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Star Alliance opened (28-Apr-2026) a new lounge at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 3. The lounge is available to Star Alliance Gold status customers and first and business class passengers travelling with the 10 Star Alliance member airlines operating at Guangzhou. The 1400sqm lounge can accommodate up to 245 guests and operates round the clock. As previously reported by CAPA, Star Alliance opened its first lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 1 in Nov-2024. [more - original PR]

Ascend Airways announced (28-Apr-2026) a strategic decision to surrender its UK air operator's certificate (AOC) and return its fleet of six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to lessors. The carrier stated external pressures, including the impact of ongoing Middle East conflict on jet fuel prices, have "compounded the structural challenges of operating a UK AOC within the European ACMI market". Ascend added that a lack of reciprocal wet leasing rights for UK carriers - combined with a higher cost base - have made the UK certificate a "more expensive and less agile option compared to EU AOCs". The airline also highlighted the impact of engine reliability issues associated with early-production engine configurations on performance, resulting in "increased maintenance requirements and reduced aircraft availability". The carrier reported it has met all Apr-2026 payroll obligations in full ahead of the surrender of its AOC. Ascend stated it "maintained full operational compliance throughout the winter season, meeting contractual obligations or, where necessary, exiting agreements in an orderly and agreed manner", adding: "By working closely with stakeholders, a managed wind-down of operations has been achieved to minimise disruption to customers, consumers and aircraft lessors". The carrier is being advised by Price Bailey Chartered Accountants. [more - original PR]

Doha Hamad International Airport, via its official Twitter account, announced (26-Apr-2026) the following airlines resumed or plan to resume services to/from Doha Hamad International Airport:

• 21-Apr-2026: flydubai;
• 22-Apr-2026: Air Arabia;
• 23-Apr-2026:
  • Oman Air;
  • Tarco Aviation;
  • US-Bangla Airlines;
  • Royal Jordanian;
• 26-Apr-2026:
  • Biman Bangladesh Airlines;
  • Middle East Airlines;
  • Nepal Airlines;
• 27-Apr-2026:
  • Badr Airlines;
  • Syrian Airlines;
• 28-Apr-2026:
  • EgyptAir;
  • Himalaya Airlines;
• 01-May-2026: Gulf Air;
• 04-May-2026: Ethiopian Airlines;
• 16-May-2026: Kam Air;
• 01-Jul-2026: Royal Air Maroc.

SAS reported (28-Apr-2026) a sustained shift in travel patterns according to its Travel Trends 2026 report, with growing interest in Scandinavian destinations. Demand for classic sun and city travel from Scandinavia remains strong. SAS identified the following travel trends:

• Self care: SAS has experienced significant increases in demand for travel to countries with a strong wellness brand like Hungary and Italy;
• Heading north: Travellers are increasingly drawn to northern destinations. SAS experienced a more than 10% increase in passengers to northern destinations over the last year;
• Flexcation: SAS saw an increase in business travellers departing or arriving on Saturdays and Sundays, a sign many are extending trips for leisure;
• Destination dupes: SAS reported in 2025 that travel to destinations that offer a similar experience with reduced costs or crowds was on the rise, and the trend is expected to continue in 2026 with growing interest in lesser known destinations. SAS now serves more destinations with fewer than 5000 passengers p/a;
• Baecation: In 2026, SAS has seen a higher proportion of leisure travellers booking for two people compared to 2025. [more - original PR]

Brussels Airport, via its official website, announced (Apr-2026) the cancellation of a large number of departing services on 12-May-2026 due to national industrial action by trade unions. The airport stated arrivals may also be affected.

Wizz Air provided (28-Apr-2026) the following operating highlights for the 12 months since the launch of its EUR14 billion Customer First Compass transformation plan in Apr-2025:

• Achieved completion rate of 99.5%;
• Expanded fleet to 262 aircraft. More than 75% of aircraft are the latest generation A321neo models, as the airline phases out its A321ceo family fleet and moves towards an all neo fleet by 2029;
• Deployed 37 new aircraft across 12 countries and launched more than 345 new routes, with 44% focused on leisure travel. Growth was concentrated in Central and Eastern Europe;
• Expanded operations 7% year-on-year;
• Increased overall customer satisfaction 5% to more than 77%;
• Launched new services, including WIZZ Class, WIZZ Link, Disruption Assistance, and in seat ordering. [more - original PR]