overall value.
The FAA and EASA reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation at the 2026 International Safety Conference, focusing on information sharing, Safety Management Systems, automated flightdeck technologies, cybersecurity, and more. They will meet regularly to review progress, supporting innovation while maintaining public confidence.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) welcomes the political agreement on EU air passenger rights reform, which preserves compensation rights of €250-€600 for delays over three hours and strengthens airlines' obligations to inform and assist passengers. GBTA urges EU member states to implement the rules clearly and consistently to boost business traveler confidence.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) announced temporary restricted areas (TRAs) over parts of Singapore on selected dates in June, July, and August 2026 for National Day Parade (NDP) aerial activities. The TRAs cover the Kallang area and extend from ground to 3,000 feet. During these times, all aerial activities including kite-flying and drones are prohibited, with penalties for violations.
GBTA's annual U.S. Legislative Summit took place June 9-11 in Washington, D.C., with 120 members and stakeholders from 31 states. They held over 120 Capitol Hill meetings advocating for policies that support the business travel industry, which drives $624 billion in annual economic impact and accounts for 2.1% of U.S. GDP. Priorities include modernizing the air traffic system, avoiding burdensome entry processes, and advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
On June 4, Pan Yixin, senior advisor of the Cross-Strait Aviation Transport Exchange Committee, met with Wu Yingliang, chairman of the Taiwan Travel Association, and they reached consensus on resuming direct cross-strait passenger flights and deepening aviation-tourism integration. The mainland side expressed willingness to actively study measures to facilitate cross-strait travel, while Taiwan industry called for lifting unreasonable restrictions and restoring normal direct flights.
The UK FCDO updated its travel advice for Canada, adding information about entry requirements for those entering from Ebola-affected regions. Travelers are advised to research destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. FCDO provides risk advice to help make informed decisions.
The UK FCDO updated travel advice for Zambia with new information on entry requirements for travelers from Ebola-affected regions. The advice emphasizes that no travel can be guaranteed safe and recommends appropriate travel insurance.
The UK FCDO updated travel advice for Botswana with new information on entry requirements for travelers from Ebola-affected regions. The advice emphasizes that no travel can be guaranteed safe and recommends appropriate travel insurance.
The UK FCDO has updated travel advice for Hong Kong, covering dual nationality, e-cigarettes, and illegal drugs including CBD. Hong Kong does not recognize dual nationality and does not recognize BN(O) passports as valid travel documents. If you hold both British and Chinese nationality, local authorities may treat you solely as a Chinese citizen, and the British Consulate-General may not be able to offer consular assistance. Additionally, e-cigarettes and CBD may be subject to legal restrictions.
The UK FCDO has updated its travel advice for Kazakhstan with new information about IMEI registration for local SIM cards. Travelers are advised to get appropriate travel insurance and stay informed about local safety.
The UK FCDO updated travel advice for the Turks and Caicos Islands, mainly regarding passport validity requirements. As a British Overseas Territory, there is no British Embassy, and the local government provides support. Travelers are advised to obtain appropriate travel insurance.
The Amsterdam District Court ruled that German hotels have not provided evidence that Booking.com's past parity clauses restricted competition. The court also raised concerns about the narrow market definition applied by German authorities, noting that substitutability of other sales channels was not considered. Booking.com has not used parity clauses in Germany since 2016.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its Madagascar travel advice on September 9, 2026, adding information on Ebola entry requirements to the "Entry requirements" page. The FCDO states no travel can be guaranteed safe and advises travelers to read the full guide and obtain appropriate travel insurance covering their itinerary, planned activities and emergency expenses.
SAP Concur's blog shares how the University of Massachusetts (UMass) transformed its fragmented travel and expense tools into a unified Concur platform for nearly 10,000 employees by first updating policies, building an innovation team, and choosing the right partners. Key success factors include strategy before technology, leadership support, and partnership.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for St Kitts and Nevis, with the latest update on 5 January 2026 and still current as of 8 September 2026. The update adds information on the 'Entry requirements' page that all visitors to St Kitts and Nevis must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travel. The FCDO also notes that no travel can be guaranteed safe and advises travellers to research destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance covering itinerary, planned activities and emergency expenses.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Macao, adding new information about dual nationals returning to the UK. Macao does not recognise dual nationality; those with both British and Chinese nationality may be treated as Chinese citizens by local authorities, even if entering on a full British citizen passport. In such cases, the British Consulate-General may not be able to offer consular help. Those who have formally renounced Chinese citizenship should carry evidence of doing so.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) published travel advice for Martinique, still current as of 8 September 2026 and last updated on 10 December 2025, adding new information about dual nationals returning to the UK (see the 'Entry requirements' page). The advice covers warnings and insurance, before-you-travel guidance, and travel insurance, noting that no travel can be guaranteed safe.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) published travel advice for Gabon, still current as of 8 September 2026 and last updated on 10 December 2025, adding new information about dual nationals returning to the UK (see the 'Entry requirements' page). The advice covers warnings and insurance, before-you-travel guidance, and travel insurance, noting that no travel can be guaranteed safe.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) published travel advice for French Polynesia, still current as of 8 September 2026 and last updated on 10 December 2025, adding new information about dual nationals returning to the UK (see the 'Entry requirements' page). The advice covers warnings and insurance, before-you-travel guidance, and travel insurance, noting that no travel can be guaranteed safe.