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2026 in aviation

The following aviation-related events occurred in the year 2026.

Events

January

1 January
MASwings rebrands as AirBorneo due to its purchase by the Sarawak government from Malaysia Airlines.
11 January
Allegiant Travel Company announces a $1.5 billion merger deal of Sun Country Airlines. The combined airline will see the Sun Country brand retired eventually and a move to a single FAA AOC (Air Operators Certificate). The deal is scheduled to take place in mid-2026, subject to regulatory and other shareholder approval.
17 January
An Indonesia Air Transport ATR 42, operating on behalf of the Indonesian Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance, crashed in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, killing all ten occupants.
25 January
More than 10,000 flights are cancelled across the United States and Canada due to a major winter storm, making it one of the days with the most weather-related flight cancellations in North America.
A Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed in poor weather conditions at Bangor International Airport, killing all six occupants. The airport was under a heavy snowstorm at the time of the accident.
28 January
A Learjet 45 carrying Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar crashed while landing at Baramati Airport, India, killing all on board. A scandal subsequently surrounded the operator, VSR Ventures, with numerous violations coming to light.
A Beechcraft 1900 operating as SATENA Flight 8849 crashed in Curasica, Norte de Santander, Colombia, killing all 15 occupants.

February

3–8 February
The Singapore Airshow took place at the Changi Exhibition Centre.
10–11 February
A sudden airspace closure around El Paso International Airport was enacted by the US Federal Aviation Administration, but was lifted a few hours later. This was the first time since the September 11 attacks that US airspace has been closed without advance notice for security reasons.
22 February
A Peruvian Air Force Mil Mi-17 crashed into terrain in Chala District, Department of Arequipa, Peru, killing all 15 occupants.
27 February
A Bolivian Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules military aircraft crashed near El Alto International Airport, on the outskirts of La Paz. The aircraft overran the runway and crashed on a busy avenue, colliding with several vehicles. At least 24 people were killed, and more than 43 were injured.

March

1 March
Due to airspace closures following the Israeli and US airstrikes on Iran, and damage at airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait following retaliatory strikes, thousands of flights were cancelled across the Middle East and operations at key hubs in the region were suspended.
22 March
A Bombardier CRJ900 operating as Air Canada Express Flight 8646 collided with a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport, New York City. Both pilots were killed. This was the first fatal accident at LaGuardia in 34 years.
23 March
A Colombian Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules military aircraft carrying 126 occupants crashed after takeoff near Puerto Leguízamo. 70 people were killed.
30 March
Michael Rousseau resigns as CEO of Air Canada following controversy over his unilingual response to the Air Canada Express Flight 8646 accident.

April

14–19 April
The Sun 'n Fun Air Show is scheduled to be held in Lakeland, Florida, United States.

July

8–11 July
The Aviation Expo is scheduled to be held in Seattle, Washington, United States.
20–26 July
The EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is scheduled to be held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States.

August

7–9 August
The Abbotsford International Airshow is scheduled to be held in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
22–23 August
The Swedish Air Force 100th Anniversary Airshow is scheduled to be held in Linköping, Sweden.

September

25–27 September
The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Airshow is scheduled to be held in San Diego, California, United States.

Ceased operations

Deadliest crash

The deadliest accident of 2026 so far is the crash of a Colombian Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules with 126 people on board shortly after takeoff from Caucaya Airport on 23 March, killing at least 70 and injuring at least 56.

References