Top 3 you need to know
Qatar Airways reports record $2.15bn profit
Qatar Airways Group has reported its highest-ever annual profit, reaching QAR7.85 billion (US$2.15 billion) in the 2024/25 financial year, marking a 28% YoY increase. The record performance was attributed to the success of the ‘Qatar Airways 2.0’ strategy. Key developments included being the first MENA airline to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi on Boeing 777s, the expansion of Hamad International Airport to 65 million passengers annually, and the introduction of AI-driven digital cabin crew, Sama.
Read the full story here: Qatar Airways hits new altitude.
Emirates enhances first class experience and celebrates 33 million cups of Dilmah Tea
Emirates has unveiled major upgrades to its First Class service, both in the air and on the ground. Passengers can now enjoy unlimited caviar served in bespoke bowls, a revamped cheeseboard with gloved service, and newly introduced zero-gravity seats in its private suites on selected aircraft. Amenities include Bulgari and Byredo products, Hydra Active moisturising pyjamas, and 32-inch HD screens with Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones. The airline is also set to open a refurbished First Class lounge at Dubai International Airport.
Onboard A380 aircraft, passengers can access two private Shower Spas and the exclusive Onboard Lounge. Dining remains on-demand, with gourmet and vegan options, fine teas, and premium snacks. Emirates also highlighted its long-standing partnership with Sri Lanka’s Dilmah, marking 33 years and over 33 million cups of tea served. In celebration of International Tea Day (21 May), tea gift boxes will be distributed on select flights, and passengers in premium cabins can enjoy curated tea cocktails and mocktails.
Saudi Arabia’s airports see 15% surge in passengers in 2024
Passenger traffic at Saudi Arabia’s airports rose by 15% in 2024, reaching over 128 million travellers, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). International passenger numbers grew 14% to 69 million, while domestic passengers increased 16% to over 59 million. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah led with 49 million passengers (14% growth), followed by Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport with 37.6 million (18% growth). Air cargo volumes also jumped 34% to 1.2 million tons. The Kingdom’s total aircraft fleet rose to 361, including 258 commercial aircraft, as Saudi Arabia continues to scale up its aviation sector.
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- Etihad Airways has recorded a 30% increase in profit after tax for Q1 2025, and a 16% rise in passenger traffic. The airline’s has also noted a 73% increase in passenger traffic on the Italy – Abu Dhabi route compared to 2023. Meanwhile it plans to launch a new direct flight to Charlotte, USA in May 2026.
- Gulf Air and National Bank of Kuwait are offering NBK credit cardholders travel benefits, including discounts of up to 15% on Falcon Gold Class and up to 10% on Economy Class bookings when booked online with Gulf Air.
- Oman Airports reported a 9% YoY increase in passenger traffic reaching 1.16 million passengers in April 2025 compared to April 2024.
- flynas has resumed Hajj flights to Iran for the first time in nearly a decade, facilitating the travel of Iranian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
- flyadeal has announced international services planned from Qassim to Baku (from 20 June) and Sarajevo and Trabzon (from 21 June).
- IndiGo announced the commencement of daily flights between Kochi and Bahrain, Hyderabad and Bahrain (both commencing 15 June 2025), and Chennai and Muscat (starting 16 June 2025). IndiGo have also launched daily direct flights between Mumbai and Fujairah.
- DXB is offering a ‘land and leave’ option for passengers who can skip baggage claim and have their luggage delivered to their door within hours of landing.
- Royal Jordanian will increase Amman-Aleppo frequency from 2 June 2025.
- The first A321neo, of an order of nine with Airbus, has been delivered to Kuwait Airways.
- Wizz Air celebrated its 21st anniversary by offering up to 21% off all flights across its network on 19 and 20 May.
