Middle East News

FlightGlobal

Royal Jordanian sees 1H net profit dented by geopolitical “exceptional” factors and 37% higher fuel costs, with government fuel

Royal Jordanian said geopolitical developments in the Middle East, along with fuel costs that rose 37%, and operational disruption from airspace closures drove a sharp decline in first-half net profits. The airline noted that part of the higher fuel bill was covered via Jordanian government support, helping it remain profitable.

SpaceNews.com

LatConnect 60 scales SWIRSAT constellation via multi-geography manufacturing plan spanning Western Australia, Malaysia and UAE

LatConnect 60 (LC60) says it is executing a multi-geography industrial strategy to accelerate its SWIRSAT constellation. The company plans to anchor core technology development and payload manufacturing in Western Australia while expanding spacecraft production capacity in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

ch-aviation

Cathay Pacific delays resumption of Hong Kong–Dubai and Hong Kong–Riyadh passenger flights to early 4Q26

Cathay Pacific has postponed the planned return of passenger service from Hong Kong International to Dubai International and Riyadh, citing a re-escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The carrier now expects to restart the routes in early 4Q26.

ch-aviation

High activity

Singapore Airlines posts first quarterly loss since the pandemic amid $767M fuel bill surge; Air India’s worst-ever losses weigh

Singapore Airlines reported a S$76 million quarterly loss despite record revenue as jet-fuel costs jumped and Air India’s continued restructuring drag deepened group losses. Separately, Tata flagged Air India’s transformation timeline slipping amid “external headwinds,” while SIA also pushed back key premium-cabin rollout on the A350-900 to 2027.

FlightGlobal

High activity

Saudia Cargo expands freight reach via Riyadh Cargo interline and a new Riyadh–Melbourne freighter service

Saudia Cargo and Riyadh Cargo have signed an interline agreement to give freight forwarders and logistics partners broader network access, enhanced routing options, and improved cargo connectivity through Saudi Arabia. In parallel, Saudia Cargo has launched a scheduled Riyadh–Melbourne freighter route to extend its international cargo network.

The War Zone

U.S. pauses Iran strike campaign but keeps revived naval blockade in place (carriers redeployed to key operating areas)

The U.S. may have temporarily paused its strike campaign against Iran, but the revived naval blockade remains fully in effect, with U.S. aircraft carriers continuing to operate in the relevant theater. The situation is evolving as carrier presence shifts while enforcement of the blockade persists.

ch-aviation

Syrianair targets up to eight Airbus jets to double fleet by 2026

Syrianair is reportedly looking at an order for eight Airbus aircraft, aiming to double its fleet by 2026. The move signals an accelerated fleet growth plan and a near-term procurement focus on narrowbody-capable Airbus capacity.

Aviation Source

High activity

Etihad partners with Fastjet, Air Peace and Africa World Airlines as it sets up six new African route launches; adds daily Abu D

Etihad Airways has formalized strategic partnerships with Fastjet (Zimbabwe), Air Peace (Nigeria) and Africa World Airlines (Ghana) to expand its Africa network ahead of six new route launches, including a new interline agreement with Air Peace to connect the UAE–Nigeria market. The carrier also launched a daily EY 171 service between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Los Angeles (LAX) on June 1.