Airnews : El Al, Iberia, ITA Airways, easyjet, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Westjet, Air Transat, etc.

Qatar Airways continues to expand its capacity between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by gradually increasing frequencies between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Dubai International Airport (DXB) from two to five daily flights, effective June 5, 2026. The frequency increase will be implemented gradually to meet growing demand and provide greater flexibility for passengers traveling between the two cities. The current two daily flights will increase to three starting today, followed by the addition of a fourth flight from June 15 and the resumption of a fifth daily flight during the summer season. The flights will be operated by Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft.

Japan has successfully conducted its first domestic steady-burn test at Mach 5, five times the speed of sound. This test, conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with several Japanese universities, validates technologies considered essential for the design of future ultra-fast aircraft.

Executives from the world’s leading airlines are attending the annual meeting of IATA, the International Air Transport Association, in Rio de Janeiro. This will be the final term for its current Director General, Willie Walsh, former CEO of IAG. Mr. Walsh is stepping down after being appointed CEO of IndiGo, one of India’s largest airlines. “Unfortunately,” he said, “some airlines will have to close due to the very high price of fuel, and others will be bought out by stronger groups.” He added that the Spirit crisis would probably not be the last. Fuel prices have risen by 11% this week alone, making operations impossible for many airlines. The IATA Director General warned that aircraft delivery delays from manufacturers were also causing serious problems. He also mentioned the crisis facing airlines in the Persian Gulf, whose business has collapsed due to the conflict in the region.

EasyJet is launching a direct and exclusive service between Nice and Funchal starting June 6, 2026. Madeira is becoming more accessible than ever from the French Riviera. Nice-Funchal (exclusive): the service begins on June 6, 2026, and is scheduled to operate on a [number of] basis. Two flights per week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Iberia launched direct flights between Madrid and Monterrey, Mexico, the airline announced on June 3. The flights will be operated three times a week by Airbus A330-200s configured with 288 seats in Business and Economy cabins.

Cathay Pacific plans to launch a direct service between Hong Kong and Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the first quarter of 2027, the airline announced on June 2. The flights will be operated three times a week with Airbus A330-300s, and will be the only direct service connecting Hong Kong to Kazakhstan, according to Cathay.

El Al will launch a non-stop service between Tel Aviv and San Francisco on October 25, the airline announced on June 1. The route will be operated three times a week with the Boeing Dreamliner. « The company’s cutting edge. »

SpiceJet is bolstering its fleet with three Airbus A320s on long-term lease and bringing its Boeing 737 MAX back into service to increase capacity across India ahead of the peak tourist season.

ITA Airways is taking another step toward its integration into the Lufthansa Group. The strategic Europe-Japan Joint Venture between Lufthansa Group (LHG) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) will be expanded by Lufthansa Group to include ITA Airways starting this fall. A corresponding agreement was signed the previous day at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro. The Italian airline’s entry into the largest European-Japan Joint Venture will deepen cooperation in many key areas. It will include ITA Airways’ European network, including domestic flights to Italy and North Africa, as well as its long-haul service. between Rome Fiumicino and Tokyo-Haneda. This complements the existing scope of the Joint Venture in Italy, which includes the existing ANA route between Tokyo-Haneda and Milan-Malpensa.

Saudi Arabia is strengthening its air connectivity with the UK with the launch by Riyadh Air of direct flights between Riyadh and Manchester, responding to the growing demand for seamless travel between northern England and the Middle East. This new service, operating three times a week from July 23, 2026, offers business and leisure travelers a convenient and convenient way to travel.