VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta Air flight FR 3418 from Pisa to Prestwick landed at Manchester with just six minutes of fuel remaining after a series of windshear warnings and a diversion communication failure.

A report published by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch concluded that the Malta Air Boeing 737-800 Flight FR 3418 had only six minutes’ worth of fuel left when it eventually landed at Manchester airport after crew issued a fuel mayday call.

The Boeing 737-800 was carrying 171 people when it departed Pisa International Airport at 3.28pm on October 3 last year.

The flight abandoned two landing attempts because of severe weather and windshear warnings before requesting to divert to Manchester. The request was initially refused because the airport was reportedly “too busy”.

The aircraft then diverted towards Edinburgh, where the crew encountered a third windshear event and issued a fuel mayday call.

According to an Air Accidents Investigation Branch report, the aircraft eventually landed at Manchester at 7.52pm with 363kg of fuel remaining, equivalent to less than six minutes of flying time.

The aircraft’s required final fuel reserve was 1,100kg.

Investigators said it was unlikely there would have been enough fuel for another go-around had one been required.

The AAIB found that the refusal of the initial diversion request appeared to have resulted from a breakdown in communication within Manchester Airport.

Following the incident, Manchester Airport reviewed its procedures and reiterated that diversion requests should be accepted when the airport has capacity.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – French Ambassador to Libya Thierry Vallat met with Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade Suhail Abu Shiha on September 23 to foster trade between the two countries.

According to the French Embassy in Libya, French exports have increased 2.5-fold since the embassy reopened in 2021 and grew by 50% in 2025 alone.

Furthermore, direct flights between France and Libya resumed on September 17—a significant milestone that facilitates investor mobility, brings businesses and institutions closer together, and accelerates trade and investment.

– Photo: IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Flick changed my mentality. When he arrived, my head was already outside the club. I was sure I was going to leave. He called me and told me to wait before making a decision, because he wanted to speak to me in person. That conversation was fundamental. He gave me confidence and made me see things in myself that I had never seen before.” That is what Barcelona forward Raphinha told La Gazzetta dello Sport, after scoring 12 goals in the first seven rounds of La Liga.

“Lamine Yamal is, in my opinion, the number one candidate to win the Ballon d’Or,” added the 29-year-old Brazilian. “Lamine creates magic on the pitch. He has charisma and personality, as well as the goals, assists and trophies. He is a spectacular player, and he shows it both at Barça and with the national team, two sides on which he is one of the most important players.”

Raphinha also had high praise for Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti: “He surprised me tremendously. I had faced him as an opponent here in Spain and he had left a good impression on me; he seemed like a respectful person. But when I started working with him with the national team and we really got to know each other, I discovered what an exceptional person he is. That’s why I’m looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta and the United States have signed an aviation security agreement aimed at strengthening protection on select international flights and countering terrorist threats to civil aviation.

The agreement authorises International In-Flight Security Officers (IIFSOs), commonly known as air marshals, to operate aboard commercial aircraft to protect passengers and crew from acts of unlawful interference.

The US Embassy in Malta said the agreement builds on Malta’s existing aviation security programmes and will provide access to the latest security methodologies and training concepts.

Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield and US Ambassador to Malta Somers Farkas announced the agreement, describing it as a significant step in bilateral efforts to address terrorist threats.

Bedingfield said the agreement would enhance security on flights between Malta and the United States, stressing the importance of aviation to the island’s connectivity and economic prosperity.

“This agreement with the United States reflects our shared determination to strengthen security, resilience and cooperation in the face of an increasingly complex global environment,” he said.

Farkas said the agreement reflects a priority of the Trump administration and creates a framework for US security officers to operate between the two countries.

She said the initiative places Malta within an international community focused on countering threats to civil aviation through cooperation, information sharing and common security practices.

IIFSO programmes have expanded internationally, particularly across Europe, and are intended to provide an additional layer of security against terrorist threats to civil aviation.

The agreement comes as direct air links between Malta and the United States continue to develop. Delta Air Lines began operating non-stop flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Malta in June, with the service running three times a week until October.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Peru has expressed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara, while announcing its decision to open a consulate in the city of Dakhla.

The position was set out, according to the MAP news agency, in a joint statement adopted in New York at the end of a meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Peruvian counterpart, Carlos Espá y Garcés Alvear, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Peruvian minister also reaffirmed Lima’s support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative for Western Sahara, which it considers a political, just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the dispute. Peru also confirmed its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025, which gave fresh impetus to the political process aimed at resolving the dispute.

Particular importance, MAP also reports, has been attached to Peru’s decision to open a consular mission in Dakhla. The consulate will also have an economic and commercial dimension and could serve as a gateway to African markets for Peruvian products.

Lima’s position comes amid growing international attention surrounding the Western Sahara issue: more than 150 UN member states now support Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara or Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative, which is regarded as a basis for a political settlement of the dispute.

Within the European Union, 25 of the 27 member states have expressed, at the national level, their support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative, using different formulations and degrees of support.

The announcement also comes against the backdrop of renewed relations between Rabat and Lima. The two ministers agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in several areas, including security, trade, agriculture, fertilizers, water resource management, renewable energy, logistics, culture, education and vocational training.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

BRISBANE (AUSTRALIA) (ITALPRESS) – The road to rebuilding begins in Australia. Following the disappointment of the World Cup, with Brazil eliminated in the round of 16 by Norway, Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil – after the coach extended his contract in May until 2030 – will restart from Townsville, for the first of two friendlies against Australia (the second will be played in Brisbane on Tuesday), while on October 3 the Seleção will fly to Kolkata to face India.

The Reggiolo-born coach has brought several young players into the squad, while retaining some “veterans” such as Danilo, Bruno Guimarães, Raphinha and Vinícius. Because the present matters, but the future matters even more.

“The match against Australia will be an important one. A new cycle is beginning and our goal is to find new players, a new generation of players for the World Cup and the Copa América. And we are starting with tomorrow’s match.”

Back home, efforts are also being made to support him, with Brazilian clubs set to reduce the maximum number of foreign players allowed in their squads from nine to five by 2030.

“It is important to give Brazilian talent a chance, and there is an abundance of it,” Ancelotti said with satisfaction.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Ibrahima Konaté has suffered a minor sprain to the collateral ligament in his right knee. This was the outcome of the tests undergone by the Real Madrid defender, who was injured while on international duty with France.

According to Spanish media reports, Konaté is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks, meaning his availability for the club’s return to action is in doubt. Mourinho’s side are due to face Villarreal in La Liga on October 10, before travelling to Roma on October 14 for the second matchday of the Champions League League Phase.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

TBILISI (GEORGIA) (ITALPRESS) – “With everything I’ve learned from him, I could almost be a coach myself these days.” Khvicha Kvaratskhelia says this half-jokingly, yet he is serious about the impact Luis Enrique has had on him during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, where he has established himself as one of Europe’s top players.

“I believe I’ve learned a great deal from him. I’ve improved significantly—mentally and physically—and my understanding of the game has grown immensely under his guidance,” acknowledged the former Napoli player, who is among the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or.

“Working with him means learning something new every day. He transforms you—mentally, physically, and psychologically. He is constantly teaching you so that you’re always prepared; even if you only have a minute to play, you have to be ready. With Luis Enrique, you simply have to listen to what he says, follow his instructions, and give 100% on the pitch.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Lebanese security authorities have arrested a Syrian national affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) following intensive monitoring and tracking operations.

According to information obtained by Al Arabiya, Lebanese Army Intelligence detained the man in the Batroun area of northern Lebanon. During questioning, the detainee admitted to having remained in constant contact with the group’s leadership in Syria, which had assigned him several tasks in Lebanon aimed at destabilising security and spreading fear among the population.

According to his confession, the “biggest mission” assigned to him was the assassination of Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Lebanon last year. Sources familiar with the case said that the Syrian leadership had instructed him to carry out the attack, but that he was unable to move to the operational stage due to a lack of resources.

The detainee had entered Lebanon illegally, maintained contacts with ISIS and held a position of responsibility within the organisation. Military Intelligence had been tracking him from the moment he entered the country until locating and arresting him in Batroun.

Lebanese authorities will share with their Syrian counterparts the information provided by the detainee regarding his links to ISIS. Security cooperation and coordination between Lebanon and Syria are already permanently in place.

– Photo: Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Victoria has been recommended as one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2031 by an independent panel of experts, with the second city, from Spain, due to be announced in December.

The European Capital of Culture programme was established in 1985 on the initiative of then-Greek culture minister Melina Mercouri, with Athens becoming the first title-holder.

The programme was later expanded from one city annually to two, following EU enlargement, while cities from EU candidate countries now participate every third year.

Victoria will become the second Maltese city to hold the title, following Valletta, which shared the honour with Leeuwarden in the Netherlands in 2018.

The Spanish city to join Victoria in 2031 will be selected from four finalists: Cáceres, Granada, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Oviedo.

Victoria was one of two Maltese contenders for the title. Birgu, the other candidate, failed to progress beyond the pre-selection stage last year.

Culture Commissioner Glenn Micallef welcomed Victoria’s selection, highlighting its “Island of Islands” theme and its focus on Gozo’s communities, landscapes and cultural practices.

The bid is structured around three curatorial themes — Coast, Salt and Waves — and addresses both Gozo’s cultural heritage and challenges facing island communities, including the ability of young people to remain and build their future there.

As Victoria prepares for 2031, its challenge will be to translate the European Capital of Culture title into a lasting cultural legacy while preserving the character and interests of Gozo’s communities.

– Photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews