Routes

Our top five stories on Routes Weekly: Russia's recovering aviation industry; World Cup 2018 by airlines, airports and routes; Delta adds Asia destinations but cuts Hong Kong; Routes Africa 2018 shortlists; Route rundown and more.

This week: Air Italy adds second destination in India; Norwegian targets Miami from Madrid; and XL Airways France plans unserved Chinese city.

As the host nation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Russia is pushed yet further in the global spotlight. Routesonline analyses the country’s recovering aviation industry, examining the fastest-growing international markets, the top airports and the busiest routes.

More than 100 airlines have now confirmed their attendance at World Routes 2018 in Guangzhou, China.

Delta Air Lines is to launch two new non-stop routes to Asia but plans to end its Seattle - Hong Kong service from October.

Ryanair is to base three aircraft at London Southend Airport from next year and launch 13 routes.

Routesonline looks at the top three airports, airlines and routes from each of the countries involved in this summer's FIFA World Cup.

Infrastructure grants of $677m have been awarded to airports across the US to help improve safety and efficiency.

This week we profile Routes Africa 2018 attendee SunExpress, the Turkish airline based in Antalya.

This week: Airbus and Bombardier’s C Series deal; Borghetti to leave Virgin Australia; Swoop granted AOC; Volotea secures new investors and more.

Airline executives can now vote for up to five airports and tourism boards that they feel have provided outstanding marketing support. The route development community can nominate individuals that have driven growth and innovation in the industry.

India’s government has admitted it is open to selling its entire stake in loss-making flag carrier Air India after its recent attempt failed to attract any buyers.

Ten airports and five tourism authorities have been recognised by the airline network planning community for their outstanding marketing support.

A study based on the uplift in visitor arrivals to Russia during the World Cup has revealed the top 50 countries across the world most gripped by football fever.

Routesonline takes a look at some of the key statistics shaping the market of Routes Africa 2018 host country Ghana.

Our top five stories on Routes Weekly: Gulf Air's European and North American ambitions; Air Canada and Air China joint venture; London Heathrow expansion moves closer; LATAM Airlines plans Munich service; Route rundown and more.

This week: Hainan Airlines adds Shenzhen – Zurich, Etihad to serve second Spanish destination and Finnair grows presence in Germany.

After a long period with a declining presence in the region, Gulf Air is spoiling for a comeback. Chief executive Krešimir Kučko explains more about the European and North American ambitions of Bahrain’s state-owned carrier.

South African Airways, SunExpress and Wizz Air are now planning their meeting diaries for Routes Africa. Airports and tourism authorities should submit requests at the earliest available opportunity to maximise the chances of securing their priority meetings.

Voting for the awards closes on Friday 8 June. Don’t miss the opportunity to recognise the airports and tourism authorities that have provided exceptional marketing support over the past twelve months.

This week we profile Routes Africa 2018 attendee Air Zimbabwe, the government-owned carrier founded in 1967.

This week: Primera Air's transatlantic cancellations; Al Baker takes over as IATA board chairman; JetGo ceases flights; Emirates' A380 Osaka plans and more.

Star Alliance members Air Canada and Air China have deepened their existing partnership by signing a joint venture agreement. The deal comes amid a strong increase capacity between the two countries.

Kenya Airways is close to securing approval to take over the running of the county’s main airport in Nairobi as part of efforts to fight back against rival airlines. The potential move comes as the flag carrier launches new services to South Africa and Mauritius.

Plans for a third runway at London Heathrow have moved a step closer, paving the way for thousands more flights each year at the UK’s busiest airport.