World’s safest airlines

The COVID-19 virus is hitting travel worldwide in unprecedented ways. As business trips are being cancelled and tourists stay at home, the airline industry is facing the worst downturn since the 2008 financial crisis.

In tonight's edition: Bereaved families who lost loved ones aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 converged on the crash site on to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy. In Nigeria, the influential former Emir of Kano speaks out after being removed from his position. His lawyers say his treatment is unconstitutional. Finally, we head to Morocco where women are gaining ground on the rap scene largely dominated by men.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought everyday air traffic to a halt. But African airlines are preparing to take to the skies once more. Many airlines are facing a difficult path ahead to stay competitive.

American Airlines has created a new policy allowing staff members to wear Black Lives Matter pins while on duty. While many support the move, others consider it to be offensive.

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Thursday. Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Thursday.

Airlines count losses over drop in passenger traffic

Price of tickets fall as more airlines compete on local routes

The plane's nonappearance took its original destination in Zambia by surprise. As the pilot informed air traffic control that he was about to land, they told him: "We can't see you."

United Airlines' workers facilitate the first shipment of ventilators from Chicago to Delhi on Wednesday evening. The ventilators were donated by the US-India Chamber of Commerce in Dallas-Fort Worth.

London to New York may again be possible in under 4 hours after the US-based airline struck a deal for 15 ultrafast jets. Regular commercial supersonic flights have not been seen since 2003.

Southwest Airlines has said air traffic control issues are behind the cancellation of hundreds of flights. The pilots' union has denied reports its members staged a work stoppage to protest the airline's vaccine mandate.

Airlines are concerned that the technology, which is planned to be rolled out as early as Wednesday, could have serious consequences. They warn if implemented near airports, 5G could interfere with gauging altitude.