Airlines News

FlightGlobal

Air Arabia targets third-quarter launch of Saudi venture from Dammam

Air Arabia expects to begin operations in the third quarter with its new Saudi Arabian airline, established with investment partners after receiving the rights to create an operator in Dammam last year. The launch would expand the Middle Eastern budget carrier’s presence in the Saudi market.

AirInsight

Delta’s First-Half On-Time Rate Improved to 79.3%, but Operational Disruptions Persisted

Delta Air Lines’ on-time performance rose to 79.3% in the first half of 2026 from 78.7% a year earlier, ranking second among major U.S. carriers. The improvement contrasts with continued operational disruption, suggesting that headline punctuality alone does not capture the full passenger experience.

FL360aero

Spirit Airlines’ Former Headquarters Sells for $93.25 Million in Bankruptcy Auction

An affiliate of Boston-based Hill City Capital won Spirit Airlines’ former Dania Beach, Florida, headquarters campus with a $93.25 million bid at an August 11 bankruptcy-court auction. The transaction remains subject to court approval, converting a recently established corporate asset into proceeds for the restructuring process.

ch-aviation

Airlines Add Bangkok Capacity as SCAT, Riyadh Air Expand and Nok Air Resumes International Service

SCAT Airlines and Riyadh Air plan to increase Bangkok Suvarnabhumi service during the Northern winter 2026/27 season, while Nok Air is set to resume international flying with four weekly Bangkok–Hyderabad flights from October 14, 2026, using Boeing 737-800s.

ch-aviation

Starlux enters Europe with three-weekly Taipei–Prague service

Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines launched three-times-weekly flights between Taipei Taoyuan and Prague Václav Havel on Aug. 1, 2026, marking the carrier’s first European route and its entry into the continent’s long-haul passenger market.

ch-aviation

ASL Airlines Australia to add four Boeing 737-800 converted freighters as ASL expands in Australia and New Zealand

ASL Airlines Australia plans to add four incremental Boeing 737-800 converted freighters, expanding the fleet of the Sydney Bankstown-based operator. The move forms part of parent ASL Aviation Holdings’ broader growth strategy across Australia and New Zealand, strengthening its regional cargo capacity.

Reuters

High activity

AirAsia cuts capacity as fuel costs surge; Singapore Airlines posts rare quarterly loss

AirAsia Group is reducing third-quarter 2026 capacity by 20% to 25% after fuel expenses rose 58% year over year and average jet fuel prices reached $183 per barrel in the second quarter. Singapore Airlines also reported a rare quarterly net loss despite record passenger numbers and strong revenue.

FlightGlobal

High activity

Delta to Launch Austin–Paris Nonstop Service in March 2027

Delta will begin Austin’s first nonstop service to Paris Charles de Gaulle in March 2027, extending its expansion at Austin-Bergstrom to 30 destinations for summer 2027. The carrier will also add Airbus A319 service on its Austin–San Diego route, alongside expanded flying to Cancun and San Jose.