Category Archives: Aviation

Turkish Airlines, driven by its mission to offer guests a peerless travel experience, is now carrying Türkiye’s unparalleled cultural treasures to the skies. The new amenity kit collection, called the “UNESCO Türkiye Series,” is inspired by six outstanding UNESCO World Heritage sites in Türkiye which are Nemrut, Göbeklitepe, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Ani, and Troy along with four different ebru (Turkish Marbling) designs and three traditional carpet-rug motifs. These new kits are now being offered in Business Class on flights ranging from five to eight hours, while different versions will be introduced in mid-January for Economy Class on flights lasting more than eight hours. Developed in collaboration with the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO, this special collection highlights Turkish Airlines’ vision to not only provide comfort above the clouds but also showcase Türkiye’s historic and cultural values on the global stage. Each set is presented as a memorable travel keepsake that combines thousands of years of Anatolian history and artistic heritage with contemporary design elements. A modern interpretation of traditional Turkish art, each kit includes hand and body lotion and lip balm formulated by the luxury fragrance brand Ex Nihilo. Additionally, around 80% of the materials used in items such as socks, eye masks, and toothbrushes are made from recycled materials and sustainable options like biodegradable cornstarch. Commenting on the new collection, Turkish Airlines Chief Operations Officer M. Akif Konar stated: “With the UNESCO Türkiye Series, not only we are providing our guests with a memorable flight experience but we are also showcasing Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage to the world. As Turkish Airlines, we continue to maintain our lead in the global aviation sector with our sustainability-focused approach and our vision of …

Qatar Airways resumed flights at Abha International Airport (AHB). The airline will operate two weekly flights to Abha, offering seamless connectivity on Qatar Airways’ extensive global network of over 170 destinations. With the resumption of this route, Qatar Airways brings the total number of destinations it serves within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to 11, including: Abha, AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu. Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are delighted to resume flights to Abha, our 11th gateway in Saudi Arabia. With over 140 weekly flights, we connect more than 36,000 passengers weekly between Saudi Arabia and Doha. This highlights our commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting tourism and strengthening economic and cultural ties between our two nations.” Air Connectivity Program CEO, Mr. Majid Khan, said: “The cooperation between the Air Connectivity Program and Qatar Airways is a significant step in enhancing the Kingdom’s air connectivity. This partnership not only connects our two countries but also opens doors for global visitors to explore the unique experiences that the Kingdom offers.” Cluster 2 Airports Company Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Ali Masrahi, said: “The commencement of direct flights between Doha and Abha represents a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This new route will not only facilitate travel for tourists and business visitors, but also contribute substantially to the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy and National Aviation Strategy. By improving accessibility to the Aseer region, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, these flights will boost local economies, create employment opportunities, and showcase the …

Gulf Air announced the launch of seasonal flights for Summer to Nice, France, starting on 22 May and operating throughout the summer until 28 September; and to Geneva, Switzerland, starting on 03 June to 12 September. The airline will operate two weekly flights from Bahrain to both Nice and Geneva via Milan. These routes will be served by Gulf Air’s state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft, offering passengers superior travel experience, with a modern and spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and advanced in-flight entertainment systems. Renowned for its natural attractions and luxurious lifestyle, summer 2025 marks the comeback on Nice for the fourth consecutive year as a Gulf Air seasonal destination, while the airline will build on the success of its Geneva route in summer 2024 by bringing this favorite financial and leisure hub back to Gulf Air network for the second consecutive summer. The flights from Bahrain via Milan to Nice will depart on Thursday and Sunday at 01:40 am, and from Nice via Milan to Bahrain at 09:50 am, while flights from Bahrain via Milan to Geneva will operate on Tuesday and Friday at 01:40 am, and from Geneva via Milan to Bahrain at 09:40 am. The launch of these seasonal flights reflects Gulf Air’s strategic expansion plans within the European market, focusing on key leisure and business destinations. Additional destinations to the Gulf Air network will be announced in the coming months.

Emirates is bringing forward the deployment of its Airbus A350 to Kuwait and Bahrain. Services will start 8 January, making them the second and third destinations to be served by the airline’s newest aircraft. Emirates will operate its Airbus A350 on the following services to Kuwait and Bahrain. Kuwait: The Emirates A350 will operate on EK853 and EK854. EK 853 departs Dubai at 0125hrs, arriving in Kuwait at 0215hrs. The return flight, EK 854 leaves Kuwait at 0340hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0625hrs. Bahrain: The Emirates A350 will operate on two of the three daily flights to the Kingdom – EK837/838, and EK839/840. EK 837 departs Dubai at 0820hrs, arriving in Bahrain at 0840hrs. The return flight, EK 838, departs Bahrain at 1000hrs, arriving back to Dubai at 1215hrs. The second flight operated by the Airbus A350, EK 839, takes off at 1600hrs, arriving in Bahrain at 1620hrs. EK 840 leaves Bahrain at 1745hrs, arriving back to Dubai at 2000hrs. The three-class aircraft features 312 seats, with 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 arrangement, offering more space and comfort in every cabin. The Emirates A350 operating to both cities boasts a suite of next-generation features in every cabin class, including high ceilings and wider aisles, new technology touches, faster Wi-Fi, and the latest version of the ice inflight entertainment system featuring a cinematic experience for customers to enjoy the airline’s vast media and channel selection of on-demand entertainment. Emirates has been serving Kuwait since 1989, and today operates 29 weekly flights. Emirates’ A350 to Kuwait is the second aircraft …

Emirates additional scheduled service between Colombo and Dubai will start from 2 January 2025, increases the seat capacity on the route by 30 percent and supports Sri Lanka’s plans to considerably increase tourist arrivals in 2025. The additional service will operate six times a week until 31 March 2025. The additional flight can accommodate up to 360 passengers, with 8 suites in First Class, 42 Business Class and 310 Economy Class seats, offering a premium customer experience while enhancing convenience and choice with an expanded flight schedule. Emirates currently operates two direct fights between Colombo and Dubai and a third daily service via Male. EK654 will depart Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 10:05hrs (every day except Wednesdays) arriving in Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake at 16:00hrs (all times are local). The return flight, EK655 will depart BIA at 22:05hrs and reach DXB at 01:05hrs (the following day). From 1 April 2025, a seventh weekly flight on Wednesdays will operate with an adjusted departure time of 22:05hrs, arriving in DXB at 00:55hrs while the return flight from will depart Dubai at 13:20hrs and arrives in Colombo at 19:15hrs. Emirates and Sri Lanka Tourism share a long-standing strategic partnership, collaborating on initiatives and programmes designed to boost tourism to Sri Lanka by showcasing the destination to customers across its global network. Sri Lanka Tourism recently announced its vision to appeal to eco-conscious travellers by highlighting the island’s rich natural and cultural resources. Furthermore, with the boost in capacity on the Colombo-Dubai route, Emirates will contribute to achieving the country’s tourism targets of attracting 3 million visitors by 2025. Emirates began operations to Sri Lanka in April 1986 and has consistently supported the country’s …

Air Arabia celebrated the inaugural flight of its new non-stop service from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport to Moscow Domodedovo International Airport, marking an exciting milestone in the airline’s expanding network. The new service operates three times a week, offering enhanced connectivity between the UAE and Russia. A ceremony was held at RAK International Airport to commemorate the occasion, attended by representatives from Air Arabia, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport Authority, and other dignitaries. Schedule to Moscow, effective December 27, 2024 (all times local): Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency G9 830 Ras Al Khaimah 18:20 Moscow 23:05 Airbus A320 Wednesday/Friday/Sunday G9 831 Moscow 23:55 Ras Al Khaimah 06:25 Airbus A320 Wednesday/Friday/Sunday “We are pleased to inaugurate our new route connecting Ras Al Khaimah to Russia’s capital city, Moscow.” said Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. “This addition reinforces our commitment to offering our passengers affordable and convenient travel options while supporting the growth of tourism and trade between the UAE and Russia.” Air Arabia’s current network from Ras Al Khaimah offers passengers direct connections to major cities including Cairo, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Calicut. With a modern fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, Air Arabia offers passengers added comfort and a value-added experience with ‘SkyTime’ a free in-flight streaming, and ‘SkyCafe’ an onboard catering service at affordable prices. In addition, Air Arabia offers ‘Air Rewards’ an innovative and generous loyalty program through which passengers can earn, transfer, and spend points. Customers can now book their flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Moscow by visiting Air Arabia’s website, calling the call center, or through travel agencies.

Red Sea Global (RSG) welcomed the inaugural flynas flight from Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport to Red Sea International Airport (RSI) marking the launch of the first direct connection from the Eastern Province to The Red Sea destination. Flights will operate twice a week, every Thursday and Saturday, serving both The Red Sea destination and surrounding areas. This new route, alongside existing flights from Riyadh and Jeddah, enhances connectivity between The Red Sea destination and the broader Kingdom. Strategically positioned, RSI lies within a three-hour flight for 250 million people and an eight-hour flight for 85% of the world’s population. Since September 2023, The Red Sea destination has been welcoming guests to five of its world-class resorts, with regular schedule of domestic flights operated by SAUDIA have been servicing RSI. In 2024, RSI marked another milestone by receiving its first international flight from Dubai International Airport, operated by flydubai. These developments underscore RSI’s role as a vital gateway, seamlessly connecting travelers to one of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking destinations. Once fully operational, RSI will run entirely on renewable energy, sourced from the destination’s expansive solar farms, featuring 760,500 photovoltaic (PV) panels and one of the world’s largest off-grid Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Currently, all airside operations, including critical infrastructure such as Airfield Ground Lighting, the Instrument Landing System, the meteorological building, and various mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, are already powered exclusively by renewable energy. This achievement reflects RSI’s commitment to sustainable innovation and environmental stewardship. Upon project completion in 2030, The Red Sea destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential units across 22 islands and six inland sites. It will …

flydubai announced new seasonal summer flights to Al Alamein International Airport (DBB). The new daily operation will offer flydubai customers more options for travel next summer to one of the most exciting, up-and-coming holiday destinations in the region. Flights to the Mediterranean leisure destination will operate daily from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) between 21 June and 07 September 2025. The direct flights will offer customers from Dubai, and across the network, easier access to Egypt’s popular Al Sahel North Coast. Commenting on the start of operations, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “we are excited to add Al Alamein to our seasonal summer schedule. The daily operation will enable more visitors to enjoy the stunning Mediterranean coastlines, beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere of Egypt’s North Coast region. flydubai remains committed to stimulating free flows of trade and tourism in underserved markets and supporting Dubai’s aviation hub.” With the addition of its summer operations to Al Alamein, flydubai grows its network in Egypt to three destination including Alexandria and Cairo (Sphinx), served by 21 weekly flights. The carrier has seen growing demand for its operations to the new airport in Cairo since the launch of its flights last year, giving passengers more options for travel via a new gateway to the capital. Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said: “we continue to look for new opportunities to grow our network and offer our customers more options for travel, especially during busy travel periods. Al Alamein is a fantastic new edition to our summer offering which includes popular destinations such as Batumi, Bodrum, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Santorini and …

SAUDIA has signed a strategic partnership with Resal, a leading Saudi company specializing in digital rewards solutions and loyalty programs. This collaboration allows Resal customers to convert their earned points from purchases via the Resal app into AlFursan Reward Miles, granting them access to various travel benefits and exclusive offers from AlFursan Loyalty Program. The agreement was signed by Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of AlFursan Loyalty Program at Saudia, and Hatem Al-Kameli, CEO of Resal. Essam Akhonbay stated: “This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing our loyalty offerings and strengthening our connection with AlFursan members. We remain dedicated to expanding our network of partnerships and delivering added value to Saudia’s guests.”  Hatem Al-Kameli said: “We are delighted to partner with AlFursan Loyalty Program, one of the most prominent and prestigious loyalty programs in Saudi Arabia and the region. This partnership reflects Resal’s vision of fostering a culture of loyalty and offering diverse reward experiences that meet our customers’ aspirations.” AlFursan provides its members with an extensive range of benefits, including the option to add an extra piece of checked luggage, priority on waiting lists, bonus miles, and lounge access. Members also enjoy a diverse selection of offers and rewards through 40 global partnerships, including banks, hotels, car rental companies, telecommunications, retailers, and insurance companies. Resal is a leading Saudi company in prepaid digital card solutions, loyalty programs, and rewards, providing integrated technical solutions for businesses, merchants, and individuals through its diverse offerings, which include Resal Business Solutions, Resal Merchant Solutions, and the Resal Wallet. The company is distinguished by its strategic partnerships with over 1,000 entities across the public and private sectors.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi announced the resumption of its non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to Beirut, Lebanon. The resumption of the flights underscores Air Arabia’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible and seamless travel options for its passengers. Starting 9 January  2025, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will operate four weekly non-stop flights between Zayed International Airport and Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. The flights will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, offering passengers greater flexibility and convenience. Schedule to Beirut, effective January 9, 2025 (all times local): Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency 3L 450 Abu Dhabi 08:25 Beirut 11:00 A320 Monday/Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday 3L 451 Beirut 11:40 Abu Dhabi 17:20 A320 Monday/Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday Air Arabia operates a modern fleet of 79 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. Offering passengers, a value-added onboard experience, the aircraft is equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming, and ‘SkyCafe’ an onboard catering service at affordable prices. In addition, Air Arabia offers ‘Air Rewards’ an innovative and generous loyalty program through which passengers can earn, transfer, and spend points. Customers can book their flights to Beirut by visiting Air Arabia’s website, contacting our call center, or through travel agencies.