Top 3 Headlines

Oman Air joins Oneworld, launches Amsterdam route, and appoints new Deputy CEO

Oman Air has officially become the 15th member of the Oneworld alliance, strengthening its global network by giving passengers access to over 1,000 destinations across 170 countries through member airline partnerships.

Coinciding with this milestone, Hamood Al Alawi has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer. As a veteran of the aviation and energy sectors, Al Alawi most recently led the transformation of Oman Airports Management Company. In his new role, he will support the airline’s leadership team in driving operational improvements and long-term commercial sustainability as part of its broader transformation plan.

The airline has also launched a new direct route between Muscat and Amsterdam, operating four times per week using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Qatar Airways deepens global reach with new strategic partnerships

Qatar Airways has expanded its international network by partnering with Philippine Airlines and Kenya Airways, reinforcing its position as a global aviation leader.

The partnership with Philippine Airlines launched with a daily codeshare service between Manila and Doha, offering passengers seamless connections to over 170 global destinations via Hamad International Airport. Operated by Philippine Airlines’ A330-300 aircraft, the route features both Business and Economy Class options.

In East Africa, Qatar Airways signed an MoU with Kenya Airways to establish a broad strategic partnership. The agreement includes a new third daily Doha-Nairobi flight, an upcoming Mombas-Doha service, and expanded codesharing across both networks. The two carriers will also explore cooperation in cargo, loyalty programs, maintenance, and airport services.

Emirates enhances capacity and celebrates 35 years of aviation education

Emirates has expanded services across key routes, including a third daily flight to Milan, daily operations to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, and A380 upgrades to Shanghai, Singapore, and Zurich. These enhancements align with its ongoing fleet retrofit program, featuring Premium Economy cabins. The airline has also officially launched its new daily service to Shenzhen, marking the airline’s fourth gateway to China mainland.

Meanwhile, the Emirates Aviation University marked its 35th anniversary by graduating 154 students from over 25 nationalities, bringing its total alumni to 26,000. The university continues to support the aviation sector through specialised programs and internships, reinforcing Emirates’ commitment to developing talent and meeting growing global aviation demand.

Noteworthy 

1. According to IATA, global air passenger traffic rose 5% YoY in May 2025, driven by strong international demand and easing capacity constraints.
2. Etihad Airways has launched summer services to six seasonal destinations including Al Alamein, offering enhanced connectivity across the region.
3. Qatar Airways has resumed operations to Malta, Iraq and Syria, while restoring full flight schedules to Lebanon and Jordan, marking a regional network recovery.
4. Gulf Air is set to restart flights to Baghdad and Amman, reinforcing its Middle East route network after temporary suspensions.
5. Saudia Airlines has launched a seasonal route linking Cyprus and Saudi Arabia, supporting summer travel demand between the two countries.
6. Plan B Travel Jordan and Royal Jordanian Airlines hosted a destination webinar for Indian travel agents, highlighting Jordan’s cultural and adventure tourism potential.
7. Air Arabia will resume direct flights to Damascus from 10 July, reconnecting Sharjah with the Syrian capital after a long suspension.
8. Jazeera Airways will begin direct flights to Yerevan, Armenia from 8 July, adding a new leisure route to its expanding regional network.
9. Sharjah Airport expects to welcome 800,000 passengers during the summer season, boosted by holiday travel and new route additions.
10. Pegasus Airlines has started new summer flights from London to two Turkish coastal destinations, expanding holiday travel options for UK tourists.