Reuters
• Alexander Cornwell, Rami Amichay
Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an onboard altercation involving the pilots triggered a distress signal and fears of a hijacking. The Boeing 737 MAX carrying about 180 passengers landed safely, while Israeli and Saudi aircraft responded to the alert.
Airlines
Latest source-backed stories
Air Austral has signed an ACMI agreement with ASL Airlines France to operate two Boeing 737-800s from November 2026 through March 27, 2027. The wet lease is intended to maintain capacity as the French Indian Ocean carrier progressively retires its Airbus A220s ahead of A320neo deliveries.
High activity
Armenia’s largest airline has firmed up its first direct Airbus order, selecting two A321neos powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines. The 239-seat aircraft will support FLYONE Armenia’s expansion across Europe, the Middle East and former Soviet states.
Volotea has filed for preliminary creditor protection at a Barcelona court as the Spanish regional low-cost carrier seeks to recapitalize, according to reports in Spanish media on Sept. 29, 2026. The filing adds to mounting pressure on the airline and opens a formal process with creditors.
Brazilian carrier Azul has secured up to R$2.66 billion ($511 million) in long-term financing from the Brazilian Development Bank. The company plans to use the proceeds to pay down existing debt and bolster liquidity, providing additional financial support as it manages its balance sheet and ongoing operations.
euroAtlantic Airways is reportedly considering taking stakes in carriers in Cabo Verde, according to ch-aviation. The report points to a potential ownership or investment move involving airlines in the West African market, though available details do not specify targets, transaction structure or timing.
High activity
Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an onboard altercation involving the pilots triggered a distress signal and fears of a hijacking. The Boeing 737 MAX carrying about 180 passengers landed safely, while Israeli and Saudi aircraft responded to the alert.
Qatar Airways has fully retired its A330 passenger fleet, telling Reuters that the older widebodies are no longer economical amid higher fuel costs and prolonged disruption to Gulf aviation linked to the Iran war. The move marks another step in the carrier’s widebody fleet modernization.
Cathay Pacific will keep passenger flights from Hong Kong International to Dubai and Riyadh suspended until at least February 1, 2027, extending a Middle East operational halt that the airline attributes to recent regional developments. The decision removes the routes from Cathay’s near-term network plans.
Create a free account to see more recent Airlines stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
