Air France-KLM has submitted its final offer for up to 49.9% of TAP Air Portugal, proposing Lisbon as its exclusive southern European hub while retaining TAP’s Portuguese identity and developing passenger, cargo and MRO activities. Lufthansa has also submitted an improved final bid, leaving the two groups as the remaining contenders. Portugal is expected to identify its preferred investor by mid-October 2026.

Global airline passenger demand fell 0.8% year-on-year in August 2026, largely reflecting a 14.6% decline among Middle Eastern carriers, according to IATA. Excluding the Middle East, global demand increased 0.6%, while overall load factor slipped to 85.1% despite a 0.3% increase in capacity. North American demand declined 2.2%, while Latin America and the Caribbean led growth at 5.3%.

Flydubai FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv, diverted safely to Tabuk on 30 September after the co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The aircraft plunged more than 14,000 ft during the incident before the attacker was restrained and reserve pilots took control. UAE and Saudi authorities are investigating, including the motive and any possible terrorism link; flydubai has suspended Israel services during the investigation.