Top 3 Headlines
Qatar Airways summer 2026 to 150+ destinations
Qatar Airways said it will expand its international network to more than 150 destinations from 16 June 2026, marking another step in the carrier’s post-disruption rebuild and signalling more competitive pressure across long-haul and sixth-freedom flows via Doha this summer. The schedule will offer greater flexibility for travellers and will last until 15 September 2026.
SalamAir sets Sharjah resumption from 20 April
SalamAir’s official travel update states that flights to and from Sharjah will resume from 20 April 2026, even as some other affected markets remain suspended. For UAE-Oman traffic and short-haul regional competition, that marks a practical recovery milestone.
SalamAir has also activated Abacus GDS, expanding its reach across the travel trade and improving its ability to distribute fares and inventory through agency channels. For Oman’s low-cost carrier, the move is significant because it strengthens indirect sales capability as the airline continues to scale its network and fleet plans.
Dubai International handles 95.2m passengers in 2025
The latest reports show that Dubai International Airport ranked among the world’s busiest hubs for international passenger traffic in 2025, handling 95.2 million travellers, according to Airports Council International (ACI).
The airport placed second globally for total passenger traffic, behind Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which recorded 106.3 million passengers, while Tokyo Haneda ranked third. ACI said the rankings reflect the strength of major global hubs in supporting air connectivity, trade and travel demand. Dubai International continues to play a central role in linking international markets, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading aviation gateways.
Noteworthy
- Etihad Airways has introduced a limited-time Pets Onboard offer priced at $399 per flight segment until May 2026, making it easier for passengers to travel with cats and dogs in the cabin. The move reflects growing demand for pet-friendly travel and strengthens Etihad’s focus on customer comfort and personalised services.
- flynas said Airbus Fleet Reliability Monitoring data shows its A320neo fleet is outperforming global and regional averages on operational reliability. While not a route or fleet order story, it is a commercially relevant performance claim from one of the region’s fastest-growing LCCs and one likely to feature in sales and investor messaging.
- Oman Air has confirmed the resumption of Muscat–Bahrain flights from 18 April 2026. The restart restores an important short-haul Gulf link and comes as carriers in the region continue normalising operations after recent airspace disruptions.
- Gulf Air will restore its full global network to over 50 destinations by June 2026 following airspace reopening. The phased expansion strengthens Bahrain’s position as a regional aviation hub and improves international connectivity.
- flyadeal has revealed cabin configurations for its upcoming Airbus A330 fleet, featuring 406 Economy and 14 Premium Economy seats for long-haul routes. The move marks the airline’s entry into widebody operations, supporting its expansion across Europe, Asia and Africa.
