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European aviation maintained extensive summer flight operations despite fuel price pressure, airspace restrictions and capacity constraints, supporting tourism across the continent. The summer performance figures show more than two million flights and arrival punctuality of approximately 77%. That punctuality measure counts flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. It indicates that most
Eurowings will launch nonstop Baghdad flights from Berlin and Düsseldorf on 10 December 2026, expanding its Germany–Middle East network. Each airport will offer two weekly services to the Iraqi capital during the winter 2026/2027 programme. The airline also plans 14 weekly Dubai flights across three German airports, alongside connections to several other regional destinations. From
The Qantas data breach exposed approximately 5.7 million customer records, leaving affected travellers facing continuing risks from impersonation and targeted scams. Compromised information included contact details and frequent-flyer data, while some records also contained addresses, birth dates and meal preferences. The incident affected a customer-service platform used by an overseas contact centre. Qantas said its
Lufthansa Group is expanding Starlink Wi-Fi across Austrian Airlines and SWISS, with approximately 850 aircraft targeted for connectivity by 2029.
Artificial intelligence has become a central topic at HEDNA 2026, bringing hotel distribution, payments and traveller interactions into one expanding conversation. Discussions now encompass security, identification, pricing, marketing and content production, reflecting the technology’s potential reach across tourism operations. Alfredo Stefani, Director of Partnerships at Voxel, an Amadeus Group company, described a substantial change in
Etihad Airways is extending its planned West African reach through an interline partnership with Nigerian carrier Ibom Air. The agreement will connect international passengers with five Nigerian cities when Etihad launches Lagos and Accra services in March 2027. Travellers will gain access to Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Enugu through eligible connecting itineraries. International
Latvia’s national carrier, airBaltic, is preparing organisational changes that could affect approximately 500 to 700 positions across its Baltic bases. The proposed adjustments cover Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn as the airline implements a new business plan. The estimate remains preliminary, and decisions concerning individual employees have not been finalised. airBaltic currently employs around 3,000 people
Southwest Airlines launched its “Enter Airplane Mode” campaign on 5 October 2026, encouraging eligible Americans to turn digital overload into travel rewards. The initiative combines two promotions with a maximum allocation of 187 million Rapid Rewards points. Members can submit a phone notification screenshot or complete an online burnout quiz to earn points, subject to
flyadeal has launched direct Mumbai–Riyadh flights, adding five weekly services and expanding access between India and Saudi Arabia. The route began on 3 October 2026, making Mumbai the airline’s second Indian destination after Hyderabad. The Saudia Group low-cost carrier operates the service with 186-seat Airbus A320neo aircraft, offering an entirely Economy Class cabin. The route
Madrid, Barcelona and Lisbon are pursuing airport developments that could reshape Southern European travel, strengthening connections and supporting tourism growth. Their competing strategies combine larger infrastructure, international airline networks and ambitions to capture more long-haul passengers. Madrid-Barajas handled 68.18 million passengers in 2025, ahead of Barcelona-El Prat’s 57.48 million and Lisbon’s 36.1 million. However, Barcelona
Qantas and Jetstar plan new direct flights to Bali and Jakarta following an expanded Australia–Indonesia air services agreement. The revised framework permits another 5,000 seats weekly, creating room for additional routes and higher frequencies between the neighbouring countries. The planned expansion covers Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Western Sydney, combining holiday connections with improved access to
LOT Polish Airlines will operate weekly direct charter flights between Warsaw and Penang from 5 November, strengthening Poland–Malaysia tourism connections. The seasonal programme targets European holidaymakers seeking tropical weather, convenient access and longer winter stays. Flights will connect Warsaw Chopin Airport with Penang International Airport throughout the European winter season. Passenger movements are expected to
