Airlines News Page 27
SriLankan Airlines Leads with Two Category Wins in South Asia at PAX Awards
SriLankan Airlines led with two wins in the Airline Award category for South Asia, securing both Best Overall Passenger Experience and Most Improved Airline at the PAX International Readership Awards 2026 held recently in Hamburg, Germany. The awards celebrate the industry’s best and brightest, with winners determined by votes from PAX’s global readership. The Best Overall Passenger Experience – South Asia award recognises an airline that delivers an exceptional onboard experience to passengers across multiple service areas, including meal service, inflight entertainment and seating. At SriLankan Airlines, this entails meticulous planning at every stage of the passenger journey, supported by collaboration among multiple teams and continuous monitoring and refinement.
Spirit Airlines’ Exit Removes 21.3 Million Seats from the U.S. Air Connectivity Network
A total of 21.3 million seats will be removed from the U.S. aviation market following Spirit Airlines’ announcement to end operations on Saturday, May 2, creating a significant impact on air connectivity across the United States—particularly within the low-cost segment and key domestic routes—according to an analysis by Data Appeal and Mabrian (Almawave-Almaviva Group). The vast majority—91.3% of this capacity—corresponds to domestic routes, while the remaining seats were allocated to international services connecting the U.S. mainly with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Qatar Airways Resumes Operations to Iraq
Qatar Airways continues to reinstate its network across the Middle East, announcing the return of passenger flights to Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), and Erbil (EBL) in Iraq, starting on 10 May 2026. In parallel, Qatar Airways will reintroduce freighter services to Baghdad* from 7 May 2026, further supporting cargo flows.
Lufthansa Launches Stopover Program
Turning a layover into a city trip: Lufthansa now offers passengers on Singapore and U.S. routes the opportunity to extend their stopover at the Munich hub for up to seven days. As an additional step, hotels and other tourist offerings in the Bavarian capital can be included in the booking.
FRONTIER AIRLINES ANNOUNCES DISCOUNTED RESCUE FARES TO SUPPORT SPIRIT AIRLINES CUSTOMERS
Frontier Airlines today announced systemwide rescue fare discounts and is also offering a $199 GoWild All-You-Can-Fly Summer Pass to support travelers affected by Spirit Airlines’ end of operations, helping customers maintain access to low fares. Frontier currently serves more than 100 routes previously flown by Spirit and will expand further this summer with nine additional routes, plus 15 additional daily flights across 18 former Spirit markets, giving customers more options to rebook their travel plans with confidence while keeping fares low.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PREPARED TO ASSIST SPIRIT AIRLINES’ CUSTOMERS FACING TRAVEL DISRUPTION
Southwest Airlines Co. is prepared to assist travelers affected by disruptions related to Spirit Airlines’ cessation of operations. Customers holding Spirit reservations may only access special Southwest fares at Southwest ticket counters at their departure airport for eligible routes through 11:59 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 6.
Virgin Atlantic Launches Challenge on Strava to Turn Movement into Premium Travel Experiences
Virgin Atlantic is launching the Virgin Atlantic Passport Challenge on Strava – a global fitness-meets-travel rewards challenge inviting participants to turn movement into premium travel experiences. Beginning Wednesday, May 6, Strava users who log the most miles during the challenge period will be entered to win 1 million Virgin Points. Points can be redeemed for future travel with Virgin Atlantic and across the broader Virgin Red ecosystem, including flights from the US to the UK, Virgin Hotels stays, sailings with Virgin Voyages and more.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Orders 14 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX Jets
Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced today the national carrier has placed its largest-ever order, selecting 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to expand and modernize its fleet.
Peacock Takes Flight: United Launches New Inflight Entertainment Channel
United today announced the launch of a new, dedicated inflight entertainment channel featuring content from NBCUniversal’s streaming home, Peacock, bringing fan-favorite series onboard and giving customers even more choice and flexibility in how and what they watch while in the air.
Spirit Airlines Begins Orderly Wind-Down of Operations
Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., parent company of Spirit Airlines, LLC (“Spirit” or the “Company”), today regretfully announced that the Company has started an orderly wind-down of operations, effective immediately. All Spirit flights have been cancelled, and Spirit Guests should not go to the airport. The wind-down follows the Company’s extensive and comprehensive efforts to restructure the business and pursue transactions to strengthen Spirit’s financial position and create a sustainable path forward. Unfortunately, despite the Company’s efforts, the recent material increase in oil prices and other pressures on the business have significantly impacted Spirit’s financial outlook. With no additional funding available to the Company, Spirit had no choice but to begin this wind-down.
Avelo Airlines Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
Avelo Airlines this week celebrated the fifth anniversary of its start of operations. When Avelo took flight on April 28, 2021, it became the first new airline in the U.S. in nearly 15 years – introducing a new era of affordable, convenient, and reliable air service for millions of American travelers.
Boeing and Copa Airlines Announce Order for up to 60 737 MAX Jets
Boeing and Copa Airlines have announced the Panamanian operator has ordered 40 737 MAX airplanes. Under the agreement, Copa Airlines also has options to acquire up to 20 more of the single-aisle airplane family.