low cost carrier

Spirit Airlines, a prominent low-cost carrier, has ceased operations after 34 years, citing an immediate shutdown. The airline's abrupt closure follows failed federal intervention and mounting financial losses exceeding $2.5 billion since 2020. This development impacts approximately 17,000 employees and cost-conscious travelers.

European summer travel faces significant disruption with over 230 flight cancellations and 1,284 delays reported across Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, and Germany. Labour strikes, staff shortages, air traffic control issues, extreme weather, and rising operational costs are contributing to widespread airline chaos, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Regular servicing remains important for maintaining fuel efficiency. Components such as air filters, spark plugs, engine oil, and fuel injectors affect engine performance over time. Delayed maintenance can lead to increased fuel consumption and reduced efficiency. Continuous use of air conditioning at very low temperatures also places additional load on the engine, especially in smaller petrol cars. Moderate AC usage can help reduce fuel usage during regular commutes.

Air conditioning usage also affects mileage, particularly in slow-moving traffic where vehicles spend longer periods idling. Keeping the temperature at moderate levels instead of the lowest setting can help reduce fuel consumption. On highways, driving with windows open may increase aerodynamic drag, making moderate AC usage more efficient at higher speeds.

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have significantly impacted global bunker fuel supply, leading to soaring prices, particularly in Asia. This is forcing shipping firms to cut speeds and explore alternative fuels, with experts warning of increased freight costs and consumer prices.

Spirit Airlines has ceased operations after decades of making air travel affordable. TikTok founder Hunter Peterson has launched a movement to "nationalise" the airline with collective ownership. This initiative, inspired by the Green Bay Packers model, aims to shift focus from profit to service. Millions have pledged support, showing a growing trend in crowd-equity perception.

Indian aviation faces unprecedented turbulence due to a perfect storm of factors. From pandemic fallout and engine failures to airspace closures and a Middle East war driving fuel prices sky-high, airlines are struggling. Passengers face rising fares and cancelled routes as the sector grapples with deep financial distress and operational chaos.

Global oil prices are beyond India’s control but a tangle of govt interventions that have left Indian aviation structurally fragile. These demand correction.

Noida International Airport (NIA) faces controversy over high charges for airlines and passengers, negating its lower VAT advantage over Delhi's IGI Airport. IndiGo warns this will make flying from Noida costlier, potentially deterring fliers and impacting the new airport's success. Despite the operator's defense, fares are comparable, offering no cost incentive for passengers.

On May 2, 2026, Spirit Airlines suddenly announced the end of its operations after a $500 million bailout plan from the White House fell through. With years of financial hardship, rising fuel costs, and unsuccessful merger talks with JetBlue forming a trifecta of challenges, the airline's abrupt closure leaves countless passengers stranded and puts 17,000 jobs at risk.

With IndiGo’s operational collapse in December, Air India’s fatal crash in Ahmedabad and SpiceJet’s engineering and salary-payment issues, US aviation regulator FAA has once again become concerned about oversight standards in Indian aviation.

Air connectivity to West Asia is gradually resuming after an elusive ceasefire. Kuwait's Jazeera Airways relaunched direct flights to India and other countries, with plans to expand its network. Gulf Air also resumed services to India, while Saudi Arabia's airspace is nearly fully open. Preparations for Indian Haj pilgrims are underway.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian prefers 'augmented intelligence' over 'artificial intelligence' to alleviate employee fears of job displacement. He emphasized the technology's role in enhancing employee capabilities, not replacing them, with plans to redeploy staff to customer-facing roles.

Air India Express is set to procure 24 new aircraft, including Airbus A320/321 and Boeing 737 models, with deliveries scheduled for July. This fleet expansion is expected to restore domestic air connectivity to at least six dropped destinations from Bhubaneswar by August, boosting passenger footfall.

Combat summer hair woes with a simple DIY camphor hair oil. This natural remedy offers intense cooling, soothes itchy scalps, and fights dandruff thanks to camphor's antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has reportedly resigned amid ongoing challenges. Despite successfully integrating Vistara and expanding its fleet, the airline faced significant delays in its transformation due to global supply chain issues. These setbacks impacted operational performance, leading to increased pressure on service quality and punctuality.

Campbell Wilson is stepping down as Air India's CEO and Managing Director. The Tata Group carrier announced his departure on Tuesday. Wilson will remain until a successor is found. This move comes as Air India navigates financial challenges and a gradual revival post-privatisation. A panel is now searching for his replacement.

Amazon is introducing a 3.5% "fuel and logistics" surcharge for sellers using its shipping services, effective April 17 for US and Canadian merchants. This move, driven by soaring oil prices linked to the Iran conflict, mirrors similar adjustments by other logistics providers.

Indian airlines face a significant surge in airfares as jet fuel prices have more than doubled for April, driven by the Iran war. This drastic increase, coupled with a weakening rupee, is expected to lead to fare hikes and potential flight reductions as airlines grapple with soaring operating costs.

Jet fuel prices for scheduled Indian carriers have risen by approximately 8.5% in April, a move that offers relief to airlines and averts significant airfare hikes for average travelers. However, prices for non-scheduled and charter flights have more than doubled, impacting the ultra-rich.