Airlines News

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

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Saudi security concerns disrupt Riyadh flights as Riyadh Air shifts some operations to Al Qassim

Riyadh Air is moving some Boeing 787-9 services about 400 km northwest to Al Qassim, with passengers offered a complimentary 4.5-hour bus ride from Riyadh. Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air have suspended or extended suspensions on Saudi routes, with Air India’s pauses covering Riyadh and Dammam through Nov. 7 and Jeddah through Oct. 31, 2026.

Bloomberg

Mauritius’ State Carrier Weighs Narrow-Bodies, Reconsiders Wide-Body Plans

Mauritius’ state-owned carrier plans to add single-aisle aircraft while reviewing a planned wide-body acquisition as part of a long-term strategy review. The shift signals a reassessment of fleet composition, though the available report does not specify aircraft types, quantities or timing.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

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DOT fines Air France and KLM $425,000 over Delta codeshare flights in restricted Iraqi airspace

The U.S. Department of Transportation fined Air France $105,000 and KLM $320,000 over more than 130 flights carrying Delta Air Lines’ code through Iraqi airspace below 32,000 feet, in violation of an FAA restriction in place for over six years. The airlines said pilots followed air traffic control instructions.

PaxEx.Aero

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JetBlue adds BlueFirst upgrades to 2027 Mosaic loyalty changes

JetBlue is pairing the introduction of its new BlueFirst cabin with upgrades to its Mosaic loyalty program, including changes set to take effect in 2027. The approach mixes familiar loyalty benefits with differentiated choices as the airline seeks to shape how members earn and use perks.

Bloomberg

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JetBlue creditors hire restructuring advisers as shares and bonds hit record lows

A group of JetBlue creditors is working with PJT Partners and Akin as the airline faces cash burn and rising fuel costs, according to people familiar with the matter. The lenders are organizing ahead of the carrier’s third-quarter earnings report, as its turnaround comes under mounting pressure.

Bloomberg

JetBlue Lenders Organize After Stock, Debt Fall to Record Lows

PaxEx.Aero

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EL AL to add Starlink inflight connectivity as part of premium-service refresh

Israel’s EL AL plans to introduce Starlink inflight internet from November 2026, making it the latest airline to select the service. The rollout is part of an expanded premium offering, though the available reports do not specify which aircraft or routes will receive connectivity, or the timing of fleetwide installation.

Reuters

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Allegiant exercises options for six more Boeing 737 MAX 8s, bringing firm purchases to 56

Allegiant has exercised options under its 2021 purchase agreement with Boeing for six 737-8 MAX aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for 2028. The additional jets bring the airline’s firm purchases under the agreement to 56; one report values the six-aircraft commitment at more than $720 million.