Europe

Europe’s aviation industry is poised for a record period over the coming months as demand for air transport continues to outstrip economic growth and defy geopolitical challenges. Routesonline analyses the continent’s growing market - at the same time as a new report has warned that the sector is heading for a capacity crunch unless urgent action is taken.

This week: SAS switches Hong Kong service to Copenhagen; JetBlue increases Havana capacity; and LOT Polish Airlines adds London City link.

International Airlines Group is seeking to gain a foothold on Austrian soil by using LEVEL, its low-cost weapon on transatlantic routes, to enter the crowded European short-haul leisure market.

Heathrow’s chief executive John Holland-Kaye has vowed to create the “best connected hub airport in the world” after MPs in the UK backed controversial plans to build a third runway.

Fresh from completing its inaugural flight earlier this month, Air Belgium is already looking to spread its wings by adding the US to its route network.

"Far from Project Fear, this is a dawning reality for Airbus," according to Tom Williams, chief operating officer of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

All Indonesian airlines were barred from flying into the European Union’s airspace in 2007 but the blanket ban has now been lifted.

Our top five stories on Routes Weekly: Russia's recovering aviation industry; World Cup 2018 by airlines, airports and routes; Delta adds Asia destinations but cuts Hong Kong; Routes Africa 2018 shortlists; Route rundown and more.

This week: Air Italy adds second destination in India; Norwegian targets Miami from Madrid; and XL Airways France plans unserved Chinese city.

As the host nation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Russia is pushed yet further in the global spotlight. Routesonline analyses the country’s recovering aviation industry, examining the fastest-growing international markets, the top airports and the busiest routes.

Ryanair is to base three aircraft at London Southend Airport from next year and launch 13 routes.

Routesonline looks at the top three airports, airlines and routes from each of the countries involved in this summer's FIFA World Cup.

This week we profile Routes Africa 2018 attendee SunExpress, the Turkish airline based in Antalya.

This week: Airbus and Bombardier’s C Series deal; Borghetti to leave Virgin Australia; Swoop granted AOC; Volotea secures new investors and more.

A study based on the uplift in visitor arrivals to Russia during the World Cup has revealed the top 50 countries across the world most gripped by football fever.

This week: Hainan Airlines adds Shenzhen – Zurich, Etihad to serve second Spanish destination and Finnair grows presence in Germany.

Plans for a third runway at London Heathrow have moved a step closer, paving the way for thousands more flights each year at the UK’s busiest airport.

LATAM Airlines has signalled its intention to expand its European footprint with flights to Munich at a time when Brazil’s aviation market looks primed to take off again.

How will Nordica, Estonia’s new flag carrier, succeed where Estonian Air failed? Partnerships are key as the airline rapidly finds its niche.

This week: British Airways adds Marrakech from Heathrow; Manchester secures Mumbai link; Delta resumes New York JFK – Orange County.

This week: Royal Brunei to launch London non-stop; Allegiant takes delivery of first US-assembled A320; Aeromexico explains Barcelona cancellation and more.

Qantas has reinstated a codeshare agreement with Air France for flights between Australia and France via Asia, a deal which was scrapped in 2012 when the carrier forged a partnership with Emirates.

Ryanair expects Austrian leisure airline LaudaMotion to have a fleet of up to 50 aircraft over the next five years as it seeks to build a “substantial and profitable group” of European carriers.

Jet Airways is to launch a new route between Manchester and Mumbai, the first non-stop service between the two cities.

This week: Air China to start Chengdu-London route, Wizz Air continues its Debrecen expansion and Ethiopian adds a second UK destination.