Key Highlights
- Qatar Airways and Air Algerie have signed a codeshare agreement to expand connectivity.
- Delta Air Lines will resume flights to Tel Aviv from both Atlanta and Boston in 2026.
- Italy’s ITA Airways will restore service between Rome Fiumicino and Tel Aviv starting January 1, 2026.
- China Eastern Airlines is increasing the frequency of its Shanghai-New Delhi service from three to five flights per week in 2026.
New Codeshare Agreements and Route Expansions
Qatar Airways and Air Algerie have announced a significant codeshare agreement effective as of November 3, 2025. This partnership aims to expand connectivity between Algeria and key destinations across Asia and the Middle East through Doha’s Hamad International Airport. The deal builds on existing interline cooperation, allowing passengers from both airlines to access each other’s networks more efficiently.
Specifically, Qatar Airways will offer its passengers direct flights to Algiers and six domestic Algerian destinations—Annaba, Constantine, Oran, Tamanrasset, Timimoun, and Tindouf. In return, Air Algerie customers will gain access to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Muscat.
Both carriers have expressed optimism about the potential for this agreement to be expanded in the future, citing its ability to enhance regional connectivity and provide passengers with more travel options.
Delta Air Lines’ Tel Aviv Resumption
In a move that aligns with its growing presence in the Middle East market, Delta Air Lines has announced it will resume flights to Tel Aviv from both Atlanta and Boston in 2026. Service from Atlanta is set to begin on April 15, operating three times per week, while daily flights from Boston will launch on October 24.
The new routes will be operated by Airbus A350-900 and A330neo aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers. This development follows Delta’s recent restart of daily New York JFK to Tel Aviv service in September 2025 and plans to offer an additional daily frequency between late November and mid-January.
Delta Air Lines CEO Nikhil Ravishankar emphasized the strong interest from customers, stating, “We’ve seen a significant appetite for travel to Rarotonga from our Christchurch customers, so this is fantastic news for the South Island.”
ITA Airways’ Return to Tel Aviv
Italy’s ITA Airways has also announced plans to restore service between Rome Fiumicino and Tel Aviv starting January 1, 2026. The new route will operate twice daily using Airbus A321neo aircraft, connecting the Italian capital with one of Israel’s major international hubs.
Commenting on this development, ITA Airways CEO Federico Tonini said, “This expansion represents a crucial step in our growth strategy and strengthens our commitment to serving key markets in Europe and beyond.”
Latvian Airline Expands Routes
Latvia’s airBaltic has launched direct flights between Gran Canaria and Ljubljana, operating weekly on Fridays through early April 2026. Using Airbus A220-300 aircraft, this new route aims to attract more visitors from Central Europe to Gran Canaria during the winter season while providing island residents with new access to destinations in Central and Northern Europe.
airBaltic’s CEO Kristīne Bērziņa highlighted the potential of this new service, stating, “This connection not only enhances our network but also supports regional tourism efforts by facilitating easier travel between these two regions.”
China Eastern Airlines Increases Frequency
In a bid to meet rising demand from the Indian market, China Eastern Airlines has announced an increase in the frequency of its Shanghai-New Delhi service. Starting January 2, 2026, the route will operate five times per week using Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
The expansion follows the planned resumption of flights to India on November 9, 2025, and aligns with broader plans for further growth, including proposed routes to Mumbai and Kolkata. China Eastern Airlines’ CEO Mr. Zhang Guosheng commented, “This decision reflects our commitment to serving growing markets and meeting the needs of passengers traveling between these two important economic hubs.”
IndiGo Launches New Route
Indian carrier IndiGo has launched nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Riyadh from November 16, 2025, expanding its network between India and Saudi Arabia. The new service will operate five times per week using Airbus A320 aircraft.
Riyadh becomes the second Saudi city to be directly connected to Bengaluru after Jeddah. IndiGo CEO Abhinay Dey expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, “This new route is a strategic move for us and will strengthen our position as a leading airline in the region.”
Hong Kong Airlines Resumes Services
Hong Kong Airlines has announced plans to resume daily nonstop flights between Hong Kong and Hanoi from December 19. This service, which is expected to see rapid growth due to increased tourism demand, will operate up to five times per week.
Additionally, the airline intends to restart Hong Kong-Xi’an service from December 18, operating up to five times per week. Li Dianchun, Executive Vice President of Hong Kong Airlines, stated, “Vietnam’s tourism market has seen rapid growth in recent years, leading to a significant increase in demand for air travel.”
FlyNamibia and Fastjet Partner
Namibian carrier FlyNamibia and East African airline Fastjet have announced a new partnership effective November 1. The collaboration aims to align flight schedules between FlyNamibia’s Windhoek-Victoria Falls route and Fastjet’s Victoria Falls-Harare service.
By connecting Windhoek and Harare through Victoria Falls, the two airlines hope to boost regional connectivity and promote economic development across borders. FlyNamibia CEO Nerine Uys commented on this partnership: “This collaboration represents progress for our region and will help move people, ideas, and opportunity more effectively.”
