GACA stated that the total number of complaints submitted by passengers against air carriers in June amounted to 900. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued an index for the classification of air transport service providers and airports based on the number of complaints filed by travelers to the authority in June. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) was the least carrier complained about, with 12 complaints per 100,000 passengers. The state-run airline recorded a timely complaint handling rate of 99%. Flynas ranked second, with 14 complaints and a closure rate of 100%. Meanwhile, Flyadeal came third, with 18 complaints per 100,000 passengers, reporting a timely complaint closure rate of 96%. The most frequent complaints for June were about luggage, boarding and ticketing services. For the same month, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah reported the lowest complaints, at a rate of 0.4% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive over six million passengers annually. Only 16 complaints were submitted by travelers, with a timely complaint handling rate of 77%. Abha International Airport was the least airport complained about, at a rate of 1% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive less than six million passengers annually. Only eight complaints were submitted, with a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. For domestic reports, Bisha Airport recorded the lowest complaints per 100,000 passengers with one complaint, or 3%, recording a timely complaint processing rate of 100%.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top spot in the category of airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, with an 82% compliance rate. Following closely behind was King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 64%. In the category of international airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport tied for first place, with a 91% compliance rate. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport followed with a 82% compliance rate. In the 2 to 5 million annual passenger category, Abha International Airport and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan demonstrated a 100% compliance rate. However, Abha International Airport outperformed King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport by surpassing higher targets in the specified evaluation criteria. In the category of less than 2 million passengers annually, Al-Ahsa International Airport achieved a 100% compliance rate, outperforming its competitors regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. Qurayyat Airport came first in the domestic airport category, with a 100% compliance rate. It outperformed all competing airports regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its June report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia. Airports are assessed based on 11 operational performance standards, which align with strategic objectives to enhance services and ensure a seamless traveler experience at Kingdom airports. The report ranked King Khalid International Airport, King Fahd International Airport, Abha International Airport, Al-Ahsa International Airport, and Qurayyat Airport highly. GACA categorizes airports for performance evaluation based on annual passenger numbers, ensuring a transparent approach. GACA evaluates airport performance through operational performance standards focused on critical passenger touchpoints. These include check-in, security, passport control, customs, baggage claim, and assistance for …

Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah announced the launch of two exclusive summer wedding packages, offering the lowest rates available for any wedding celebration from 1st June to 30th September 2024. These packages are designed to make your dream wedding a reality, with unparalleled amenities and stunning settings that will create unforgettable memories. Summer Weddings at Ula Experience the epitome of summer romance with our all-inclusive Ula Summer Wedding Package. Indulge in exquisite canapés, a sumptuous dinner buffet, and a picturesque photoshoot at Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, all topped off with a complimentary night’s stay in a luxurious chalet. Make your dream wedding a reality in the heart of summer bliss. Package Includes: AED 250 per person (includes 1 hour of canapés and dinner buffet with soft beverages) Wedding cake Minimum 100 guests guaranteed Event setup from 3 PM onwards Unique location photoshoot at Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island 1-night complimentary stay in a Chalet with a pool Food tasting for 4 people with items from the menu 2 complimentary meeting rooms for bridal makeup Earn double points on ALL meeting planner bookings Offer Valid: 1st June to 31st September 2024 Book now and celebrate your love with a perfect summer wedding at Ula!   Summer Weddings at Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island Elevate your love story with our Summer Ballroom Special Wedding Packages at Movenpick Al Marjan Island: Where Every Moment Sparkles in the Glow of Summer Romance. Package includes: Family style menu from AED 220 per person Venue: Ballroom 1-night stay in a Family Room with BB meal plan Food tasting for 4 people with items from the menu 2 complimentary meeting rooms for bridal …

As part of its tireless efforts to implement its social responsibility programs, Kuwait Airways in cooperation with the National Bank of Kuwait hosted an educational tour and field visit for NBK Aspire program students as part of their summer internship at the company’s various facilities. This included a visit to the aircraft hangar facilities at the Engineering department to understand about the mechanisms and procedures of the department’s work related to aircraft maintenance. This was in addition to providing the trainees with detailed explanations about the nature of work related to maintenance procedures, thereby enriching the knowledge of the participants about the world of aviation. The Acting Director of Corporate Communication and Public Relations department at Kuwait Airways, Mr. Hamad Bader Al-Ozainah stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to host the students participating in the National Bank of Kuwait’s summer internship program. The visit is a unique opportunity for our future generations to understand about their national carrier, Kuwait Airways, and its modern fleet with its present development, in terms of the aircraft technical and technological maintenance procedures. This is in addition to learning about the history of the company, established in 1954 with its legacy, successive eras and achievements which was depicted at the company’s permanent exhibition gallery at the headquarters.” Al-Ozainah added by saying, “In an effort to implement its social responsibility programs, Kuwait Airways is keen to organize such educational trips at the various facilities of the company, to instil determination as well as historical and cognitive information in young people, thus becoming an added value for our country, Kuwait, and contributing greatly to knowing their talents and preferences from a young age, through cooperation with the banking …

IndiGo announced new direct flight between Bengaluru and Abu Dhabi. Commencing from August 01, 2024, the Bengaluru-Abu Dhabi flight will operate six times a week, serving as a gateway for Indian travellers to explore the island city and beyond, through IndiGo’s extensive network. It will also provide an opportunity for international travellers to witness the rich heritage and historical landmarks in the vibrant city of Bengaluru. With the launch of this new flight, IndiGo will now operate 75 weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to 10 cities in India, further strengthening connectivity to the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce direct flights between Bengaluru and Abu-Dhabi. Bengaluru is the tenth city on IndiGo network to offer direct flights between Abu Dhabi and India. With the addition of these flights, IndiGo offers 75 weekly frequencies to Abu Dhabi and over 220 to the UAE. This new flight will further strengthen travel, trade and tourism between India and the UAE by offering smooth and convenient options for business as well as leisure. As India’s premier airline, we remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver an affordable, on-time, courteous and hassle-free travel experience.” Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is famous for its stunning islands and record-breaking theme parks, impressive architecture, cultural landmarks, and stunning shorelines. The city’s rapid development and urbanisation, coupled with the massive oil and gas reserves, have transformed it into a large, developed metropolis. Some of the famous attractions include Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari World, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Emirates Park Zoo, and Al Ain Palace Museum. A techie’s paradise, Bengaluru is popularly …

Sharjah Airport welcomed over 8.3 million passengers over the past six months, while recording a similar growth in aviation movement during the same period of 12.2% with 52,702 flight movements. Additionally, Sharjah Airport succeeded in recording a significant growth in cargo handling operations, which reached 40.7% with a total of 97.2 thousand tons. Meanwhile, sea-air cargo operations increased by 17.5% with a total of 7.4 thousand tons. In the context of solidifying its competitiveness and leadership by enhancing operational performance and providing services of the highest global standards, Sharjah Airport achieved a 12.4% growth in total passengers in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year. Sharjah Airport Represents a Dynamic and Active Gateway Supporting Economic, Tourism, and Business Sectors in the Emirate of Sharjah His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), affirmed that the progressive and well-planned growth in Sharjah Airport’s performance in travel, aviation, and cargo operations enhances its strategic efforts to solidify its leading regional position as the optimal choice for passengers in the region. This is due to the airport’s provision of a safe and seamless travel experience, adoption of the latest innovative technologies, adherence to environmental sustainability standards, and offering of integrated and high-quality services that align with passengers’ desires and aspirations. His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa pointed out that Sharjah Airport serves as a dynamic and effective gateway supporting economic activity, tourism, and the business sector, while attracting investments to the Emirate of Sharjah and connecting it with industrial and economic zones as well as commercial markets. This is achieved by expanding the airport’s connectivity networks and increasing the frequency of aviation movements globally. The …

flynas announced that it has increased the seat capacity on its domestic flights to Taif, Abha, and Al-Baha to more than 480,000 seats, an increase of 21% during the summer season for this year compared to the same period last year, with an average of 30 flights per day for three months, intending to enhance domestic tourism during the summer of 2024, in conjunction with taking delivery of the 52nd new aircraft out of an order to purchase 120 A320neo aircraft from Airbus. Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas, stated that increasing seat capacity to domestic summer destinations confirms flynas commitment to promoting its role as a national carrier in supporting and empowering the tourism sector in the Kingdom and achieving its ambitious goals set by the Saudi Vision 2030 in cooperation and integration with the relevant authorities in the tourism and aviation sectors. “This increase in seat capacity also comes in response to the preferences of our traveling guests and the increasing demand for domestic destinations during the summer season from all flynas operation bases around the Kingdom,” Almohanna added. “Taking delivery of new aircraft, flynas will continue to double its operational capacities and achieve its goals in line with the remarkable growth in the fleet size, within the framework of its strategic plan for growth and expansion, launched under the slogan “We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” in parallel with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 100 million tourists yearly by 2030. Direct flights to Taif, Abha, and Al-Baha depart …

The United Arab Emirates and China signed MoU to increase air connectivity between the two countries. The negotiations resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase air connectivity between the airports of the UAE and the airports of China. Additionally, both parties agreed to enhance cooperation and collaboration in the civil aviation sector and to explore new initiatives that would strengthen bilateral relations in the aviation sector. The United Arab Emirates, represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), held a round of Air Services Consultation’s with the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) in Beijing. The aim was to enhance bilateral air transport relations between the two countries and to increase air connectivity. The UAE delegation was led by His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA. In this context, H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, highlighted the authority’s dedication to enhancing air transport services, bolstering its international presence, and improving air connectivity to benefit the UAE’s national carriers. He expressed commendation for the agreements reached during the discussions, foreseeing a substantial positive impact on the economic sectors of mutual interest. He emphasized the significance of collaboration and the exchange of expertise between the two countries in areas of aviation security, safety, air transport, aviation industry and investments in the aviation sector. He added that the first Air Connectivity Forum between the two countries, held on July 15, was instrumental in achieving positive outcomes in the negotiations. He also highlighted the necessity of holding such forums on a consistent basis to support and strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries.

IndiGo announced direct flights to Abu Dhabi from Mangaluru, a major commercial center in Karnataka, and Coimbatore and Tiruchirappalli, famous tourist spots in Tamil Nadu. The flights on the Abu Dhabi to Mangaluru route will operate daily, from August 09, 2024, and the Tiruchirappalli to Abu Dhabi will operate four times a week, starting from August 11, 2024. Starting from August 10, the direct flights from Coimbatore, also known as ‘Manchester of South India’, will operate thrice weekly. Recently, the airline had announced new direct flight between Bengaluru and Abu Dhabi, which will operate six times a week from August 01, 2024. These new routes will further strengthen IndiGo’s international connectivity, with non-stop flights connecting the thriving capital city of United Arab Emirates to key cities in Southern India. Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce new direct flights from Mangaluru, Coimbatore as well as Tiruchirappalli to Abu Dhabi. With the addition of these flights, IndiGo now operates 89 non-stop flights a week to Abu Dhabi from 13 cities in India. These flights will provide smooth and convenient options for business as well as leisure travel to the UAE and further add to the gateways for travelers to explore the wonderful island city and beyond. As India’s preferred airline, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing enhanced connectivity and delivering an affordable, on- time, courteous and hassle-free travel experience to our customers.” Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is famous for its stunning islands and record-breaking theme parks, impressive architecture, cultural landmarks, and stunning shorelines. The city’s rapid development and urbanisation, coupled with the massive oil and gas reserves, have transformed it …

Akasa Air commenced direct flights connecting Ahmedabad with Jeddah, the port city of Saudi Arabia, marking its first international route from the Indian city.  The airline now operates two weekly flights between Ahmedabad and Jeddah, providing enhanced and affordable options for air travel between the two major commercial hubs. In an event held at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to flag off the maiden flight, a ceremonial lamp was lit in the presence of members of Akasa Air’s Executive Committee – Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air and Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, Akasa Air. The event was also graced by the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, and a special boarding pass was presented to the first passenger on the inaugural flight. Ahmedabad is Akasa Air’s maiden destination, and the airline forayed into the city in August 2022 with the commencement of weekly flights connecting it with Mumbai. Akasa Air has completed 23 successful months of operations from Ahmedabad and has progressively expanded its presence in the region. The airline now seamlessly connects Ahmedabad non-stop with six domestic and one international destination including Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gwalior, Pune and Jeddah, and operates 59 weekly departures from the city. Since the launch of operations, Akasa Air has carried over 1.8 million passengers to and from Ahmedabad. Commenting on the occasion, Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air said “As our maiden destination, Ahmedabad holds immense prominence for Akasa Air, and we are delighted to mark our first international flight from the city with the launch of operations to Jeddah. Ahmedabad is India’s leading industrial centre that has displayed a growing appetite for air travel to the Middle East region, and Jeddah has …