Category Archives: Aviation

Gama Aviation has confirmed major progress in the construction of its new Business Aviation Centre (BAC) at Sharjah International Airport, a purpose-built facility set to redefine operational efficiency and client experience in the Middle East. Representing a significant multi-million-dollar investment, the project reinforces Gama Aviation’s long-term confidence in the UAE and the wider region, marking an important milestone in the company’s continued expansion of business aviation services across EMEA. “Our investment in Sharjah underlines our confidence in both the emirate and the region’s aviation future,” said Marwan Khalek, Group CEO, Gama Aviation. “It supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 framework by delivering world-class aviation infrastructure and creating high-value employment, while giving our clients an efficient, well-connected alternative to more congested hubs. Sharjah’s pro-business environment and accessibility make it an ideal location for a new generation of business aviation services.” Sharjah’s strategic appeal has strengthened further following the announcement of Dubai International Airport (DXB)’s planned closure and the future consolidation of operations at Dubai World Central (DWC). With operators and owners now assessing long-term alternatives, Gama Aviation’s investment in the BAC positions Sharjah as a credible, high-quality option offering both proximity and efficiency. Scheduled for completion in early 2026, the Business Aviation Centre occupies a site of over 80,000 square metres within the Sharjah International Airport estate. The development supports the emirate’s infrastructure and diversification objectives, aligned with the UAE’s Vision 2030 roadmap for sustainable growth and connectivity.

Turkish Airlines  is further strengthening its footprint in the United Arab Emirates with the introduction of two daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. Starting 26 October 2025, the airline will increase its frequency from ten to fourteen weekly flights, offering its guests greater flexibility and seamless connectivity across its unrivaled global network. With this development, travellers from Abu Dhabi will benefit from two daily departures, unlocking easier access not only to Istanbul, but also to over 350 destinations worldwide through Turkish Airlines’ expansive hub. The frequency increase coincides with Turkish Airlines’ 44th year of its flight operations in the UAE, underscoring its long-standing commitment to connecting the UAE to the world. Commenting on the expanded operations, Turkish Airlines Vice President, Sales (Middle East and Cyprus), Erol Şenol, said: “The introduction of double daily flights from Abu Dhabi marks not only a culmination of over four decades of flag carrier’s presence in the UAE, but also a renewed commitment to offering our guests more choice, convenience, and connectivity. We are proud to serve as a bridge between Türkiye and the world through our Istanbul hub, bringing people, cultures, and opportunities closer together.” The national flag carrier underlines its connectivity not only with increasing flight operations across the globe but also maintains its unrivaled flight network as the airline flying to more countries than any other, a distinction that has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records™ with the title of “Most Countries Flown to by an Airline”. This outstanding accomplishment had reaffirmed Turkish Airlines’ status as a true global connector of people and cultures over decades. Fares for the Abu Dhabi–Istanbul route will start from 950 AED and tickets are available for purchase …

Ryanair announced a record winter schedule for Amman offering over 300,000 seats across 18 destinations and connecting Jordan to 12 EU countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The rapid restoration of Ryanair’s full operations at Amman Airport reflects the pro-business approach of the Jordanian Government and the airport’s pragmatic support, reinforcing Jordan’s position as one of the Middle East’s most attractive and accessible tourism destinations. Ryanair reaffirmed its commitment to driving inbound tourism and economic growth by offering Europe’s lowest fares, allowing visitors to spend more in Jordan’s local hotels, restaurants, and services, directly supporting job creation and local businesses. Ryanair also unveiled an ambitious investment proposal for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which envisions increasing annual traffic by 360% to reach 3 million seats, operating 50 direct connections from European cities to Jordan, launching new flights to Marka (Amman) Airport, and maintaining year-round services to Aqaba. Ryanair CEO, Eddie Wilson, said, “Ryanair is thrilled to announce the return to full operations to Jordan from Oct, underlined by a record Winter schedule for Amman. With 84 weekly flights across 18 routes to 12 European countries such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, and Spain, Ryanair’s investment will ensure that Jordan remains a key tourist destination this Winter – delivering enhanced connectivity, increased tourism, and economic growth with Europe’s lowest fares. Ryanair’s rapid return to Jordan is built on a long-standing partnership between Ryanair and the Kingdom, whose pro-growth strategy will ensure Jordan remains the premier tourist destination in the Middle East. We are also excited to unveil our investment proposal which will increase Ryanair traffic to Jordan to 3m seats p.a., deliver 50 direct connections across Amman, Marka …

Red Sea International Airport (RSI), operated by daa International, celebrated Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight from Doha to RSI marking a milestone as RSI’s second international route, the new Qatar Airways flight will run three time weekly, further expanding access to The Red Sea by providing direct connectivity to Qatar and seamless one-stop access to travellers from Europe. Enabled by the strategic support of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), and the Air Connectivity Programme (ACP), the inaugural Qatar Airways flight was welcomed by an esteemed delegation. Guests in attendance to mark the momentous occasion included John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global, Ahmad Darwish, Group Chief Administrative Officer at Red Sea Global, Andrew Tyler-Smith, CEO at RSI, Anas Ali Almahbob, GM of Economic Licenses at GACA. Qatar Airways delegation was led by Abdulla Al-Malki, SVP Business Control and Financial Support, Mr. Karthik Viswanathan, VP Sales – Middle East, Caucasus, Pakistan & ISC, and Sheikh Jassim bin Fahad Al-Thani, Head of Aeropolitical & Regulatory Affairs. Once Qatar Airways received their official route license from GACA, delegates enjoyed a tour of RSI’s elevated passenger experience including landscaped gardens, serene architecture and a landmark VIP lounge experience. With more connections and services on the horizon, the airport is set to become a key gateway to one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. Located 90 km south of Al Wajh in the west of Saudi Arabia, RSI is within three hours flying time for 250 million people and within eight hours for 85% of the global population.

flydubai has announced seven new interline agreements, boosting its total number of interline partners to over 40 and offering passengers access to more than 300 destinations across the combined networks. The Dubai-based carrier continues to expand connectivity across Asia and Europe, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub. Passengers can now connect to over 30 European destinations through Greece’s Aegean Airlines and Italy’s ITA Airways, including Amsterdam, Athens, Brussels, Frankfurt, Madrid, Munich, Thessaloniki, Turin, and Venice. In Asia, interline partnerships with Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Myanmar Airways International open up more than 90 destinations across the Far East and South-East Asia, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, and Yangon. flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “These agreements provide our passengers with more flexibility and choice while enhancing Dubai’s accessibility for tourism and business. Our commitment to seamless travel ensures single-ticket itineraries and through-checked baggage across partner networks.” With a modern fleet of 95 Boeing 737 aircraft, flydubai offers an elevated travel experience in Business and Economy Class, featuring lie-flat seats, international menus, and immersive inflight entertainment. Interline flights are available for booking via flydubai.com, partner airline websites, and travel agents.

Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways announced the launch of codeshare flights to 19 destinations, with more set to be added in the near future. Kenya Airways customers can book codeshare flights between Nairobi and Doha, as well as to 10 destinations connecting through the award-winning Hamad International Airport. Similarly, Qatar Airways customers now have access to eight destinations in Kenya Airways’ network, connecting through three daily flights between Doha and Nairobi. Passengers will be able to travel on these codeshare flights from 26 October 2025. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “We are pleased with the significant progress made in just a few months since the partnership initiated with Kenya Airways, and this enhancement is a testament of the collaborative efforts which further strengthens our presence in Kenya and the African continent. The recent addition of Qatar Airways’ third daily flight to Nairobi also serves as another cornerstone of this partnership that is driven by strong demand from passengers seeking reliable and seamless connectivity.” Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, said: “We are excited to embark on this new chapter of our partnership with Qatar Airways. This partnership will significantly enhance connectivity especially across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, expanding our flight offerings, and opening up a world of new destinations for our customers to explore. Together with Qatar Airways, we are dedicated to providing our customers with easy access to a variety of destinations, paired with better connectivity and a seamless travel experience.” Today’s announcement enables Qatar Airways to continue expanding its footprint within the African continent, providing passengers from more than 170 destinations across the globe with easier access to key leisure and …

Royal Jordanian Airlines is expanding its European network with the launch of a new nonstop service between Amman (AMM) and Hamburg (HAM), beginning 28 March 2026. The route will be operated using RJ’s modern Airbus A320neo fleet, offering passengers enhanced comfort, inflight Wi-Fi, and a premium onboard experience. “Following our growing success in the European market, where we introduced over 10 destinations in the last three years, we are excited to add Hamburg as our newest German destination,” said Karim Makhlouf, Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Jordanian. “This launch reinforces RJ’s growth strategy and highlights Jordan as an emerging travel destination for German tourists.” The new Amman–Hamburg connection aligns with RJ’s ExploRJordan tourism initiative, which aims to promote Jordan’s rich heritage and diverse attractions. Visitors can explore the bustling streets and contemporary culture of Amman, marvel at the ancient wonders of Petra, experience the striking landscapes of Wadi Rum, and relax by the Dead Sea’s tranquil waters.

Hamad International Airport (HIA) marked the inaugural China Southern Airlines flight CZ8059 from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), a milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Qatar and China. China Southern Airlines will operate the Doha–Beijing service three times weekly, providing direct access for passengers and cargo across two key international hubs. This development enhances Qatar’s position as a global aviation hub and offers new opportunities for travel trade partners, including tour operators, corporate travel planners, and freight forwarders, to design packages, facilitate international business travel, and streamline logistics. The route supports growth in tourism and commercial exchanges, enabling increased passenger flow between the Middle East and Asia. With the addition of this service, Hamad International Airport continues to expand its network, strengthening Qatar’s role as a gateway for international connectivity and fostering broader economic and cultural ties. The event featured a traditional water salute, ribbon-cutting, and formal welcomes, highlighting the strategic importance of the new route for trade, tourism, and business between the two nations. Senior representatives from China Southern Airlines and HIA attended the ceremony, reinforcing the collaborative effort behind this expansion.

flydubai celebrated the launch of its four-times-weekly service from Dubai to Nairobi, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Kenya. Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and South Asia) at flydubai, said: “The launch of flights to Nairobi reflects our commitment to enhancing connectivity for passengers from the UAE, Kenya, and beyond. Kenya remains a key market for flydubai, and we are excited to offer convenient and comfortable travel options.” The inaugural flight touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and was welcomed with a water cannon salute and representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), and Kenya Airports Authority. From 1 October, flydubai also increased flights to Mombasa to daily service, bringing total operations in Kenya to 11 weekly flights. With Nairobi added, flydubai now serves 12 destinations across eight African countries, including Alexandria, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, and Zanzibar. Flights operate from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Return Business Class fares start from AED 4,500, while Economy Class Lite fares begin at AED 1,450, offering travellers seamless access to Kenya’s capital, a hub for business, culture, and wildlife tourism. With this fifth direct route to Germany, Royal Jordanian continues to strengthen air connectivity between the Middle East and Europe, offering travellers seamless access and more options to explore Jordan’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Emirates marked a significant milestone with the launch of its iconic Airbus A350 to Oslo bringing its award-winning Premium Economy offering to Scandinavia for the first time. The airline hosted an exclusive celebration at the airport, welcoming invited guests and media for an afternoon that underscored its commitment to delivering exceptional service in the region. The introduction of the A350 service to Oslo marks a new chapter in the airline’s investment to the Norwegian market. Renowned for comfort and service, it features the airline’s newest signature Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class interiors – setting a new standard for passenger excellence across all classes. Since its launch in 2014, Emirates’ daily service between Dubai and Oslo has become preferred choice for both business and leisure travellers connecting Norway to the United Arab Emirates and onward to the airline’s extensive global network. Emirates’ senior executives, including Pierfrancesco Carino, VP Commercial Operations North and West Europe, and Terje Grue, Country Manager Norway attended the event. Also present were Majid Al Matrooshi from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Norway, Ståle Lien Hansen, Mayor of Ullensaker Municipality, and Dorothy Billett, SVP Terminal Operations at Avinor. Terje Grue said: “We are thrilled to bring the A350 and our Premium Economy product to Norway. This is an important step in strengthening our presence in the market. Travellers from Oslo will now be able to enjoy an entirely new level of comfort, whether flying to Dubai or onwards to our many destinations across Asia, Africa, and Australia.” Making luxury travel more accessible to a wider audience, Premium Economy offers an experience similar to Business Class on many airlines. It has a generous 40-inch seat pitch, 8-inch …