Expansion

United Airlines is adding new Tokyo and Sapporo routes, strengthening its position as the leading U.S. carrier serving Japan

flydubai will begin direct flights between Dubai and Benghazi from June 17, becoming the first UAE carrier to operate the route. Flydubai: "The launch of our new operations to Libya marks another milestone in our network expansion strategy and reinforces our commitment to opening underserved markets"

Star Alliance celebrates its 29th anniversary with 26 member airlines worldwide. The alliance now connects more than 1,150 airports across 190 countries. Recent investments focus on smoother multi-airline journeys and airport experiences

Qatar Airways will resume flights to Finland and Tokyo's Haneda Airport from July 15, and will subsequently increase the frequency to daily flights as part of its global network expansion for summer 2026

Bilbao Airport adds a new Wizz Air service to Milan Malpensa with four weekly flights, boosting connectivity between Spain and Italy. Wizz: Passengers departing from Northern Italy will reach "one of Spain’s most iconic destinations with maximum flexibility, competitive fares, and the comfort of the modern Airbus A321neo"

LOT Polish Airlines has inaugurated its new nonstop route between Warsaw Chopin Airport and San Francisco, with flights operating four times weekly. "The new service will create opportunities for business partnerships, knowledge exchange and stronger economic ties between Poland, Central and Eastern Europe, and the U.S. West Coast"

The low-cost airline's new route, operated three times a week using Airbus A321neo aircraft, has significant potential, with 10,000 connecting passengers annually, 30% of whom are business travelers. The move strengthens economic and tourist ties between Hungary and Turkey

Alaska Airlines has launched its first nonstop flight between Seattle and Rome, marking its official entry into Europe. The seasonal service, operating through October 23, is the only daily direct connection between the two cities and is flown on a Boeing 787-9 featuring the airline’s new international business class Suites

Copa Airlines' deal with Boeing is expected to lead to a significant fleet expansion, to more than 100 737 MAX aircraft and an expansion of its route network throughout the Americas and the Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has ordered two more Icon Class ships for delivery in 2029 and 2030, expanding its next-generation cruise fleet with advanced design and technology

Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air continues to strengthen its hold in Romania, with new and diverse routes set to open from two cities: Oradea and Târgu Mureș. Learn all the details, destinations, and launch dates

The European aircraft manufacturer Airbus is acquiring Spirit AeroSystems, an American parts manufacturer that was formerly part of major competitor Boeing. 4,000 employees will join the company, while factories from North America to Europe will be part of the manufacturer

Wizz Air marks its 250th plane with a special livery from a global design contest, reaching the halfway point toward its goal of a 500-aircraft fleet

In a special interview with PassportNews during his visit, CEO Varadi clarified that the plan to establish a base of operations in Israel, invest about a billion dollars, and create thousands of jobs has not yet been officially approved, but the direction is positive and negotiations are progressing

British Airways' 2026 schedule grows with new links to Tivat and Guernsey, including the only direct Heathrow service to the Channel Island; the new routes add more flexibility for summer travelers and year-round visitors

The partnership between Southwest and Philippines Airlines offers more transpacific connections and seamless booking available through PAL and major travel sites

In an exclusive interview with PassportNews in Israel, Michael Delehant, Wizz Air's senior VP, explained that establishing a base in Israel is not a "fait accompli", but something that "makes sense" for the low-cost carrier

Riyadh Air landed its first flight in London, following its plan to launch commercial operations, and signed its first aircraft lease with AviLease for a Dreamliner

Low-cost carrier expands European routes

Wizz Air continues its Polish expansion, basing a ninth aircraft in Gdansk and opening new routes to popular European destinations from December 2025