Airline News in Brief 25 May 2026

The Cathay Group releases traffic figures for April 2026: Cathay Pacific carried 17% more passengers in April 2026 compared with April 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 15%. In the first four months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 19% compared with the same period for 2025. Cathay Cargo carried 8% more cargo in April 2026 than in April 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 7%. In the first four months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 8% compared with the same period for 2025. HK Express carried close to 730,000 passengers in April 2026, an increase of 5% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) grew by 7%. In the first four months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 14% compared with the same period for 2025. Sun PhuQuoc Airways launches Singapore route: Sun PhuQuoc Airways has officially announced the launch of scheduled services to Singapore, enhancing connectivity between two of Asia’s most iconic island destinations. The launch also introduces the first full-service airline on the Singapore–Phu Quoc route, creating new opportunities to attract high-quality international travellers to Phu Quoc. The direct Singapore–Phu Quoc route has rapidly emerged as one of Phu Quoc’s most vibrant international routes, currently served primarily by low-cost carriers with daily frequencies. With ticket sales opening on 20 May, ahead of the inaugural flight on 25 July 2026, Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ entry into the market represents more than additional seat capacity. It signals a strategic move into the underserved premium travel segment between the two destinations. As the first full-service airline operating this route, Sun PhuQuoc Airways introduces a new standard of travel between Singapore and Phu Quoc, with both Business Class and Economy Class cabin options. Etihad expands A380 flights to Paris: Etihad Airways will increase its Airbus A380 service to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to double-daily this summer, expanding the route to triple-daily overall and making Paris one of only a handful of destinations in the world to be served twice a day by the iconic double-decker aircraft. From 1 July, Etihad’s expanded Paris schedule will include two daily Airbus A380 services departing Zayed Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at convenient morning and afternoon departure times designed for both business and leisure travellers, complemented by a third daily Boeing 787-9 service featuring First, Business and Economy cabins. Together, the additional frequencies will significantly expand premium travel capacity between Abu Dhabi and the French capital. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “Paris is one of our most popular and most loved destinations, and this summer we are giving our guests more of what they love. Flying double-daily on the A380 to Charles de Gaulle is a statement of confidence in one of the world’s great travel markets. Whether our guests are heading to Paris for business, for leisure, or as the start of a journey onward across Europe, we are offering them our iconic A380 experience at the double.” Flyadeal launches flights to India: Flyadeal in Saudi Arabia announced the launch of scheduled services to India with daily flights between Riyadh and Hyderabad beginning 1 July 2026. A leading Indian technology centre, Hyderabad has rapidly evolved as a global hub for innovation hosting major international technology giants and developing thriving aerospace and defence sectors. As capital of the southern Indian state of Telangana, Hyderabad is known for Indo-Islamic architecture including the iconic 16th century landmark mosque ‘The Charminar’ famed for its four arches supporting towering minarets. Sanjiv Kapoor, flyadeal acting Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Strategies at Saudia Group, said: “India, a long-awaited addition to flyadeal’s growing network of international destinations, is a key part of Saudia Group and flyadeal’s long term strategy. Our promise of friendly, efficient, low fare, and on-time service, builds on parent Saudia Group’s long-established presence in India since 1964 through our sister airline Saudia. Hyderabad is the first step of our planned expansion into India, fuelled by the strong economic, social and cultural ties that India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have enjoyed for decades. Together with Saudia, the Saudia Group will now serve the Indian market comprehensively. Saudia offering full-service excellence and flyadeal delivering the best low fares for price-conscious travellers.” Etihad Guest launches partnership with Bangkok Airways: Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has launched a new frequent flyer partnership with Bangkok Airways’ FlyerBonus programme, enabling members of both loyalty programmes to redeem rewards when travelling across either airline’s network. Etihad Guest members can now redeem their miles for award travel across Bangkok Airways’ network, including popular leisure destinations across Thailand and Southeast Asia such as Samui, Luang Prabang and Siem Reap. Likewise, Bangkok Airways’ FlyerBonus members can redeem their points to explore Etihad’s expanding global network, including new destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Krakow and Salalah via its award-winning hub in Abu Dhabi. Etihad Guest Miles earned can be redeemed across a wide range of rewards, including flights, cabin upgrades, hotels, holidays and shopping through the Etihad Guest Reward Shop, offering members with flexibility and choice at every stage of their journey. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]