Southwest Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines launched an interline partnership in September 2026, providing single-ticket connections between Southwest’s US network and LOT’s destinations across Central and Eastern Europe. LOT becomes Southwest’s 11th active interline partner, further expanding the carrier’s international connectivity.

Global passenger demand increased just 0.2% year-on-year in July 2026, as Middle East traffic fell 9.5% amid geopolitical tensions and North American demand declined 2.3%. Europe, Latin America and Africa recorded stronger growth, while Europe–Asia traffic surged 12.1% as passengers increasingly avoided Middle Eastern transfer hubs. Airlines remain cautiously positive, with global seat capacity expected to increase almost 3% in September.

Qantas and Condor launched an interline agreement on 1 September 2026, improving connections between Australia/New Zealand and Condor’s European and international network. The carriers overlap at several hubs including Paris, Rome, Bangkok and Johannesburg, while Qantas frequent flyers will also be able to redeem points for Condor reward flights.