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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 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.

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 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.

Jet2 to Launch Flights From London Gatwick

The leisure airline will add 29 routes from the airport next year.

Jet2 757-200
A Jet2 Boeing 757-200. (Photo: Shutterstock | Bradley Caslin)

Britain’s largest leisure airline, Jet2, will open up a base at London Gatwick Airport next year, allowing it to add over two dozen routes.

The country’s largest tour operator and third-largest airline will station six aircraft at Gatwick, including five new Airbus A321neos.

“Time and time again, we have proven that when we bring the Jet2 product to new customers, we delight them, and we subsequently expand our operations on the back of that popularity,” Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy said in a news release. “We know that bringing the Jet2 formula to London Gatwick will be a game-changer for customers and we are looking forward to a hugely successful future from our newest U.K. airport base.”

The Leeds Bradford-based carrier will offer 29 new routes from Gatwick next year. These include destinations across Spain, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. The first Jet2 flight from Gatwick will depart to Tenerife on March 26, 2026.

New routes from Gatwick include:

Fuerteventura – two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday)
Gran Canaria – two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday)
Lanzarote – two weekly services (Tuesday and Saturday)
Tenerife – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
Ibiza – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
Majorca – 10 weekly services (Monday, 2 x Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 2 x Saturday, and 2 x Sunday)
Menorca – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday)
Alicante – five weekly services (Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Girona – three weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday)
Malaga – four weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Reus – three weekly services (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday)
Faro – 10 weekly services (Monday, 2 x Tuesday, Wednesday, 2 x Thursday, Friday, 2 x Saturday, and Sunday)
Antalya – three weekly services (Monday, Friday, and Saturday)
Corfu – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
Crete (Heraklion) – two weekly services (Tuesday and Friday)
Kalamata – one weekly service (Wednesday)
Kefalonia – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
Kos – two weekly services (Monday and Thursday)
Halkidiki – two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday)
Preveza – two weekly services (Wednesday and Saturday)
Rhodes – two weekly services (Tuesday and Friday)
Skiathos – one weekly service (Tuesday)
Zante – one weekly service (Wednesday)
Malta – two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday)
Naples – two weekly services (Monday and Friday)
Verona – one weekly service (Wednesday)
Paphos, Cyprus – two weekly services (Monday and Thursday)
Pula – one weekly service (Saturday)
Bourgas, Bulgaria – two weekly services (Wednesday and Saturday)

Jet2 will be the first major leisure airline to arrive at Gatwick since 2020. It is also the largest new airline to be based at Gatwick since 2000.

Lorne Philipot

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.

Trump Admin Cancels Biden Plan to Reimburse Passengers For Delayed Flights

The USDOT dismissed the proposed rule as an unnecessary burden on the airline industry.

Terminal in Miami
A terminal in Miami. (Photo: Shutterstock | Khairil Azhar Junos)

The Trump administration on Friday formally withdrew a Biden-era directive that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for lengthy flight delays.

The U.S. Department of Transportation signaled it would do away with the proposed rule, which never went into effect, in early September. That decision was finalized this week, with the department arguing that the plan would have created “unnecessary regulatory burdens.”

The order is one of several consumer protection laws the Trump administration has canceled or considered canceling over the last year.

First put forward in 2024 under then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the compensation policy would have required airlines to pay passengers $200 to $300 for delays of at least three hours and up to $775 for delays of nine hours or more.

Carriers would only have been required to reimburse passengers if the cause of the delay was within their control, such as a mechanical issue with an aircraft or a problem with their booking and scheduling system.

Many airlines already compensate passengers for lengthy delays, but this process is typically initiated by travelers seeking refunds, and the payment, if any, is calculated and administered on an ad hoc basis, with no federal oversight.

Buttigieg said the rule would have standardized the compensation structure and eliminated “headaches and haggling” for passengers.

The Department of Transportation argued that airlines already have a strong incentive to accommodate passengers facing delayed flights and frequently offer reimbursements and credits without prompting from the federal government.

“The department is not convinced that a new regulatory regime that includes passenger compensation requirements would yield meaningful improvements in airline flight performance,” the DOT 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.

Kenya Blocks Imports of Fokker 27, Fokker 50 Aircraft

The country has begun phasing out the long-serving aircraft.

A Skyward Express Fokker aircraft
A Skyward Express Fokker aircraft (Photo: AMISOM/Omar Abdisalan, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Kenya has moved to halt the entry of additional Fokker 27 and Fokker 50 aircraft into the country, marking a significant regulatory shift for operators that have relied on the rugged turboprops for decades. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) announced the restriction through Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 15/25, published on Oct. 31.

The directive — effective immediately — prohibits any new applications for type acceptance, registration, or Certificates of Airworthiness for both aircraft families. KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao said the decision was grounded in national airworthiness regulations and aligned with ICAO Annex 8 provisions, noting that Kenya must ensure only aircraft supported by acceptable type certification and manufacturer backing enter its register.

Existing Aircraft Can Continue—For Now

Although no new imports will be allowed, the decision does not abruptly ground aircraft already operating in the country. Operators may continue flying their existing F27s and F50s until the aircraft are deregistered or reach the end of their operational life. The continuation, however, is tied to strict compliance with all relevant safety and maintenance requirements pending consultations with industry stakeholders.

The KCAA has not publicly detailed the specific safety issues prompting the ban. Industry observers point to aging airframes, rising maintenance complexity, and diminishing global support as likely drivers. Fokker Aircraft ceased operations in 1996, and while Fokker Services Group maintains responsibility for the type certificates, operators worldwide report increasing difficulty sourcing spare parts and technical data for the legacy turboprops.

A Legacy Fleet Facing a Global Sunset

The Fokker 27 and Fokker 50 — once mainstays of regional aviation in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia — are approaching the end of their serviceable lifespans. Multiple regulators across the continent have already taken steps to limit or retire the types, citing sustainability and long-term safety considerations.

In Kenya, the aircraft remain active mostly in the cargo, charter, and regional passenger segments. According to ch-aviation fleet intelligence, more than 20 Fokker 50s and several F27 variants continue operating under Kenyan AOCs across eleven carriers, including Jetways Airlines, Renegade Air, Skyward Airlines, Freedom Airline Express, and others. Safari Express Cargo operates the only F27-400 in the country.

Skyward told ch-aviation earlier this year that operators had anticipated a regulatory phase-out and had already started adjusting fleet strategies. Despite this, some carriers hope to keep the type flying for several more years, depending on maintenance feasibility.

The ban does not apply to foreign-registered Fokker 27 and 50 aircraft performing overflights or technical stops in Kenya.

Victor Shalton

Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.

Philippine Airlines Expands U.S. Service

Additional flights will come online in June 2026.

A Philippine Airlines Boeing 777-300ER
A Philippine Airlines Boeing 777-300ER. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Philippine Airlines will increase the frequency of its nonstop service between Manila and Los Angeles from 14 times a week to 18 times a week to keep up with customer demand.

Starting June 1, 2026, the carrier will operate three round-trip flights between Manila and Los Angeles on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The current cadence of two flights per day will continue on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

“By increasing our capacity on this key route, we are opening doors for travelers to experience the world-class service and heartfelt hospitality unique to Philippine Airlines, while also supporting the dynamic economic relationship that drives opportunities between the Philippines and the U.S.,” PAL President Richard Nuttall said in a statement.

Philippine Airlines operates its Manila-Los Angeles route using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The carrier previously announced plans to increase the frequency of its Manila-Seattle service from three times to five times per week starting Nov. 25.

Within the U.S., Philippine Airlines also serves San Francisco, Honolulu, and New York-JFK.

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.
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