Category Archives: Aviation

Air Arabia announced the launch of new daily non-stop flights from Sharjah International Airport to Warsaw Modlin Mazovia Airport, starting 20 December 2025. The addition of this new airport complements the airline’s existing service to Warsaw Chopin International Airport, offering passengers even greater flexibility and convenience when travelling to the Polish capital. “We are glad to introduce a new service to a second airport in Warsaw, offering daily non-stop connectivity between the UAE and Poland,” said Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. “This new service reinforces our commitment to providing customers with more travel choices and underscores the growing demand for affordable air travel between the two countries. The additional service at Modlin Airports alongside our existing service at Chopin Airport, enables us to further expand our reach across the Polish capital and its surrounding regions, providing even greater convenience to our passengers.” The new service marks Air Arabia’s continued growth in Poland, complementing its existing service to Warsaw Chopin International Airport and its direct flights to Kraków from Sharjah. Air Arabia now offers travellers even more flexibility and choice. The airline’s expanded network provides seamless, direct connectivity between the UAE and key cities in Poland, making it easier for business or leisure travellers. Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across the fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch compared to any economy cabin. The aircraft is also equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices. Customers can also enjoy …

Etihad Airways announced three additional new destinations to further expand its global network. The airline will add seasonal flights to Kazan, Russia from December this year. Krakow, Poland; and Salalah, Oman will be added in the summer of 2026. These new routes offer guests more opportunities to discover unique cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Krakow, Salalah and Kazan each bring something special to our network – from UNESCO-listed heritage in Poland, and refreshing green landscapes in Oman, to a vibrant Volga-side city in Russia. “As we continue to grow Etihad’s footprint globally, our focus remains simple: to directly link Abu Dhabi with places people want to visit, and warmly welcome more visitors to experience our beautiful home and the UAE’s capital. We’ve already celebrated inaugural flights to four new destinations this year and set to add another 13 routes before the year closes – it’s a remarkable year for Etihad.” Krakow, Poland: launching 16 June 2026, Krakow will be Etihad’s second destination in Poland, following the airline’s successful route launch to Warsaw in June this year. Visitors to Krakow will enjoy a city of Gothic towers, Renaissance palaces and lively café culture. Travellers can wander the mediaeval Main Square, visit Wawel Castle, or use Krakow as a springboard to access the stunning Tatra Mountains. Salalah, Oman: launching 21 May 2026, the Arabian Peninsula’s summer oasis. During the Khareef monsoon the region turns an emerald green, with mist-shrouded mountains, waterfalls, and cool coastal air. An ideal escape for families across the Gulf and a hidden gem for travellers from Europe or Asia looking to explore somewhere new. Kazan, …

Etihad Airways touched down in Atlanta for the first time, expanding its U.S. footprint and connecting the cultural and commercial heart of the U.S. Southeast with Abu Dhabi and beyond. The launch marks another milestone in Etihad’s North American expansion. Etihad’s first flight from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport made Atlanta the fifth U.S. gateway in Etihad’s global network, joining New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Boston. Guests travelling from Abu Dhabi benefit from the convenience of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport – the only one of its kind in the region. This allows passengers to clear U.S. immigration and customs before departure, arriving in the United States as domestic travellers and saving valuable time on arrival. The newly launched route meets the growing appetite for travel between the UAE and the US, catering to business travellers, vacationers, and those visiting friends and family. It also makes it easier for guests from across the southeastern U.S. to visit Abu Dhabi and experience a city where modernity meets rich heritage, offering a vibrant mix of culture, adventure, relaxation and stunning beaches. The new service is operated using Etihad’s next-generation Airbus A350-1000, a fuel-efficient, environmentally advanced aircraft offering a quieter ride, and the airline’s latest onboard product on key long-haul routes. The Atlanta route launched with four flights per week, but record-high load factors and remarkable early bookings have prompted Etihad to fast-track expansion, with daily flights set to commence from November 2025. Demand from both leisure and corporate segments has exceeded expectations, firmly validating Atlanta’s position as a key market for Etihad. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive …

Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), confirming the intention to enter a strategic partnership which will include a comprehensive codeshare agreement and increased flights between the East African state and Qatar Airways’ award-winning Doha hub, Hamad International Airport. The partnership will see Qatar Airways introducing a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi in codeshare with Kenya Airways, with flights due to be available for booking over the coming days. The new offering will be complemented by the launch of Kenya Airways operated, and Qatar Airways marketed, flights between Mombasa and Doha during the coming winter season. The two airlines will also codeshare on both networks to offer seamless connections and greater choice for travellers from around the world. Additionally, both Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways will look to develop collaboration in other parts of the business, including cargo, airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programmes, procurement as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “This partnership is yet another demonstration of our deepening ties with the African region. Today’s agreement – which comes as we celebrate 20 years of flying to Kenya – is coupled with our recognisable record of partnerships across the continent, most recently through our investment in Airlink. Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem.” Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, said: “This partnership perfectly aligns with our airline’s robust turnaround strategy, which saw Kenya Airways’ return to profit for the first time in more than a decade earlier this year. The …

Qatar Airways resumes operations today in Malta with four non-stop flights a week between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Malta International Airport (MLA). The latest addition to the airline’s network in Europe affirms its commitment to maintaining global connectivity. Malta is home to Valletta, its capital city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mdina, its old capital with more than 4,000 years of history. With 300 days of sun, the country invites travellers to explore its sun-drenched coasts, rich history, and cultural experiences. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways remains at the forefront of supporting global connectivity with its resumption of operations in Malta. As the only airline in the Middle East with non-stop services to and from Malta, we deliver convenient travel experiences to our passengers who seek to enjoy the vibrant nature of Malta and its landscape. We welcome global travellers to travel seamlessly and conveniently with the World’s Best Airline, through its home and hub, the award-winning Hamad International Airport.” Malta International Airport CEO, Mr. Alan Borg, said: “The return of Qatar Airways as one of our airline partners is a welcome addition to our schedule, contributing to our efforts to expand our connectivity. A testament to our industry’s resilience, we remain committed to facilitating the airline in increasing its operational growth in the region.” Malta Tourism Authority CEO, Mr. Carlo Micallef, said: “We welcome the resumption of the Qatar Airways direct service between Doha and Malta. Qatar Airways’ return signifies a strong recognition of Malta’s tourism potential. The new schedule will strengthen Malta’s connectivity with a variety of attractive and lucrative tourism source markets, and the Malta Tourism Authority remains fully …

Turkish Airlines and airBaltic expanded their existing codeshare agreement, adding several new destinations to their shared network. Under the expanded agreement, Turkish Airlines will place its flight code on select airBaltic-operated flights from Riga to Turku (TKU) and Tampere (TMP) in Finland, as well as Palanga (PLQ) in Lithuania. In return, airBaltic will be allowed to place its flight code on Turkish Airlines-operated routes from Istanbul to the following destinations: Tbilisi (TBS), Batumi (BUS), Ashgabat (ASB), Baku (GYD), Dushanbe (DYU), and Bishkek (FRU). These new routes will be launched following the completion of regulatory approvals. Since 2023, the two airlines have jointly operated flights between Istanbul and Riga under a codeshare arrangement. This latest expansion builds on that foundation, allowing both carriers to tap into new markets, broaden their route networks, and enhance connectivity for their passengers. The strengthened collaboration marks another step in extending the global reach of both airlines. Commenting on the expansion, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi, stated: “We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with airBaltic. This expanded codeshare agreement reflects our commitment to offering more travel options and improved connectivity for our passengers. As the airline flying to more countries than any other, we will continue bridging continents and cultures through strategic collaborations and a growing network.” Pauls Cālītis, Interim CEO and COO of airBaltic also commented: “We are glad to take the next step in our partnership with Turkish Airlines. This collaboration provides even more travel opportunities for Baltic passengers through Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network. At the same time, travellers from Türkiye can now enjoy greater access to airBaltic’s destinations across the Baltics and Northern Europe. We look forward to continuing this …

Emirates’ highly anticipated Airbus A350 is now a regular sight at Muscat International Airport, with the start of regular daily services between Dubai and Muscat. The aircraft operates flight EK 866, which departs Dubai at 2:15 am and arrives in Muscat at 3:30 am. The return leg, EK 867 departs Muscat at 4:40 am and lands in Dubai at 5:55 am, perfectly timed to help customers connect for their flights to destinations in Europe, Americas, Africa and Asia. * The three-class aircraft offers 312 seats with 32 lie-flat seats in Business Class arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, 21 Premium Economy seats in a comfortable 2-3-2 setup, and 259 spacious Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout. Designed to offer customers an enhanced travel experience, all cabins feature higher ceilings and wider aisles. Customers across all classes enjoy the airline’s award-winning and latest in-flight entertainment system, offering a cinematic viewing experience, upgraded cabin lighting, faster connectivity with high-speed Wi-Fi, and improved seat ergonomics for greater comfort on short and medium-haul journeys. The introduction of the Airbus A350 to Muscat highlights Emirates’ ongoing commitment to Oman. Muscat is among the first few cities in the region to receive Emirates’ next-generation A350, joining a growing network that includes destinations like Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam and Amman as well as other points like Edinburgh, Mumbai, Tunis, Colombo and Ahmedabad. The airline has so far welcomed seven A350s to its fleet and is expected to serve 17 destinations across its global network by the end of this year. To meet the current summer travel demand, Emirates has also layered on two additional weekly flights between Dubai and Muscat, operating flights on Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight EK 862 …

Emirates has officially launched its new daily service to Shenzhen, marking the airline’s fourth gateway in the Chinese mainland and reinforcing its East Asia growth strategy. Passengers who flew on the inaugural flight from Dubai received special gifts and certificates to commemorate the occasion. Emirates now offers 42 weekly flights to four key cities in the Chinese mainland – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen – providing passengers and businesses with enhanced connectivity and travel options in and out of Chinese mainland. Operated by a four-class Boeing 777-300ER, Emirates’ flight EK328 departs from Dubai at 1005hrs, arriving in Shenzhen at 2200hrs. The return flight EK329 departs Shenzhen at 2355hrs, landing in Dubai at 0340hrs the next day.* Flights to and from Shenzhen are conveniently timed to enable seamless connectivity to key destinations across Europe, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam – leveraging Emirates’ extensive global network via its Dubai hub. Passengers can also seamlessly connect to Emirates’ points in Kenya, Egypt, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline, said: “We are excited to launch our new daily service to Shenzhen – one of China’s most dynamic and innovative cities. This milestone reflects Emirates’ ongoing commitment to strengthening our presence in the Chinese mainland and supporting the country’s trade and tourism objectives. It is also aligned with the strengthening of China-UAE relations, and a strategic move to seamlessly connect the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s innovation corridor – an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub that aims to attract global innovation resources, through our flights. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Shenzhen Airport Group and our …

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines celebrate the new daily service between Manila and Doha with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Hamad International Airport (DOH). Commemorating the occasion were Philippine Airlines’ President, Mr. Richard Nutall; and Philippine Airlines’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, alongside executive delegates from Qatar Airways Group. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways is proud to celebrate the start of codeshare flights with Philippine Airlines. This daily service marks the beginning of a strong partnership between our two airlines, paving the way for even closer ties between the Philippines and Qatar for the benefit of both business and leisure travel.” He continued: “We welcome Philippine Airlines to our unrivalled portfolio of airline partnerships which encompasses some of the best airlines in the world. By working closely with Philippine Airlines, we will offer our customers from around the world a seamless travel experience and greater choice for connections to and from the Philippines, through the best hub in the Middle East: Hamad International Airport in Doha.” Philippine Airlines President, Mr. Richard Nuttall, said: “Our strategic partnership with Qatar Airways puts our valued guests in the forefront and enables us to draw from our respective strengths. Together, we can focus clearly on further developing the Philippines-Qatar air travel market while ensuring seamless connections across our respective networks.” “I express my deepest thanks to all the government officials, airport authorities, service partners and other stakeholders whose support is vital for the success of our partnership services. We are truly grateful to be your allies in this worthy endeavor,” he added. The daily nonstop flights will be operated on Philippine Airlines’ long-range …

Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have signed a frequent flyer partnership agreement to allow loyalty members of either airline to earn and redeem miles across both networks from 1 July 2025. Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest at Etihad Airways, said, “We are pleased to offer our members even more ways to earn and redeem their Etihad Guest miles, rewarding guests for every extraordinary travel experience. Complimenting Etihad’s launch of flights to Hanoi from November this year, this partnership gives our members access to Vietnam Airlines’ impressive global network, offering members more destinations across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and domestic Vietnam. We look forward to welcoming Lotusmiles members onboard Etihad soon, to experience our signature Emirati hospitality and earn and redeem their miles with us, one adventure at a time.” Nguyen Sy Thanh, Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles Director, also commented, “We are delighted to partner with Etihad Airways. This collaboration will offer Lotusmiles members greater opportunities to earn and redeem miles across an extensive global network, including destinations in North America and the Middle East. It also ensures a seamless and rewarding travel experience, delivered with world-class service from both airlines. This marks an important milestone in our journey to enhance customer value and reinforce our continued commitment to provide memorable travel experiences. Beyond that, the partnership reflects our dedication to delivering the image of Vietnam and its rich cultural identity closer to the world.” This partnership is a demonstration of the commitment established by both carriers signing a Memorandum of Understanding in October last year and reflects the initial phase of expanded cooperation. The MoU was designed to strengthen ties between the airlines and formalised a commitment to explore …