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EasyJet shareholders approve Apollo's takeover, United restricts AI booking agents and Ramon Airport reopens after an earthquake.
EasyJet’s shareholders have backed a £5.7 billion takeover by Apollo, although European regulatory questions remain unresolved. United Airlines, meanwhile, is tightening its stance on AI-powered booking assistants, and flights have resumed at Israel’s Ramon Airport after earthquake inspections. The developments underline three different pressures on aviation: ownership rules, digital security and operational resilience.
EasyJet takeover wins shareholder backing but faces EU scrutiny
Shareholders approved Apollo’s proposed £5.7 billion acquisition of easyJet on 11 November, moving the British low-cost carrier closer to a potential exit from the London stock market. EasyJet reported support from 97.07% of the scheme shares voted, while 83.29% of voting shareholders backed the transaction. The company is targeting completion before the end of the first quarter of 2027, subject to outstanding approvals. EU airline ownership rules are a central issue because easyJet operates European bases under licences requiring effective European control. The airline has suspended voting rights on some non-EU-held shares, and its European Works Council has raised concerns about the deal’s implications for employees. Shareholder approval does not mean the acquisition has closed. Source: Reuters, 11 November 2026.
United Airlines moves against automated AI booking agents
United Airlines said on Wednesday it would restrict AI agents’ access to its online services and distribution channels, citing security and regulatory risks. The carrier warned that sharing account credentials with third-party assistants could expose passenger information, permit unauthorised purchases or account changes, and put frequent-flyer balances at risk. Automated check-in presents another concern because travellers must personally acknowledge restrictions on prohibited items. United plans changes to booking, ticketing and distribution policies affecting direct access as well as travel intermediaries. The company has not specified exactly which services will be blocked or when each restriction will take effect. Source: Reuters, 11 November 2026.
Ramon Airport reopens after earthquake safety checks
Flights resumed at Ramon Airport near Eilat on 11 November following a brief suspension for infrastructure inspections. Israel’s Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 4.5 earthquake about 30 kilometres south of Eilat at 11:24 a.m. local time. The Israel Airports Authority said operations returned to normal once checks were complete. Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv was not affected. The temporary halt was a precautionary response to the earthquake rather than a continuing airport closure. Source: Reuters, 11 November 2026.
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