International Civil Aviation Morning Briefing | Security check queues at some US airports reach three hours; Tunisia invests $1 billion to expand airport.
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March 9, 2026, Civil Aviation Resource Network: Civil Aviation News Breakfast brings you timely and high-quality civil aviation information!
1. TSA Employee Absence Rise, Security Queues at Some US Airports Reach Three Hours
According to Reuters, due to increased absenteeism among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees during the partial US government shutdown, coupled with the Spring Festival travel rush, security queues at some US airports extended to three hours on Sunday.
2. Pilots Face Threats from Drones and Missiles and Under Immense Pressure as War Spreads
According to Reuters, in recent years, pilots have faced increasing risks, from drone intrusions to flight path disruptions caused by conflict. Now, the US-Israeli attacks on Iran have further escalated the airspace crisis, placing even greater pressure on civilian pilots. Reuters interviewed eight pilots and more than six aviation and security professionals, who stated that the escalating conflicts from Ukraine to Afghanistan to Israel have increased the burden on pilots, forcing them to cope with shrinking airspace and the widespread use of military drones.
3. Tunisia Plans $1 Billion Expansion of Tunis-Carthage Airport, Quadrupling its Capacity
According to Arab News, Tunisia plans to invest approximately 3 billion dinars ($1 billion) to expand its main airport, Tunis-Carthage Airport, aiming to nearly quadruple its passenger capacity as part of a modernization initiative for Tunisia's air transport infrastructure. The Tunisian Ministry of Transport stated on Sunday that the expansion project will increase the airport's annual passenger capacity from approximately 5 million to 18.5 million by 2031.
4. Muscat Airport in Oman Restricts Private Flights
According to the Financial Times, Muscat Airport in Oman has informed private jet operators not to use the airport for "extra flights" to prioritize government and commercial flights. Muscat Airport has become the de facto departure point for many repatriation flights by European governments and a popular hub for wealthy individuals departing the Gulf region using charter flights and private jets.
5. United Airlines Warns: Ticket Prices May Rise Rapidly if Fuel Prices Remain High
According to Aviationa2z, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby warned that rising oil prices related to the escalating conflict in the Middle East could soon push up ticket prices. United Airlines stated that the continued surge in fuel prices could force airlines to adjust fares. Recently, due to tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, crude oil prices have soared. This has already increased aviation fuel costs, putting financial pressure on airlines worldwide.
6. Turkey Extends Middle East Flight Suspension to Mid-March
According to Turkey Today, Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced on Saturday that, as the Middle East aviation crisis has entered its second week and shows no signs of abating, Turkish airlines have extended the suspension of flights to the Middle East until at least March 13th. Some routes to Iran will also be suspended until late March.
