Top 3 Headlines
Emirates group posts record AED24.4bn profit while restoring 96% of global network
Emirates has restored 96% of its global network, marking a major operational recovery with services now running to 137 destinations across 72 countries. The airline currently operates more than 1,300 weekly flights, reaching 75% of its pre-disruption capacity. During the disruption period, Emirates still carried 4.7 million passengers, highlighting continued demand for international travel.
Recently the Emirates Group has also reported record financial results for 2025-26, with profit before tax rising 7% to AED24.4 billion (US$6.6 billion), cementing Emirates’ position as the world’s most profitable airline. Emirates airline alone posted AED22.8 billion in profit before tax and carried 53.2 million passengers.
Saudia launches discount campaign to boost Red Sea and AlUla travel
Saudia has introduced a limited-time promotional offer providing a 10% discount on flights to the Red Sea and AlUla, as the national carrier continues to support domestic tourism growth in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority.
Available for bookings made until 13 May using the promo code “EID10”, the campaign applies to travel from domestic and GCC destinations through to 20 June.
The airline currently operates daily flights from Riyadh to the Red Sea, increasing to twice daily on weekends, alongside four weekly services from Jeddah. Saudia also operates three weekly flights from Riyadh to AlUla and two weekly flights from Jeddah.
Royal Air Maroc extends Doha and Dubai flight suspensions
Despite other airlines starting their resumption of flights, Royal Air Maroc has extended the suspension of its services to Doha and Dubai amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East, with flights to and from Doha cancelled until 30 June 2026 and Dubai services suspended until 31 May 2026.
The airline advised affected passengers not to travel to the airport and instead contact their original booking channel or Royal Air Maroc’s call centre to review available rebooking and travel options.
Noteworthy
- Riyadh Airports Company secured four honours at the 2026 Stevie Awards, including a Gold award for Innovation in the Use of Social Media, highlighting the company’s growing focus on digital engagement and creative marketing across King Khalid International Airport.
- Oman Air and Alwan Travel & Tourism have launched a new summer charter service between Muscat and Hanoi, targeting growing demand for curated leisure experiences and opening the door for potential future scheduled services.
- Jazeera Airways has unveiled 38 direct destinations for the Eid travel period across 17 countries, while also preparing to launch new direct flights to Milan from 22 May as regional travel demand continues to rebound.
- Royal Jordanian reported improved Q1 2026 operating performance, carrying 992,000 passengers (up 5%) while warning that Q2 faces pressure from regional conditions and higher fuel prices.
- Gulf Air and premium leisure carrier beOnd have announced a strategic partnership aimed at positioning Bahrain as a premium aviation hub, combining Gulf Air’s regional connectivity with beOnd’s all-business-class travel model.
- Saudi Ministry of Interior has launched the second Moroccan gateway for the Makkah Route Initiative at Rabat-Salé International Airport, streamlining Hajj procedures for Moroccan pilgrims before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
- SalamAir has expanded its African network with the launch of new direct flights between Muscat and Kigali, with twice-weekly services set to begin in July as the airline targets growing demand for business and leisure travel across Africa.
