This week’s about expanded route operations and increased frequencies. Etihad will operate 21 weekly flights to Moscow, while Turkish Airlines boosts summer flights to Zagreb and Dubrovnik. Air France will launch direct flights from Riyadh to Paris, and Qatar recorded over 4 million air passengers in February 2025. Plus, Air Arabia shareholders approved a 25% cash dividend for 2024!

Aviation security leaders advocate for digital identity adoption to enhance global security

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged the aviation industry to rapidly adopt digital identity technologies to improve security and operational efficiency. At the Sydney Leaders Week Conference, government and industry stakeholders endorsed using Verifiable Credentials (VC) and Decentralized Identifiers (DID) to enhance identity verification. Benefits highlighted include stronger document integrity, increased global trust, and streamlined passenger processing. IATA’s One ID initiative and the Aviation Security Trust Framework aim to standardise digital identity solutions, ensuring privacy and compliance with international regulations. The conference called for governments to integrate these technologies into national security frameworks and invest in capacity building. These advancements are intended to align with ICAO standards and promote secure, efficient, and sustainable global aviation operations.

Emirates announces 7 new destinations with upcoming A350 fleet launch

Emirates has unveiled plans to introduce seven new destinations as part of its A350 network expansion. Starting June, the new Airbus A350 aircraft will serve these cities:

• Six times weekly (all days except for Tuesday) to Tunis on EK 747/748 from 1 June.
• Daily to Amman on EK 905/906 from 1 June.
• Daily to Istanbul featuring the latest cabins on EK 117/118 from 1 July.
• Dammam on 1 July on flights EK 827/828.
• Daily to Ho Chi Minh City from 1 August on the EK364/365.
• Three times weekly to Baghdad (Monday, Wednesday and Sunday) on EK 941/942 from 3 August.
• Daily to Oslo from 1 September on EK 159/160.*

Jazeera Airways resumes direct Kuwait-Sarajevo flights from 27 March

Jazeera Airways is resuming direct flights between Kuwait and Sarajevo from 27 March 2025. The route will operate twice weekly, targeting leisure travellers, especially during the Eid holiday period. Kuwaiti nationals benefit from visa-free entry to Bosnia & Herzegovina, enhancing the route’s appeal. Sarajevo offers a mix of historical and natural attractions, with further travel opportunities to places like Mostar and Una National Park.

Etihad and Ethiopian airlines launch new addis ababa–abu dhabi flights

Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have announced a strategic joint venture, expanding cooperation in passenger services, loyalty programmes, and cargo. As part of the agreement, Ethiopian Airlines will commence services from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) on 15 July, while Etihad Airways will introduce daily flights to Addis Ababa starting 1 October. The partnership aims to enhance connectivity across Africa and the Middle East, offering passengers more seamless travel options and integrated services.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi launches new route to Beirut and Gabala

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will begin direct flights to Beirut in June 2025, operating three times weekly. The move reflects optimism about Lebanon’s tourism recovery and expands the airline’s network in the region. Wizz Air is also launching a new route to Gabala, Azerbaijan. The carrier’s ultra-low-cost model aims to attract budget-conscious travellers while boosting connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key leisure destinations.

Aleppo International Airport reopens for domestic and international flights

Aleppo International Airport has resumed operations after a nearly three-month closure due to conflict-related damage. The reopening includes domestic and international flights, aimed at facilitating travel for Syrian refugees and encouraging investment. The airport underwent significant maintenance and restoration to prepare for its relaunch. Authorities plan to develop Aleppo into a major air gateway, enhancing Syria’s connectivity with global destinations.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches new direct flights to Yerevan

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of direct flights to Yerevan, Armenia, starting 13 June 2025. The service will operate three times weekly, expanding the airline’s network in the Caucasus region. This new route aims to strengthen tourism and trade ties between the UAE and Armenia, offering affordable travel options for both leisure and business travellers.

Middle East Airlines’ fleet projected to grow to 2,600 aircraft by 2035

The Middle East’s commercial airline fleet is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%, nearly double the global rate of 2.8%, according to Oliver Wyman’s Global Fleet and MRO Market Forecast 2025-2035. By 2035, the region’s fleet will reach nearly 2,600 aircraft, representing 6.7% of the global total. Spending on maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) in the Middle East is forecast to top $20 billion by 2035, up from $16 billion in 2025. Narrowbody aircraft will see increased deployment, rising from 43% to 47% of the regional fleet over the next decade, to meet growing domestic and short-haul demand. Saudi Arabia and the UAE will drive much of the region’s growth, accounting for over 60% of the market. Despite soaring demand, global aircraft production lags, with a backlog of 17,000 orders expected to take 14 years to fulfil, further shaping fleet management strategies.

Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport enhance passenger experience

Qatar Airways is increasing summer flights to global destinations to meet rising demand. The airline will boost frequencies to major destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East for the summer 2025 season. Enhancements include additional flights to London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Larnaca, alongside expanded services to Damascus, Sharjah, and Tokyo Narita.

To support this growth, Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha has inaugurated its new Concourses D and E, increasing the airport’s annual passenger capacity to over 65 million. The expansion features 17 new aircraft contact gates, smart technology for seamless boarding, expanded retail and dining options, and improved passenger comfort. The concourses have been designed with sustainability in mind, targeting GSAS 4-Star and LEED Gold certifications, and include inclusive design elements to ensure accessibility for all travelers.

Gulf Air partners Airalo to enhance customer rewards and promote sustainability

Gulf Air has partnered Airalo to provide added value and connectivity to travellers. Under this collaboration, Gulf Air’s Falconflyer members can earn 20 Falconflyer points for every $1 spent on Airalo eSIMs, stay connected in over 200 countries without incurring roaming charges, while accumulating loyalty points. The initiative supports sustainability, as eSIMs are shown to reduce emissions by 46% compared to traditional SIM cards, contributing to Bahrain’s 2035 emissions reduction goal and the wider GCC sustainability targets.

SalamAir renews long-term partnership with Sabre

SalamAir has extended its multi-year partnership with Sabre Corporation, continuing to use Radixx Res for reservations and Radixx Insight for data reporting. The renewed agreement aims to support SalamAir’s expansion, operational efficiency, and customer experience initiatives. Sabre’s solutions are expected to enhance the carrier’s ability to scale its network and improve services as the airline grows its domestic and international presence.

Earlier this week…

Emirates to deploy upgraded boeing 777s on all three daily flights to Riyadh

Emirates will roll out its upgraded Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on all three daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh. The enhanced planes feature the airline’s latest Business Class product and refreshed interiors across all cabins. This move aims to offer a more consistent and elevated passenger experience on the popular route. Emirates’ triple-daily Riyadh service is part of its broader commitment to the Saudi market. The city has also becomes the first Middle Eastern destination to be exclusively served by this fleet type.

Etihad Airways expands services and talent

Etihad Airways has announced an increased flight schedule to Moscow, operating three daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Moscow from October 1, increasing weekly services to 21. The expanded route will utilize an Airbus A320, offering 8 business and 150 economy seats, strengthening connections between Russia and Etihad’s global network.

The airline has also launched its UAE National Talent Development Strategy, aiming to increase the Emirati workforce by over 50% in five years. The initiative includes cadet pilot training, technician development, and leadership pathways, supporting Etihad’s growth plans to double its fleet and triple passenger numbers by 2030.

SalamAir begins east africa expansion with new routes and partnerships

SalamAir has launched its East Africa expansion strategy, introducing new routes to key destinations including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Zanzibar. The airline aims to enhance connectivity between Oman and East African markets, focusing on both tourism and business travel. This move aligns with SalamAir’s broader regional growth plans and efforts to boost Oman’s aviation sector. Further partnerships and increased flight frequencies are expected as part of the initiative.

Gulf Air to launch direct flights to Nairobi from June 2025

Gulf Air has announced the launch of direct flights between Bahrain and Nairobi, Kenya, starting 2 June 2025. The service will operate five times weekly using Airbus A320neo aircraft. This marks Gulf Air’s return to Nairobi since it last operated flights there in 2012. The new route aims to strengthen ties between Bahrain and Kenya and expand Gulf Air’s presence in East Africa.

DAE expands fleet with $1B purchase of 17 new aircraft

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has announced the acquisition of 17 new aircraft valued at $1 billion. The deal includes a mix of narrow-body and wide-body jets, strengthening DAE’s leasing portfolio to meet increasing demand from global airline customers. This move aligns with DAE’s strategy to expand its fleet and reinforce its position in the aviation leasing sector. The company’s total fleet now exceeds 500 aircraft.

Qatar records over 4m air passengers in February 2025

Qatar witnessed a significant rise in air travel, registering over 4 million passengers in February 2025. Hamad International Airport handled approximately 21,500 aircraft movements during the month. The robust figures reflect ongoing growth in tourism and business travel, supported by Qatar’s expanding aviation network and strategic location. Cargo and mail operations also saw an increase, with over 200,000 tonnes processed.

Turkish Airlines boosts summer flights to Zagreb and Dubrovnik

Turkish Airlines is increasing flights between Istanbul and both Zagreb and Dubrovnik for the 2025 summer season. The carrier will offer up to 24 weekly flights to Zagreb, including a fourth daily service on selected days from July 1 to September 1. Dubrovnik flights will rise to nine weekly during the same period, with two daily flights on Tuesdays and Sundays. These expansions support increased transfer traffic, particularly from Asia, the US, and Australia.

Air France to launch Riyadh-Paris direct flights from 20 May

Air France will begin direct flights between Riyadh and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on 20 May, starting with three weekly services and increasing to five weekly flights in June. The route will be operated by Airbus A350-900 aircraft, offering 324 seats across Business, Premium, and Economy classes. The airline not only aims to strengthen its presence in the kingdom, but also provide seamless access to more than 190 destinations worldwide via Paris.

Air Arabia shareholders approve 25% cash dividend for 2024 following strong performance

Air Arabia’s shareholders have approved a 25% cash dividend for the 2024 financial year, equating to 25 fils per share. This decision follows a record net profit of AED 1.6 billion ($435.65 million), marking a 4% increase from 2023. Despite geopolitical and economic challenges, the airline expanded its network by adding 31 new routes and 10 aircraft, ending the year with a fleet of 81 aircraft operating over 220 routes.

Aleppo International Airport set to reopen after temporary closure

Aleppo International Airport in Syria is scheduled to reopen following a temporary shutdown due to recent Israeli airstrikes. The airport, which had suspended operations for security reasons, is a key hub for humanitarian aid and passenger flights in Syria’s second-largest city. Authorities have confirmed that repairs have been completed, and flight services will resume soon to support travel and trade.