Qantas Increases U.S. Capacity, Plans for Expanded DFW Centurion Lounge, and Other Airlines News You Might’ve Missed

In today’s weekly round-up, Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) steals the show with lounge and route news. Elsewhere, we’ve got transatlantic codeshare expansions, Hawaiian Airlines route suspensions, a closer look at Spirit Airlines’ financial difficulties, and more.

Shall we get started?

Qantas Increasing Number of Seats to the U.S.

There is currently only 1 nonstop flight from the East Coast to Australia, operated by Qantas from New York (JFK) to Auckland, New Zealand (AKL).

The Australian flag carrier plans to increase this service from 6 to 7 weekly flights next year. The flight, which originates in Sydney (SYD) but stops in Auckland to refuel and pick up passengers, will increase in frequency from June 17, 2026.

This is great news for East Coasters planning on traveling to Australia and New Zealand next year.

Additionally, Qantas has just reinstated its Airbus A380 on its nonstop route from Sydney to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW).

Initially, the superjumbo took over 4 of the daily services, leaving the other 3 to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which has been operating QF7 and QF8.

When the 485-seater Airbus A380 completely takes over the route on October 27, 2025, the number of weekly seats on the route will increase substantially.

What Is Happening With Spirit Airlines?

Earlier this week, we covered the news of Spirit Airlines’ growing financial woes. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025 and shedding almost $800 million of its mounting debt, the ultra-low-cost carrier’s finances are still facing severe turbulence.

David Davis, CEO of the beleaguered carrier Spirit Airlines, broke his silence on the issue this week and played down the wording used in a recent financial report, revealing the extent of the bleak outlook.

“Let me start by providing some context around what’s included in the report. The report uses the phrase “substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.” This is a phrase required by our outside auditors to convey that there is risk if we do not make changes. But, we are,” said Davis in a memo to Spirit Airlines employees.

Davis’ attempt to reassure his employees is in stark contrast to the memo that Spirit flight attendants received this week from the Association of Flight Attendants, which read:

“Use this time to assess your financial situation and begin strategizing how best to weather the financial impact that flying cutbacks may have on your household.”

Whatever the future holds for Spirit Airlines, I wish the best for the carrier’s employees.

Centurion Lounge Expansion Confirmed for Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)

Airport lounge overcrowding is no joke, especially in peak travel seasons like the summer and winter holidays.

American Express recognizes how much of a problem this is at its Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Centurion Lounge and is planning a vast expansion.

On Tuesday this week, the airport’s governing board approved a 50% size increase, bringing the total area to over 18,000 square feet. Details of the exact look and feel have yet to be released, but I’d imagine it will be similar to the design and layout of Amex’s showstopping Centurion Lounge at Atlanta (ATL).

Considering that Centurion Lounges removed spa services nationwide in October 2024, I highly doubt the expanded lounge will feature a spa.

American Airlines and British Airways Expand Codeshare

American Airlines and British Airways have a deep-rooted relationship.

Since 2003, the 2 airlines have grown their long-term partnership to include Iberia in sharing flight numbers on transatlantic routes. Codesharing is beneficial to both the airlines and passengers.

As of October 26, 2025, this codeshare will expand to include 3 new cities: Abuja, Nigeria (ABJ), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL), and Lagos, Nigeria (LOS).

The codeshare is great for American Airlines frequent flyers who wish to travel from the U.S. to those cities. They can now do so by booking a 1-stop ticket with American Airlines to London Heathrow (LHR) and then connecting onto British Airways flights to 1 of the new codeshare destinations.

Part of the codeshare agreement means that passengers’ bags get checked to their final destination, despite switching airlines.

Hawaiian Suspends International and Long-Haul Routes

Hawaiian Airlines is currently experiencing the biggest shakeup in its history, having been acquired by Seattle-based Alaska Airlines.

The latest update is that 3 long-haul services from Honolulu (HNL) will be axed. This includes the longest U.S. domestic flight between Boston (BOS) and Honolulu and the only nonstop flight between the city pair.

Hawaiian’s international network will also suffer from the cancellation of service from Honolulu to Fukuoka, Japan (FUK), and Seoul, South Korea (ICN).

Alaska Airlines’ CEO states the struggle to make a profit on the routes as the reason behind their axing. Looking at the bigger picture, the changes also fit nicely into Alaska Airlines’ strategic playbook as the new owner of Hawaiian Airlines.

Turkish Wins Bidding for Financially Troubled Air Europa

Over in Europe, Air Europa has finally found its financial savior in Turkish Airlines.

The carrier, based in Palma de Mallorca, Spain (PMI), has accepted a €275 million (~$322 million) loan, which it will use to pay off government debt accrued during the pandemic.

This is where it gets interesting. In return for bailing Air Europa out, Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance member, will eventually own a 26 to 27% stake in SkyTeam member Air Europa.

At the same time, IAG — the parent company of major Oneworld carriers British Airways and Iberia — will retain its 20% stake in Air Europa. Despite having connections with each airline alliance, we’d expect Air Europa to remain a SkyTeam member airline for the foreseeable future.

Final Thoughts

This week has been full of positive and negative news. On the one hand, it’s great to learn of Qantas’ increased service to the U.S., BA and American’s expanded transatlantic codeshare, and a bigger Centurion Lounge coming to DFW. However, Spirit’s future isn’t looking bright yellow, and it’s a shame Hawaiian has lost 3 of its long-haul routes.

See you next week …