A Sun Country Boeing 737-800 (Photo: Shutterstock | Natmac Stock)
Sun Country will not return to three airports next summer as part of its latest schedule extension.
On Tuesday, the ultra-low-cost carrier announced its Summer 2026 schedule, which included new service to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The airline will connect the city with its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub and Cancun.
Suspended Service
An airline spokesperson also confirmed to AirlineGeeks that Sun Country will suspend all flights at three airports. It will no longer fly to Oakland, California; Louisville, Kentucky; and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A Sun Country 737 in Los Angeles (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Sun Country previously offered seasonal service to these cities from Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The carrier has served Albuquerque since 2024, per Cirium Diio schedule data. Louisville and Oakland joined the carrier’s network in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Flights to these markets are no longer for sale on the carrier’s website.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to correct an error regarding Sun Country’s service to Albuquerque.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
“This first revenue passenger flight of our new Airbus A350 is the result of many months of hard behind-the-scenes work,” SWISS COO Oliver Buchhofer said in a news release. “Introducing a new aircraft type is always a major undertaking, in technical, operational, and commercial terms. Our people both on the ground and in the air have performed painstaking preparations to make this moment happen.”
For the next few weeks, SWISS’ first A350 will fly on short-haul routes within Europe to destinations like Mallorca, Prague, Düsseldorf and Hanover in Germany, and Málaga, Spain. This will give the carrier’s pilots time to further familiarize themselves with the type and complete their conversion training, SWISS executives said.
On Nov. 20, the aircraft will begin long-haul service between Zurich and Boston.
SWISS’ first Airbus A350 aircraft receives a water salute. (Photo: SWISS)
SWISS has ordered 10 A350-900s, and all of them are being fitted with a new cabin design concept known as SWISS Senses. The layout incorporates a dark red-gray-beige color scheme, lighting synced to passengers’ circadian rhythm, and entertainment systems with larger screens.
The SWISS Senses concept will eventually be extended to the airline’s current fleet of A330-300s and Boeing 777-300ERs.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Last ‘Hawaiian’ Flight Scheduled
The carrier’s code and callsign will disappear by the end of this month.
A “Hawaiian livery” note will be placed in the flight plan remarks for its flights for 60 days, the agency said.
Last Flight
On Monday, an airline spokesperson confirmed to AirlineGeeks that the last flight with the long-standing ‘Hawaiian’ callsign will operate on Wednesday.
The last flight to use the Hawaiian callsign and code will be HA866 from Pago Pago, American Samoa, to Honolulu. This flight is scheduled to land in Honolulu on Wednesday at 5:39 a.m. local time.
“We will retire the HA call sign following the 10/29 arrival of our American Samoa-Honolulu flight,” the spokesperson said. “While Alaska and Hawaiian airlines will soon operate under single call sign (AS), guests will continue to enjoy our distinct Alaska and Hawaiian brand experiences, brought to life by our remarkable employees, along with the reach of our expanding joint global network, and the industry-leading benefits of our Atmos™ Rewards loyalty program.”
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
A Sun Country 737-800. (Photo: Shutterstock | Jillian Cain Photography)
Sun Country is continuing to broaden its network footprint with plans for additional routes as part of its summer 2026 schedule extension.
Among the latest additions is new service connecting Minneapolis–St. Paul with Tulsa, Oklahoma, along with flights between Tulsa and Cancún, Mexico. The latter marks the first-ever scheduled nonstop international route from Tulsa International Airport.
Both routes are scheduled to begin on May 21, 2026.
“Planning summer travel should be simple, rewarding and stress-free,” said Colton Snow, Sun Country’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, in a news release. “With nonstop flights and extended dates through 2026, we’re making it easier than ever for travelers to get where they want to go.”
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
These will be the first nonstop flights between Florida and Japan and between Florida and the Asia/Pacific region more broadly.
“Our partnership with Zipair is more than just a new route – it’s history,” Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Lance Lyttle said in a news release. “The partnership is a testament to the economic strength we share between our communities. We look forward to welcoming Zipair passengers with the warmth and hospitality that both our nations cherish.”
The airport’s statement said the temporary connection “could lay the groundwork for additional service between Orlando and Tokyo.” No further details about a possible future service were provided.
Zipair’s charter flights will operate on Feb. 23, Feb. 28, March 5, and March 10. Tickets will go on sale in early December.
From its base at Tokyo Narita, Zipair serves 10 destinations in East Asia and North America. In the U.S., it serves Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, Honolulu, and San Jose, California.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Alaska Expands Service on Several Routes
Added capacity will come online next spring to meet increased demand.
The carrier said Monday that it will offer more flights to and from San Diego, Portland, Oregon, and Hawaii.
Starting next spring, Alaska will increase service between San Diego – now its fastest-growing hub – and Santa Rosa-Sonoma in Northern California to three round-trip flights per day.
From Portland, Alaska will add a second daily flight to Newark, New Jersey, convert seasonal service to Kaua‘i, Hawaii, to year-round, and increase flights to Santa Rosa to three per day.
Hawaii Expansion
Service between San Francisco and Hawaii Island and Kaua‘i will move to daily flights in June, and the carrier’s Los Angeles-to-Maui service will move to two flights per day.
Exact dates for the new flights were not provided.
Alaska announced a total of 13 new nonstop routes on Monday, but these were reported on by AirlineGeeks last week based on published Cirium Diio schedules. Most of the growth is centered on Alaska’s hubs in San Diego, Portland, and Seattle. The carrier also announced the addition of Tulsa, Oklahoma, to its route network, and the return of service to Arcata-Eureka, California, after a 15-year gap.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
U.K.’s Eastern Airways Cancels All Flights
Local media reports suggest the carrier could be nearing insolvency.
An Eastern Airways aircraft at Manchester Airport. (Photo: Shutterstock | Bradley Caslin)
British regional carrier Eastern Airways has reportedly halted operations and returned aircraft to its leasing partners.
According to British newspaper The Independent, the airline on Monday canceled all flights and stopped selling tickets. Company officials filed a “notice of intention to appoint an administrator,” which gives Eastern limited protection from creditors, but given the surrender of its aircraft, it seems likely the carrier will close after 28 years in business, The Independent reported.
Eastern has its main base at Humberside Airport in Kirmington, North Lincolnshire, England.
It connects Humberside and Teesside International Airport in Northern England with Aberdeen, Scotland, and serves Wick, Scotland, from Aberdeen through a public service obligation, similar to Essential Air Service in the U.S. It also operates a route between London Gatwick and Newquay in Cornwall.
The Independent reported that Eastern’s service to and from Aberdeen is mainly meant to serve the North Sea oil industry.
In the U.K., a notice of an intent to appoint an administrator signals that a company is or will likely become unable to pay its debts. It was not immediately clear what business factors led to the filing.
According to The Independent, Eastern in the past served destinations such as Newcastle, the Isle of Man, Cardiff in Wales, and Gibraltar, a British territory in continental Europe. It also partnered with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines with the intention of providing service between the U.K. and Amsterdam Schiphol, but these flights did not materialize.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Airlink to Launch Zanzibar Service
The carrier will operate the route with its new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
The airline will offer two rotations a week between Johannesburg and the Tanzanian island, starting June 3, 2026.
Airlink already operates flights between Johannesburg and Tanzania’s commercial hub, Dar es Salaam.
E195 Route
The Johannesburg-based airline will operate the route with its new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which accommodate up to 136 passengers on this service.
“Zanzibar’s proximity to Johannesburg, Airlink’s main hub, puts the island within reach of customers,” Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said in a statement. “The timing of the flights allows for Airlink connecting flights from other destinations we serve across South Africa and the SADC region. Similarly, Airlink will provide convenient connections for customers traveling between Zanzibar and almost anywhere in the world on our world-leading partner airlines.”
With its growing economy, Zanzibar is emerging as a hotspot for investors and business travelers.
The island is known for its beaches, forests, marine life, and resorts. It is home to the UNESCO-listed historical Stone Town, whose maze of streets featuring mosques, churches, bazaars, villas, and a palace – as well as a museum marking the birthplace and boyhood home of the late rock star Freddie Mercury – reflect its fusion of African, Asian, and European influences.
Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.
A Delta A350-900. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Delta is adding a new nonstop route to the Middle East.
Starting October 2026, the airline will connect its Atlanta hub and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital and largest city. The service will operate three times weekly using Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
“Launching service to Riyadh marks a key step in Delta’s global growth as we start our second century of flight,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a news release. “Our new flights will connect customers to this dynamic, fast-growing region while delivering the care, comfort, and reliability they expect. It reflects our bold vision to create meaningful opportunities and experiences in every corner of the world in the years ahead.”
A Delta A350 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Delta leaders said the coming route will dovetail with the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 project, which aims to develop tourist destinations in the country, expand its entertainment sector, and diversify its broader economy.
The service to Riyadh will be one of Delta’s longest routes, at over 7,000 miles.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Alaska Ending 12 Routes
Most of the cuts affect California markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose.
An Alaska Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (Photo: Shutterstock | Audio und werbung)
Alaska Airlines is making adjustments to its California network, cutting multiple routes from Los Angeles and San Francisco as it manages a slower pace of aircraft deliveries in 2026.
“As we add 13 new routes to our network starting next spring, we’ll reduce mainline flying in San Francisco and regional flying in Los Angeles,” an Alaska spokesperson said in a statement to AirlineGeeks. “These adjustments are firmly rooted in the need to be disciplined with our aircraft in 2026, as fewer new aircraft enter our fleet. Although these decisions are difficult, SFO and LAX remain key markets for us.”
The changes were reflected in a Cirium Diio schedule update published over the weekend.
San Francisco
From its San Francisco hub, the carrier will suspend flights on five routes. Service between San Francisco and Boston will end in January, and Austin in February.
Alaska’s San Francisco-to-Burbank route will no longer operate effective in April.
Flights to Orlando, Florida, and Newark, New Jersey, are scheduled to end in May and June, respectively.
An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900 in San Francisco. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
The spokesperson added that San Francisco “remains a crucial part of our long-term growth,” noting that the carrier is seeing early signs of a rebound in business travel and healthy holiday bookings.
With these route cuts in place, Alaska’s planned capacity in San Francisco will be down nearly 24% in July 2026 compared to the same period this year.
San Jose
Alaska is also scaling down flying from San Jose, California.
Its intra-California service between San Jose and Los Angeles will end in January. In addition, the airline will suspend service from San Jose to both Los Cabos and Guadalajara in Mexico, effective in May.
“Across California, we’re encouraged by the overwhelming response to our newly evolved loyalty program, Atmos Rewards, and we’re committed to providing products that meet the region’s needs,” the spokesperson continued. “Even with these changes, we’ll serve more California airports year-round than any other airline. We are committed to safeguarding our competitive position on the West Coast.”
Los Angeles
The airline will reduce service from Los Angeles next year, too. In addition to the San Jose route, it will also end service to Reno and Las Vegas.
Both of these routes are slated to end in February.
Other Cuts
Alaska will also discontinue two routes that don’t touch Los Angeles or the Bay Area.
The carrier’s seasonal Anchorage to Detroit route will not return next summer. Service in this market already ended last month.
Finally, flights between San Diego and Atlanta will be suspended in March.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
