James Blunt is back at the top of the UK albums chart after nearly two decades, with his latest release, Airplane Mode, debuting at No. 1.
As highlighted by Billboard, the singer’s eighth studio album secured the top position on the Official UK Albums Chart dated November 13, 2026. It marks his third chart-topping album and his first since All the Lost Souls reached No. 1 in 2007.
The achievement also comes with an unusual promise. Before the final chart results were announced, Blunt told fans he would legally change his name to Ryan Air if the album reached No. 1.
Blunt previously made a similar pledge in 2024, promising to adopt the name Blunty McBluntface if a reissue of Back to Bedlam topped the chart. That release peaked at No. 7.
The latest chart also saw Royal Blood debut at No. 2 with Dead Company, while Olivia Rodrigo occupied third place.
Blunt’s recent appearance on BBC’s The Celebrity Traitors also brought renewed attention to the singer ahead of the album’s release.
