Top 3 Headlines
Riyadh Air debuts signature ‘Hafawa’ lounge
Riyadh Air has opened its first premium airport lounge at King Khalid International Airport ahead of its commercial launch. The 2,000 sqm Hafawa Lounge, located between Terminals 1 and 2, accommodates around 370 Business Elite and Business Class passengers.
Designed with Yabu Pushelberg, the space reflects the Saudi value of “Hafawa,” symbolising hospitality and warmth. Inspired by desert landscapes, the lounge features natural materials and a circadian lighting system that shifts throughout the day to support passenger wellbeing.
flydubai adds Bangkok Don Mueang with double-daily Dubai service
flydubai has announced a new double-daily Dubai (DXB) to Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) service, due to launch from Terminal 3 on 15 September 2026. The move gives the carrier a second Thailand gateway (alongside Krabi), strengthens its Southeast Asia proposition for UAE-based leisure and VFR demand, and intensifies Dubai-Bangkok competition ahead of the winter 2026/27 peak.
Oman Air launches year-round Dubai-Salalah and expands Russia connectivity
Oman Air has unveiled a new direct Dubai-Salalah service, launching 3 July 2026, operating three times per week year-round. The route is designed to strengthen GCC air corridors and provide additional lift into Dhofar ahead of peak Khareef season, with ticket sales opening from 16 February 2026.
The airline has also announced it will be strengthening Sochi connectivity from 2 July 2026 operating a weekly flight year-round to Russia’s popular Black Sea resort.
Noteworthy
- SalamAir is expanding its Africa network with the launch of twice-weekly flights to Mogadishu (MGQ) from 3 September 2026, marking the first direct air link between Oman and Somalia. The route adds a new low-cost option for VFR and emerging trade flows between the two markets.
- flyadeal has taken delivery of its first new aircraft of 2026, an Airbus A320neo, taking its narrowbody fleet to 45 aircraft and supporting continued near-term growth as Saudi LCC competition heats up.
- Royal Jordanian has re-adjusted its planned Boeing 787-9 service entry, with the aircraft now expected to enter service in early Q2 2026 at the earliest. The revision impacts forward capacity planning on select long-haul and high-demand routes where the type was expected to feature.
- Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has granted Universal Aviation an economic license to operate and manage ground handling services at King Fahd International Airport’s general aviation terminal. The move supports investment in the private aviation sector and aligns with the Kingdom’s strategy to expand business aviation and tourism-linked air services.
- Bahrain has signed a Letter of Intent with premium leisure carrier BeOnd to expand air connectivity, with plans to base up to 10 aircraft in the kingdom by 2030. The initiative is projected to contribute up to $1.5 billion to GDP within five years and create over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs across aviation and tourism sectors.
- Bahrain has also signed an LoI with The Helicopter Company (THC) to launch direct helicopter services between Bahrain and Dammam, marking THC’s first international cross-border route. The service aims to strengthen regional connectivity and enhance cross-border mobility between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
