The latest airline route news, featuring network changes, schedule alterations, codeshares and interline agreements.
Jan. 20
Emirates will add four flights per week between Dubai and Manila from April 2, expanding capacity on one of its key Southeast Asia routes. The additional services will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. With the expansion, Emirates will increase its Manila schedule from 28 to 32X-weekly flights. The airline says the frequencies will also boost cargo capacity, with each 777-300ER able to carry up to 20 metric tons in the bellyhold.
Hainan Airlines is scheduled to open a new nonstop service between Shenzhen and Madrid Barajas from April 4, becoming the sole operator on the route. The weekly flight will be operated with Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The move comes after China Southern Airlines began its first route to Spain in December, linking Guangzhou and Madrid.
South African Airways (SAA) and CemAir have signed a domestic codeshare partnership aimed at expanding connectivity across South Africa. Under the partnership, both airlines will place their codes on each other’s flights, enabling customers to book single-ticket itineraries with through-checked baggage and integrated connections across both networks. The agreement is SAA’s first codeshare focused exclusively on domestic routes and is designed to enhance accessibility and convenience for travelers. “This partnership is a game-changer for domestic travel in South Africa,” a statement from SAA says.
QantasLink will introduce Airbus A220 aircraft on its Adelaide–Brisbane route from March 3, marking the first time the type has operated in South Australia. The A220s will progressively replace Embraer 190s. The up-gauge is expected to add up to 100,000 seats annually to QantasLink’s Adelaide network. Qantas has received 11 A220s so far, with four more due by mid-year.
Jan. 19
Etihad Airways and Tunisair have launched a new codeshare partnership. Under the agreement, travelers can book flights between Abu Dhabi and Tunis under either airline’s code on Etihad-operated services. The arrangement covers Etihad’s 3X-weekly Abu Dhabi–Tunis flights, which launched in November 2025 and are operated with Airbus A321LR aircraft. “Partnering with Tunisair brings Abu Dhabi closer to travelers across North Africa,” Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves says.
AirAsia will introduce a new nonstop route between Kuala Lumpur and Batam, Indonesia, from March 1. The daily service expands the LCC’s Indonesia network to 19 routes and targets growing leisure and VFR demand. AirAsia says it carried about 3 million passengers between Malaysia and Indonesia in 2025.
Solomon Airlines will commence a nonstop route between Christchurch and Port Vila from July 1, becoming the first scheduled commercial air link between New Zealand’s South Island and Vanuatu. The service will operate 2X-weekly, departing Christchurch on Thursdays and Sundays and returning from Port Vila on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Flights will be operated with Airbus A320-200 aircraft, with a block time of about 4 hr.
United Airlines will launch a new seasonal nonstop route between Bangor International Airport and Denver International Airport, marking the westernmost nonstop passenger service in Bangor’s history. The service will operate on Saturdays from June 27 through Sept. 5, using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. In conjunction with the launch, United will up-gauge its Bangor–Chicago O’Hare flights to a 737 on the same operating days to meet strong summer demand.
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