Rwanda’s airports will reopen for scheduled commercial flight operations on August 1, 2020 stated the Ministry of Infrastructure in an official statement released. To ensure the safety and health of passengers, crews and staff, airport operations will adhere to guidelines developed by the ministry of health and recommendations of the ICAO Council on aviation recovery taskforce. All passengers including those in transit will be required to show proof of a COVID -19 PCR negative test from a certified laboratory taken within 72 hours of arriving in Rwanda. For passengers entering Rwanda, a second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival with results delivered within 24 hours during which time they will remain in designated hotels at own cost.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will take wings on July 14, 2020 with direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Alexandria and Sohag in Egypt. The inaugural flight will take off from Abu Dhabi to Alexandria on July 14 followed by flights to Sohag the next day. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will start its operations with two Airbus A320 aircraft based in Abu Dhabi International Airport offering the same value-added product and services provided by Air Arabia across its hubs. The customer journey has also been upgraded adhering to all local and international guidelines set in place to ensure safety protocols and health measures are always met. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “This joint venture between Etihad and Air Arabia will offer greater convenience and direct access to the UAE’s thriving capital for new markets worldwide, beginning with two key Egyptian routes, and expanding in time. Abu Dhabi has earned itself an exceptional reputation for business and leisure travel alike, and we look forward to seeing the emirate continue to prosper as the current global situation improves and markets begin to reopen.” Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said, “While the global aviation sector continues to witness unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic, this step is a testament to the strength of the UAE aviation sector and our commitment to its long-term prospects”. He continued, “Egypt is a key travel market and the launch of the first flights reflects our focus on supporting commercial and trade ties between both nations while providing our customers with a new value-for-money option to travel between both countries. Abu Dhabi is a major travel and tourism hub and …

46th meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Commission for the Middle East was successfully concluded, with His Excellency Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, participating from Al-Baha, one of the distinctive tourism destinations announced as part of the ‘Saudi Summer’ programme launched in the Kingdom last week. The meeting was held virtually with the participation of His Excellency the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, ministers and officials from Member States, representatives of Arab and International Organizations, and the UNWTO Regional Director for the Middle East, Basma Al-Mayman. Speaking during the meeting, His Excellency Al-Khateeb said, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia considers the UNWTO as one our primary stakeholders, and we are working with it on a number of projects, including a study on women’s contribution to the tourism sector in the Middle East, which is of significant importance as we progress towards achieving our development goals. We are aiming to host more meetings and conferences with the UNWTO in the Kingdom so we can continue these important efforts whilst highlighting the Kingdom’s amazing tourism sites and destinations once it is safe to do so.” “We are developing tangible action to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, support the tourism sector and integrate it within economic recovery programmes whilst promoting the highest standards of safety for travellers. To this end, we will work with our partners in the UNWTO and WTTC, as well as through our work as G20 President, to continue these multilateral efforts towards a global tourism recovery plan,” he concluded.

Saudi Ground Services announced that its digital transformation with SAP is boosting the aviation sector’s USD 37 billion contribution to GDP. Saudi Vision 2030 is rapidly developing international business and tourism connections, underpinned by the aviation sector, which supports 594,000 jobs and USD 37 billion to GDP in the Kingdom, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). As the Kingdom’s aviation market grows, Saudi Ground Services, which serves 670,000 flights per year for more than 90 airlines and 100 million passengers, needed to operate in real-time. Saudi Ground Services implemented the S/4HANA real-time business suite and Success Factors human experience management suite for over 12,000 employees. Now, Saudi Ground Services has access to customised airline invoices, integrated flight schedules to automate sales orders, as well as localised payroll solutions. “The Saudi Ground Services Company is asserting its market position within Saudi Arabia, in 2020 and beyond, through operational excellence capabilities,” said Capt. Fahd Cynndy, CEO, Saudi Ground Services. “Technology is positioned as a core enabler moving forward our strategy, and SAP facilitated the transformation journey by automating human resources processes, flight data, sales orders, sourcing and contracting for over 200 tenders per year.” Saudi Ground Services is also embracing its customer centric approach through augmented reality and mobility solutions, on-flight live services, strategic sourcing, automated financial postings, and predictive analytics. Remarking on the success, Saudi Ground Services has won an SAP MENA Quality Award, which recognise the region’s top digital transformation initiatives, in the “Business Transformation” category. “Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is evolving with traveller demands, technology advancements, and global growth,” said Taha Al Madani, Head of Customer Office, SAP Middle East North. “Saudi Ground Services shows how aviation …

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) revealed the number of travellers and flights across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s airports, after the issuance of the approval for resumption of domestic flights, started on Sunday May 31, 2020, through national air carriers. The recorded official statistics issued by GACA here today, indicated that the number of travellers who passed through the Kingdom’s airports, during the period from May 31 to June 30, has exceeded 756,644 passengers, departed through 9,558 flights from the Kingdom’s airports. GACA has gradually resumed domestic flights, with the aim of ensuring a safe travel journeys through the Kingdom’s airports. All necessary preventive and health measures have been taken, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the relevant government agencies, at airport facilities. GACA is working in coordination with airports, air carriers and operators in the sector to meet the local market demand. Meanwhile, GACA revealed the arrival of more than 55,000 men and women on board of Saudi Arabian Airlines fleet, since April 5 with the participation of a number of government agencies.

Wizz Air and Abu Dhabi Airport celebrated the arrival of Wizz Air’s first scheduled Wizz Air Hungary flight to Abu Dhabi International Airport. Marking a great milestone in Wizz Air’s history and further strengthening of Abu Dhabi’s connectivity and accessibility as a destination of choice for business and leisure travel, the first Budapest-Abu Dhabi flight landed in the capital of the United Arab Emirates on July 1, 2020. The inaugural Wizz Air route from Bucharest will be followed in September by flights from Sofia, Katowice and Cluj-Napoca. With these services, Wizz Air will connect these exciting European cities with Abu Dhabi and will provide countless opportunities for travellers to visit the exciting Emirate of Abu Dhabi and discover its rich array of cultural, historic, culinary and entertainment-oriented tourist attractions. George Michalopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer of Wizz Air said, “Our new sanitising protocols will give our customers the confidence that they can safely rely on Wizz Air’s ultra-low fares to visit Abu Dhabi on board one of the world’s greenest fleet. Wizz Air’s ultra-low fares and route network will contribute to the further growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector.” Khalil Lamrabet, Senior Vice President of Aviation Development at Abu Dhabi Airports said, “The arrival of Wizz Air is a testament to the strength of the Abu Dhabi market and a reflection of the success of our investments in transforming Abu Dhabi International Airport into a strategically positioned global hub for airlines from across the world.” “Abu Dhabi Airports has implemented comprehensive health and safety measures across its facilities and is committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all passengers and employees. As commercial flights resume and the international aviation …

Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) and its affiliated corporations Dubai South and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) welcomed the enactment of Law No. 4 of 2020 on the regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, saying it will help generate substantial new opportunities and business streams that will further strengthen the emirate’s regional and global position in the aviation sector. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said, “The new Law represents a strategic step to reinforce the emirate’s leadership in the global smart aviation sector. DACC and its affiliated corporations are playing an integral role in creating a supportive environment for businesses in this sector as part of Dubai’s broader transformation into the world’s smartest city. As a future-ready city, Dubai is on track to becoming an international centre for drone manufacturing, smart transport, and innovation in air transport. I am grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his forward-looking vision and determination to strengthen the sector in Dubai and position the emirate as a global pioneer.” The comprehensive new Law will create the optimal framework for regulating the operations of unmanned aerial vehicles for commercial and government purposes in Dubai while also paving the way to attract drone companies and expertise to the emirate. The growth of this sector will revolutionise many industries and open new avenues in the fields of transportation of goods and passengers, design and manufacturing, delivery services, drone-related educational and training, and R&D.

Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) announced the completion of the second phase of AlUla’s airport development project, a key component of its strategy to position the city as a major tourism destination and logistics hub. Encompassing the renovation of the airport’s main terminal building and the expansion of the apron to add 6 Code C and larger 4 Code E Aircraft Stands – an additional 150,000 metre square of taxiways with 2 additional connections to the runway – the second phase of the development project increases the airport’s annual capacity from 100,000 to 400,000 passengers. The completed Airside Works (Aprons & Taxiways) can facilitate the 15,000 aircraft movements per year required to serve the over 2,000,000 visitors to AlUla in 2035 and beyond. The development project also included the construction of a VIP lounge terminal, built using local materials and reflecting the picturesque AlUla environment, its rich heritage and includes a range of other amenities to improve passenger experience. The completion of the second phase of the airport development project is in line with RCU’s aim to continue reopen the area in readiness to receive visitors in October. Adil Jamil, Head of Infrastructure Development and Asset Management, RCU commented, “Vital infrastructure projects such as this provide the foundations for RCU’s sustainable growth strategy. The airport is continuing to create a range of employment opportunities for local residents as it emerges as a logistical hub catering to the northwest of the Kingdom.” In cooperation with Saudi Arabian Airlines, the Royal Commission for AlUla has also facilitated the resumption of flights from Riyadh to AlUla. Four flights currently run each week and it is expected that flights to AlUla from Jeddah and …

“Travel is once again becoming an option for many people in the world. However, how the world travels will change – so too will travellers behaviour. Maintaining the advances made over the past few years while offering new products and services to travellers is one of the biggest challenges facing sellers and suppliers.” said Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director, Amadeus Gulf said He added, “The recovery of travel will thus be built upon a foundation of information and collaboration. In the short term especially, brands need to put aside commercial considerations where possible and work collectively to help restore travellers’ trust in the industry. New forms of private – public partnerships should also be fostered. The bottom line is that the Middle East travel market was incredibly strong before COVID-19 and remains resilient. There is no reason why it can’t come back even better.”

“The sterilisation programmes, safety protocols and regulations guiding airports and airlines have made it all possible for the country and Dubai, one of the world’s leading tourist destinations and hub to reopen for visitors,” said Timothy Njihia – Country Manager U.A.E – RwandAir. “As an aviation and Tourism stakeholder, this is a key milestone that signals a safe return of tourism (visitors). The re-opening also coincides with Dubai Summer Surprises 2020 a return to business and finally the elusive revenues that were lost since the cessation of flights on the 25th March. What is important are the safety protocols and precautions in place and the continuous monitoring as this is what led to informed decisions on the resumption of key sectors of business and flights. One cannot underscore the importance of tourism for Dubai and the reassuring messages that have been continuously communicated. They have been very encouraging and a big boost!” “I personally cannot wait for the July 7, 2020 to welcome incoming visitors who will come to experience the diverse attractions, as well as being amongst the first of Dubai’s residents to travel overseas whilst observing the strict new rules for safety. As an airline, we look forward to resuming our daily passenger flights to Dubai at the earliest opportunity and being a contributor and driver to Dubai’s tourism,” he concluded.