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The Points Guy • Sean Cudahy

United adds nonstop U.S.–Japan links: Chicago–Tokyo Narita and San Francisco–Sapporo (seasonal launches this fall/winter)

United Airlines will expand Japan service with exclusive nonstop Chicago O’Hare–Tokyo Narita and new seasonal San Francisco–Sapporo routes later this year. The Sapporo flights are positioned as the first-ever nonstop from the continental U.S. to Japan’s top ski destination, with multiple continental hubs feeding Narita.

2026-05-14T05:06:44.627510-07:00

ch-aviation

Uganda Airlines wet-leases two Boeing 737-800s to stabilize operations and pursue a 10-year route expansion

2026-05-14T07:15:37.800132-07:00

ch-aviation

Akasa Air creates a leasing arm as India extends government loans

2026-05-14T00:42:33.630616-07:00

FlightGlobal

Lufthansa Group, Wizz Air set phased return to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion after EASA advisory softens

2026-05-13T10:59:04.675974-07:00

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ch-aviation

Uganda Airlines wet-leases two Boeing 737-800s to stabilize operations and pursue a 10-year route expansion Uganda Airlines has taken delivery of the first of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft on a short-term wet lease from Ethiopian Airlines, with a second jet due under the same ACMI arrangement. The carrier says the added capacity supports operational stability following the grounding of two aircraft and enables resumption of London and Mumbai services, alongside targets for 32 routes under a new 10-year growth plan.

2026-05-14T07:15:37.800132-07:00

Uganda Airlines wet-leases two Boeing 737-800s to stabilize operations and pursue a 10-year route expansion

The Points Guy

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United adds nonstop U.S.–Japan links: Chicago–Tokyo Narita and San Francisco–Sapporo (seasonal launches this fall/winter) United Airlines will expand Japan service with exclusive nonstop Chicago O’Hare–Tokyo Narita and new seasonal San Francisco–Sapporo routes later this year. The Sapporo flights are positioned as the first-ever nonstop from the continental U.S. to Japan’s top ski destination, with multiple continental hubs feeding Narita.

2026-05-14T05:06:44.627510-07:00

United adds nonstop U.S.–Japan links: Chicago–Tokyo Narita and San Francisco–Sapporo (seasonal launches this fall/winter)

ch-aviation

Akasa Air creates a leasing arm as India extends government loans Akasa Air is setting up a leasing subsidiary after the government extended loan support, according to ch-aviation. The move is aimed at improving access to aircraft via leasing structures, tying the airline’s funding environment to fleet planning flexibility.

2026-05-14T00:42:33.630616-07:00

Akasa Air creates a leasing arm as India extends government loans

FlightGlobal

Jazeera Airways swings to Q1 loss as Kuwait airport closure forces Saudi-based temporary ops amid Iran conflict Kuwait’s airport closure tied to the Iran conflict pushed Jazeera Airways to set up temporary operations in Saudi Arabia. The carrier booked a net loss of KD1.1 million ($3.6 million) for the first quarter, citing the disruption following the Kuwait airport shut down.

2026-05-13T23:52:45.444252-07:00

Jazeera Airways swings to Q1 loss as Kuwait airport closure forces Saudi-based temporary ops amid Iran conflict

FlightGlobal

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Lufthansa Group, Wizz Air set phased return to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion after EASA advisory softens Lufthansa Group will gradually restart flights to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion: Wizz Air resumes on 28 May, Austrian on 1 June, followed by Lufthansa and Swiss on 1 July, with Eurowings among the later group restorations. The schedule follows a comprehensive safety assessment after EASA softened its operating advisory in Israel’s airspace amid the Iran–Israel conflict.

2026-05-13T10:59:04.675974-07:00

Lufthansa Group, Wizz Air set phased return to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion after EASA advisory softens

AeroTime

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Qatar Airways restarts Doha–Abu Dhabi service and adds Helsinki & Tokyo Haneda from mid-July 2026 as regional tensions ease Qatar Airways is restoring and expanding its Middle East network after a downturn in regional operations tied to the Iran–Israel conflict. The carrier has resumed double-daily passenger flights between Doha and Abu Dhabi and plans summer 2026 returns to Helsinki and Tokyo Haneda from 15 July, boosting connectivity for Europe and Asia.

2026-05-13T07:43:00.068780-07:00

Qatar Airways restarts Doha–Abu Dhabi service and adds Helsinki & Tokyo Haneda from mid-July 2026 as regional tensions ease

ch-aviation

United Nigeria targets rapid fleet and network growth United Nigeria says it is aiming for fast expansion of both its fleet size and route network. The move puts renewed focus on how quickly new-capacity entrants can scale aircraft availability and turn that flying into sustained route coverage in Nigeria.

2026-05-13T01:34:26.662842-07:00

United Nigeria targets rapid fleet and network growth

ch-aviation

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Air India cuts ~100 daily flights June–August 2026 amid West Asia airspace restrictions and higher fuel costs Air India is trimming international capacity starting June 2026, temporarily cutting services across multiple routes through August and suspending/reducing dozens more through the same period. Reports cite airspace restrictions tied to Middle East conflict, record fuel prices, and loss pressure during network turnaround efforts, including long-haul cuts.

2026-05-12T22:39:16.706146-07:00

Air India cuts ~100 daily flights June–August 2026 amid West Asia airspace restrictions and higher fuel costs

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Routes News

United adds nonstop U.S.–Japan links: Chicago–Tokyo Narita and San Francisco–Sapporo (seasonal launches this fall/winter)

Uganda Airlines wet-leases two Boeing 737-800s to stabilize operations and pursue a 10-year route expansion

Akasa Air creates a leasing arm as India extends government loans

Lufthansa Group, Wizz Air set phased return to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion after EASA advisory softens

News Timeline