Qantas Cuts U.S. and Domestic Flying as Fuel Crisis Forces European Pivot
Qantas is making the best of a bad situation. The problem is the situation isn't getting any better.
Gordon Smith is Airlines Editor at Skift and Editor at Airline Weekly. He’s covered the industry for more than 15 years across television, print, and digital platforms. Since joining Skift in January 2024, he has interviewed more than 20 airline CEOs, often helping make headlines along the way. Send stories/tips via Signal: smithgme.01
The Iran War Gutted Heathrow’s Middle East Traffic – Its Passenger Numbers Rose Anyway
Heathrow is one of the Iran war's accidental winners – but an airport running at full capacity can only absorb so much of the world's rerouted traffic.
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Delta’s New Uncertainty
Last year: revenue uncertainty. This year: fuel cost uncertainty. Whatever the challenge, Delta keeps finding a way through. But with a potential $2 billion fuel hit looming, the pressure is building. Can Delta stay ahead of the latest shock — or is this one different? We break it down in this week’s feature story.
When Flying Cheap Through the Middle East Comes With a Catch
Gulf carriers continue to offer some of the lowest fares between Europe and Asia, but as the Iran war drags on, the lure of a good deal has to be weighed against the risks of flying through the region.
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Delta Confronts the Oil Price Crisis
Delta’s latest results are in and the fuel price challenge is front and center. Gordon, Jay, and Meghna dive into what the numbers say about the airline’s strategy and resilience.
Airline CEOs Are Under Fire – and Walking Away
Heading up a major airline has never been easy. But in today’s environment, it may be one of the most relentless jobs in global business.
American Airlines Risks Falling Behind Rivals in Aircraft Arms Race
American Airlines has avoided big widebody bets – but that restraint may soon become a competitive liability.
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Why Are China’s Airlines Struggling?
Chinese airlines are missing the party. While carriers across East Asia thrive on red-hot premium demand, Mainland China’s 'Big Three' have struggled for six straight years, hampered by lost North American routes, outdated fleets, and stiff competition. Can they catch up?
Virgin Atlantic Pulls Riyadh Route Less Than a Year After Launch
Unlike Dubai, Virgin has decided to scrap rather than simply suspend its Saudi service – this suggests the challenges go beyond wartime woes.
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Trouble in the Philippines
Cebu Pacific is feeling the pressure. Fuel prices have surged, yet rising fares and resilient demand are keeping revenues climbing almost as fast. How long can this delicate balance last? We explore the growing risks facing airlines in this week’s feature story.