American Airlines has announced the temporary suspension of select routes during August and September as rising jet fuel costs continue to impact airline operations. The carrier said the schedule adjustments are a response to elevated operating expenses and broader challenges affecting the aviation industry.

In a statement, the airline confirmed that passengers impacted by the route suspensions will be offered alternative travel arrangements or refunds. American Airlines also clarified that the affected services are being suspended temporarily and that no routes are being permanently removed from its network.

The airline noted that the decision reflects wider industry trends as carriers worldwide face increasing pressure from higher fuel prices and operational costs. Despite the temporary changes, American Airlines said it remains committed to offering one of the largest flight networks in the United States.

The increase in jet fuel costs has become a major concern for airlines, with fuel accounting for a significant share of operating expenses. Industry data indicates that jet fuel prices have risen sharply in recent months amid disruptions in global oil supplies and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The situation has been further affected by reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit routes. Continued disruptions have contributed to supply concerns, leading to higher energy prices across several sectors.

As airlines adjust to these conditions, many carriers have introduced schedule reductions, revised flight frequencies and implemented cost-saving measures. Some airlines have also increased fees and reduced certain customer benefits to offset rising operational expenses.

The impact is being felt beyond the aviation sector, with higher fuel costs contributing to increased prices for transportation, food and other essential goods. Travellers may also face fewer flight options and higher airfares as airlines continue to navigate the challenging operating environment.

American Airlines has not yet provided a detailed list of the affected routes. However, reports indicate that six routes, primarily involving services from Los Angeles and other destinations across North America, could be impacted by the temporary suspensions.

The airline said it will continue monitoring market conditions and operational costs while making adjustments aimed at maintaining network efficiency and service reliability.

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, the rooftop dining destination at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, has unveiled a new menu that celebrates the rich and diverse flavours of Spain. Located on the 33rd floor and overlooking Bangkok’s skyline, the venue brings together authentic Spanish cuisine and a unique dining experience beneath the transparent base of the hotel's infinity pool.

The new menu has been crafted by the hotel's Spanish chef de cuisine, Juan Ignacio Garcia Racionero, popularly known as Chef Nacho. Originally from Madrid, Chef Nacho has built his culinary expertise in some of Spain’s leading kitchens and has designed the menu to showcase flavours from different regions across the country.

Drawing inspiration from Spain’s varied gastronomic traditions, the menu features everything from San Sebastian-style pintxos and Basque-influenced dishes to Madrid street-food favourites, Andalusian seafood specialities, and traditional rice and fideuà dishes associated with Spain’s eastern coastal regions.

Among the signature offerings are Steak tartar y Gilda San Sebastian, which combines Wagyu tenderloin tartare with brown and white anchovies and Spanish pickles on ciabatta, and Tacos de Rabo de Toro, featuring braised oxtail, roasted piquillo peppers and smoked Idiazabal cheese served in homemade corn tacos.

Seafood takes centre stage across the menu with dishes such as Carpaccio de Gamba Roja, a red prawn carpaccio finished with espelette pepper and extra virgin olive oil, and Lomo de Corvina al Pil Pil de Azafran y Aji Amarillo, a croaker dish paired with saffron-infused pil-pil sauce, yellow chilli and fish collagen.

Other highlights include Pulpo Frito served with mashed potato and paprika oil, black squid-ink fideuà with red prawns and octopus, and a seafood paella prepared with clams, mussels and squid.

The dessert selection continues the Spanish theme with a burnt Basque chocolate cheesecake served alongside white chocolate ice cream, warm chocolate fondant with vanilla custard, and creamy rice pudding topped with confit strawberries.

"This menu is very personal to me because it draws on the different regions and flavours I grew up with in Spain," said Chef Nacho. "Spanish cuisine changes dramatically from one region to another, and I wanted the menu to encapsulate that diversity and match the energy of LUZ's, with dishes designed to be shared over cocktails and incredible views of Bangkok".

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar welcomes guests daily from 4pm until midnight, offering an elevated dining experience that combines Spanish culinary traditions with panoramic views of Bangkok.

Air India and Riyadh Air have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the framework for a future partnership that aims to provide travellers with greater connectivity between India, Saudi Arabia, and destinations across the globe.

The agreement reflects the shared vision of both full-service carriers to strengthen international travel links by leveraging their strategic hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Riyadh. The proposed collaboration is expected to offer passengers more travel options and seamless connections across both airline networks.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the two airlines plan to introduce interline and codeshare arrangements that will allow guests to book journeys across both networks through a single reservation while benefiting from smoother transit experiences through their respective hubs.

Beyond network connectivity, Air India and Riyadh Air will also explore opportunities to collaborate in areas such as loyalty programme benefits, cargo operations, operational support, and digital and technology initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall guest experience.

The partnership comes at a time when travel demand between India and Saudi Arabia continues to grow, driven by business travel, tourism, and strong people-to-people connections between the two countries.

Commenting on the development, Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said, “India and Saudi Arabia are two important growth markets in global aviation today, and the scale and momentum in both countries make this a natural partnership. We look forward to working with Riyadh Air to bring together complementary strengths of the two airlines to unlock that opportunity with a focus on offering our guests more choice across our combined networks and elevating their travel experiences.”

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, added, “India is one of the most important and dynamic aviation markets in the world, and this partnership with Air India marks a defining step in Riyadh Air's mission to connect Saudi Arabia with key global destinations. Together, we will offer guests a seamless, world-class experience that reflects the deep cultural and economic bonds shared between our two nations.”

Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has significantly expanded its international alliance network. The airline currently maintains 25 codeshare partnerships and more than 120 interline agreements with global carriers, providing access to over 1,000 destinations worldwide.

Riyadh Air has also recently opened public sales for its flights to London Heathrow through its website and mobile application. The inaugural service is scheduled to commence on July 1, offering Indian travellers seamless connectivity through Riyadh to the United Kingdom and Europe for business, leisure, and family travel.

The proposed partnership marks another important step in strengthening aviation ties between India and Saudi Arabia while expanding premium travel choices for passengers across both markets.