Top 3 Headlines
Turkish Airlines’ $1.7 Billion profit for 2025
Turkish Airlines posted a $1.7 billion profit for the first nine months of 2025, including $1.1 billion from main operations in Q3, driven by record passenger traffic and continued network growth.
Total revenues reached $17.8 billion for January-September (up 4.9% YoY), while consolidated assets stood at $43.2 billion with over 101,000 employees. Investments in the same period totalled $3.6 billion, part of the airline’s long-term 2033 growth strategy.
In Q3, Turkish Airlines carried 27.2 million passengers, its highest ever for the quarter, and achieved an EBITDAR margin of 29.6% ($2.1 billion). The carrier expects a full-year margin between 22–24%.
Dubai Airshow 2025 launches Inspiration Zone to champion innovation and inclusion
The Dubai Airshow 2025 (17-21 Nov at DWC) will debut its first Inspiration Zone, a new platform uniting initiatives to foster innovation, wellbeing, youth engagement, and women’s empowerment in aerospace. The zone will host five flagship programmes with the aim to connect industry progress with social impact.
Some of the highlights include partnering with the Federal Youth Authority, the Youth Circle will involve key entities such as Dubai Airports, Emirates, and the UAE Space Agency. The Future Flight: Powered by Women initiative, led by the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA), will feature panels and mentoring sessions with industry figures including Dr. Nairouz Bader, Mervat Sultan, and Katherine Moloney. A new Universities Research Showcase will also spotlight cutting-edge student projects, connecting young innovators directly with aerospace leaders for mentorship and collaboration.
Saudi Airports handle 103.1M passengers by Q3 2025
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that 103.1 million passengers travelled through Saudi airports in the first nine months of 2025 (up 9% YoY) with total flight movements reaching 713,000.
Saudi Arabia’s air network now connects to over 170 destinations, and with the Kingdom’s re-election to the ICAO Council (2026-2028) with a record 175 votes, it highlights global confidence in its aviation leadership and safety record. The meeting also confirmed major advances in private aviation, including VistaJet’s domestic flight approval, and the continued expansion of the Riyadh Integrated Logistics Zone, home to brands such as Apple, SHEIN, and Lenovo.
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Noteworthy
- Qatar Airways will deploy its Airbus A380 on the Singapore-Doha route from 12 January 2026, introducing First Class, but replacing the Qsuite Business Class on one of its three daily services with the Collins Diamond seat
- SalamAir has launched “mOVemore”, a flight membership program offering fixed fares, discounted services, and baggage allowance, allowing frequent travelers to save money and plan trips predictably
- Air Arabia has launched its first non-stop flight between Ras Al Khaimah and Kazan, Russia, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Russia with a weekly service, as part of its growing operations from Ras Al Khaimah hub.
- Turkish Airlines has commenced four weekly flights between İstanbul Airport and Sulaymaniyah International Airport, with plans to increase frequency to daily flights by 27 March 2026.
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) has turned its runway into a cycling arena for the CRANK Runway Ride, part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. The event, featuring five rhythm-based sessions under silent-disco beats, brought together cyclists, airport staff, and the wider community to promote wellness and active living at one of the world’s busiest airports.
- The Saudi Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Passports, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has introduced a special arrival stamp to commemorate the Kingdom’s hosting of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh from 7-11 November. The stamp will be issued to travellers arriving at King Khalid International Airport during the event, which welcomes over 160 international delegations.
- Turkish Airlines will acquire over 100 GEnx engines from GE Aerospace to power its new order of 50 Boeing 787 aircraft, with options for 25 more according to its latest agreement. The deal includes spare engines and a 15-year services agreement, reinforcing the airline’s partnership with GE as it advances plans to expand its fleet to more than 800 aircraft by 2033.
- China Aircraft Leasing Group (CALC) has signed lease agreements with Oman’s SalamAir for two Airbus A320ceo aircraft scheduled for delivery in mid-2026. The partnership supports SalamAir’s fleet expansion to 25 aircraft within three years, and strengthens Oman’s connectivity to key markets.
- Boeing will present its commercial, defence, and services portfolio at the Dubai Airshow 2025, emphasising its 80-year legacy of collaboration across the Middle East. The company said the show will celebrate achievements with national carriers and defence partners while highlighting innovation and future aerospace growth in the region.
- flyadeal, supported by parent company Saudia Group, has launched its Global Ambassador Initiative to celebrate its cabin and cockpit crew as the true faces of the airline. The program recognises their role in representing the brand worldwide and delivering exceptional service that defines the flyadeal experience.
