Mayor describes situation as ‘very serious’

Mayor of the coastal town of Kyrenia, Murat Senkul, says the situation is “very serious”.

In a post on Facebook, he says 270 passengers and crew were aboard when the ship sank off the coast of northern Cyprus.

We’ve seen an update from Turkey’s Interior Ministry which reports 267 people were on board.

Senkul says coastal security is taking part in numerous small boat rescue operations alongside Akgunlerin Express.

Passengers rescued after boat capsizes

Rescued passengers are shown being taken ashore after the boat capsized off Kyrenia, in northern Cyprus.

A helicopter and ambulance are also pictured at the port.

‘There has been loss of life and there are injuries’ – statement

There has been casualties after the ship capsized seven kilometres (4 miles) off the coast of Kyrenia Harbour, Ünal Üstel, the prime minister of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus says.

In a statement at the scene he says: “We are deeply saddened. There has been loss of life and there are injuries.

“We are on the ground with all our resources.”

The self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is controlled by and only recognised by Turkey.

Search and rescue operation under way – Turkish Interior Ministry

The Turkish Interior Ministry says a passenger ship, carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members, began taking taking on water and “was in danger of sinking at a location 4 nautical miles off Kyrenia Port”.

A search and rescue operation initiated, it adds in a statement.

The statement adds: “As part of these operations, four marine vessels belonging to the TRNC Coast Guard Command and the passenger ship AKGÜNLER 3 were deployed to the scene, while the Coast Guard Command dispatched an additional five marine vessels and two Coast Guard helicopters to the area.

“Furthermore, six naval vessels were assigned by the Naval Forces Command to support the operations being conducted in the region.

“Search and rescue efforts are being carried out meticulously and in co-ordination among the relevant units.”

A boat with some 270 passengers on board capsizes off northern Cyprus

A passenger boat with some 270 people on board has capsized off northern Cyprus, with a search and rescue under way, local media report.

Murat Senkul, the mayor of the coastal town of Kyrenia, told broadcaster CNN Turk that 159 of those aboard had been reached.

“The situation is very serious,” he said.

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Last Updated on August 30, 2026 by Grace Simon

2026 Best Summer Airline Reviews: Top Airlines for Comfort, Service & Value

Planning a summer vacation in 2026? Choosing the right airline can make your trip more enjoyable. From comfortable seats and excellent in-flight entertainment to outstanding customer service and on-time performance, these airlines continue to receive strong reviews from travelers and aviation experts.

1. Qatar Airways ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Qatar Airways remains one of the world’s highest-rated airlines thanks to its exceptional service, spacious cabins, premium dining, and award-winning Business Class. It continues to rank among the world’s best airlines in major industry awards. (airlineratings.com⁠)

Best for: Luxury travel, long-haul flights, business travelers.

2. Singapore Airlines ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Singapore Airlines is famous for its excellent cabin crew, comfortable seating, delicious meals, and consistent customer satisfaction.

Best for: International travel, families, premium economy.

3. Emirates ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Based in Dubai, Emirates offers spacious cabins, one of the best in-flight entertainment systems, and excellent service on long-haul routes.

Best for: International vacations and luxury travel.

4. ANA (All Nippon Airways) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ANA continues to earn praise for cleanliness, punctuality, attentive service, and passenger comfort. It is among the airlines holding Skytrax’s five-star rating. (euronews⁠)

Best for: Travel to Japan and Asia.

5. Cathay Pacific ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cathay Pacific is highly rated for comfortable seating, outstanding cabin service, and quality dining, making it a favorite for Asia-Pacific routes. (SKYTRAX⁠)

Best for: Long-haul travel to Asia.

6. Delta Air Lines ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Delta is one of the top-rated U.S. airlines for reliability, customer service, and overall travel experience.

Best for: Domestic and international travel from the United States.

7. United Airlines ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

United has continued improving its onboard experience with upgraded cabins, better entertainment, and expanded international routes. (The Wall Street Journal⁠)

Best for: International connections.

8. British Airways ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

British Airways remains a popular choice for travelers flying between Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia.

Best for: European and transatlantic travel.

9. Virgin Atlantic ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Virgin Atlantic has earned praise for its customer experience and was recognized as one of Europe’s top airlines in 2026 passenger experience awards. (The Irish Sun⁠)

Best for: UK to U.S. and Caribbean travel.

10. Air France ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Air France is frequently praised for its modern cabins, onboard meals, and attentive service, particularly on long-haul routes. Travelers have highlighted it as offering excellent value in economy class. (Business Insider⁠)

Tips for Choosing the Best Airline This Summer

• Compare prices before booking.
• Read recent customer reviews.
• Consider baggage allowances and extra fees.
• Check on-time performance.
• Book early to secure the best fares.
• Join airline loyalty programs for extra benefits.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for luxury, affordability, or reliability, these airlines stand out as some of the best choices for Summer 2026. Booking early and comparing options can help you enjoy a smoother, more comfortable, and more affordable vacation.

Many countries offer work visa pathways where the total cost (visa fees, document processing, travel, and initial settlement) can often stay below $8,000, especially if you already have a job offer or employer sponsorship. Actual costs vary by country, employer, and personal circumstances.  

1. Canada 🇨🇦
   • High demand for skilled workers
   • Strong economy and high salaries
   • Employer-sponsored and Express Entry pathways
2. Germany 🇩🇪
   • Europe’s largest economy
   • Skilled Worker Visa and Opportunity Card
   • Demand for engineers, healthcare workers, and IT professionals
3. Portugal 🇵🇹
   • Growing economy
   • Multiple work visa options
   • Affordable cost of living compared to much of Western Europe  
4. Poland 🇵🇱
   • Fast-growing manufacturing and logistics sectors
   • High demand for foreign workers
   • Relatively low visa and relocation costs
5. Estonia 🇪🇪
   • Strong digital economy
   • One of the easiest European countries to obtain a work visa in many cases.  
6. Czech Republic 🇨🇿
   • Expanding industrial sector
   • Good salaries relative to living costs
   • Skilled worker opportunities
7. Slovakia 🇸🇰
   • Manufacturing and automotive jobs
   • Affordable living expenses
   • Increasing demand for international workers
8. Lithuania 🇱🇹
   • Growing technology and logistics industries
   • Simplified work permit options for many occupations
9. New Zealand 🇳🇿
   • Skilled worker shortages
   • Competitive wages
   • Employer-sponsored work visas available for eligible applicants.  
10. Australia 🇦🇺

• Strong economy and high wages
• Skilled migration programs
• Healthcare, construction, engineering, and IT remain in demand.  

Tips to Keep Your Total Cost Below $8,000

• Secure a job offer before applying.
• Choose employers that help with relocation or visa sponsorship.
• Apply through official government immigration websites.
• Budget for visa fees, medical exams, police certificates, airfare, and your first few months of living expenses.