India, Oct. 31 -- The last week of October delivered something aviation executives love: new routes, new airports, and new reasons to celebrate. Western Sydney International Airport opened its doors, Etihad Airways connected Abu Dhabi with Calgary, TAP Air Portugal launched Orlando flights, and airlines from Alaska to Singapore announced or inaugurated international connections. But there was another side to the story.

Between October 25 and 31, 2026, the aviation industry also confronted aircraft engine delays, expensive infrastructure, shifting airline competition, and security disruptions. From the Caribbean to Central Asia, the industry's ambitions remain enormous. The more interesting question is whether airlines and airports can co...