Top 3 Headlines
Qatar Airways unveils FIFA World Cup 2026 aircraft livery
Qatar Airways has revealed a new FIFA World Cup 2026-themed livery on a Boeing 777, marking the next phase of its partnership as the tournament’s Official Airline Partner.
The specially branded aircraft will operate across key destinations in Europe, the US and Asia, helping build global excitement ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Following the competition, the aircraft will continue operating with the commemorative livery and cabin branding across the airline’s global network.
Saudia becomes first MEA airline to take delivery of Airbus A321XLR
Saudia has become the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to take delivery of and operate an Airbus A321XLR. The extra-long-range narrowbody aircraft is the first of 15 A321XLRs ordered by the Saudi flag carrier and supports its fleet growth, efficiency and guest-experience strategy.
Kuwait Airways launches 12 summer routes for 2026
Kuwait Airways has unveiled 12 seasonal summer destinations as part of its 2026 summer schedule, expanding its network to 54 destinations worldwide. The new routes, launching from June, include Sarajevo, Malaga, Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh, Salalah, Nice, Vienna, Antalya, Bodrum, Trabzon, Mykonos and Zurich, catering to growing demand for leisure, family and shopping travel.
The airline is also exploring additional destinations, subject to regulatory approvals, including Krakow, Moscow, Beijing, New York, Abu Dhabi, Tbilisi, Baku and Damascus. Alongside the route expansion, Kuwait Airways has launched an official WhatsApp channel for customer updates and reported that it has completed more than 55% of outstanding refund requests as part of ongoing service improvements.
Noteworthy
- Etihad Guest has launched a new loyalty partnership with Bangkok Airways’ FlyerBonus programme, allowing members to redeem rewards across both airlines’ networks.
- Dubai Airports has said more than 40 international airlines are now operating through Dubai International Airport (DXB), alongside Emirates and flydubai, as the hub continues scaling up operations following regional disruption. DXB handled six million passengers and more than 32,000 aircraft movements during the disruption period.
- Jazeera Airways has launched a new direct service between Kuwait and London Luton, marking the airline’s longest route to date at approximately seven hours. The service strengthens Jazeera’s European network and enhances onward connectivity across the GCC, South Asia and Central Asia.
- Oman Airports has signed a strategic partnership with Singapore’s Changi Airport to enhance the passenger experience and commercial development at Muscat International Airport.
- Air Arabia Egypt will launch new direct flights between Alexandria and Amman from 15 June, 2026. The four-weekly service will operate between Borg Al Arab International Airport and Amman City Airport as the carrier continues expanding its network from Egypt.
- Jordan has completed upgrades to its airspace navigation procedures, with authorities reporting a 33% capacity increase and improved fuel efficiency, an access and operations boost for carriers and travel partners selling Amman, Petra and Aqaba.
- Royal Air Maroc has extended Middle East cancellations. Flights to and from Doha are cancelled until 30 June 2026, while Dubai flights are cancelled until 31 May 2026.
- Middle East carriers saw international passenger demand decline 48.1% YoY in April, according to IATA, as regional conflict and airspace disruptions continued to impact aviation performance.
