US airlines are riding high with a $4 billion profit in the second quarter, fueled largely by international travel demand. But challenges remain: rising labor costs continue to squeeze margins, and competition for travelers is heating up. Meanwhile, Delta is taking an innovative route-planning approach, adding service to Sardinia and Malta in 2026 after letting customers and employees choose the winners. And in the policy space, JetBlue is pushing regulators to revisit airport slot rules, saying the system favors legacy carriers and stifles competition.

We're also looking at: