I have started the ultimate digital photo library of the fascinating world of airliners and airlines. The goal is to have the complete history of all airlines and the various aircraft operated. I have been photographing airplanes since 1965. Join us in this adventure.
Spirit Airlines is leaning all the way into its most famous nickname — the “banana plane” — with a bold new branding campaign that transforms six of its bright‑yellow aircraft into full‑on banana‑themed special liveries. The airline unveiled the project in early April 2026, describing it as a playful celebration of the identity customers have given Spirit for years.
The campaign consists of six special‑edition liveries, all sponsored in partnership with Airbus, and each designed to resemble oversized bananas complete with humorous sticker‑style graphics. These graphics mimic the small produce stickers found on real bananas, but with Spirit‑themed twists: references to the airline’s Florida roots, nods to ultra‑low‑fare travel, and tongue‑in‑cheek “nutritional facts” about savings and value.
The first aircraft to debut the new look is Airbus A320-232 N621NK, which is scheduled to enter service this week. Its livery features the most literal interpretation of the concept — a giant banana‑style sticker placed prominently on the fuselage, turning the aircraft into a flying fruit‑aisle sight gag. Five additional aircraft will roll out later in the month, each with its own variation on the banana theme and unique taglines.
Spirit’s bright yellow livery has long earned the airline the unofficial nickname “banana plane” among travelers and aviation enthusiasts. Instead of ignoring it, Spirit is embracing the moniker and turning it into a full‑scale marketing moment. The airline says the campaign is a tribute to the fans who helped popularize the nickname and a way to inject fun and personality into the flying experience.
Peach Aviation has officially launched a major brand renewal to mark its 15th anniversary. The airline is retiring its sharp, high‑contrast fuchsia identity and replacing it with a warmer palette built around soft pink/peach, ivory, and brown earth tones. The redesign was created with globally known designer Oki Sato (Nendo) and is intended to shift Peach’s image from a typical low‑cost carrier toward a more relaxed, mature, and comfortable travel experience.
The new logo debuts on April 1, 2026, and features a softer pink tone, an iconic leaf motif, and more open typography. The new aircraft livery—still pink but with calmer beige and brown accents—will begin appearing on Peach’s Airbus fleet in spring 2027. The fuselage design uses intentionally irregular patterns to evoke playfulness and anticipation while maintaining the airline’s signature color identity.
Peach emphasizes that the refresh reflects its “next phase” as it continues to grow within the ANA Group, having carried more than 75 million passengers since its founding in 2011. The redesign is positioned as a step toward a more welcoming, less “budget‑airline” aesthetic while preserving the brand’s youthful energy.
The new logo inherits the spirit that Peach has held dear over the past 15 years since its founding. Based on the existing design using circles and straight lines, it has evolved into a friendlier, gentler impression with the addition of roundness to the corners. By adding more space between the letters, this logo achieves a calm appearance.
The Port of Seattle welcomed Cathay Pacific’s nonstop service to Hong Kong with their inaugural flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Coinciding with the airline’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the arriving Airbus A350 aircraft — wearing Cathay Pacific’s classic “lettuce leaf sandwich” livery — was welcomed with a ceremonious lion dance and ribbon cutting at the gate.
This marks the last pre-pandemic carrier to return to SEA and will kick-start several new international offerings from SEA this year, boosting such services to more than 60.
National Airlines has reached a significant milestone in its fleet modernization journey as the first of its four Boeing 777-200 Freighters (N791CA) has commenced test flights last week. Registered as N791CA, the aircraft is planned to enter revenue service in May 2026, following the completion of a series of mandatory flight tests, performance evaluations, and regulatory procedures. The remaining three Boeing 777-200 freighters are scheduled to undergo their respective test flight programs in the coming months.
The introduction of the Boeing 777-200F represents a transformative advancement in National Airlines’ long-haul cargo capabilities. Recognized as one of the most advanced and efficient freighters in global aviation today, the aircraft offers a payload capacity exceeding 102 tonnes, a range of over 9,000 kilometers, and fuel-efficient twin-engine performance. Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and advanced flight systems, the B777F ensures enhanced operational precision, fuel efficiency, and reliability across intercontinental routes.
National Airlines Boeing 777-200F Aircraft (N791CA) during test flights 1
The addition of the B777-200 freighter signals the beginning of a new chapter in the airline’s fleet modernization program and complements the existing fleet of nine Boeing 747-400 freighters, and passenger fleet of Airbus A330-300 and A330-200 aircraft. In today’s rapidly evolving air cargo landscape, driven by e-commerce growth, global supply chain demands, and the need for faster, more reliable air freight movement, the Boeing 777-200 freighter plays a critical role owing to its performance capability and sustainability technologies.
National Airlines Boeing 777-200F Aircraft (N791CA) during test flights 2
America250, the national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is proud to announce that American Airlines will serve as an official sponsor and partner in this historic nationwide celebration. As one of the country’s most iconic and enduring brands, American will join a growing coalition of leading companies helping to engage more than 350 million Americans in this once-in-a-generation milestone.
The partnership comes at a uniquely symbolic moment for American, which is celebrating its own centennial year in 2026. For 100 years, American has connected communities, powered economic growth and supported national priorities, defining what it means to move America forward.
Founded in the early days of commercial aviation, American has grown alongside the nation itself. Through periods of expansion, challenge, innovation and renewal, American has shepherded the rise of air travel as a driver of commerce and culture, connecting communities across all 50 states and beyond.
As part of the partnership, American will play a visible and dynamic role in bringing the Semiquincentennial to life nationwide. The airline will paint two aircraft in the official America250 livery, ensuring the celebration quite literally takes flight across the country and around the world. In addition, American will serve as the Official Airline of America Innovates, a traveling showcase of the nation’s ingenuity that will highlight the creativity, progress and pioneering spirit that have defined the United States for 250 years.
The airline serves more than 600,000 customers every day — over 200 million passengers per year. From carrying service members, families and business travelers to supporting disaster relief efforts, American’s 130,000 team members are eager to foster interconnectedness in American communities and ensure passengers get where they need to go.
American joins a distinguished group of America250 partners, including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz and Stellantis, whose collective engagement underscores the essential role of the private sector in making the 250th anniversary the most ambitious and inclusive commemoration in U.S. history.
Pyramids Airlines is a new Egyptian charter airline aiming for a 2026 launch, currently undergoing regulatory licensing and establishing partnerships for leisure and ACMI operations.
The airline, not to be confused with the defunct 1977-2007 carrier of a similar name, recently added its first A321-200 aircraft to its fleet.
Pyramids Airlines’ first aircraft delivery on February 28, 2026 marks the formal birth of Egypt’s newest private carrier, and the event reflects both the airline’s strategic ambitions and the broader push to expand Egypt’s tourism and aviation footprint. The airline took delivery of an Airbus A321‑211, registration SU‑PAE (msn 1233), which immediately became the cornerstone of its launch fleet. The aircraft ferried from Antalya (AYT) to Cairo (CAI) on March 1, 2026 under flight number PYR2026, departing at 14:08 local time and arriving 1 hour 12 minutes later at 14:20, symbolically completing the airline’s first operational movement into its home base.
Pyramids Airlines was established in 2025 with a dual focus on charter and scheduled operations. Its founders positioned the airline to support Egypt’s long‑term tourism strategy by improving connectivity between the country’s most important leisure destinations—Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Cairo—and key source markets in Asia and Eastern Europe.
The airline’s business model emphasizes inbound tourism flows, particularly from markets that have shown strong post‑pandemic recovery and demand for packaged travel.
Below is a clear, structured, priority‑ranked list of the best places a stranded passenger in the Gulf region should try to reach in order to get a flight home, based on which airports and countries still have open airspace, functioning hubs, and active long‑haul operations. This ranking reflects the current closures across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and parts of Oman, as well as the continued operation of airports in Turkey, Egypt, and parts of Saudi Arabia.
1) Türkiye — Istanbul Airport (IST)
Top priority. Istanbul remains the largest fully operational international hub near the Gulf region. Turkish airspace is open, and IST continues to operate long‑haul flights to Europe, North America, and Asia. Even though Turkish Airlines has suspended flights to many Middle Eastern countries, flights out of Istanbul to the rest of the world are still running.
How to get there: From the Gulf, the only challenge is reaching Istanbul, since direct flights from closed airports are suspended. But if you can reach any open airport in Saudi Arabia or Egypt, you can then connect to IST.
2) Saudi Arabia — Jeddah (JED) or Riyadh (RUH)
Saudi airspace is partially open, and both Jeddah and Riyadh continue to operate domestic and many international flights.
JED and RUH are functioning normally
Saudia and foreign carriers still operate long‑haul flights
Saudi Arabia has one of the lowest cancellation rates in the region (≈14%) compared to the UAE (75%), Qatar (82%), Bahrain (97%)
Why this is a strong option: Saudi Arabia is geographically close to the Gulf, reachable by short‑haul flights from airports that are still open (e.g., Muscat, Cairo), and offers onward flights to Europe, Asia, and North America.
3) Egypt — Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Cairo remains fully operational, with EgyptAir and dozens of foreign carriers continuing long‑haul service.
Egypt has a relatively low cancellation rate (≈9%)
CAI is a major African/European/Asian connecting hub
Airspace is open and stable
Why CAI works well: If you can reach Cairo from a secondary Gulf airport (e.g., Muscat or Salalah), you can then connect to Europe or North America easily.
4) Oman — Muscat (MCT)
Oman has partial disruptions, but Muscat remains one of the few Gulf-region airports still operating.
Oman’s cancellation rate is lower than Qatar/UAE/Bahrain
Oman Air continues long‑haul operations
MCT is a safe staging point to reach Cairo, Jeddah, or Istanbul
Why Muscat matters: If you are stranded in the UAE or Qatar and can cross the border by land (where possible), Muscat may be the nearest functioning airport.
5) Jordan — Aqaba (AQJ)
Amman (AMM) is heavily affected, but Aqaba—far south and away from the main conflict corridors—may still have limited operations.
Not a major hub, but a possible escape point
Could connect to Cairo or Istanbul
This is a secondary fallback, not a primary evacuation route.
6) Cyprus — Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO)
Cyprus is outside the conflict zone and fully operational.
Many European carriers operate normally
Good onward connections to Europe and beyond
Challenge: You must first reach Cyprus, which may require flying via Saudi Arabia or Egypt.
7) India — Mumbai (BOM) or Delhi (DEL)
If eastbound routes are open from your location, India is a stable, fully operational aviation market.
Massive international connectivity
No airspace restrictions
Good for onward flights to Europe, Asia, and North America
This is more relevant if you are stranded in Oman or southern Gulf regions.
Where NOT to go (fully closed or non-operational)
These airports are not viable for onward travel right now:
Dubai (DXB, DWC) — fully closed until further notice
Abu Dhabi (AUH) — suspended operations
Doha (DOH) — airspace closed
Bahrain (BAH) — near‑total shutdown
Kuwait (KWI) — airspace restrictions
Tel Aviv (TLV) — closed
Iraq & Iran airports — closed or unsafe
Priority Ranking (Final List)
Istanbul (IST), Türkiye — best global connectivity
Jeddah (JED) / Riyadh (RUH), Saudi Arabia — closest major open hubs
Cairo (CAI), Egypt — stable, high‑capacity hub
Muscat (MCT), Oman — nearest functioning Gulf airport
Aqaba (AQJ), Jordan — limited but possible
Larnaca (LCA), Cyprus — safe European gateway
Mumbai/Delhi, India — strong fallback if eastbound routes are open
The latest data from Cirium on cancelled flights:
TODAY CANCELLATIONS BY ARRIVAL COUNTRY MARCH 2
Arrival Country
Flights Scheduled
Cancelled
Cancel %
Saudi Arabia
1,167
163
13.97%
United Arab Emirates
1,026
774
75.44%
Egypt
474
45
9.49%
Iran
326
20
6.13%
Qatar
322
263
81.68%
Israel
171
138
80.70%
Oman
106
24
22.64%
Jordan
97
46
47.42%
Bahrain
90
87
96.67%
Grand Total
3,779
1,560
41.28%
We note that the airspace is closed in many countries of the Middle East, and so the cancellation rate should be 100% (for the UAE for example). However, some typically smaller airlines have not updated their schedules to officially cancel flights, or have simply not flown the flights.
For outbound and inbound arrivals and departures, roughly double the number of flights scheduled/cancelled. Aircraft typically/generally return to their home base every 24 hours.
There are around 900,000 seats per day scheduled to fly to the Middle East from points abroad, and within the Middle East.
CANCELLATIONS BY MAJOR GLOBAL AIRLINES TO CERTAIN ARRIVAL COUNTRIES MARCH 2
Flight cancellations to the Middle East, as of 16:45 PM CET, 10:45 New York Saturday, February 28, 2026:
There are now closures of airspace in the UAE and Qatar. The three major airlines operating from there (Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad) connect the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia, and vice-versa through their hubs — around 90,000 transiting passengers per day (not including passengers destined for the Middle East.) Accordingly, as the conflict persists there will be major disruptions to international connecting travel to all regions.
TODAY, CANCELLATIONS BY MAJOR MIDDLE EAST AIRLINES
Operating Airline
Flights Scheduled
Is Cancelled
Cancel %
(3L*) Air Arabia Abu Dhabi
56
3
5.36%
(3O) Air Arabia Maroc
40
0
0.00%
(EK) Emirates
512
197
38.48%
(EY) Etihad Airways
299
90
30.10%
(FZ) Flydubai
362
185
51.10%
(G9) Air Arabia
256
21
8.20%
(GF) Gulf Air
138
59
42.75%
(KU) Kuwait Airways
98
39
39.80%
(LY) El Al
22
0
0.00%
(QR) Qatar Airways
535
219
40.93%
(RBG) Air Arabia Egypt
20
1
5.00%
(RJ) Royal Jordanian
113
16
14.16%
(SV) Saudia
542
26
4.80%
(XY) Flynas
333
9
2.70%
Cancellations remain smaller for tomorrow, March 1, however, that will likely grow overnight or for however long the conflict continues.
TODAY, CANCELLATIONS BY ARRIVAL COUNTRY
Arrival Country
Flights
Is Cancelled
Cancel %
Saudi Arabia
1,277
109
8.54%
United Arab Emirates
1,067
373
34.96%
Qatar
335
170
50.75%
Iran*
307
28
9.12%
Kuwait
170
48
28.24%
Oman
122
19
15.57%
Israel
107
52
48.60%
Jordan
105
24
22.86%
Bahrain
102
45
44.12%
Grand Total
3,592
868
24.16%
*Data from Iran is incomplete due to feeds being down.
You must be logged in to post a comment.