Category Archives: Aviation

Qatar Airways is resuming its service to Mykonos, Greece for the summer season as the islands welcome visitors once again. The airline is planning to operate three flights a week using a modern A320 aircraft featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class. The news has been welcomed by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, who said, “We first started flying to Mykonos in May 2018 and the route proved very popular with our customers. Due to the global pandemic, we had to suspend services last summer so we are really delighted to be returning to help support Greece’s efforts to restart tourism. We know the authorities in Greece are taking precautions to ensure public safety and visitors will be required to adhere to public health measures put in place in view of the pandemic. Equally we will be maintaining our own very high standards. Qatar Airways was the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by Skytrax. We look forward to continuing to provide the safest possible experience for travellers across the world, and expanding upon our role in assisting the recovery of the commercial aviation industry.” Harry Theoharis, Greek Minister for Tourism said, “I am proud to welcome Qatar Airways back to Mykonos. It is very pleasing for us to have our luxury destination included in the planning of the airline’s new summer programme. In this difficult time this development comes when all of our efforts have been put into the safe opening of Greek tourism. ‘All you want is Greece’ is our new motto and with this, we invite friends …

Emirates and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which aims to position Dubai as one of the first cities in the world to implement digital verification of traveller medical records related to COVID-19 testing and vaccination. The MoU was signed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive, and His Excellency Awadh Al Ketbi, Director General of Dubai Health Authority. Sheikh Ahmed said, “Dubai is a leading global air transport hub, as well as one of the world’s most progressive cities in the area of e-government services. It’s a natural step to combine our capabilities to implement digital verification of COVID-19 medical records, which will also enable contactless document verification at Dubai Airport. This will tremendously improve the traveller experience, as well as the reliability, efficiency and compliance with entry requirements imposed by destinations around the world.” He added, “Dubai will continue to lead the way in implementing effective and balanced approaches to contagion control while facilitating travel and air transport which are crucial to communities and economies.”

flydubai announced attractive fares to select destinations that are available to book from AED 755. In addition, holidays by flydubai packages to Africa, Central Asia, Europe, the Subcontinent and the Middle East can be booked from as little as AED 1,899 per person. Whether travelling to visit family and loved ones back home or getting ready to take a well-earned break and travel somewhere new, flydubai is offering passengers more affordable and convenient travel options. The special return fares in Business Class and Economy Class are available to book until 01 April 2021 for travel up to 30 September 2021. Terms and conditions apply and passengers are encouraged to book early and book online. The packages from holidays by flydubai include hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and return Economy Class tickets. flydubai passengers looking for a getaway can book these special packages by 25 March 2021 for travel by 10 April 2021. Passengers can now take in the rich history, culture and natural beauty of Tbilisi and its stunning surroundings with packages starting from AED 1,899. For those opting for a beach getaway, they can spend their holiday on an exotic island bathed by the warm azure waters of Zanzibar with packages starting from AED 2,123, or fall in love with paradise while relaxing on a sandy Maldivian beach with packages starting from AED 4,149. Emirates Skywards is a shared loyalty programme for both Emirates and flydubai customers offering members greater convenience and simplicity with one loyalty currency and a single metric for earning and redeeming Miles. Passengers can instantly receive 2,000 bonus Skywards Miles by signing up to join the loyalty programme. New Skywards members can …

dnata continues to enhance its offering to ensure the safety and wellbeing of travellers and help airlines restore confidence in air travel. The company has partnered with the Disinfect Group and Ecas4 Australia to launch a safe, highly efficient and environment-friendly baggage disinfection service at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). Passengers arriving at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3 can take advantage of the innovative solution and have their baggage quickly and safely disinfected before leaving the airport. Disinfect Group’s advanced equipment creates an almost invisible mist that is 100% natural, non-toxic, bio-degradable and can effectively kill over 99,99% of bacteria and pathogens, such as coronavirus, on all types of baggage. Elvis Crook, Diversification Director for Asia Pacific, dnata, said: “We are delighted to launch an innovative service to further enhance safety and customer experience across the Asia Pacific region. Our partnership with Disinfect Group and Ecas4 Australia will enable dnata to engage new customers beyond the airport, supporting businesses that work towards reopening. We are confident that the innovative mist technology, which is harmless to humans but effective in killing viruses and bacteria, will help companies provide additional peace of mind to customers and employees in a post-COVID world.” Dieter Veulemans, the founder of Disinfect Group, said, “Our units add not only a layer of safety but also a level of reassurance to everyone on-site. Our product helps create a sense of safety, allowing customers to re-engage at various types of locations.” Tony Amorico, Director of Ecas4 Australia, said: “Ecas4 Australia has worked with its partners to provide technological solutions that utilise our Electrolysed Water solution to destroy pathogens and the coronavirus. We are keen to see this technology fast-tracked and provide …

Emirates and TAP Air Portugal has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand the codeshare partnership currently in place between both airlines. The new agreement will see customers of both airlines benefit from seamless connectivity on many new routes across the Americas, North Africa and East Asia. Emirates and TAP Air Portugal will also explore ways to enhance the co-operation on their respective frequent flyer programmes including reciprocal earning and redemption opportunities and popular benefits such as lounge access. In addition, both airlines plan on supporting each other’s stopover programmes in Dubai and Lisbon, with Emirates also supporting TAP Air Portugal as it looks at potential expansion opportunities in the UAE. Subject to required regulatory approvals, the expanded agreement is expected to come into effect from 01 May 2021, will provide customers with seamless booking, ticketing and travel benefits across 70 destinations on both airlines’ networks. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer said, “Emirates and TAP Air Portugal have enjoyed a mutually successful codeshare partnership for the past eight years. We are delighted to expand this relationship and look forward to delivering even more benefits to our customers.” Arik De, TAP Air Portugal’s Chief Revenue & Network Officer said: “TAP Air Portugal is pleased to enhance our Emirates partnership, allowing our guests greater geographic access. We look forward to taking Emirates customers to more cities within Portugal, to our destinations in the Americas and North Africa, and for them to benefit from our Stopover Portugal program.”

After Morocco’s recent addition to the ‘green list’, Etihad Airways is encouraging residents to enjoy quarantine-free travel on arrival back into Abu Dhabi with the launch of its Casablanca Sale.  Valid for only 24 hours at etihad.com, fly from Abu Dhabi to Casablanca in Economy for just AED 999 return. This fare is limited to 500 seats on a first-come-first-served basis. The sale starts at 11am on Monday, 15 March 2021 and ends at 11am on Tuesday, 16 March 2021, UAE time. Guests who book between 16 and 28 March 2021 will enjoy return fares starting from AED 1,995 in Economy, and Business fares from AED 9,995. Travellers can jet off anytime between 24 March – 30 June 2021. The service will operate with an initial twice-weekly flight using a three-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of its latest routes from Abu Dhabi to Almaty and Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan, starting in the middle of May 2021. With the launch of Almaty and Nur-Sultan, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi adds a further two routes to the already on sale thirteen routes. The flight to Almaty will be operated 2 times per week on Mondays and Fridays, while Nur Sultan will be operated on Thursdays and Sundays, also 2 times per week. The connection between Abu Dhabi and the cities of Almaty and Nur Sultan will open new and low-fare travel opportunities for those who would like to visit friends and relatives as well as travel for business. The new routes present an affordable opportunity for travellers to explore exciting destinations, empowering visitors to immerse themselves in the culture of the gorgeous city of Almaty and discover the world’s youngest capital, Nur Sultan. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, also available in Arabic, with fares starting as low as AED 159*. Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi said: “The new routes from Abu Dhabi to Almaty and Nur Sultan will encourage increased travel between the UAE and Kazakhstan through ultra-low-fare travel options. We are confident that the new routes will inspire a desire to travel and open the doors to new cultural experiences.”

In its ongoing commitment to provide guests with optimal flexibility, Oman Air has introduced a revised Excess Baggage Policy. By replacing its existing “extra bag” fee with a new weight-based fee, the airline now effectively offers ‘More Bags for Less’ to passengers who require more baggage allowance.  Previously, economy class passengers (excluding Super Saver) were allowed 2 bags and a total of 30 kilograms, and passengers exceeding the 30 kilograms were required to pay a fixed excess bag fee. While the revised policy maintains the 30-kilogram free baggage allowance, it differs in the fact that passengers are no longer limited to 2 bags and excess fees are calculated based on 5-kilogram weight increments. Free baggage allowances have also been revised for Business and First and aim to provide all Oman Air guests with more convenience at a time when travel behaviours are constantly changing to adapt to COVID-19 health and safety measures. Oman Air reminds passengers that the Standard Bag Specifications are total linear dimensions of up to 159 CM and a maximum weight of 32 KG. A Single Baggage exceeding 159 CM in dimensions but within 32 KG of weight is subject to the Oversized Baggage Charge over and above any Excess Weight Baggage charges. Excess baggage is available for advance purchase on omanair.com, as well as through the Oman Air call center, sales offices, and various travel agencies.    

Emirates has announced it will increase services to popular holiday destinations, Maldives and Seychelles, ahead of the Easter break. Starting March 28, the airline will offer customers 28 weekly flights to Male, and seven weekly flights to Mahe. The added services will meet market demand and offer customers greater flexibility, choice and connectivity while planning their travels this Easter holiday. Emirates currently offers customers 24 weekly flights to the Maldives, utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Starting from 28 March until 18 April, the airline will ramp up services to 28 flights a week – offering customers enhanced connectivity to the popular Indian Ocean destination, via Dubai. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, Emirates sales offices, or via travel agents. Experience world-class spa resorts, pristine beaches and explore stunning marine life in one of the world’s best diving destinations. All travellers to the Maldives, excluding Maldives citizens, must present a negative COVID‑19 PCR test result, conducted within 96 hours prior to departure. Travellers are also requested to complete the online Immigration and Health self‑declaration form within 24 hours prior to arrival. Starting from 28 March until 30 October 2021, Emirates’ flights from Dubai to Mahe will increase from five-times-a-week to seven-times-a-week, utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The announcement comes as the island-nation is set to re-open its borders for international travellers with no vaccination or quarantine requirements, starting 25 March. All travellers will still be required to present a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure. Visitors to Seychelles will enjoy the island-nation’s lush, tropical forests, picturesque beaches and diverse marine life. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, Emirates sales offices, or via travel agents.

 flydubai announced the start of flights to Tirana, the capital of Albania, and becomes the first UAE-based airline to offer direct flights on this route. The airline will operate two flights a week between Dubai International (DXB) and Tirana International Airport (TIA) from March 28. Commenting on the announcement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said, “as countries within our flying radius lift travel restrictions, we continue to look for new opportunities to connect previously underserved markets to Dubai.  We are pleased to be the first UAE-based airline to operate direct flights between Dubai and Tirana.” His Excellency Ermal Dredha, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the United Arab Emirates, said, “The start of direct flights between Dubai and Tirana provides a more convenient travel option for Albanian citizens living in the UAE and for the many visitors who choose to visit our country for leisure, business or as a connection hub. This new bridge will enable more people to discover the beauty of Albania in the heart of the Balkan and Mediterranean region. Albania also offers excellent cuisine and a range of tourist attractions at an affordable price. Albanians are very well-known for their warm hospitality, making visitors from the UAE as well as the GCC feel at home.” Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said, “flights to Tirana are available for booking from today on flydubai.com and through our travel partners. With a flying time from Dubai of less than six hours, Tirana is centrally located in Southeastern Europe with easy access to beautiful coastlines and mountains along the Adriatic and Ionian Sea. We look forward to welcoming our passengers …