Iran Aviation Sanctions: The US tightened sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector, forcing Iranian carriers to suspend some international routes (including Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia and Azerbaijan) while some services to China continued; Iran warned regional states that blocking Iranian aircraft would hurt their own airports, and China condemned the measures as illegal. Premium Demand Timing: Qatar Airways says three in four passengers now book within 60 days, reflecting longer decision cycles amid airspace closures, fuel swings and schedule uncertainty; IATA data points to strong load factors, especially in premium cabins. US ATC Modernization Pressure: Reuters reports the US air traffic control system is still held back by outdated telecom and aging equipment, with recent failures causing major Northeast disruptions and renewed calls for large-scale modernization funding. Airline Orders & Fleet Moves: Turkish Airlines finalized a major Boeing 737 MAX deal—100 firm 737-8s plus options for 50, with substitution rights for 737-10—aimed at boosting short- and medium-haul capacity. Regional Connectivity Funding: The US DOT awarded nearly $12M to 14 communities to add or restore regional air service, using revenue guarantees and marketing to reduce airline launch risk. Safety & Turbulence Fallout: UK inquests linked a Singapore Airlines turbulence incident to a fatal cardiac arrest, underscoring health risks during severe turbulence. Cargo Growth: SF Airlines launched a Shanghai–Singapore Boeing 767 freighter service to strengthen cargo links as Singapore becomes its first overseas hub.