BUENOS AIRES: An American Airlines flight carrying International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde made an emergency landing in Argentina shortly after taking off from Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza airport on Sunday, several local media outlets reported.
Local newspapers Clarin and La Nacion and local television station TN reported the flight, which was destined for the United States, experienced a drop in cabin pressure about 200 km (124 miles) north of the Argentine capital and returned to Ezeiza to land.
Lagarde had been in Argentina over the weekend for the G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank presidents. An IMF spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. No injuries related to the incident were reported.
Plane carrying IMF’s Lagarde makes emergency landing in Argentina -media
Plane carrying IMF’s Lagarde makes emergency landing in Argentina -media
Saudia adds 20 flights to Red Sea for Eid Al-Fitr holiday
RIYADH: Saudia has added 20 flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Red Sea Destination during Eid Al-Fitr holiday, increasing total operations on the routes to 44.
The expanded service comes through collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority and Red Sea Global as part of ongoing efforts to promote premier tourism destinations across the Kingdom.
According to a press release, the initiative aims to establish the destination as a world-class luxury tourism hub.
The Red Sea Destination is an ambitious luxury tourism project on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, developed by the Public Investment Fund’s Red Sea Global as part of Vision 2030.
Upon full completion in 2030, the regenerative tourism site will feature 50 resorts with 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland locations, all powered entirely by renewable energy.
The press release states that passengers flying to and from the Red Sea will experience “Saudia’s integrated guest experience, including advanced AI-powered digital services for personalized travel planning, streamlined airport procedures, and an onboard experience reflecting Saudi hospitality alongside a wide range of entertainment for guests of all ages.”
The partnership represents a long-term strategic collaboration between Saudia and the Saudi Tourism Authority to strengthen tourism initiatives through expanded flight connectivity, increased seat capacity, and distinctive travel experiences that reflect the Kingdom’s cultural character.
These efforts support Saudi Arabia’s national tourism goal of attracting 150 million visitors by 2030, the statement noted.
Saudia’s expanding fleet continues to drive growth across its global network, which currently serves more than 100 destinations across four continents, including all 26 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia.
The airline plans to introduce additional international routes as part of its strategy to connect the world with the Kingdom. This expansion will be supported by the delivery of 116 new aircraft, joining the existing fleet of 149 planes.
The airline is a member of the International Air Transport Association, the Arab Air Carriers Organization, and has been part of the SkyTeam alliance since 2012.
