Category Archives: Aviation

Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines announce a major expansion of their codeshare partnership and an increase in frequencies between Doha and Beijing ahead of the Golden Week holiday period in China. This growth builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year, reinforcing the airlines’ shared commitment to delivering greater connectivity for global travellers from China. Starting 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will share code on China Southern’s three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha. Similarly, China Southern will be expanding its “CZ” code on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, including Amman, Athens, Barcelona, Cairo, Dar es Salam, Madrid, and Munich. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways and China Southern have established a partnership that continues to set new benchmarks in the industry. This latest expansion ensures that every Qatar Airways route to China is now accessible to China Southern Airlines’ passengers, underlining our long-term commitment to a market that is integral to our growth and connectivity. Timed with this year’s Golden Week, it provides Chinese travellers with unrivalled access through Doha to over 170 destinations across our global network via Hamad International Airport, the Best Airport in the Middle East, as voted by Skytrax in 2025.” Qatar Airways has already placed its code on China Southern-operated flights between Guangzhou and Doha since April 2024. Building on the existing codeshares from Guangzhou and Beijing Daxing, China Southern will extend its code to flights between Doha and four major Chinese cities of Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, subject to Chinese government approvals. Beijing Daxing marks the second Chinese gateway to be served with non-stop …

Qatar Airways will commence three weekly flights to The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia from 21 October 2025. This will be the airline’s 12th destination in the Kingdom. Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said the new route extends the airline’s global network, offering travellers more Middle East destinations through Hamad International Airport. Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano called the initiative a major step towards promoting The Red Sea as a luxury destination. The route will make it easier for visitors to experience the region’s luxury hotels, cultural heritage, and explore tourism initiatives. The Red Sea is known for over 90 pristine islands, ancient landscapes, rugged canyons, and one of the world’s largest coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy wellness, adventure, history, and luxury stays, including Shura Island’s upcoming resorts, golf course, and cultural attractions.

Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Misrata, Libya, marking its third destination in the country after Tripoli and Benghazi. Previously, the national carrier had suspended services to Misrata in January 2015 and now operates three weekly flights using B737-78D aircraft on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Currently, the airline serves 62 destinations across Africa, making it a key connector of the continent to global markets. Commenting on the launch, Turkish Airlines SVP Sales (Region II) Mahmut Yayla said, “We are glad to once again fulfil our mission of connecting continents, this time in Misrata, Libya’s third largest city with which we share deep historical ties. We will continue diversifying Africa’s gateways to the world in line with rising travel demand and economic growth.” Travellers booking by 9 September 2025 can fly from Istanbul to Misrata from USD 349 and return from USD 249, with travel valid until 30 November 2025.

Etihad Airways has achieved its highest-ever passenger traffic in the first half of 2025, reflecting strong demand and network growth. The airline carried 10.2 million passengers, a 17 per cent increase year-on-year, supported by a 14 per cent rise in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) and an improved load factor of 87 per cent (+2pp). In July, Etihad surpassed 20 million passengers over the past 12 months, doubling the figure recorded in 2022, further cementing its position as the fastest-growing carrier in the region. The growth underscores rising demand across both leisure and business segments, with the airline’s expanding network and enhanced customer experience attracting more travellers. With strong operational efficiency and a focus on delivering seamless journeys, Etihad continues to strengthen its footprint in global aviation while setting new benchmarks in passenger traffic.

China Southern Airlines is set to resume direct flights between Dubai and Urumqi starting 25 September, restoring a vital air link between the Middle East and western China. China remains one of Dubai’s top source markets, bringing strong passenger traffic to the city and boosting tourism and business travel. The resumption of flights comes as demand for travel between the UAE and China continues to grow, reflecting strengthening economic and cultural exchanges. With Dubai serving as a major global hub, the direct connection is anticipated to attract passengers from across the GCC and beyond. The new service will provide travellers with greater convenience and connectivity, offering seamless access to Urumqi, a key gateway city that bridges Central Asia and China. The route is expected to support both business and leisure travel, while also boosting trade and tourism ties between the two regions. The airline’s return to the route underlines its commitment to expanding international operations and meeting the rising demand for travel between China and the Middle East.

The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in air transport based on mutual benefit and respect, following all relevant laws and regulations. It updates the rules for air traffic between the two countries, supports the Aviation Programme’s goal of building international partnerships, and boosts Saudi Arabia’s global civil aviation ties. The governments of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed an air transport services agreement. Abdulaziz Al Duailej, President of the GACA, signed for Saudi Arabia, while Muhammad Ali, Secretary of Defence, signed for Pakistan, according to Saudi Press Agency.

​​Kuwait Airways will operate three flights a week to Madrid, Spain, commencing 26 October 2025 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. ​​Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the resumption of its flights to Madrid, one of the most popular destinations among our valued passengers. Madrid is distinguished for its pleasant climate and rich blend of tourism, sports, heritage, and cultural attractions, including ancient archaeological sites, that attract tourists.” Al-Fagaan added, “The resumption of the Madrid route aligns with Kuwait Airways’ strategic plans and studies on the feasibility of these markets and destinations, as well as the extent of customer demand for them, and their benefits to Kuwait Airways. The company continues to make steady progress toward diversifying its global network and launching new destinations.”​​ ​​Al-Fagaan pointed out that the national carrier of the State of Kuwait strives to meet the expectations of its valued customers by launching varied destinations and expanding its reach around the world to provide passengers with diverse travel options. ​​It is worth noting that Kuwait Airways established in 1954, operates a modern and diverse fleet comprising the latest type of aircraft from the world’s leading manufacturers—Airbus and Boeing. The fleet is equipped with cutting-edge technology and advanced features that align with the best international aviation standards, including state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems and designed seating specifications to suit the needs of the national carrier’s customers. Kuwait Airways takes pride in employing some of the region’s most skilled and experienced professionals across various technical specializations, reflecting the airline’s commitment to operational excellence. In addition, Kuwait Airways strives to attain the highest levels of quality in customer service and to develop the company’s …

This strategic agreement defines the operational and commercial framework through which Kuwait Airways will procure, deploy, and manage IT solutions offered by Impulse. By leveraging this streamlined procurement pathway, Kuwait Airways will be able to adopt scalable cloud infrastructure, advanced data and analytics capabilities, and application modernization tools aligned with the best global practices. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan, stated during the signing ceremony, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to sign this significant agreement with Impulse as we aim to enhance our digital and technological capabilities across all levels. This initiative is part of the national carrier’s digital transformation journey, that aligns with Kuwait’s Vision 2035.” Al-Fagaan pointed out that the agreement with Impulse ensures the national carrier of the State of Kuwait’s ability to adopt the latest cloud computing technologies efficiently, and securely, in line with the company’s strategic goals to enhance customer experience and increase operational agility. In a significant step towards enhancing its digital transformation journey, Kuwait Airways signed a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Impulse International for Telecommunications, laying the foundation for adopting the latest IT services and applications within Kuwait Airways’ digital transformation initiative. The signing ceremony was attended by Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan, and Impulse Vice Chairman and CEO, Eng. Izzat Abou Amarah, along with various officials representing both companies. Al-Fagaan stated that Impulse is an authorized distributor under the Alliance Framework Agreement (AFA) signed with Google Cloud, making it a key enabler in Kuwait’s cloud computing ecosystem. He explained that the company will provide end-to-end support to Kuwait Airways throughout its cloud journey, starting with solution design and setup, through continuous improvements, to achieving optimization and compliance with standards. Al-Fagaan concluded his …

Collaboration expands visibility and recognition of both Riyadh Air and The Red Sea’s luxury resorts. The agreement will see the companies supporting one another on brand and marketing activations leading to greater visibility and recognition for each, showcasing The Red Sea as a premier global destination for sustainable luxury, while positioning the Riyadh Air as the preferred choice for travelers coming to the Kingdom and from global destinations around the world. The agreement also paves the way for future cooperation, including improved connectivity to RSG’s world-class destinations. As part of this partnership, Riyadh Air guests will enjoy exclusive offers and packages at The Red Sea resorts. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two travel and tourism powerhouses was signed during a ceremony at Red Sea International Airport (RSI), attended by John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. “This collaboration with Riyadh Air is first and foremost about storytelling, combining our brands to amplify Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a renowned destination on the world stage. By sharing compelling content and campaigns, we’re not only increasing visibility but creating deeper emotional connections with global audiences. This is just the beginning. Today we welcomed Riyadh Air’s aircraft named Jamila. In the future we look forward to receiving a regular schedule of Riyadh Air flights to our destinations,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said: “We’re thrilled to be putting ink to our partnership with Red Sea Global, where the two Saudi brands are creating impact in the travel sector. We’re elevating awareness of both Riyadh Air and The Red Sea and over time, this foundation opens …

flyadeal will launch daily non-stop scheduled flights to Syria, effective 1 October 2025. There will be three flights a week from Jeddah to the Syrian capital, Damascus, followed by 2 October launch of four services each week from Riyadh. Tickets are now on sale, bookable via flyadeal’s Mobile App, website www.flyadeal.com and through travel agents. Announcement of the new daily flights split between Saudi Arabia’s two biggest cities, follows the recent lifting of western sanctions on a country impacted by years of civil war. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “With the removal of sanctions on Syria, flyadeal joins many airlines in planning to restore air access to and from a country affected by years of hardship. “We are therefore delighted to announce our new daily Syrian flights will begin in a few weeks’ time on October 1, contributing to the long-term recovery of Syria, the country’s rebuilding efforts and, importantly, the need to reunite friends and families.” flyadeal currently operates domestic and international flights from its three bases in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam to over 30 year-round and seasonal destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and South Asia. By 2030, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, flyadeal expects to triple its network to over 100 destinations and more than 100 aircraft. flyadeal operates a fleet of 40 Airbus A320 aircraft, each configured with 186 all-Economy Class seats.