Gordon Smith Archives

Gordon Smith is Airlines Editor at Skift and Editor at Airline Weekly. He’s been writing about the sector for more than a decade and enjoyed a front-row seat for some of the aviation industry’s biggest stories. Since joining Skift in January 2024, he has interviewed more than a dozen global airline CEOs, often helping make headlines along the way (special thanks to Michael O’Leary!). His informed insights have led to contributions for international media, including the London Evening Standard and Canada’s CBC Radio.

Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar International.

Ground Transport

Exclusive: U.S. Outbound Travel is 'Booming,' Says Eurostar CEO

Shaking off speculation that U.S. consumers are traveling less, Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave shares exclusive data pointing to a strong summer for overseas spending.

Gordon Smith | 2 hours ago

Airlines

London Heathrow Airport Closed: What We Know So Far

Heathrow said Friday afternoon that it was on track to resume flights after a significant power outage shuttered operations.

Darin Graham, Gordon Smith, Meghna Maharishi, and Peden Doma Bhutia | 5 days ago

Airlines

No More 'Bags Fly Free': Southwest Scraps Its Most Iconic Perk

This huge change to the Southwest business model upturns decades of unique market positioning — it’s a high-risk bet.

Gordon Smith and Meghna Maharishi | 2 weeks ago

A file image of a Lufthansa Airbus A319 at Frankfurt Airport.

Airlines

2,600+ Flights Canceled as Nationwide Strike Hits German Airports

German airports are no stranger to strike action, but even by local standards, Monday's walkout is having a huge impact.

Gordon Smith | 2 weeks ago

Arajet aircraft lined up on the airport apron.

Airlines

Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market

This summer, there will be an average of 43 daily flights between New York and the Dominican Republic. However, with just four flights a week, will Arajet’s new service threaten the incumbents?

Gordon Smith | 2 weeks ago

Airlines

IndiGo Reveals Two European Cities as First Long-Haul Destinations

Just days after introducing the 787 Dreamliner on its Bangkok route, IndiGo is ramping up its widebody ambitions further with its first European services.

Gordon Smith | 3 weeks ago

Airlines

Exclusive: Ryanair Confirms Exceptions to New '100% Paperless' Boarding Rule

Ryanair's strict new "100% paperless" boarding pass rule won't fully materialize by November, with local airport restrictions holding back a full roll-out.

Gordon Smith | 3 weeks ago

Airlines

Emirates Bets on Cambodia as Chinese Travelers Stay Away

Emirates sees big potential in Siem Reap, with a new route from Dubai starting in June. The same cannot be said for Chinese airlines, who have all but abandoned the Cambodian city.

Gordon Smith | 3 weeks ago

A British Airways A350 on the apron at the airport.

Airlines

10 C-Suite Insights from IAG’s Earnings Call

Best known as the parent company behind British Airways, IAG’s sphere of influence stretches far beyond the UK. Here are 10 must-know nuggets from Friday’s full-year earnings call.

Gordon Smith | 4 weeks ago

Airlines

Qantas Eyes 2027 Debut for New York to Sydney Nonstop Flights

If you believe the marketing hype, Qantas’ new Project Sunrise flights will “overcome the tyranny of distance.” Before it does that, it has another challenge to tackle back on terra firma – aircraft manufacturing delays.

Gordon Smith | 4 weeks ago