Airlines News Page 22
Caribbean Airlines cuts routes in network overhaul
To stem millions of dollars in ongoing losses, Caribbean Airlines will discontinue service on several regional routes and slash flight frequencies starting June 1 as part of a broader effort to streamline its network and improve long-term financial stability. The Trinidad and Tobago-based airline said it will end service to Dominica, St. Kitts, and the Ogle, Guyana route to Suriname. It will also reduce flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to just twice weekly.
Emirates completes first-ever retrofit of two-class A380 aircraft
Emirates has reached a defining milestone in its ambitious multi-billion dollar retrofit programme with the successful reconfiguration of its first two-class A380 aircraft. The newly refurbished aircraft (A6-EUX) has taken to the skies operating as EK 39/40 between Dubai and Birmingham, featuring sparkling new interiors with Emirates’ latest products in three cabin classes: 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy Seats, and 437 Economy Class seats. This is the first of 15 two-class A380 aircraft in its fleet that Emirates will renovate as part of its commitment to offer customers a consistently superior experience in the sky.
Riyadh Air Introduces New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on Riyadh-London Route
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today announced the launch of full public sales for flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and London Heathrow (LHR). This key route, which introduces the new aircraft on 1 July 2026, strengthens the airline’s mission to connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with major global and regional hubs and deliver a world-class travel and logistics experience. Ticket purchases can be made from today (19 May, 2026) through the Riyadh Air App, Riyadh Air website at riyadhair.com, or through preferred travel providers and platforms. Guests are also invited to become ‘Founding Members’ of the airline’s loyalty program, Sfeer, ensuring a Best Offer Guarantee and free Wifi while earning rewards from their very first flight.
Etihad Airways Makes Eid al-Adha and Summer Travel Easier with Rewards & Smart Check in
Etihad Airways is preparing for a busy Eid al-Adha and summer travel season, with strong demand expected across its expanding global network. To help guests travel more easily during the peak holiday period, the airline is encouraging travellers to plan ahead and make use of its expanded check-in options, digital services, and seasonal travel benefits. With destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and North America, guests flying to or transiting through Abu Dhabi can benefit from a range of benefits designed to make travel more convenient during the busy holiday season.
Etihad Launches Flights to Salalah, Oman’s Southern Oasis
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today celebrated the inaugural flight of its new service to Salalah, introducing a direct connection between Abu Dhabi and Oman’s southern coastal city. The new route will operate year-round, launching with two weekly flights on 21 May and increasing to five flights per week from 15 June to coincide with the Khareef season, when Salalah’s coastline and mountains transform into vibrant green landscapes. The introduction of flights to Salalah reflects Etihad’s commitment to expanding its regional network, offering guests across the airline’s global network seamless and consistent access to one of the Gulf’s most bucket-list destinations. The new Salalah route is Etihad’s second destination in Oman, complementing its long-standing operations to Muscat, which celebrates 20 years of operation this year.
Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways Surprise Families Ahead of Eid Al Adha
Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi joined forces with Etihad Airways to surprise travelling families and children at Zayed International Airport with a heartwarming character experience ahead of the busy Eid Al Adha and summer travel season. As part of the special collaboration, beloved Warner Bros. characters including Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo and Tweety made a surprise appearance across the airport, creating memorable moments for guests as they prepared to Jet off for the holidays and summer break.
Roland-Garros 2026: Emirates is back on the iconic clay courts, bringing world-class experiences
Emirates is back at Roland-Garros, serving up another year of world-class hospitality and engaging ‘Fly Better’ experiences. Fans from all over the world are invited to enjoy two weeks of outstanding tennis, at a tournament that blends world-class sport with French culture and gastronomy and Emirates’ signature flair.
Emirates Skywards launches global ‘Season of Rewards’ campaign for members worldwide
Emirates Skywards is celebrating its members over the next few months with the launch of ‘Season of Rewards’ - a global campaign packed with bonus Skywards Miles and Tier Miles, enhanced Cash+Miles savings, partner reward flight offers, and accelerated earning opportunities across partner airlines, hotels, car rentals, holiday packages and lifestyle experiences. Running from 21 May to 31 August 2026, the season of rewards gives members more ways to earn and spend Miles across every part of their travel journey.
T’way Air Makes Korea More Accessible on All European Routes
T’way Air announced fare discounts on its Europe-Korea routes. The offer applies to bookings made through May 31 for flights from Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Zagreb to Seoul (Incheon), with travel valid through October 24, 2026. T’way Air will operate its Summer 2026 Europe–Seoul services with Airbus A330-200 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Two complimentary meals in both Business and Economy cabins. The following offers are available through May 31:
Alaska Airlines advances global expansion with launch of new European routes
Alaska Airlines has launched daily nonstop service between Seattle and London Heathrow, reinforcing its position as the fourth largest global airline in the U.S. and strengthening its international network. The year-round service marks Alaska’s second European destination introduced this year and begins just ahead of the busy summer travel season. Last month, the airline launched its first-ever transatlantic route to Rome, and on May 28, it will begin nonstop service to Reykjavík, Iceland.
Connecting the world from London: Heathrow continues to grow as oneworld’s most served global hub
The oneworld Alliance has expanded its presence at London’s Heathrow Airport to 14 member airlines as Alaska Airlines launched its new nonstop service to Seattle on Friday, 22 May 2026.
Passtination launches to bring airline loyalty into the destination
Passtination, a spin-out from the team behind Global Nomad Pass, has launched to help airlines extend loyalty beyond the flight by rewarding members in the destinations they visit. The launch follows conversations with airlines that repeatedly pointed to the same need: adapting the model behind Global Nomad Pass – a traveler membership best known for its partnerships with Marketing Greece and AEGEAN Airlines – for airline loyalty. Global Nomad Pass connects travelers with merchant-funded discounts at 500+ local businesses worldwide through a mobile wallet pass.