Last Week in Travel: Key Stories You May Have Missed

In the ever-changing world of travel, several significant events unfolded last week that caught our attention. From the discovery of a World War II bomb in France to a highly unusual incident on a Southwest flight, here are the top travel stories you might have overlooked.

World War II Bomb Near Paris Disrupts Train Service

Last week, Paris faced major travel disruptions due to the discovery of a 500-kilogram unexploded World War II bomb. Found on Friday in Saint-Denis, located about six miles from the heart of the French capital, the bomb was located two meters deep in the ground during construction work for a new bridge.

The incident resulted in over 500 train cancellations, affecting services from Gare du Nord, which is one of the busiest train stations in the world. Local police took precautionary measures, evacuating approximately 200 residents from the surrounding area. Eurostar, which operates trains to London, Brussels, and Amsterdam, canceled all its services while the bomb was being handled. Fortunately, services resumed the following Saturday after authorities neutralized the threat.

Naked Passenger Creates Chaos on Southwest Flight

In a bizarre incident last week, a Southwest Airlines flight from Houston to Phoenix experienced a chaotic scene as a female passenger stripped down while the plane was taxiing. Eyewitnesses reported that the woman moved to the front of the aircraft, undressed entirely, and began yelling at crew members, expressing her desire to disembark.

Witness accounts also indicated that she claimed to be bipolar. A video showing her walking down the aisle has gone viral online. The flight was subsequently returned to the gate, where the Houston Police Department removed her for a medical evaluation, although no criminal charges were filed.

North Korea Suspends Foreign Tours

After a brief window allowing foreign tourists, North Korea has halted its tourism program once more. This comes just weeks after the country opened up to Western travelers for the first time in five years. The reclusive nation closed its borders in 2020 due to the pandemic and gradually began relaxing restrictions in early 2023. Notably, the country welcomed Russian visitors earlier this year, and Western tourists were recently allowed into Rason, a city located near the Chinese border. However, reports indicate that the trips came with stringent restrictions on movements and interactions with locals. Tour operators have now reported the sudden cancellation of these tours without any official explanation.

It’s important to note that the U.S. State Department continues to advise against travel to North Korea, operating under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for the region.

Plane Diverts After Threat Discovered to be a Hoax

A Sun Country Airlines flight from Minneapolis to Mexico faced diversion last week after a threatening note was found on board, stating, “You are all going to die, help me.” The incident prompted the plane to divert to El Paso, Texas, where all passengers were safely evacuated.

Following the incident, the FBI launched an investigation and determined that the note was a hoax, allegedly created by two young children on the flight. FBI officials expressed their gratitude to the passengers and crew for their understanding and cooperation during the inquiry. Fortunately, the state attorney’s office has decided not to pursue charges in this case.

Bali Deportation: Tourist Removed for Hiking Without Guide

In an incident highlighting the importance of adhering to local laws, a Norwegian tourist was deported from Bali after hinking alone up a sacred volcano. Identified only by the initials BG, the 41-year-old climbed Mount Agung—a trek known for its dangers and potential hazards.

Local regulations prohibit both locals and international tourists from hiking the volcano without a certified guide, a rule established to ensure the safety of all climbers. After disregarding this important guideline, BG’s visa was revoked, leading to his removal from the island.

As Bali continues to attract tourists from around the globe, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting local laws and customs when traveling.

Conclusion

As travel resumes and expands across the globe, these stories reflect the unpredictable and often surprising nature of travel. Keep informed and prepared for both the expected and unexpected as you plan your journeys in the months to come.