Top 3 Headlines
Emirates bans inflight use of power banks from October
From 1 October, Emirates will prohibit the use of all power banks inflight due to safety concerns over overheating and fire risks. Passengers may carry one power bank under 100Wh, but it must not be used to charge devices or be charged onboard.
Units must display capacity ratings, be stored in seat pockets or under-seat bags (not overhead bins), and remain out of checked luggage. The move follows rising lithium battery-related incidents industry-wide. Emirates says the new rules will minimise risks and ensure quick crew response in emergencies, reinforcing its commitment to passenger safety.
Turkish Airlines to acquire up to 27% of Air Europa
Aiming to help Air Europa repay its Covid-era Spanish government loan, Turkish Airlines will invest €275 million in Air Europa which will later convert into a 26 to 27% equity stake. The deal preserves Air Europa’s independence alongside IAG’s existing 20% holding.
Majority owner Globalia will use the funds, plus cash reserves, to clear a €475 million SEPI loan. Turkish Airlines aims to expand its Latin American network through the partnership, though Air Europa will remain in SkyTeam. The move follows failed takeover attempts by IAG, Air France-KLM, and Lufthansa, and secures two major partners for the Spanish carrier.
Red Sea Global launches Red Sea Health Airport Clinic at RSI, expands flight operations
The new healthcare brand from Red Sea Global will be opening its first Airport Clinic at Red Sea International Airport (RSI). The clinic, licensed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health, offers outpatient consultations, urgent care, vaccinations, and travel health services for travellers, staff, and residents.
Equipped with 133 advanced medical units, it marks the start of RSG’s plan to build a full healthcare network across the Red Sea and AMAALA, including two hospitals, six pharmacies, and emergency medical services within the next year, integrating luxury tourism with world-class medical care.
Meawhile the airport, operated by daa International, is now receiving both domestic and international flights, marking an exciting step forward in its phased operation.
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Noteworthy:
- Qatar Airways renewed its sponsorship deal with one of the most decorated football clubs, Al Sadd Sports Club, covering shirt branding across domestic and international competitions.
- Saudia carried 17.5 million passengers in the first half of 2025, up 7.2% YoY, with a 89.6% on-time performance across 293,500 flights.
- Oman’s airports handled 6.9 million passengers in the first six months of 2025, with Muscat International serving over 6.2 million and Salalah serving over 657,209 passengers by June 2025.
- Flynas posted a Q2 2025 net loss of SAR862.5 million ($229 million) despite a net profit of SAR 238.86 million last year. Losses were attributed entirely to IPO expenses of around SAR 1.08 billion.
- Jazeera Airways recorded a $31 million net profit in H1 2025, supported by an increase in travellers and higher load factors (75.5%).
- Jazeera Airways Terminal 5 appointed Ald Ersoy as a new general manager tasked with overseeing capacity expansion and operational upgrades ahead of the terminal’s passenger growth targets.
- Royal Air Maroc will restart direct flights from Marrakech to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse from 10 October 2025, each operating twice per week.
- Cebu Pacific launched a seat sale on its Dubai-Manila route with fares starting from AED8 one way (exclusive of fees and surcharges), valid for travel between 1 February 2026 and 30 June 2026.
- Lufthansa will resume nonstop flights between Riyadh and Munich from 27 October 2025, operating three times a week on the Airbus A350-900 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will start 14 direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Sialkot and Multan in October 2025, according to an exclusive interview between PTV and the PIA Country Manager.
