Middle East Airline Industry & Market Trends Aviation Safety & Regulation Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact Airlines

Paddle Your Own Kanoo • Mateusz Maszczynski

Major European carriers suspend flights to Israel and Gulf hubs amid US–Iran escalation

Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways and other international carriers abruptly canceled or suspended services to Israel and Gulf destinations — including Dubai, Tel Aviv, Riyadh and Dammam — and began avoiding regional airspace amid security fears over a potential U.S. strike on Iran and rising tensions.

Aviation Source • Len Varley

Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways Suspend Gulf and Israel Routes Amid Security Fears

lemonde.fr

Air France suspends Dubai service; KLM halts multiple Middle East routes and avoids regional airspace

Also: airlive.net and boardingarea.com

2026-01-23T16:52:13.263730-08:00

eVTOL AI Leadership Industry Leader Profiles & Interviews

Wall Street Journal • Becky Peterson, David Cabrera

Former Morgan Stanley Autos Analyst Joins Robotics and Urban Air Mobility Beat

By Wall Street Journal: Morgan Stanley’s former autos analyst has big ideas in his new gig covering the robot economy.

2026-01-23T17:34:19.806336-08:00

GA AI Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)

AeroTime • Stephen Pope

Greg Mercer Backs Skytron — Four-Seat Fly-by-Wire Personal Aircraft Aimed at Reducing Pilot Error

By AeroTime: Silicon Valley entrepreneur Greg Mercer is backing Skytron, a four-seat fly-by-wire aircraft aimed at reducing pilot workload and human-error accidents.

2026-01-23T13:40:56.917220-08:00

Orders Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Asia-Pacific (APAC) Airbus Airlines

Reuters • Tim Hepher

Airbus close to selling about 100 A220s to AirAsia, marking carrier’s first move into regional narrowbodies

By Reuters: Airbus is closing in on a deal to sell around 100 A220 jets to AirAsia , marking the budget airline's first foray into regional narrowbody aircraft, industry sources said.

Also: Dj's Aviation

2026-01-23T09:08:44.303000-08:00

ATC Helicopter North America Airports Aviation Safety & Regulation Policy & Regulation Defense Policy

FAA

FAA formalizes permanent helicopter and powered‑lift restrictions near Reagan National Airport (DCA)

By FAA: WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is formalizing permanent restrictions for helicopters and powered-lift from operating in certain areas near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), unless these aircraft are conducting essential operations.

Simple Flying

FAA Permanently Bans Helicopter Flights Over Washington, D.C.: New Rules and Operator Impacts

AINonline

U.S. Issues New Flight Restrictions Near Reagan National (KDCA)

Also: Aviation Week, news.bgov.com, avbrief.com and airportindustry-news.com

2026-01-23T04:00:36.628024-08:00

PaxEx Europe Airports Aviation Safety & Regulation Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management Policy & Regulation

Economic Times

London's Heathrow eases liquid and laptop rules after £1 billion security upgrade

By Economic Times: Heathrow Airport has eased liquid and electronics rules following a £1 billion scanner upgrade, allowing up to two-litre liquid containers and no longer requiring laptop removal.

Simple Flying