Quantcast

Independent airlines consider joining major global alliances

Exclusive: Turkey's surprise Air Europa deal came down to one key thing: control
Major airline launches exciting new route from Scotland to popular US location
Airlines fear carbon tax as flagship climate scheme develops holes
Ryanair scraps three Vienna routes, demands lower taxes and fees
Turkish Airlines has no intention of raising stake in Spain's Air Europa, chairman says
US lawmakers want Trump to reinstate delay compensation plan for air travelers
IATA pushes to raise international pilot retirement age to 67
US orders Delta and Aeromexico to dissolve their partnership over fairness concerns in Mexico
Southwest’s New Wheelchair Policy Will Require Passengers to Remove 1 Item Before Boarding — What to Know
Aviation expansion: IndiGo to start direct Mumbai-Copenhagen flights from Oct 8; marks entry into Nordics - The Times of India
Major change for ALL Aer Lingus passengers flying from busy airport to offer 'modern and streamlined' experience
Southwest Airlines adds Sonoma County in California expansion - The Points Guy
Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C Sept. 8, 2025)
Delta Sees Record Premium Seats in '26, Main Cabin Flat or Down
Southwest requiring removal of batteries from mobility devices before boarding
Qantas’ milestone move for huge, new planes
EasyJet to launch 11 new flight routes from small UK airport named the best in Europe
Tycoon unveils £25 billion rival Heathrow expansion plan
Boeing and Airbus ground green plane projects
50 New Routes Launching In September 2025
JetBlue's Network Shake-Up: Its Top 10 Routes This Month
Proposals for commercial planes to operate with one pilot shelved after critical EU report
Air Travel Fatalities Up 300% in 2024, According to Shocking Global Report
Aviation sector faces steeper losses in FY26; passenger growth slows amid headwinds: ICRA - The Times of India
Boeing Halts Strike Talks Amid $36 Billion Deal & Union Dispute
FAA’s Broader Runway Safety Push Builds on EMAS Legacy
Ryanair CEO says aviation sustainability targets are 'dying a death'
US FAA funds system to prevent accidents involving runaway airplanes
Exclusive: Korean Air makes airline's biggest-ever Boeing jet order amid Trump-Lee summit
Boeing Stock Jumps on Massive Korean Air Order
Independent airlines consider joining major global alliances
Policy
Webp oman
Oman Air | Official Website

Airline alliances have become a significant part of the aviation industry, offering ticketing integration and enhanced connectivity among member airlines. However, some full-service airlines still operate independently, outside of these alliances.

Oman Air has long been one such airline, choosing to grow independently without joining oneworld, SkyTeam, or Star Alliance. Yet, this is set to change as Oman Air plans to join the oneworld alliance in June 2025. This decision follows years of speculation and delays since the idea was first reported by Simple Flying in September 2021 and confirmed in June 2022. The airline's entry into oneworld is expected to bring increased connectivity and revenue growth.

In Asia, Starlux Airlines is another independent operator aiming for alliance membership. Since its inception in January 2020, Starlux has expanded its fleet and route network significantly. The airline plans to join the oneworld alliance by the end of 2025 to enhance its operational integration with other carriers like Alaska Airlines.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Emirates remains a notable exception among Middle Eastern airlines by not participating in any major alliance. Instead, it focuses on individual codeshare agreements with various partners worldwide. Emirates considered joining Star Alliance back in 2000 but opted for independence due to concerns about operational flexibility.

Etihad Airways mirrors Emirates' strategy by avoiding alliance membership while establishing codeshare partnerships globally. Although Etihad explored creating its own alliance from 2015 to 2018 and considered joining an existing one later, it continues operating independently.

Gulf Air also stands apart from alliances despite past discussions with oneworld and Star Alliance. Like Emirates and Etihad, Gulf Air relies on codeshare partnerships for global connectivity.

Outside of full-service carriers, several hybrid and low-cost airlines also operate independently from major alliances.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025

The SFO Facility recently hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which was deemed a success by organizers.

Oct 22, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. recently held an appreciation event at its SFW facility to honor its employees.

Oct 22, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced that it contributes all of its taxable income annually to the Chicago-based Sue L. Gin Foundation Trust, which supports healthcare, education, legal aid, and immigration rights.

Oct 21, 2025