Israeli airline El Al has reported a sharply higher profit for 2024 as foreign competitors were largely absent from the country's aviation market. Operating profit near-trebled to $773 million on a 37% revenue increase, to $3.4 billion, the carrier says in a filing to the Tel Aviv stock exchange. Net profit came in at $545 million. Connectivity to Israel was heavily impacted by conflict through 2024. Most foreign airlines withdrew their services in response to the risk of rocket attacks. El Al, which remained in operation throughout the year, therefore captured a larger slice of the market. Rival airlines are now starting to return to Israel, although for now at a reduced level. "The year 2024 presented us with complex national and business challenges, but we have proven our ability to successfully overcome them," states chief executive Dina Ben Tal Ganancia. "Despite the difficulties, we maintained Israel's air bridge to the world during a multi-front war while continuing to implement our strategic plan." That strategy, which El Al is in the process of updating, envisages that the airline will target leisure travellers, focusing on the European and North American markets, she adds. "We welcome the return of foreign airlines and continue strengthening El Al's position as a strong and leading Israeli airline that contributes to the country's economy and society."

Air Baltic has reaffirmed its commitment to resuming scheduled flights to and from Ukraine as soon as the country's airspace reopens and all necessary approvals are secured. A delegation from the Latvian airline visited Kyiv this week to meet with local stakeholders about restoring air connectivity, the Latvian carrier says. The carrier plans to reintegrate Kyiv and Lviv into its route network once conditions allow, with expanded connections linking Ukraine not only with Riga but also with Tallinn and Vilnius. During their visit, the delegation met with representatives from Ukraine's Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories, Boryspil International airport, and the Latvian Embassy. Air Baltic president Martin Gauss states: "We have consistently expressed our plans for AirBaltic to be the first airline back in Ukraine when it is safe, and we stand by this commitment. The safety of our employees, passengers, and operations will always be our highest priority, and following our second in-person visit to Kyiv, preparations for our return are well underway." In preparation for its return, AirBaltic has integrated the Ukrainian language into its official website to enhance accessibility for Ukrainian-speaking customers. The airline currently operates nearly 130 routes from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere and, seasonally, Gran Canaria.

US carrier Spirit Airlines has emerged from its Chapter 11 restructuring process. The Dania Beach, Florida-based carrier had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024. Spirit in February won approval for its plan of reorganisation under Chapter 11 bankruptcy from the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. "With this approval in place, the company expects to emerge from Chapter 11 in the coming weeks," Spirit said on 20 February. Chief executive Ted Christie will retain his position, as will the rest of the existing executive team, Spirit said on 12 March. "We're pleased to complete our streamlined restructuring and emerge in a stronger financial position to continue our transformation and investments in the guest experience," Christie states. "Throughout this process, we've continued to make meaningful progress enhancing our product offerings, while also focusing on returning to profitability and positioning our airline for long-term success. Today, we're moving forward with our strategy to redefine low-fare travel with our new, high-value travel options." Spirit has reconstituted its board, which includes Christie and new members Robert Milton, David Siegel, Timothy Bernlohr, Eugene Davis, Andrea Fischer Newman and Radha Tilton. It notes that with its emergence from its financial restructuring, it has complete "a consensual, deleveraging transaction that equitises approximately $795 million of funded debt". Spirit adds that it has also received a $350 million equity investment from existing investors to support future initiatives. On 11 February, Spirit reiterated its intention not to merge with Frontier Airlines after the latest proposal and counter-proposal exchanged between the US carriers failed to culminate in an agreement. Spirit said at the time that it will "continue swiftly to advance and conclude its restructuring process, which will significantly deleverage the company and position it for long-term success".