Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air, are targeting long-haul international expansion as a major growth opportunity, although high operating costs, airspace restrictions and limited domestic maintenance capabilities remain significant challenges. India's long-haul market carries approximately 25–30 million passengers annually, representing less than 20% of total passenger traffic but generating over 50% of aviation revenue. Air India Group, which operates approximately 60 widebody aircraft, reported annual revenue of around $9 billion and has 537 aircraft on order, including 69 widebodies. The airline aims to strengthen direct international connectivity and reduce India's reliance on foreign airline hubs for long-haul travel.

Alaska Airlines will launch seasonal nonstop flights between Anchorage and Tokyo Narita on 13 May 2027, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft for the eight-hour service. Flights will operate daily through 7 September 2027, with thrice-weekly winter services commencing in January 2028. The airline currently operates 20 MAX 8 aircraft, with seven additional aircraft on order. The new route forms part of Alaska Airlines’ 2027 network expansion, which also includes nonstop services from Anchorage to Nashville, Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth. The expansion aims to strengthen international connectivity, tourism and trade while establishing the airline’s largest-ever nonstop schedule from Alaska. All new routes remain subject to regulatory approval.

EUROCONTROL has cut its 2026 flight-growth forecast for the ECAC region from 2.7% to 1.7%, equivalent to about 200,000 fewer flights than expected in its spring forecast. It estimates Middle East tensions will account for around 110,000 fewer flights, while higher fuel costs are adding pressure. Traffic has remained resilient overall, with low-cost carriers driving growth and major differences between regions and airlines. EUROCONTROL still expects average annual growth of 2.1% through 2032, but warns that airport capacity limits could leave about 165,000 flights unaccommodated that year.