Australia’s flag carrier, largest Oceania airline by fleet and reach
Europe has faced jet fuel supply disruptions since late February due to the Iran war closing the Strait of Hormuz. Airports warn of shortages within weeks, risking flight cancellations and fare hikes this summer. Airlines like Ryanair and easyJet have reported fuel cost surges and potential operational impacts, while the EU plans to boost refining capacity to mitigate the crisis.
Airlines are shifting capacity and raising fares due to ongoing Middle East conflicts. Qantas is reducing domestic flights and increasing prices, while European and US carriers are expanding routes to Africa and Asia. These changes are driven by geopolitical tensions and rising fuel costs.
A quartet of travel pieces this week covers LCC and premium experiences: Business Insider UK reviews a Qantas Qsuite lounge experience as top-tier and contrasts it with a Singapore Airlines economy cabin aboard an A380-800; the NY Post highlights baggage-fee hikes across major U.S. carriers; and a packing-smart guide offers tips to avoid those fees.
A string of recent in-flight incidents and airport disruptions has highlighted concerns over passenger safety. A Qantas flight was diverted to Tahiti after an unruly passenger attempted to walk off mid-flight, while other carriers reported separate episodes involving calls to authorities and on-board disruptions. The incidents have spurred debates about airline security and enforcement.
Qantas has unveiled modified A350-1000ULR jets for ultra-long direct routes from Sydney to London and New York. The airline plans to start selling tickets in February and launch flights in October 2027, aiming to cut travel time and boost premium cabins. The planes feature extra fuel tanks and a four-cabin layout, with a focus on passenger health and comfort over journeys up to 22 hours.
Since late June, civil aviation has faced several safety scares: a JetBlue A321 has reported a collision with a drone near JFK and landed safely; a United and a helicopter pilot have reported near-misses with unmanned aircraft near Newark and Manhattan; Delta 1076 reported a firework strike during descent into Chicago Midway; and LOT Polish Airlines flight 155 emitted a false hijack transponder code and was escorted to Burgas before authorities blamed a transponder error.