Airline Industry News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the airline sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on network carriers, low-cost airlines and package charters.

The airline sector continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological innovation, shifting traveler expectations, and a dynamic global marketplace. PhocusWire delivers up-to-the-minute airline industry news with a focus on distribution strategies, operational advancements, customer experience, and sustainability in aviation.

Latest airline updates, trends, and aviation insights

Get a comprehensive view of what’s shaping the global airline landscape—from new fleet technologies and route expansions to loyalty program shifts and retailing transformations. Our coverage highlights how carriers are adapting to economic pressures, regulatory changes, and emerging consumer trends through digital tools, automation, and enhanced service models.

Middle East travel: Shaping the future through growth and innovation
Opinion / Online
Middle East travel: Shaping the future through growth and innovation
By Shadi Kaddoura - Phocuswright | October 31, 2025
The Middle East’s travel transformation offers both a blueprint and a warning, according to Phocuswright analyst Shadi Kaddoura. Read More
Message received: WhatsApp’s role in travel industry
News / Technology
Message received: WhatsApp’s role in travel industry
By Morgan Hines | October 30, 2025
Travel companies are integrating with WhatsApp to take advantage of its wide user base. Read More
MakeMyTrip reports robust domestic and international demand, updates on AI
News / Online
MakeMyTrip reports robust domestic and international demand, updates on AI
By Linda Fox | October 29, 2025
The India-based OTA reported margin gains across air, hotel and bus ticketing business units. Read More
Destination Different: How Gen Z is rewriting the travel playbook
From Our Partners / Online
Destination Different: How Gen Z is rewriting the travel playbook
By AB Tasty | October 28, 2025
The travel and hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, and Gen Z is quickly reshaping what the online travel journey looks like.  Read More
What travel tech entrepreneur Bobby Healy would build if he had another life
News / Technology
What travel tech entrepreneur Bobby Healy would build if he had another life
By Linda Fox | October 28, 2025
The Meili co-founder shared his thoughts on "easy money" in travel technology and had some advice for startups during an interview at a recent Travel Massive event. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: SAP Concur, Amadeus, American Airlines and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: SAP Concur, Amadeus, American Airlines and more...
By PhocusWire | October 24, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.   Read More
Banks and airlines continue battle over consumer loyalty
News / Online
Banks and airlines continue battle over consumer loyalty
By Abby Crotty | October 24, 2025
A new report from consulting firm IdeaWorksCompany highlighted strengths and weaknesses of both entities, but banks maintain an edge. Read More
Trip.com Group's COO Xing Xiong reflects on the AI age
News / Technology
Trip.com Group's COO Xing Xiong reflects on the AI age
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | October 24, 2025
At WiT’s 20th anniversary conference, Trip.com Group's COO Xing Xiong spoke about navigating disruption, the limits of AI and why human passion remains the most irreplaceable asset in travel. Read More
Assistance needed: How airlines can improve the experience for vulnerable travelers
News / Technology
Assistance needed: How airlines can improve the experience for vulnerable travelers
By Linda Fox | October 24, 2025
With the aging global population and neurodiversity increasingly in the spotlight, there's room for improvement on the aviation industry's accessibility report card. Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
By Mileva Sapic | October 20, 2025
Many of our Hot 25 Startups for 2023 have undergone major transformations, including significant funding rounds and strategic acquisitions. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amex GBT, PriceLabs, Expedia, Trust My Group and more
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amex GBT, PriceLabs, Expedia, Trust My Group and more
By PhocusWire | October 17, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.   Read More
Delta Air Lines on measured NDC, AI approach
News / Technology
Delta Air Lines on measured NDC, AI approach
By Morgan Hines | October 17, 2025
Steve Sear, EVP of global sales and distribution for Delta Air Lines, discussed why the airline isn’t rushing NDC or AI. Read More
Buy now, pay later provider Upgrade lands $165M investment
News / Distribution
Buy now, pay later provider Upgrade lands $165M investment
By Linda Fox | October 16, 2025
The company offers BNPL and other credit options to consumers, having acquired Uplift (now Flex Pay), a BNPL provider in travel, two years ago. Read More
Aviation leaders on retailing progress, AI use cases
News / Technology
Aviation leaders on retailing progress, AI use cases
By Linda Fox | October 16, 2025
Aviation leaders provided insights on technology investments and the impact of AI during the World Aviation Festival in Lisbon last week. Read More
American Airlines launches gen AI tool
News / Technology
American Airlines launches gen AI tool
By Abby Crotty | October 14, 2025
Customers can type in their trip idea, with the tool then providing “curated destination suggestions” from American’s network.   Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026