Delta Expands Hawaii Network, Emirates Partners with Loong Air

Latest airline route updates include new flights, codeshares, and schedule changes

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Delta Air Lines is adding new nonstop routes to Hawaii from Minneapolis-St. Paul and Boston, while also increasing frequencies on existing Hawaii services. Emirates has signed an interline agreement with Chinese carrier Loong Air, expanding its reach in the Chinese market. Turkish Airlines is resuming flights between Istanbul and Caracas, Venezuela, and Avianca has reactivated its Bogota-Caracas service. Frontier Airlines has launched new routes from Miami to Chicago and Orlando to Pensacola, while American Airlines is boosting flights to Louisville, Kentucky for a major racing event.

Why it matters

These route network changes and partnerships demonstrate how airlines are adapting their schedules and partnerships to meet evolving passenger demand, both for leisure travel to destinations like Hawaii as well as business travel to key markets. The expansion of service to Venezuela also signals a recovery in air travel to that country after previous disruptions.

The details

Delta's new Hawaii routes will operate using Airbus A330-300 aircraft, providing more seats for the popular leisure market. The Emirates-Loong Air partnership will give Emirates passengers access to 22 additional Chinese cities beyond Emirates' own gateways. Turkish Airlines and Avianca are restoring service to Caracas after previous suspensions, while Frontier and American are adding flights to meet specific event-driven demand.

  • Delta's new Minneapolis-Maui and Boston-Honolulu routes will launch on December 19, 2026.
  • Emirates and Loong Air's new interline agreement takes effect immediately.
  • Turkish Airlines will resume Istanbul-Caracas flights on March 3, 2026.
  • Avianca reactivated its Bogota-Caracas service recently after a comprehensive safety assessment.
  • Frontier's new Miami-Chicago and Orlando-Pensacola routes began on February 13, 2026.

The players

Delta Air Lines

A major U.S. airline that is expanding its seasonal Hawaii network with new routes and increased frequencies.

Emirates

A global airline based in the United Arab Emirates that has signed an interline agreement with Chinese carrier Loong Air.

Loong Air

A Chinese airline that has partnered with Emirates to provide onward connections beyond Emirates' own China gateways.

Turkish Airlines

The national flag carrier of Turkey that is resuming scheduled service between Istanbul and Caracas, Venezuela.

Avianca

A Colombian airline that has reactivated its direct Bogota-Caracas service after a safety assessment.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Airlines are continuously adapting their route networks and partnerships to meet evolving passenger demand, whether that's expanding leisure service to popular vacation destinations like Hawaii or restoring connections to markets that had previously seen disruptions. These changes demonstrate the industry's flexibility and responsiveness to market conditions.