Japan orders evacuations as Typhoon Dolphin approaches, cancels 500 flights

Flights have begun operating again at Bristol Airport after a runway defect caused widespread disruption and left hundreds of passengers stranded overnight. The airport runway was closed shortly after 6pm BST on Friday, forcing all flights to be suspended until 8am Saturday. Although operations have now restarted, passengers continue to face delays, disrupted schedules and flight diversions. Airport authorities warned that some disruption would continue throughout Saturday and apologised to passengers affected by the situation. Travellers were advised to contact their respective airlines for information about individual flights. The airport has not yet provided further details about the nature of the runway defect or explained when normal operations are expected to fully resume. Passengers described the disruption as chaotic, with several criticising the airport for a lack of clear communication and assistance. Paul Smith, who was due to travel to Glasgow for his son’s 20th birthday, said he was forced to cancel his trip. He criticised the information and support provided to passengers during the disruption. Another traveller, Dave Blackwell, said his flight from Rhodes was diverted to Newcastle. He claimed passengers spent several hours at Rhodes Airport without receiving adequate information before being told they would have to travel onward by bus. Eighteen-year-old Finn Holland was also among those affected after his flight to Bristol was redirected to Bournemouth. He said passengers had to arrange their own transport back to Bristol, describing the process as poorly organised. The disruption has affected both departing and arriving passengers, with some travellers facing lengthy delays and complicated onward journeys.

US President Donald Trump has issued a final ultimatum to Iran, stating that Tehran has one last opportunity to negotiate a diplomatic resolution with Washington before facing severe military force, which he referred to as decapitation. Speaking from the Oval Office, the American leader confirmed he had paused planned air strikes following direct requests from Persian Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, who urged Washington to allow diplomacy one final window. The framework for the proposed negotiations relies on a two-stage approach, with the initial phase requiring the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. The subsequent phase will address the complete denuclearisation of Iran, referencing commitments previously outlined in a joint memorandum signed in June. Trump further dismissed any personal domestic political considerations regarding the timeline, emphasising that his decision to delay military action was driven by a desire to prevent widespread loss of life while pursuing a durable diplomatic outcome.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the joint defence agreement signed by Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will strengthen security cooperation and contribute to peace and stability in the region. In a statement posted on his X account, Erdogan said he visited Makkah at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. During the visit, Erdogan said he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The three leaders subsequently signed a joint defence agreement, according to Erdogan. He said the agreement is based on the principle of collective defence and would further strengthen security and military cooperation among the three countries. Erdogan said the pact would also encourage joint projects in the defence industry and facilitate stronger cooperation in combating terrorism. The Turkish president said the agreement reaffirmed the right to self-defence recognised under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. He stressed that the agreement was not directed against any country. Instead, Erdogan said the pact remained open to brotherly countries that seek peace, prosperity and stability in the region. He added that Türkiye would continue to pursue its principled position of resolving conflicts and crises through dialogue and diplomacy. Erdogan also expressed hope that the visit to Makkah and the agreement reached by the three countries would bring peace, stability and prosperity to the wider region. The agreement marks a significant step in defence cooperation between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and establishes a framework for closer coordination against shared security threats.