Top 3 Headlines
Emirates expands autism travel rehearsal programme across 40 cities
Emirates has conducted more than 40 autism-focused Travel Rehearsals across six continents over the last 12 months, supporting over 250 families as part of its accessibility programme.
The initiative allows children and young adults with autism to practice airport procedures, from check-in to boarding, in a controlled environment to reduce travel anxiety. The programme, now rolled out globally, has been implemented in major cities including London, Dubai, Sydney and Toronto, in collaboration with airports, schools and support organisations. Emirates has also trained over 35,000 staff to assist neurodivergent passengers.
As the world’s first autism-certified airline, Emirates says it will expand the programme further in 2026, alongside offering onboard sensory products and dedicated accessibility resources to improve inclusive travel experiences.
Kuwait reopens airspace with gradual flight resumption
Kuwait has reopened its airspace after nearly two months of closure, with operations at Kuwait International Airport resuming in phases from 26 April. Terminals 4 and 5 will initially handle selected destinations, with full operations expected to follow.
Kuwait Airways plans to resume flights to 17 destinations, including London, Mumbai, Cairo and Riyadh, with varying weekly frequencies. Aviation officials confirmed the reopening was coordinated to meet strict safety standards.
Saudia begins Hajj 2026 flights with over 1M seats
Saudia has launched its Hajj 2026 operations, welcoming the first group of pilgrims on a flight from Dhaka to Jeddah carrying 376 passengers. The arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport marks the start of a 75-day programme covering both inbound and outbound travel.
The airline has allocated more than one million seats for the season, supported by a fleet of 160 aircraft serving 145 global destinations. Saudia will also expand services such as the “Makkah Route” initiative, expected to serve over 179,000 pilgrims, and “Luggage First,” handling around 330,000 bags, alongside onboard support tailored to Hajj rituals.
Noteworthy
- Jazeera Airways has resumed Beirut flights via Dammam and increased Amman frequency to twice per week.
- Dubai Airports has announced it will continue major expansion plans to enhance infrastructure, innovation and global connectivity amid sustained passenger growth.
- Etihad Airways is expanding across Africa with new routes to countries including Ghana, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This strengthens trade, cargo and passenger links while positioning Abu Dhabi as a key hub between Africa and Asia. Etihad is also introducing its Airbus A321LR twice daily to Mumbai and New Delhi, complementing two daily widebody services to each city and giving all four daily Abu Dhabi-India metro flights lie-flat Business seats with direct aisle access. At the same time, the airline is boosting its U.S. network from 15 June 2026, with Chicago moving to double daily and Charlotte increasing to daily flights. The expansion strengthens links between the U.S., Abu Dhabi, India and Asia-Pacific.
- SalamAir has launched fixed year-round fares for Omani nationals between Muscat and Salalah, starting from OMR 9.99 one-way, with return fares including 20kg baggage capped at OMR 56.99.
- Qatar Airways has resumed daily Doha services to Dubai and Sharjah from 23 April, with Damascus to follow from 1 May, marking a significant step in the phased restoration of its Middle East network.
- Flynas has operated its inaugural Riyadh-Al Qaisumah direct flight, with the Saudi LCC confirming the route will run daily, strengthening domestic connectivity under its wider growth strategy.
