Airline and Airport Weekly News In Brief: New Destinations and Network Expansions

The aviation sector is buzzing with activity as airlines across the globe announce a plethora of new routes and network expansions, signaling a robust demand for air travel and connectivity. Here’s a snapshot of the latest developments making headlines in the week commencing February 26, 2024.

March 1 Highlights:

• Emirates Airline is set to rekindle its connection to Cambodia by resuming flights to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) from Dubai International Airport (DXB), with a one-stop service via Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). This daily operation, utilizing a Boeing 777-300ER, not only aims to bolster trade links by offering substantial cargo capacity but also reinforces Emirates’ commitment to expanding its Southeast Asian network.
• easyJet reveals plans to link London Gatwick Airport (LGW) with Salerno-Costa d’Amalfi Airport (QSR) in Italy, tapping into the Amalfi Coast’s allure with a twice-weekly service starting July 13. Additionally, the airline will revive its Newcastle-Amsterdam route with a bi-weekly frequency from September 5, enriching its extensive network.
• China Southern Airlines prepares to launch a new connection between Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) and Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) starting April 22. This four-times-weekly service will complement Qatar Airways’ existing daily flights, enhancing connectivity and fostering stronger bilateral trade and tourism ties.
• Hong Kong Airlines announces the return of its Hong Kong-Kagoshima route, resuming thrice-weekly services from March 31 and marking a comeback to a previously popular destination.

February 29 Updates:

• American Airlines regional affiliate, Envoy Air, introduces American Eagle-branded flights connecting Miami International Airport with Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This marks the first scheduled airline service for the route, flown twice weekly with an Embraer E175.

February 28 Insights:

• Latvia’s airBaltic continues its winter operations between Riga and Alicante, Spain, offering a twice-weekly escape to the sunny beaches of Alicante.
• Turkish Airlines boosts its Istanbul-Manchester service, adding four more weekly flights to meet rising passenger demand, totaling 25 weekly flights.
• Royal Jordanian expands its UK footprint with new routes to London Stansted and Manchester from Amman, enhancing Jordan’s accessibility to British travelers and vice versa.

February 27 Briefs:

• Qatar Airways will transition its Goa service to the new Manohar International Airport (GOX) from June 20, ensuring continued connectivity with Doha using a mix of Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 aircraft.

February 26 Announcements:

• United Airlines gears up to launch year-round service from Guam International Airport (GUM) to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), augmenting its already substantial presence in the Japanese market.
• Sun Country Airlines expands its network from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to include Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) in California and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in New Hampshire, starting in August.

This flurry of activity underscores the aviation industry’s dynamic nature, with airlines aggressively expanding their networks to capture emerging market opportunities and reconnect key destinations, enhancing global connectivity and fostering economic growth.