Air Taxi Milestone (UAE): Dubai’s GCAA has certified VDX as the world’s first purpose-built commercial eVTOL vertiport, clearing the way for air-taxi operations as Skyports develops additional sites with Dubai’s RTA. Passenger Rights (EU): The European Parliament approved updated air passenger rules, keeping compensation for delays over three hours and adding faster, simpler claims, free adjacent seats for children up to 14, and clearer carry-on fee disclosure. Airport Growth (Ireland): Shannon Airport reported 1.17 million passengers in the first half of 2026 (+12%), with 40 routes and 2 million seats for summer, plus expanded transatlantic capacity. Route Expansion (Iraq): Iraqi Airways launched Basra–Baku direct service, starting July 8 with weekly flights to boost summer travel links. Operational Disruption (India): Heavy monsoon rain disrupted Delhi and Mumbai flight schedules, prompting travel advisories from IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. Baggage Convenience (US): United rolled out “Twilight Bag Drop” at Chicago O’Hare, letting eligible passengers check bags curbside the night before early flights. Legal Watch (UK): Lufthansa Technik is back in London court over a long-running patent dispute tied to aircraft passenger power outlets. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Canada): SUSTAERO signed licensing deals with Topsoe and Sasol for wood-to-SAF production, targeting 144,000 tonnes of SAF annually with scalable capacity.