Category Archives: Aviation

flydubai unveiled its new Business Class Lounge at Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) underscoring the carrier’s commitment to offering an enhanced travel experience for its customers. The modern 900-square-metre Business Class Lounge can accommodate more than 200 passengers. The lounge is conveniently located after the passport control and security lanes at Dubai International’s Terminal 2 Departure area. The boarding gate for Business Class passengers is located in the lounge where passengers can board the dedicated Business Class buses for their flights. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The official opening of the lounge was attended by Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, H.E. Major-General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director-General of the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Major-General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti, General Director Assistant of the GDRFA, Major-General Ali Atiq bin Lahej, Acting Assistant Commandant for Ports Affairs, H.E. Jamal Al-Hai, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Airports and Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, along with other key stakeholders and members of the media. Commenting on the opening of the new Business Class Lounge, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: “this year, flydubai is celebrating a milestone in its journey marking 15 years of operations. We remain committed to constantly evolving and investing in enhancing customer experience whether in the air or on the ground. The new lounge will provide an enjoyable and seamless travel experience for our Business Class passengers from Terminal 2 in Dubai. We would like to thank the airport authorities for their support to officially welcome customers to the new beautifully designed space.” The new lounge features modern …

SAUDIA has signed an agreement with the Saudi Ministry of Media to strengthen coordination and collaboration across various sectors, including both ground and onboard services. The agreement was finalized during the inaugural ImpaQ Impact Makers Forum and signed by Khaled Tash, SAUDIA Group Chief Marketing Officer, and His Excellency Mishaal Al-Tuwaijri, Assistant Undersecretary for Shared Services at the Ministry of Media. Under this agreement, a dedicated channel for the Ministry of Media will be added to SAUDIA’s in-flight entertainment systems and displayed in Al Fursan lounges. This channel will provide regular updates on the Ministry’s initiatives. Additionally, SAUDIA will offer fast-track and business-class services to the Ministry’s guests and sponsor its events. Khaled Tash, SAUDIA Group Chief Marketing Officer, stated: “In line with SAUDIA’s new identity, we are committed to strengthening our relationships with various government entities to support their objectives. The Ministry of Media plays a pivotal role in showcasing the programs of Saudi Vision 2030 and its ambitious projects across various media channels. Displaying the Ministry’s initiatives on Saudia’s screens will significantly boost their visibility, supported by our daily operations of over 600 flights connecting the world to the Kingdom and over 100 destinations worldwide. This agreement aligns with Saudia’s largest project to enhance the guest experience by delivering quality services at every stage of travel and integrating the latest innovations in aviation.” The ImpaQ Impact Makers Forum, a visionary initiative by the Ministry of Media, serves as a premier platform for exchanging expertise and celebrating successful endeavors. The forum spans 14 key areas of influence, including media, artificial intelligence, sports, tourism, entertainment, and culture. It aims to redefine paradigms of media collaboration and create interactive platforms that tell …

Air Arabia has announced the launch of a new direct route connecting Sharjah to Sochi, Russia. This latest addition to Air Arabia’s growing network will begin operations on June 27, 2025, with three weekly flights between Sharjah International Airport and Sochi International Airport.  Sochi marks the sixth Russian destination served by Air Arabia from Sharjah, joining Moscow, Kazan, Samara, Ufa, and Yekaterinburg. The airline also operates non-stop services from its UAE hubs in Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, strengthening ties between the two nations and promoting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. With a modern fleet of 79 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, Air Arabia offers passengers a top-tier experience, including free in-flight streaming with ‘SkyTime,’ affordable catering through ‘SkyCafe,’ and access to the ‘Air Rewards’ loyalty program for earning and redeeming points.  Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: ” We are delighted to announce the launch of our new route to Sochi, further expanding our presence in Russia and reinforcing the strong ties between the UAE and Russia. This new connection reflects our commitment to providing customers with more travel options and contributing to the growth of tourism and trade between the two countries. We look forward to welcoming customers onboard this exciting new service.” Travelers can now book flights from Sharjah to Sochi through Air Arabia’s website, call center, or travel agencies.

SAUDIA Group has collaborated with Riyadh Season 2024 to unveil the “BLVD Runway” zone as part the season. This innovative zone, themed around an airport runway, is now open to visitors featuring three SAUDIA Boeing 777 aircraft that have been transformed to provide a unique setting for entertainment, shopping, dining, and interactive experiences. H.E. Advisor Turki Alalsheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, received a symbolic key to the aircraft from H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group, marking the zone’s official launch, which will continue for two months. The zone, spans 140,000 square meters, and includes 13 retail stores, 13 interactive experiences, and five restaurants. A 12-day spectacle unfolded as the three aircraft were transported overland from Jeddah to Riyadh. Led by H.E. Turki Alsheikh, the journey garnered significant attention on social media, with each city along the route organizing welcoming ceremonies, highlighting the Kingdom’s logistical advancements. The event was thoroughly documented with videos and photos, which received widespread coverage across various media platforms. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group, stated: “We are proud to be part of this historic moment, marking our participation in Riyadh Season, a key enabler of the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The season has experienced exceptional growth and transformation year after year and is one of the most anticipated entertainment events, under the direct supervision of H.E. Turki Alalsheikh. This collaboration is one of the fruits of Saudia’s sponsorship of Riyadh Season 2024 as a platinum and official airline partner. The launch event featured presentations by technicians from SAUDIA Technic – a subsidiary of SAUDIA Group – detailing the stages of dismantling and transport of the aircraft, two of which …

Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Marriott Bonvoy by Marriott International are enhancing their partnership to provide Privilege Club members with new benefits to unlock more travel experiences across the globe. Privilege Club members with a Marriott Bonvoy account can convert their Avios into Marriott Bonvoy points. This enhancement is the first-of-its-kind for airline loyalty programmes in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, providing members with a new way to use their Avios across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary brands and 10,000 global destinations. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can now convert their Avios to Marriott Bonvoy points at a two-to-one ratio. To do this, members simply need to log into their Qatar Airways Privilege Club account through the Qatar Airways app or website, visit the Marriott Bonvoy partner page, and select the number of Avios they wish to convert. A minimum of 1,000 Avios is required in their Privilege Club account to complete a transaction. This added advantage to the partnership provides members with more choice for spending their Avios. Privilege Club members are now able to book complimentary nights across renowned brands such as W Hotels, JW Marriott, Autograph Collection, Westin, and Moxy Hotels. Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Loyalty, Mr. Thomas Vadakedath, said: “Qatar Airways Privilege Club is pleased to expand its long-standing partnership with Marriott Bonvoy. With the latest enhancement, we are excited to offer Privilege Club members a new way to spend their Avios, and access rewards of their choice with Marriott Bonvoy.” “As the loyalty programme of the ‘World’s Best Airline’ we aim to offer members with benefits that elevate their travel experiences, and the latest advancement in our partnership …

Etihad Airways celebrated the launch of its new service to Nairobi marking the airline’s latest milestone in a remarkable year of network expansion. Operating through the state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport, the service creates a vital connection between the UAE’s capital and one of Africa’s most dynamic cities. “The introduction of our Nairobi service enhances our growing network while responding to strong travel demand between the UAE and Kenya, as demonstrated by today’s completely full inaugural flight,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways. “As both Abu Dhabi and Kenya experience remarkable tourism growth and set ambitious targets for the future, this route creates valuable opportunities for both destinations. The service strengthens the important ties between our regions, supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub while providing enhanced access to Kenya’s thriving tourism market.” The launch comes at a significant time for Kenya’s tourism sector. With visitor numbers expected to reach 3 million in 2024 and targets of 5 million visitors in the coming years, Kenya’s tourism industry is on a strong growth trajectory. The Nairobi launch follows the successful introduction of services to Antalya, Bali, Boston, Jaipur, Kozhikode, Mykonos, Nice, Qassim, and Thiruvananthapuram in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, Etihad will continue its expansion with thirteen new destinations: Warsaw and Prague in June; Al Alamein and Atlanta in July; Taipei in September; Medan, Phnom Penh, and Krabi in October; and Tunis, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Algiers in November. The Abu Dhabi-Nairobi route connects two destinations known for their distinctive offerings. Abu Dhabi welcomes visitors with its blend of modern attractions and rich heritage, from the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the Louvre Abu …

Qatar Airways is set to re-launch daily flights to Canberra driving connectivity and increased competition for the benefit of Canberrans and Australian customers. The daily flights to Canberra will operate via Melbourne to the airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport, in Doha, which has consistently been voted the World’s Best Airport, as well as offering travellers a world-class stopover experience with seamless connections to more than 170 destinations across the Qatar Airways global network. The flights, commencing in December 2025, will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring the airline’s award-winning Q-suite Business Class cabin* and complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for all passengers. Qatar Airways ceased operations to Canberra during the global pandemic, making this announcement a significant milestone for the airline as it reconnects to the city, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the surrounding regions. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are delighted to be able to serve Canberra once again. The nation’s capital, the political heart of Australia, rightly expects to be served by a range of international airlines, and I am proud that we are able to play our part in that. Whether travelling for business, government services or leisure, our commitment to Australia, and to Canberra, is one that we know will bring much needed healthy competition to the market and greater choice for passengers.” Canberra Airport CEO, Mr. Stephen Byron, highlighted the significance of the recommencement of services, highlighting its importance for the region. “The return of Qatar Airways marks an exciting and pivotal moment for Canberra and our surrounding regions. This service not only provides over a million residents access to a global network spanning more than 170 destinations but also …

Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles have entered into a codeshare agreement, allowing customers to travel seamlessly on a single booking between all of Etihad’s destinations and Mahe, Seychelles connecting via the impressive Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Etihad customers will have access to exotic destinations such as Praslin and Mauritius via Air Seychelles direct service beyond Mahe.  Etihad and Air Seychelles will collaborate on the six flights per week between Abu Dhabi and Mahe starting May 2025. Under the codeshare agreement, travellers can look forward to a great flight experience with the same baggage allowance and a choice of complimentary food and drink, as well as inflight entertainment, with members of Etihad Guest earning miles on each flight. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “This exciting agreement offers Etihad Airways’ guests increased frequency and convenience for travel between Abu Dhabi and Seychelles, and onward to Mauritius. The flights will integrate seamlessly with Etihad’s global network, enhancing connectivity for passengers of both airlines. “This collaboration not only enhances travel options but also strengthens the relationship between the two airlines, promising a superior travel experience for all passengers.” Charles Johnson, Air Seychelles’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re excited to be launching our nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Seychelles, with continuing same-plane service to Mauritius. With a schedule designed to optimize time in our tropical paradise, guests will feel the warmth of the Creole Spirit from the moment they board.”

Dubai International (DXB) is set to welcome a surge in travellers as the winter holiday season unfolds, with over 5.2 million guests expected between  13 and 31 December. The daily average is projected at 274,000 guests, with Friday, 20 December, anticipated to be the busiest day of the period, hosting nearly 296,000 guests. The weekend from 20 to 22 December will also see peak activity, with an estimated 880,000 guests passing through. Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said: “Delivering the exceptional experience that DXB is known for during peak travel periods is always a challenge, but one we are well-prepared to meet with collaboration across the oneDXB family. This year, we are excited to welcome millions of guests while also creating moments of joy through festive activations. The Family Zone at Terminal 3 will transform into a winter wonderland featuring a unique fusion performance of carollers and beatboxers, a Magic Station offering gift-wrapping and photo opportunities, a Nutcracker marching band, and more. These activities are designed to surprise and delight, making every journey through DXB truly memorable.” This season’s traffic surge reflects Dubai’s global appeal, with visitors drawn to its vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings, as well as the city’s amazing winter weather. Of the projected traffic, 1.7 million guests will arrive in Dubai, and 1.5 million will depart, underscoring Dubai’s rising position as a premier destination for international travellers. Travel Tips for Guests Dubai Airports is committed to ensuring a seamless travel experience for all guests during this peak period. Here are some tips for those travelling during the coming weeks to make their journey as smooth as possible: • Check-in …

Emirates will be introducing a third non-stop service between Dubai and Melbourne, starting from 30 March 2025. The third service will be operated with a newly retrofitted four-class Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, equipped with the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy product and latest generation Business class seats. The airline currently operates two non-stop daily flights between Dubai and Melbourne using four-class Airbus A380s, and a daily flight that connects Dubai to Melbourne via Singapore with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Emirates’ operations between Singapore and Melbourne will cease on 30 March 2025, and the airline plans to operate the third direct Dubai-Melbourne flight and fourth Dubai-Singapore service with new flight numbers.* Starting from 30 March 2025, the four-class Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft will be deployed on flights EK404/405 between Dubai and Melbourne. Emirates’ flight EK404 will depart from Dubai at 21:15hrs, arriving in Melbourne at 17:40hrs the following day**. The return flight EK405 will depart Melbourne at 23:55hrs and arrives in Dubai at 07:00hrs the next day**. The third daily non-stop flight also means customers have more convenient schedules and choice, with unrivalled connectivity and travel options via Dubai to 27 European cities served with multiple daily flights including London, Paris, and Frankfurt. Emirates’ latest refurbished Boeing 777 includes 8 First Class Suites, 40 Business Class seats, 24 seats in Premium Economy, and 256 Economy Class seats. The latest introduction means Emirates’ Victoria operations will be supported with the airline’s next generation products. Emirates’ Premium Economy cabins were named ‘Best in Class’s class at the 2024 Business Traveller, Asia-Pacific awards. The cream leather seats with 6-way adjustable headrests boast a 38-inch pitch and are 19.5-inches wide, reclining 8 inches for more space, stretching and relaxing. …