Category Archives: Aviation

Etihad Airways has welcomed its sixth A350 to its growing fleet. The state-of-the-art aircraft arrived this weekend following a successful delivery flight from Toulouse, France, further strengthening Etihad’s position as one of the airlines with the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the sky. The A350 is a favourite with guests, boasting an unparalleled flying experience with award-winning Business Class, featuring privacy-focused sliding doors, wireless charging, and cutting-edge inflight entertainment systems, while Economy Class offers ergonomic seating, device holders, and Bluetooth connectivity with inflight entertainment. Renowned for its sustainability, the A350 stands out as one of the most efficient wide-body jets, with 25 per cent lower CO2 emissions and a 50 per cent smaller noise footprint compared to earlier-generation aircraft. The long-range of the A350-1000 makes it a versatile aircraft for Etihad’s fleet. This summer, Etihad will begin operating the A350 to Atlanta, its newest and sixth gateway into North America and one of 16 new routes Etihad is launching this year.

Emirates will be introducing its newest Airbus A380s fitted with its latest cabins, including Premium Economy, to Manchester and Milan. The latest retrofitted A380s will operate on EK017/018 to Manchester from 6 June, and on EK091/092 to Milan from 1 July. * With the introduction of Emirates’ newly retrofitted A380 to Manchester, the airline will expand its Premium Economy offering to nearly 5,000 weekly seats in and out of the UK from June. The enhanced service to Manchester complements the four daily retrofitted A380s currently serving the Dubai-London Heathrow route, the Emirates A350 operating to Edinburgh, and the soon-to-launch refurbished Boeing 777 scheduled to serve London Stansted from May. Milan will become Emirates’ second Italian gateway to offer the airline’s latest cabins and Premium Economy seats following the planned deployment of the airline’s A350 to Bologna later in June. These additions will expand Emirates’ network of retrofitted A380 destinations to 19 global points, underscoring the airline’s commitment to investing in the very best customer experience in the sky and adding more premium cabin options and choice across geographies. By July, travellers from Manchester and Milan will be able to experience Emirates’ latest cabin features onboard the four-class A380 on the full journey to key points across Australasia and Asia including Sydney, Singapore, Osaka, Mumbai, Bangalore, and more. On a four-class Emirates A380, the Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. Each seat offers generous pitch and width for working and relaxing, as well as customised features like in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table. The onboard experience is rounded off with meticulously selected in-flight amenities, a curated menu, …

IndiGo is strengthening its global presence, expanding its international network from India to Fujairah as the fifth destination in UAE. Fujairah, IndiGo’s 41st international destination on its network, further solidifies its presence in the Middle East. The new daily flights from Mumbai and Kannur to Fujairah, with dedicated bus services to & from Dubai and Sharjah, complementing existing routes to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, will unlock new travel options for tourism and trade, catering to both leisure and business travelers. With an extensive domestic network spanning over 90 destinations in India, the airline now offers seamless connections to 132 destinations worldwide. The airline’s expanded footprint in the UAE will enhance regional connectivity, reinforcing its commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences. The strategically planned flight timings with carefully coordinated bus arrival and departure times offer travellers a hassle-free journey, discovering Dubai’s iconic landmarks, Sharjah’s cultural attractions, or experiencing the best of the UAE. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce the launch of daily direct flights from Mumbai and Kannur to Fujairah, a hidden gem in the UAE that’s rich in natural beauty and economic potential. As our 41st international destination and fifth in the UAE (we already fly to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah & Sharjah), Fujairah offers a unique blend of mountainous landscapes and a thriving coastline on the Gulf of Oman. With its growing importance in trade, logistics, and tourism, we’re confident that these new flights will further enhance regional connectivity. At IndiGo, we’re committed to providing convenient, affordable, and seamless travel experiences that bring people and businesses closer together.” Fujairah, located along the eastern coast …

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hyatt hotels in Dubai to showcase the city to new global audiences. Through innovative marketing initiatives, exclusive events, and tailored visitor experiences, this collaboration aligns with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. Signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Fathi Khogaly, Area Vice President for the Hyatt hotels in Dubai, the agreement underscores both parties’ commitment to driving tourism growth and elevating the city’s profile on the world stage. Under the terms of the MoU, the Hyatt hotels in Dubai will actively participate in various DET-led initiatives, including hosting familiarisation (FAM) trips, study programmes, and high-profile events designed to attract international visitors. Additionally, they will support DET’s promotional campaigns, such as flash sales, exhibitions, and roadshows, while receiving reciprocal marketing assistance for upcoming projects such as the launch of the new Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark, which is set to open this year. Special emphasis will be placed on leveraging key opinion leaders (KOLs) and creating engaging content to amplify reach and impact. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “This collaboration with Hyatt Hotels Dubai aligns with the aspirations of our visionary leadership to position Dubai as the best city to visit, live and work in. Driving forward the ambitious D33 Agenda, with the support of all stakeholders and partners, it is also a testament to our shared vision of diversifying and …

Qatar Airways will be launching three additional flights to Manchester, UK, from 4 June 2025, to support increasing demand for the airline ahead of the summer season. The route will be served by carrier’s state-of-the-art fleet of Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 787-9s. The Best Airline in the World, as voted by Skytrax in 2024, began its operations in the northern England city in 2003. Manchester remains an integral city in Qatar Airways’ network of more than 170 destinations, served via the World’s Best Airport and Airport Shopping, Hamad International Airport, as voted by Skytrax. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways’ increase in flights to Manchester comes as part of enhancing connectivity from all over the world to the “Capital of the North”. Global passengers will soon have greater choice and comfort when traveling to Manchester with Qatar Airways through our award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH) – voted World’s Best Airport and World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax in 2024. “With these incremental flights to Manchester, we are also proud to facilitate connectivity and capacity between UK and Australia – two significant markets for global travel.” Manchester, a city studded with red-brick Victorian architecture, is not only home to the world-famous football teams, but is also the backdrop of historic industrial movements, genre-defining musical bands, and inspiring art scenes. Qatar Airways flights to Manchester (MAN) The flights will depart every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: • Doha (DOH) to Manchester (MAN) – Flight QR25: Departure 02:40; Arrival 08:00 • Manchester (MAN) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR26: Departure 09:30; Arrival 18:20 Qatar Airways, a benchmark for excellence in the industry, remains a prominent leader in global connectivity. …

Building upon its commitment to digital transformation and customer-first innovation, SalamAir announced the launch of its dedicated WhatsApp service. Passengers can now receive their tickets and boarding passes directly via WhatsApp, ensuring a smoother and more connected travel experience.​ This initiative follows a series of enhancements introduced in the last few months to provide travellers greater flexibility and personalization, which included the launch of the Express Bag and Priority services. These offerings reflect SalamAir’s dedication to reforming the airline experience by combining low fares with enhanced flexibility, allowing passengers to tailor their journeys to their needs.​ Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer of SalamAir, emphasized the airline’s vision:​”At SalamAir, we believe passengers should have the freedom to choose the services that matter to them. As part of our broader digital transformation strategy, we’re introducing smart, customer-focused tools, like our new WhatsApp service, to enhance flexibility and control. This is just the beginning; the WhatsApp platform will continue to evolve, offering even more features to make the travel experience seamless and personal.” ​The introduction of the WhatsApp service marks another milestone in SalamAir’s journey towards delivering seamless, tech-driven solutions that prioritize customer convenience and satisfaction.

Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform, analysed seats availability data on flights scheduled in international, one-way, direct flights connecting to nine Middle East destinations (Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrein), that collectively account for 12% of the total global inbound air seats scheduled for the full year 2025. This study is part of a series of Middle East market insights Mabrian will release in the lead-up to Arabian Travel Market 2025, aiming at sparking discussions on key trends shaping the travel & tourism in the region. Ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2025, this edition addressing the connectivity role in tourism development, Mabrian analysed the international air connectivity evolution and forecasts for 9 top Middle East destinations, revealing their role and potential as global aviation hubs and travel destinations, as well as challenges for a sustainable growth for international air connectivity. Mabrian’s analysis of 2025 international air seat availability reveals key shifts in the Middle East’s aviation landscape, underscoring the need for strategic route development, airline partnerships, and network optimisation to strengthen the Middle East’s position as a global aviation hub. Key take outs of this study indicate that the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye maintain their positions as top global connectivity hubs; Saudi Arabia emerges as a fast-growing competitor; Qatar stabilises after sustained expansion; Egypt and Jordan are set to outpace global growth rates, and Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait face declining inbound connectivity. Saudi Air Connectivity Soars: A +38% Growth in Inbound Seats Since 2019. The United Arab Emirates (ranking in 7th position worldwide with 88.9 million seats available on international flights) and Türkiye (9th position, with 75.6 million seats) are among the top …

Emirates has revealed that for the first time ever My Emirates Pass will be available all year round with seasonal summer and winter offers; giving customers access to over 600 exclusive offers across Dubai – an opportunity to make the most out of their visit. Customers flying from, through or to Dubai can now unlock discounts on top culinary experiences, world-class shopping experiences, unmissable leisure attractions, and tranquil luxury spas any time of the year. Whether it’s an unforgettable family trip, a relaxing couples retreat, or a solo adventure, My Emirates Pass will offer those visiting Dubai unforgettable experiences no matter the season. Using My Emirates Pass will remain as easy as ever, passengers will simply need to show their physical or digital boarding pass along with a valid ID at participating venues to enjoy the benefits. Passengers who checked in online and downloaded their boarding pass to the Emirates App or Wallet should remember to screenshot it before landing, as it will no longer be accessible afterward. Emirates will roll out exclusive seasonal summer offers, running from 1st April through to 30th September, making it easier than ever to experience the best of Dubai, including the return of the much-anticipated Dubai Summer Surprises. Dubai Summer Surprises From 27th June to 31st August 2025, visitors can take advantage of Dubai Summer Surprises, a deal-packed season filled with exciting offers and unforgettable experiences. Emirates passengers flying to Dubai can look forward to luxurious shopping, spectacular entertainment, and exceptional dining. With countless offers and surprises in store, summer in Dubai is the perfect time to enjoy incredible value and create unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages. An unforgettable summer of memories Whether passengers are …

British Airways is improving connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the UK by increasing its Riyadh to London Heathrow service from seven to 13 flights per week for the summer season. Starting from 30 March 2025, customers will benefit from nearly double the number of flights, with more than 80,000 additional seats versus last year. This expansion will strengthen connections between the UK and Saudi Arabia, supporting growing demand from both business and leisure travellers, who can now take advantage of the added frequencies for business trips, family getaways or reconnecting with loved ones. The new flight additions will operate nearly every day of the week (excluding Tuesdays), strategically timed to offer customers more flexibility for onward connections within British Airways’ extensive global network from London Heathrow to more than 200 destinations. The airline consistently has Arabic speaking cabin crew on its flights to and from Riyadh enabling them to offer a more comfortable and personalised experience on board, reinforcing the airline’s deep understanding of its Saudi Arabian customers’ requirements. With fares starting only from SAR 1956, travellers will have the option to choose from British Airways’ four-cabin configuration*, First, Club World (business class), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and World Traveller (economy), ensuring a tailored experience to suit every travel preference and budget, all while enjoying world-class service and comfort. British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, said: “We are delighted to be increasing our services from Riyadh to London Heathrow, giving customers more options to travel between both regions, connecting families, friends and businesses. “This addition to our schedule not only benefits our many business and leisure customers, but also strengthens our long-standing connection and cultural ties between …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi inaugurated new routes to Varna, Bulgaria, and Bucharest Băneasa Airport, strengthening its Eastern European network and commitment to accessible, affordable, and reliable travel. In addition to the exciting news, the national airline has launched a two-day promotion*, offering up to 20% off selected ticket fares starting today, exclusively for WIZZ Discount Club members, and available to all customers starting Tuesday 1 April. These exciting new routes offer smart travellers convenient, direct access to two culturally rich cities at unbeatable prices. Flights to Varna operate three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), and flights to Bucharest Băneasa operate four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, available in Arabic. The launch of the new route to Varna marks a significant milestone in the region’s aviation industry, as Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is the only carrier operating this route between the UAE and Bulgaria. Connecting these two major cities opens new opportunities for passengers, offering an affordable and reliable service. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We are proud to expand our ever-growing network with Varna and Bucharest Băneasa, two vibrant European cities offering a unique mix of culture, history and adventure. These routes provide travellers with greater choice, unbeatable value and more opportunities to explore both familiar and undiscovered destinations. Our new route to Varna provides a new travel option for the region, allowing passengers to visit destinations they have never been to before and making commuting easier than ever. In addition to the exciting news, we are offering up to a 20% discount today on selected flights for …