AirBorneo and ATR have announced a strategic partnership to renew and modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services (RAS) fleet, with the airline confirming a firm order for eight new ATR aircraft. The agreement includes five ATR 72‑600s and three ATR 42‑600s, along with purchase rights for four additional aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2029. The order represents a key step in AirBorneo’s transition into Sarawak’s state‑owned carrier and its assum

Saudi Arabia has formally informed Iran that it will not permit its airspace or territory to be used for any military action against the Islamic Republic, a position that significantly limits the operational options available to the United States amid heightened regional tensions. According to sources cited by AFP, Riyadh delivered the message directly to Tehran, clarifying that the Kingdom will neither participate in nor facilitate any strike targeting Iran. The communicatio

The United Arab Emirates has reiterated its longstanding policy of preventing its airspace, territory, and territorial waters from being used for any hostile military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The statement, issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on 26 January 2026, underscores the country’s continued emphasis on diplomacy, de‑escalation, and respect for state sovereignty. Clear Position Against Participation in Hostile Acts In its announcemen

A new cluster of Nipah virus infections in India has prompted several Asian aviation authorities to activate enhanced screening protocols at major international airports. Although the outbreak remains limited, the virus’s high fatality rate has led to swift action to safeguard cross‑border travel and maintain operational stability across the region. Airports Increase Screening for India‑Arriving Flights Following confirmed cases in West Bengal, airports in Thailand, Nepal, an

An ATR 42-500 aircraft operated by Indonesia Air Transport (IAT) for the Indonesian Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance service has reportedly lost contact in the skies above Leang-leang, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi. The incident occurred on Saturday at 13:17 WITA, sparking a large-scale search and rescue operation. The aircraft, registered PK-THT, was en route from Yogyakarta to Makassar when communication was lost as it approached Sultan Hasanuddin International A

Maldivian will host a public music carnival in Hulhumale’ on 6th February as part of its lead‑up to the airline’s resumption of flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh. The “Dhaka, We Heard You” Music Carnival will be held at the Hulhumale’ Synthetic Track from 20:00 to 23:00, featuring live performances, music, and entertainment. The carnival comes as Maldivian prepares to restart its Dhaka service on 12 March, restoring an important route for travellers and for the large Bangladeshi p

The United States has ordered the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN‑72) and its strike group to accelerate their transit from the Pacific toward the Middle East, according to reports citing Pentagon officials and regional media, including Al Jazeera. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin directed the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to reach the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility more quickly, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS Theo

The global aviation industry is poised for another year of steady growth in 2026, with passenger numbers expected to reach 5.2 billion, a 4.4% increase over 2025, according to the latest outlook from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Air cargo volumes are also projected to rise, reaching 71.6 million tonnes, up 2.4% year‑on‑year, as the sector continues to demonstrate resilience amid shifting global trade patterns. IATA expects airlines to deliver a 3.9% net

The global aviation industry is poised for another year of steady growth in 2026, with passenger numbers expected to reach 5.2 billion, a 4.4% increase over 2025, according to the latest outlook from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Air cargo volumes are also projected to rise, reaching 71.6 million tonnes, up 2.4% year‑on‑year, as the sector continues to demonstrate resilience amid shifting global trade patterns. IATA expects airlines to deliver a 3.9% net

Several major international airlines have suspended or cancelled flights to Iran as nationwide protests intensify, prompting heightened concerns over airspace safety and operational reliability. The disruptions began late in the week as demonstrations spread across major cities, accompanied by communication blackouts and increased security restrictions around key transport hubs. Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, FlyDubai, Pegasus and Austrian Airlines were among the