Policy & Regulation News

Reuters • David Shepardson

US airlines oppose China’s bid to add more direct flights

Airlines for America said U.S. carriers oppose adding more direct flights between the United States and China, pushing back after Chinese President Xi Jinping raised the prospect of increased service. The position highlights continued tension over the scale of bilateral air connectivity.

2026-09-24T15:28:45.911060-07:00

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US airlines oppose China’s bid to add more direct flights

Airlines for America said U.S. carriers oppose adding more direct flights between the United States and China, pushing back after Chinese President Xi Jinping raised the prospect of increased service. The position highlights continued tension over the scale of bilateral air connectivity.

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Virgin Atlantic CEO Warns Against Higher SAF Costs Without Clear Environmental Gains

Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster criticized growing mandates for sustainable aviation fuel, arguing that customers should not be asked to pay more while SAF supply remains constrained and the promised environmental benefits are not being delivered. His comments highlight the tension between policy targets, fuel availability and airline cost pressures.

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Reuters

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U.S. sanctions disrupt Iranian international flights, triggering UAE and Oman bans

New U.S. sanctions targeting companies that service Iranian airlines have barred carriers from operating to the UAE and Oman, while flights to Istanbul, China and Bangkok continued. The measures are reshaping Iran’s regional connectivity and escalating tensions between Tehran and neighboring states that host large Iranian diasporas.

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Iraq opens restricted western airspace to civil aviation

Iraq has opened western airspace that was previously restricted to civil aviation, removing an operational constraint for airlines and other commercial operators. The change may give carriers additional routing flexibility through Iraqi airspace, subject to applicable safety, regulatory and air traffic control requirements.

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Boeing secures FAA emissions waiver for 35 new 777 freighters

The U.S. FAA has granted Boeing an emissions waiver covering 35 newly built 777 freighters, allowing the aircraft to proceed despite applicable emissions requirements. The decision affects near-term freighter production and delivery plans while underscoring the regulatory constraints facing large cargo aircraft.

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LCCs ask FAA to facilitate access to ex-Spirit Airlines slots

Low-cost carriers are asking the FAA to facilitate access to airport slots formerly held by Spirit Airlines. The request highlights how Spirit’s changing position could affect the allocation of scarce airport capacity and competitive opportunities for other budget operators.

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Reuters

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FAA Communications Failure Grounds Northeast Flights, Exposing Aging U.S. Air Traffic Control Infrastructure

A communications failure and severed fiber line at Philadelphia TRACON forced the FAA to ground flights at major Northeast airports, with delays and cancellations extending into Tuesday. The disruption renewed scrutiny of outdated telecommunications systems, decades-old Compaq computers and replacement parts sourced through unconventional channels.

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