Section
Airline News
Route launches, fleet changes and airline shake-ups.
Emirates removes Saudi codeshares for October 18–24
Emirates is removing its codeshare from routes serving JED, RUH, DMM and ULH for October 18–24, 2026.
Qatar Airways retimes November flights, with some departures moving earlier
Qatar Airways has changed some November 2026 flight times across its network. Travellers should check their itineraries, particularly for earlier departures and changes to connections.
Lufthansa tipped to win 44.9% TAP stake; frequent flyers should watch next steps
Reuters reports Lufthansa is expected to beat Air France-KLM for a TAP stake. No passenger changes have been announced; alliance ties and possible transatlantic coordination are the issues to watch.
Saudia allows free rebooking and cancellation for Riyadh flights through Oct. 31
Saudia’s updated Riyadh waiver permits fee-free changes and cancellations through Oct. 31, 2026. Rebooking requires availability in the original booking class.
United drops segment-based status path for 2027, lifts Premier 1K to 32,000 PQPs
United will eliminate its flight-segment qualification path in 2027 for 2028 Premier status. Frequent flyers using that route face higher PQP targets, while the four-flight minimum stays.
Delta pushes Atlanta–Riyadh launch to March 2027
Delta has postponed its planned daily Atlanta–Riyadh service from late October 2026 to March 2027. Travellers with affected bookings can review their options, including refunds, on delta.com.
Rimrock Banff joins Accor loyalty network as hotel brands expand all-inclusive options
Rimrock Banff now offers Accor points earning and redemption, while JW Marriott opens its first all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica and Fairmont Mayakoba adds a seaweed-related stay guarantee.
Etihad commercial chief Arik De leaves with immediate effect
Etihad’s revenue and commercial chief has confirmed his departure. No successor has been announced, and the report identifies no changes to flights, fares or loyalty benefits.
Royal Air Maroc plans free Starlink Wi-Fi, with installations starting in early 2027
Royal Air Maroc plans to equip 41 aircraft with Starlink and offer free access to Safar Flyer members. Aircraft assignments and a rollout completion date remain unconfirmed.
Alaska Atmos Rewards sale: economy awards up to 50% below usual points rates
US-origin awards to Seoul start at 20,000 Atmos Rewards points one-way. Alaska’s Global Getaways sale covers six destinations; book by October 10 for eligible winter travel.
KLM plans free Starlink Wi-Fi on long-haul flights from mid-2027
KLM says free Starlink Wi-Fi will reach all intercontinental cabins starting in mid-2027, with fleetwide coverage targeted for mid-2028. The airline also unveiled its 107th Delft house.
PIA adjusts Toronto–Pakistan flight times for winter 2026–27
PIA has revised timings between Toronto Pearson and Pakistan for the switch to Eastern Standard Time. The listed changes run from November 1 through March 26, depending on the flight.
Turkish Airlines adds fifth weekly Vancouver–Istanbul flight from October 26
Turkish Airlines will increase YVR–Istanbul service to five flights a week on October 26, 2026, with Boeing 787-9s and 777s operating on different days.
LOT offers double Book&Collect points on selected Toronto and US bookings
LOT’s incentive covers qualifying tickets sold and flown from September 17 through December 31, 2026. It rewards sellers through Book&Collect.
KLM takes first A350, but business class will remain closed at launch
KLM expects its A350 to debut on Amsterdam–Toronto flights in late October 2026. Business-class seat certification remains pending, leaving the cabin unavailable on the first two aircraft at launch.
Southwest adds 11 routes for summer 2027, with Austin getting seven
Southwest’s summer expansion includes nine first-time routes and two returns, with Austin gaining three international links. Seasonal service runs June 3–Aug. 2, 2027.
Caribbean Airlines advertises Sunday nonstop Toronto–Tobago service from Oct. 25
Caribbean Airlines lists weekly nonstop Toronto–Tobago flights starting Oct. 25, 2026, with Sunday departures in both directions.
Tanzania adds mandatory insurance purchase for most visiting travellers
Most Canadian and US tourists must buy a designated insurance policy to enter Tanzania, even if they already have travel or credit card coverage. The requirement applies from Oct. 1.
US plans 38-page passport for 2028, online first-time applications in 2027
A planned US passport redesign would replace the current two book sizes with 38 pages. First-time applications are set to move online in 2027; Trump's portrait appeared in preview material, but inclusion is unconfirmed.
Flydubai Dubai–Tel Aviv flight diverts to Tabuk after reported steep descent
Flydubai says FZ1073 landed safely in Saudi Arabia and all passengers are accounted for. Reports of cockpit violence remain unconfirmed in the airline statement supplied.
Emirates offers a complimentary Dubai attraction with eligible return bookings
Eligible Emirates return bookings made by 11 October 2026 include a Dubai attraction offer. Ask your travel agent to confirm eligibility and submit the claim at least 96 hours before arrival.
Alaska–American merger pitch is speculation; closer cooperation is the move to watch
Alaska is seeking to join American’s long-haul joint ventures, but the supplied commentary reports no merger plan. Frequent flyers should watch for confirmed partnership changes, not assume loyalty programs will combine.
Philippine Airline announces Manila–Delhi and Manila–Mumbai flights advertised for December 2026
An advertisement lists three weekly Delhi flights and four weekly Mumbai flights from Manila, subject to Indian government approval.
Air France Pulls Spring Denver–Paris Inventory as United Plans Daily Flights
Air France appears set to end Denver–Paris service after October 10, 2026. Check spring bookings before making other plans; United plans daily flights from late May 2027.
Biman expands Boeing order to 25 jets, but North American growth remains years away
Biman has added 11 Boeing aircraft to its order book. Deliveries under the initial deal start in 2031, so Canadian and US travellers should not expect immediate new routes or award options.
Lufthansa Apologizes After Blunt X Reply to Customer Payment Complaint
Lufthansa apologized after a dismissive response to a payment complaint drew attention on X. Travellers should keep written records and distinguish airline compensation claims from booking support.
Caribbean Airlines adds Toronto–Kingston flights for the holiday season
Caribbean Airlines has opened extra Toronto–Kingston flights for sale in December and January. Travellers should confirm the fares and availability with the airline or a travel agent.
Emirates waives Dubai date-change fees and cuts refund penalties
Dubai-bound travellers get unlimited date changes, though fare differences still apply. Canadians should check ticket eligibility, refund charges and insurance availability before booking.
WestJet adds transborder routes from Calgary for next summer
New Calgary departures widen options for Western Canadian travellers chasing US connections.