Issues

Don’t worry, be happy? Despite surging fuel prices, labor unrest, and Middle East disruptions, Lufthansa Group insists it can emerge from the current crisis stronger than before. But beneath the confidence lies a more complicated reality. Can Europe’s largest airline group navigate another industry shock without losing altitude? We take a closer look in this week’s feature story.

Spirit Airlines is no more. The pioneer of ultra-low-cost flying in the U.S. was ultimately undone by surging fuel prices, failed bailout talks, and a model that couldn’t keep pace with a changing market. Its collapse sees 14,000+ jobs lost, reshapes competition across key routes, and presents a curious question: Who, if anyone, will fill the gap? We unpack the immediate fallout and ask what comes next in this week's issue.

Drama, drama, in the air. Drama, drama everywhere. The U.S. airline industry is witnessing dramatic changes indeed. No, United isn’t merging with American. But Southwest is quietly achieving a heroic turnaround, posting Delta-like profit margins. But as Southwest soars, Alaska Airlines is flying in the opposite direction. We take a closer look in this week’s feature story.

There are fewer flights departing U.S. airports today than in 2019 — even as seat counts have edged higher on larger aircraft. Growth overall has been modest, but a handful of markets tell a very different story. Few shine brighter than Puerto Rico, where booming tourism and shifting airline strategies have resulted in a remarkable surge. Now, rising fuel costs and industry shakeups are testing that momentum. We take a closer look in this week’s feature story.

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.

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demand, Mainland China’s 'Big Three' have struggled for six straight years, hampered by lost North American routes, outdated fleets, and stiff competition.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, or will rising fuel costs and diplomatic tensions continue to create headwinds? We explore what the future might hold in this week’s feature story.

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.

Jet fuel has surged past $4 per gallon, pushing Q1 costs sharply higher for U.S. airlines. Yet demand remains strong, fares are rising, and new revenue streams – from loyalty programs to premium seating – are helping carriers offset the spike. As we explain in this week’s feature story, airlines are running a high-stakes race: can revenues keep pace with soaring fuel costs, or will the balance tip as we head into Q2?

Cathay Pacific has come full circle. After losing about $4 billion during the pandemic years, the Hong Kong carrier has earned roughly the same amount back over the past three – its best run of profitability in decades. Can Cathay sustain its momentum – or will the next cycle look very different? We examine the outlook in this week’s feature story.

At the start of 2026, airlines were broadly optimistic. Demand looked strong, fuel prices were manageable, and last year’s tariff worries eased. Then the global outlook shifted again. The Iran war has shuttered Gulf hubs, pushed oil prices sharply higher, and raised fresh questions about the global economy. The result could be a troubling convergence of risks for the airline industry. In this week’s feature story, we examine four shocks the sector may now be facing.