Airline News Page 31
A new Admirals Club lounge inspired by Music City coming to Nashville International Airport
American Airlines continues to invest in elevating the customer experience with plans for a new, expanded Admirals Club® lounge at Nashville International Airport®’s (BNA®) new Concourse A. When complete, the approximately 17,400-square-foot lounge will be the largest airline lounge at BNA and nearly three times the size of the current lounge space, offering customers a more spacious and premium place to relax, work or recharge before their flight. The new location will feature sweeping views of the airfield and a design inspired by Nashville’s vibrant culture and the natural landscapes of Tennessee.
Etihad Airways becomes first airline to depart from Frankfurt's new Terminal 3
Etihad Airways became the first airline on Thursday morning to depart from Frankfurt Airport's newly opened Terminal 3, as flight EY 122 took off for Abu Dhabi at 10:30 local time. At the controls was Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Etihad's Chief Operations and Guest Officer, who took the seat as operating captain for the flight. Before boarding, Captain Majed joined Fraport Chief Technology Officer Dr. Pierre Dominique Prümm for a ribbon-cutting at the gate. The morning also held a surprise for one couple from Limburg, heading to Singapore for their holiday. Captain Majed greeted them at the gate with an upgrade to Business for the flight to Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Supercharges U.S. Network: Chicago Goes Double Daily as Charlotte Rises to Daily Service
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is accelerating its growth in the United States with two major enhancements to its North American network, increasing capacity and connectivity across key markets. Chicago O’Hare will move to double-daily service, while Charlotte will increase to daily flights from 15 June, building on strong early performance following the launch of services on 20 March 2026. Together, the enhancements significantly expand Etihad’s U.S. footprint, strengthening connectivity between North America and high-growth markets across India and Asia-Pacific, while improving access to the U.S. domestic network through partner airlines.
Neupass partners with Etihad Guest to expand global loyalty reach
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced a frequent flyer partnership between its Taj InnerCircle-Neupass and Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways. This alliance will offer Etihad Guest members enhanced travel and stay benefits across participating hotels worldwide.
Qatar Airways Resumes Daily Services to the United Arab Emirates and Syria
Qatar Airways announces resumption of flight operations between Doha and key destinations across the Middle East, reinstating daily services to the United Arab Emirates and Syria. Starting 23 April 2026, Qatar Airways will resume daily flights to Dubai (DXB), and Sharjah (SHJ), with a daily service to Damascus (DAM) commencing on 1 May 2026.
British Airways launches special fares to celebrate 90 years of flying between Nigeria and the UK
British Airways proudly begins celebrations to mark the 90th anniversary of its first flight between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, a historic milestone that reflects nine decades of connecting communities, supporting trade, and deepening cultural ties between the two regions. To mark the occasion, British Airways has today launched a flash sale for customers travelling between Nigeria and London Heathrow. The special fares include up to 10% off World Traveller (long-haul economy) fares, with prices from USD 990 from Abuja and USD 1090 from Lagos. As well as Club World (business class) fares from USD 3490 from Abuja and USD 3690 from Lagos, all to London Heathrow*.
Aloha! oneworld welcomes Hawaiian Airlines to alliance
oneworld® has welcomed Hawaiian Airlines as its newest member airline, becoming the third US-based carrier alongside Alaska Airlines and American Airlines and adding Honolulu as a global hub. With Hawaiian Airlines on board, oneworld's global network offers greater travel opportunities across the Hawaiian Islands and new destinations in the Pacific including Hilo, Hawai'i; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and Papeete, Tahiti.
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines transition to shared passenger service system
Hawaiian Airlines yesterday transitioned to the same Sabre passenger service system (PSS) used by Alaska Airlines, a significant integration milestone that provides guests flying with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines a more seamless and consistent travel experience from booking to boarding across a growing global network. The combined company's shared PSS serves as the central reservation technology that connects the digital tools and programs used by guests and employees; from websites, mobile app, Atmos™ Rewards and Huaka'i by Hawaiian loyalty programs, to airport kiosks and reservation records.
British Airways launches St. Louis and Guernsey
Two new British Airways routes took to the skies this week, as the first flights to St. Louis, Missouri in the US, and Guernsey in the Channel Islands departed from London St. Louis became the 27th US destination to join the British Airways network, as the inaugural flight to the ‘Gateway to the West’ landed. The airline offers more direct flights to the US than any other European airline. In a playful pun, the first flight was operated by an entire crew named Louis, Lewis or Louise.
Emirates Expands Global Travel Rehearsal Programme to the UK
Emirates, the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, has launched its “Travel Rehearsal” programme in the UK, hosting its first session in the country at London Stansted Airport (STN). The Travel Rehearsal programme allows people with accessible travel requirements to experience a guided simulation of the complete air travel journey, familiarising them with airport procedures and onboard environments ahead of time – helping reduce anxiety and build confidence before an actual flight.
Qantas has launched a major domestic sale, with more than 2 million discounted seats
Qantas has launched a major domestic sale, with more than 2 million discounted seats across 90 routes on the airline’s domestic and regional network. The week-long sale* includes fares in both Economy and Business through to March 2027, including during the upcoming June long weekend and winter school holidays, one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Virgin Atlantic appoints Anthony Uphill as Vice President Sales
Virgin Atlantic today announces the appointment of Anthony Uphill as Vice President Sales joining the travel company on 5th May 2026. In his new role, Anthony will be responsible for the airline’s sales performance, with direct accountability for corporate and agency sales. He will work closely with joint venture partners Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM, while exploring new revenue growth opportunities with SkyTeam and other partner airlines across Virgin Atlantic’s global portfolio.