Air Arabia Joins Etihad Airways, SAS, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Air India, Aurigny, Qatar Airways and Spirit Airlines to Expand Global Routes, Bringing Travelers Closer to New Destinations Worldwide!

Published on December 2, 2025

The skies are opening wider for travelers in 2026. Airlines across the globe are rolling out new routes, expanding their networks, and increasing flight frequencies. Whether you are planning a city break, a business trip, or a long-awaited vacation, these updates promise more convenient and diverse travel options.

London Gets More Connected: Air Arabia Launches Gatwick Flights

Air Arabia is adding London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to its network starting March 29, 2026, with double-daily flights from Sharjah. Travelers can enjoy this route aboard Airbus A321LR aircraft, designed for comfort on medium-haul journeys.

According to the airline’s CEO, this new service marks a milestone in Air Arabia’s expansion strategy. For tourists, it means more choices and competitive fares when visiting London. The route is expected to cater not only to leisure travelers but also to business professionals seeking direct links between the Middle East and the UK.

For those planning a London trip, this adds a convenient alternative to Heathrow, offering easier connections to the southern and central regions of the UK.

Etihad Brings A380 Luxury to Tokyo

Etihad Airways is returning its A380 aircraft to service on the Abu Dhabi–Tokyo Narita route starting June 16, 2026. The A380’s deployment allows travelers to enjoy spacious cabins and extra comfort, especially on long-haul flights.

Tokyo Narita now joins London, Paris, Toronto, and Singapore in Etihad’s premium A380 network. The airline’s commercial officer noted that demand for travel to Japan continues to grow, highlighting the country’s appeal to tourists worldwide.

For global travelers, this means more comfort, higher seating capacity, and potentially better fare options when flying to Japan.

Scandinavian Airlines and Vietnam Airlines Expand Codeshare

SAS and Vietnam Airlines have enhanced their partnership, introducing direct codeshare services from Copenhagen to Ho Chi Minh City starting December 15. This includes onward connectivity to Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Da Lat, and Hue.

In the reverse direction, Vietnam Airlines now codeshares on SAS flights across Denmark, connecting cities like Aarhus, Aalborg, and Billund, as well as Scandinavian hubs in Stockholm, Oslo, Gothenburg, Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim, and Helsinki.

For travelers, this collaboration provides seamless connections across Europe and Southeast Asia, opening up multi-city itineraries without multiple bookings.

Vietjet Expands to the Philippines and Japan

Vietjet has launched its first route to the Philippines, with 5X-weekly flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Manila. Additionally, the airline is expanding its Vietnam-Japan network with Hanoi-Hiroshima flights, increasing frequencies to four roundtrip flights per week.

Tourists now have more options for exploring Japan and the Philippines, making Southeast Asia a hub for affordable, direct flights from Vietnam. Travel planners can combine leisure and cultural trips more easily with these additional connections.

Air India and Air Canada Reignite Codeshare

Starting December 2, Air India and Air Canada reinstated their codeshare agreement. Air India can place its code on flights from Canada to major Indian cities like Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kochi via New Delhi, and via London Heathrow.

Air Canada passengers gain smooth connections to India through New Delhi and Mumbai. Air India also plans to increase New Delhi–Manila service to daily flights starting December 11.

This reinstatement is perfect for frequent travelers between India and Canada, improving convenience for both leisure and business travelers.

Aurigny Supports Skybus for Newquay–London Gatwick Flights

Following the collapse of Blue Islands, Aurigny is assisting Skybus to operate Newquay–London Gatwick flights under a public service obligation contract starting November 23. Aurigny provides ground handling without diverting aircraft or resources, ensuring smooth operations during the Christmas and New Year peak.

Travelers from Newquay now have uninterrupted access to London, vital for holiday travel and business commitments, showing how airlines collaborate to maintain service continuity.

Qatar Airways Increases Winter Capacity

Qatar Airways is expanding winter flights from Doha to Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, Shanghai, and Singapore. For example, Kuala Lumpur sees 14 to 17 weekly flights, Lagos increases from 10 to 14 flights, and Shanghai rises to 10 weekly services. Selected Singapore flights will use the A380, providing additional comfort and space for passengers.

Tourists and business travelers benefit from increased options, reduced waiting times, and more flexibility for planning trips during the winter travel season.

Spirit Airlines Adds Belize City Route

Spirit Airlines now offers the only nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Belize City, operating three times weekly. This expands Spirit’s international network and provides one-stop connections from 19 additional cities in the United States.

For travelers seeking Caribbean adventures, this route provides easy access to Belize’s beaches, Mayan ruins, and eco-tourism experiences without complicated connections.

Planning Your Travel in 2026

With these airline expansions, global travelers have unprecedented opportunities to explore new destinations. Here are some tips for making the most of these new routes:

1. Book Early: New routes often have promotional fares for early travelers.
2. Check Codeshares: Airlines like Vietnam Airlines and Air India offer smooth connections via codeshares.
3. Use Premium Aircraft: Flights operated by A380s, like Etihad and Qatar Airways, provide extra comfort for long journeys.
4. Consider Alternative Airports: Options like London Gatwick can reduce airport congestion compared to Heathrow.
5. Stay Updated: Airline schedules may change; check government aviation websites for the latest updates.

Conclusion

The Airline Network Expansion 2026 marks a new era for global travel. From Europe to Asia, North America to the Caribbean, travelers can enjoy more direct connections, convenient schedules, and upgraded services. Whether you’re planning a business trip, family vacation, or cultural exploration, these new routes are designed to make international travel smoother and more accessible.

As airlines continue to innovate and expand, travelers can look forward to a year filled with opportunities to explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and enjoy comfort in the skies.

The world is ready to welcome you—start planning your 2026 journeys now.