AeroTime - Aviation News, Insights, and Analysis

French Rafale fighter jets deployed in the United Arab Emirates have carried out “air security” operations above French bases in the Gulf, France’s foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on March 3, 2026.
In an interview with French media BFMTV, Barrot said Rafale jets and their crews were “mobilized” to ensure the security of France’s presence....

Intercontinental flights from Asia to Europe are facing a severe capacity crunch as major airports across the Middle East remain closed for a fourth consecutive day
Seat availability on key routes has collapsed, ticket prices have soared  to multiples of their normal levels, and airlines are being forced to reroute through longer, costlier corridors....

Thales reported full-year 2025 sales of €22.136 billion, up 8.8% organically, driven by sustained demand in defense, avionics, and space activities. The company said adjusted EBIT rose to €2.740 billion, raising its adjusted EBIT margin to 12.4%.
Order intake reached €25.264 billion, essentially matching 2024’s record level. The year-end order book climbed to €53.323 billion, which Thales described as providing “exceptional visibility” for the years ahead....

At least 15 US military aircraft have departed two American-operated bases in southern Spain after Spain said the facilities cannot be used to support attacks on Iran.
Reuters cited maps from flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 showing the aircraft leaving Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base, which are jointly operated by the United States and Spain but remain under Spanish sovereignty. Reuters reported that at...