Top 3 Headlines
Emirates showcases $5bn fleet upgrade in new DIY Dubai parody video
Emirates is using a parody of a home renovation TV show to showcase the scale of its $5bn fleet upgrade project. The initiative covers 219 aircraft, including Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, with 94 already refurbished.
The upgrades include new Premium Economy cabins, enhanced Business and First Class seating, and redesigned Economy seats. This comes at the same time as the airline has completed the first installation of the next-generation Starlink Wi-Fi on its Airbus A380 fleet introducing 4K seatback screens from late 2026. Refitted Boeing 777 aircraft are now operating on 40 routes, with more destinations to follow. Emirates said the programme aims to enhance onboard comfort, connectivity and overall passenger experience as part of its long-term fleet strategy.
Saudia adds 8 seasonal routes for summer 2026
Saudia has announced eight international destinations for its Summer 2026 schedule, running from June to September, as it prepares for peak travel demand during Hajj and Eid Al-Adha.
The seasonal network includes Salalah, Antalya, Bodrum, Nice, Athens, Mykonos, El Alamein and Málaga, targeting leisure travel across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The airline said schedules have been optimised to manage high traffic volumes while maintaining operational efficiency across its network of more than 100 destinations.
DCAA strengthens air passenger rights
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has launched an Aviation Consumer Welfare Directive to enhance passenger protections and formalise complaint and dispute resolution processes across the aviation sector. The framework sets out clear guidelines governing relationships between passengers, airlines and licensed travel agents. Travellers will be able to submit and track complaints through a structured system, with DCAA overseeing communication and helping mediate outcomes.
The directive applies to all passengers travelling to and from Dubai airports, as well as airlines and travel agencies operating in the emirate. Officials say the move aims to improve transparency, accountability and overall service quality across Dubai’s aviation industry.
Noteworthy
- Air India Express has resumed flights to Bahrain and Qatar, alongside boosting services to the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia from 30 April. The reinstated network reconnects major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and Bengaluru, with key Gulf destinations.
- Dubai Aerospace Enterprise reported strong Q1 2026 results, with revenue rising to $455.5 million and pre-tax profit reaching $120.4 million. The company also secured $2.8 billion in new financing and signed a $7 billion deal to acquire Macquarie AirFinance, significantly expanding its global fleet.
- Etihad Airways has launched a codeshare partnership with Air Cambodia, enabling seamless travel to Siem Reap via Phnom Penh on a single ticket. The agreement enhances access to Cambodia’s cultural destinations, including Angkor Wat, while improving connectivity between Southeast Asia and Abu Dhabi.
- Jazeera Airways has resumed direct operations from Terminal 5 at Kuwait International Airport following a 57-day closure. The airline relaunched flights to destinations such as Beirut, Cairo, Istanbul and Mumbai.
- Qatar Airways will resume daily flights from Doha to Bahrain and Kozhikode from 1 May 2026. The move forms part of the airline’s phased network restoration, with flexible rebooking and refund options available for affected passengers.
- SalamAir has opened bookings for its new Muscat–Kigali route, set to launch on 21 July 2026 subject to approvals. The twice-weekly service expands the airline’s footprint in Africa, with introductory one-way Lite fares starting from OMR 69.99.
- flynas has partnered with Airbus to adopt Evidence-Based Training (EBT) using the Airbus MATe Suite. The initiative makes flynas the first Saudi carrier to implement the advanced pilot training framework, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
