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Allegiant Adds Four New Cities

The carrier will expand its network with 30 routes starting next year.

An Allegiant Airbus A319
An Allegiant Airbus A319. (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)

Allegiant announced a new network expansion on Tuesday, with plans to add 30 new nonstop routes and enter four new airports. 

The ultra-low-cost carrier will begin service to La Crosse, Wisconsin; Philadelphia; Trenton, New Jersey; and Columbia, Missouri in the first half of 2026. All of these cities are brand-new to Allegiant’s network, except for Trenton, which was last served in 2018, per Cirium Diio schedule data.

“We’re thrilled to continue Allegiant’s growth by adding these new routes,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer, in a news release. “Our mission has always been to connect travelers to world-class destinations at an affordable price. These additions provide convenient options for leisure travelers and reflect our commitment to expanding service where demand is strong.”

New Allegiant routes as of November 2025
New Allegiant routes as of November 2025 (Photo: gcmap.net)

New Markets

The carrier’s four new cities will launch with the following links:

La Crosse, Wisconsin

  • Mesa, Arizona: Begins Feb. 6, 2026
  • Sanford, Florida: Begins May 21, 2026

Philadelphia

  • Des Moines, Iowa: Begins May 21, 2026
  • Knoxville, Tennessee: Begins May 21, 2026
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan: Begins May 22, 2026

Trenton, New Jersey

  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Begins Feb. 19, 2026
  • Punta Gorda, Florida: Begins Feb. 20, 2026
  • St. Pete–Clearwater, Florida: Begins Feb. 20, 2026

Columbia, Missouri

  • Sanford, Florida: Begins June 3, 2026
  • Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida: Begins June 5, 2026
An Allegiant 737 MAX at Boeing Field (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Additional Routes

In addition to the new cities, Allegiant is expanding its footprint at existing bases, including significant growth in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and increased connectivity from California and Florida.

From Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • Omaha, Nebraska: Begins May 21, 2026
  • Huntsville, Alabama: Begins May 21, 2026
  • Oklahoma City: Begins May 22, 2026
  • Louisville, Kentucky: Begins May 22, 2026
  • Springfield, Missouri: Begins May 22, 2026

Allegiant began service to Gulf Shores in May.

From Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • Rockford, Illinois: Begins Feb. 12, 2026
  • Rochester, New York: Begins Feb. 12, 2026
  • Albany, New York: Begins Feb. 13, 2026

From Santa Ana, California

  • Mesa, Arizona: Begins Feb. 12, 2026
  • Pasco, Washington: Begins Feb. 12, 2026
  • Appleton, Wisconsin: Begins May 20, 2026
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan: Begins May 20, 2026
  • Cincinnati: Begins May 21, 2026

From Burbank, California

  • Des Moines, Iowa: Begins May 22, 2026
  • Indianapolis: Begins May 22, 2026

From Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

  • Elmira, New York: Begins May 22, 2026
  • Dayton, Ohio: Begins May 22, 2026

Other Network Adds

  • Bloomington, Illinois, to Mesa, Arizona: Begins Feb. 13, 2026
  • Key West, Florida, to Columbus, Ohio (Rickenbacker): Begins May 21, 2026
  • Denver to Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida: Begins May 21, 2026

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Iberia Adds New North America Route

Service will start in June 2026 with the A321XLR.

Airbus delivers the world's first A321XLR to Iberia
Airbus delivers the world's first A321XLR to Iberia. (Photo: Airbus)

Spanish flag carrier Iberia is adding a new destination in Canada.

Starting June 13, 2026, the airline will connect Madrid and Toronto with five nonstop flights per week. The service will operate with Airbus A321XLR aircraft.

Iberia previously announced Toronto as a new destination in June, but did not set a firm schedule or start date.

“This launch is part of our Flight Plan 2030, through which we continue to expand our long-haul network and strengthen our presence in North America,” María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s chief commercial, network development, and alliances officer, said in a news release. “Toronto will be our 49th in our destination network, marking a milestone in Iberia’s history. This connection will bring Canada closer to Spain and Europe, while offering Canadian travelers more options to discover our country and the European continent with the best experience.”

Iberia said its new flights will add approximately 37,000 seats between Madrid and Toronto through the summer travel season.

From its main hub at Madrid–Barajas Airport, Iberia serves North American destinations such as New York-JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Miami, Los Angeles, and Mexico City. As part of Flight Plan 2030, the carrier recently added service to Orlando, Florida, and Monterrey, Mexico.

Zach Vasile

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.

Ethiopian Airlines to Order 11 More 737 MAXs

New aircraft will be added to the largest Boeing fleet in Africa.

Ethiopian Boeing 737 MAX
An Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Ethiopian Airlines announced Monday that it will buy 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.

According to a news release from the carrier, Ethiopian signed a purchase agreement for the Boeing aircraft on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow.

Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in Africa and also has the largest backlog of 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner jets on the continent. The airline stated that the acquisition will expand the reliability, efficiency, and range of its 737 MAX fleet operating in Africa, the Middle East, India and Southern Europe.

“We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional 11 737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow,” said Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, in the release. “The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow over the years and we look forward to flying Boeing airplanes for years to come and that we will continue to serve our customers by bringing them high performance airplanes with passenger comfort.”

The carrier did not provide a timeline for when it expects to receive the aircraft.

In October, the Federal Aviation Administration permitted Boeing to raise its monthly 737 MAX production cap from 38 to 42 per month – a move that may boost the manufacturer’s output amid order backlogs.

Caleb Revill

Caleb Revill is a journalist, writer and lifelong learner working as a Junior Writer for Firecrown. When he isn't tackling breaking news, Caleb is on the lookout for fascinating feature stories.

Mexico Cedes Airport Slots to U.S. Carriers

The concession comes after the USDOT canceled crossborder routes operated by Mexican carriers.

Viva Aerobus A320
A Viva Aerobus A320 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Mexico signaled it will return some slots at bustling Benito Juárez Mexico City International Airport to U.S. carriers following a months-long trade war with the Trump administration.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that Mexican airlines had agreed to give up some slots to their U.S. counterparts after “taking competitiveness into account,” according to a report from Reuters.

Sheinbaum did not say how many slots would be turned over to U.S. airlines but noted that, in 2026, a new digital flight distribution system will be implemented across Mexico. U.S. and international carriers have already endorsed the system, she added.

The apparent concession comes after the U.S. Department of Transportation moved to dissolve a partnership between Delta and Mexican flag carrier Aeroméxico and then canceled several existing and planned crossborder routes operated by Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris.

The department said it was taking a harder line with Mexican airlines in response to Mexico’s government reducing foreign slots at Benito Juárez – allegedly hurting carriers like United, Delta, and American – and pushing U.S. cargo operators like FedEx and UPS to the recently opened Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Zumpango.

Aeromexico 737 MAX 8
An Aeromexico Boeing 737 MAX 8. (Photo: Boeing)

Felipe Ángeles is considered a less desirable landing point for freight carriers because it is further away from Mexico City and increases logistical hurdles.

Mexico maintains that it was working to relieve congestion at Benito Juárez.

The slot confiscations and relocation of U.S. cargo operators took place in 2022 and 2023. With the change in presidential administration, the DOT zeroed in on what it termed an unfair “market distortion” and announced plans to unwind the Delta-Aeroméxico partnership in retaliation. That decision was finalized in September.

One month later, the department increased the pressure by canceling 13 U.S.-Mexico routes, including Aeromexico’s routes between Felipe Ángeles and Houston and McAllen, Texas, and Volaris’s Mexico City-Newark, New Jersey, route.

Sheinbaum denounced the cancellations as unfair and likely politically motivated. She spoke with President Donald Trump about the matter earlier this month, but until Monday it was not clear if the two countries were moving toward a new agreement.

A U.S. appeals court last week granted Delta and Aeroméxico a temporary stay against the DOT’s order to unwind their joint venture.

Zach Vasile

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.

Blue Islands Suspends All Flights

Aurigny and Loganair have stepped in with “rescue” service.

A Blue Islands ATR 72-500
A Blue Islands ATR 72-500 (Photo: Shutterstpck | MC MEDIASTUDIO)

Blue Islands, an airline based in the Channel Islands, has canceled all flights and apparently gone out of business.

In a statement posted on its website, the carrier said it “suspended trading” on Nov. 14.

“All future flights operated by Blue Islands have been canceled. Please do not travel to the airport unless you have made alternative travel arrangements,” the company said. “We deeply regret the inconvenience that this will bring to your travel plans.”

It was not immediately clear what caused Blue Islands to cancel its flight, or if the carrier had filed for bankruptcy.

Blue Islands had operational bases in Jersey and Guernsey, the two crown dependencies that make up the Channel Islands. They are not part of the U.K., though the U.K. manages the islands’ defense and international relations.

From Jersey and Guernsey, the airline served destinations such as Bristol, Exeter, and Southampton.

According to the BBC, Scottish Loganair and Aurigny Air Services, the flag carrier of Guernsey, have stepped in to offer “rescue flights” for customers stranded by Blue Island’s collapse. The broadcaster said officials in Jersey and Guernsey are working with the airlines to help them take over Blue Islands’ routes, since a prolonged lack of service could prevent residents from reaching critical off-island medical appointments.

Blue Islands’ suspension comes just weeks after British regional carrier Eastern Airways halted operations and returned its aircraft to its leasing partners. Eastern filed notice of its intent to appoint an administrator, which in the U.K. signals that a company is or will likely become unable to pay its debts.

Zach Vasile

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.

Emirates Adds Starlink Internet Across Its Fleet

The carrier expects to complete antenna installations by mid-2027.

An Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
An Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Emirates announced Monday that it will integrate Starlink satellite internet across its entire active fleet, starting with its Boeing 777s.

The Dubai-based carrier plans to install Starlink antennas on 232 aircraft over the next year and a half. Once the rollout is complete, Emirates will operate the largest Starlink-enabled widebody fleet in the world, company officials said.

The first Emirates aircraft with satellite Wi-Fi, a 777-300ER registered as A6-EPF, debuted at the Dubai Airshow on Monday. A6-EPF will operate the airline’s first Starlink-enabled commercial flight on Nov. 23, after the airshow wraps up.

Emirates said it will integrate its Boeing 777s first, bringing about 14 aircraft into Starlink’s system per month. Installations on the Airbus A380 will start in February 2026.

Emirates expects to be the first carrier in the world to operate a Starlink-equipped A380. In an industry first, the A380s will get three antennas instead of the standard two to bolster connectivity.

An Emirates A380 in Dubai.
An Emirates A380 in Dubai. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Hisham Qadri)

In a statement, Emirates President Tim Clark said the addition of Starlink wireless internet will complement a simultaneous cabin refurbishment program. The carrier is in the process of adding new premium economy cabins and enhancing its first class and business class products.

Starlink internet allows passengers to shop, stream, game, make video calls, and work on computers and connected devices with the same high speeds and low latency they would have at home. A number of major airlines, including United, Alaska Airlines, and Qatar Airways, are adding the technology in an effort to improve the customer experience and draw in travelers who increasingly expect full-time connection.

Emirates said it will make live television available through Starlink, first on personal devices and then on seatback screens starting in December.

The airline plans to make Starlink Wi-Fi free to all customers in all cabins.

Zach Vasile

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.

FAA Ends Mandatory Flight Cuts

Despite concerns, airlines say they are ready for the Thanksgiving rush.

Southwest in Austin
A Southwest aircraft taxis in Austin. (Photo: Shutterstock | Ceri Breeze)

The FAA on Monday canceled mandatory flight reductions at 40 major airports, allowing carriers to resume normal operations as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.

The agency’s emergency order, put into place on Nov. 7, was officially withdrawn at 6 a.m.

As of 10 a.m., only 42 flights into, out of, or within the U.S. had been canceled, according to tracking website Flight Aware. That is a huge drop compared to late last week, when over 1,000 flights were being canceled per day.

“Today’s decision to rescind the order reflects the steady decline in staffing concerns across the [National Airspace System] and allows us to return to normal operations,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a statement. “I am grateful for the hard work of the FAA safety and operations teams and for their focus on the safety of the traveling public.”

Staffing triggers – which signal air traffic controller levels below requirements – continued to decline over the weekend from a high of 81 on Nov. 8.

Industry Reaction

Major U.S. airlines said last week that they are well-positioned to restore their full schedules ahead of the Thanksgiving travel period.

In a statement to employees and customers, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said operational decisions made during the shutdown will allow the carrier to rebound quickly.

“Our goal throughout this has remained unchanged: take care of our customers and limit disruption to their travel plans as much as possible,” he said. “We’re ready for business and looking forward to serving customers with a full schedule especially in advance of the Thanksgiving and year-end holidays.”

Crowds at Hobby Airport.
Crowds at Hobby Airport. (Photo: Houston Airports)

On Saturday, before the FAA announced the cancellation of its air traffic reductions, Delta Chief Customer Experience Officer Erik Snell released a statement seeking to reassure travelers.

“While the government shutdown is behind us, we understand the uncertainty may have led you to rethink or reschedule your travel plans,” Snell said. “Rest assured, our operations are running normally, and Delta people remain dedicated to safely delivering the premium, reliable experiences you expect – the same qualities that carried us through even the most challenging times, including the longest government shutdown in history.”

Additionally, leaders of the industry trade group Airlines For American have suggested that it will only take about a week for cancellations and delays to drop back down to normal levels.

The FAA began cutting flight traffic during the federal government shutdown to ease the burden on air traffic controllers working without a paycheck. The cuts – which targeted major airports such as Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York-JFK, and many more – resulted in thousands of canceled flights per day, in addition to thousands of delays.

Reductions started at 4% and were temporarily frozen at 6% when the federal government reopened last week.

Notably, the FAA said Sunday that it is “aware of reports of non-compliance by carriers over the course of the emergency order.” Officials are reviewing those reports and “assessing enforcement options,” the agency said.

Zach Vasile

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.

Delta Axes Pair of U.S. Routes

The carrier’s latest network shake-up will take place next year.

A Delta A220-300
A Delta A220-300 (Photo: Shutterstock | Logan Hanson)

Delta is preparing for another round of network revisions, with two domestic routes scheduled to end in early 2026. The carrier confirmed the upcoming exits Monday, following recent schedule updates filed for next year.

The carrier’s daily service from Atlanta to Santa Barbara, California, will end on Jan. 20. This route has operated since 2024.

In addition, Delta will also suspend service between Salt Lake City and Fairbanks, Alaska. This seasonal route was previously scheduled to resume in Summer 2026, but was removed.

These network changes were filed in last week’s Cirium Diio schedule update.

“Delta routinely examines and adjusts our schedule to best meet customer demand,” an airline spokesperson told AirlineGeeks. “For any customers booked on an impacted flight, we greatly apologize for the inconvenience and will work to rebook them on a suitable alternative itinerary.”

Santa Barbara will retain regular Delta flights to Salt Lake City. The airline will continue to link Fairbanks with its Seattle hub, along with Minneapolis/St. Paul on a seasonal basis. 

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Emirates Doubles Down on Boeing 777X

The carrier ordered 65 additional aircraft.

A Boeing 777X on static display
A Boeing 777X on static display (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Emirates this week ordered dozens of additional Boeing 777X aircraft, upping its commitment to the long-delayed type just weeks after deliveries were pushed from 2026 to 2027.

The agreement, which includes 65 777-9s and 130 General Electric GE9X engines to power them, was announced Monday, the first day of the Dubai Airshow. The combined transaction is valued at $38 billion.

Deliveries will take place up to 2038.

“Each of our aircraft on order has been carefully factored into Emirates’ expansion plan, which is aligned to Dubai’s growth plans,” Emirates Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said in a statement. “Flying a young and modern fleet with innovative cabin products has always been a cornerstone of Emirates’ strategy, and we look forward to continue working closely with Boeing to receive delivery of our first 777-9s from Q2 of 2027, and to equip our latest aircraft with state-of-the-art, industry-leading onboard products.”

Notably, the deal allows Emirates to convert some of its orders from the 777-9 to the 777-8 or 777-10. Boeing is studying the feasibility of building the 777-10 – a stretched version of the 777-9 with additional capacity – to compete with Airbus’ A380.

Boeing 777X
Emirates mechanics look at a Boeing 777X (Photo: Boeing)

Emirates leaders said the provision provides “strong backing” for the 777-10 feasibility study.

“Emirates has been open about the fact that we are keen for manufacturers to build larger capacity aircraft, which are more efficient to operate especially with projected air traffic growth and increasing constraints at airports,” Maktoum said. “We fully support Boeing’s feasibility study to develop the 777-10.”

Behind Schedule

The 777X was originally scheduled to enter commercial service in 2020, but technical problems, supply chain issues, and continued delays in the aircraft’s certification by the FAA have postponed deliveries several times. The company appears to be making progress with the type, having grown its testing fleet to five completed aircraft, but in September, CEO Kelly Ortberg said a “mountain of work” still remains.

Late last month, Boeing confirmed that the 777X will be pushed back to 2027 and accepted a $4.9 billion accounting charge in connection with the delay.

As of Monday, Emirates’ order book with Boeing includes 270 777Xs, 10 777 freighters, and 35 787s.

Zach Vasile

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.

First Look: American’s Retro 777-300ER

The design marks the first aircraft tied to the carrier’s upcoming centennial year.

Retro livery on an American Boeing 777-300ER
Retro livery on an American Boeing 777-300ER (Photo: Austin Futter)

American Airlines has rolled out a new retro-themed “Flagship” livery as part of its preparations for the carrier’s 100th anniversary in 2026. The scheme, applied to a Boeing 777-300ER registered N735AT, made its debut at the airline’s Dallas/Fort Worth hub on Sunday.

The design incorporates several elements from American’s early paint schemes, including a polished-metal look, an orange lightning-bolt stripe along the fuselage, and a heritage eagle roundel on the aft section. The aircraft also carries “Flagship DFW” titling, referencing the airline’s largest hub.

American’s newest retro livery on a 777-300ER (Photo: Austin Futter)

In addition, the aircraft features painted flaps and ‘AA’ titling on the underside of its wings, similar to American’s historic “Flagship” branding, which first appeared on the Douglas DC-3 in the 1930s.

“This design evokes our rich history while looking ahead to our next 100 years,” said Ron DeFeo, American’s chief communications officer, in an October news release. The airline noted that the livery uses its Silver Eagle finish, which appears across more than 1,600 aircraft in the mainline and regional fleets.

American debuts a new retro livery for its 100-year anniversary
American debuts a new retro livery for its 100-year anniversary (Photo: Austin Futter)

The 777-300ER was painted at Grissom Air Reserve Base in Peru, Indiana, over about two weeks.

The new design adds to American’s existing roster of retro-themed aircraft. The airline currently operates several older liveries commemorating predecessor carriers — including TWA, Piedmont, PSA, America West, Reno Air, and others — on its narrowbody fleets. 

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
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