Etihad Celebrates Lunar New Year, Riyadh Air’s successful test flight, Emirates resumed flights to Beirut, Qatar Airways extended partnership with PSG, Oman Air’s financial turnaround and more.
flyadeal joins IATA, reinforcing commitment to safety and sustainability
flyadeal has joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This milestone follows flyadeal’s successful completion of IATA’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), a rigorous appraisal of the airline’s operational safety standards. As an IATA member, flyadeal will participate in industry working groups focused on safety, sustainability, and digital transformation, and will benefit from IATA’s Billing Settlement Plan (BSP) for quicker and more efficient agency payment processing. The airline’s CEO, Steven Greenway, hailed the membership as an “extreme honour,” while IATA’s Regional VP, Kamil Alawadhi, welcomed the carrier to the IATA family, highlighting the airline’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s rapid aviation growth.
Pegasus Airlines launches direct Aarhus to Antalya services
Pegasus Airlines, Europe’s 8th largest airline, is set to launch a new direct scheduled service from Aarhus to Antalya on 9 May. This marks the airline’s first foray into Scandinavia’s fifth-largest metro area. The new route is expected to be popular among sun-seekers and those visiting friends and family, with over 11,000 people of Turkish descent living within reach of Aarhus Airport. Aarhus Airport CEO, Lotta Sandsgaard, welcomed the new collaboration, praising Pegasus Airlines’ customer-friendly service and quality product.
Dubai International Airport reaches 92.3M passengers in 2024
Dubai International (DXB) airport has achieved a major milestone, welcoming a record 92.3 million passengers in 2024, surpassing its previous record of 89.1 million in 2018. This achievement marks a decade of DXB leading the Airports Council International’s list of the world’s busiest international airports. The airport’s growth was driven by sustained demand throughout the year, with December being the busiest month, handling 8.2 million passengers. Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, praised the achievement, highlighting the airport’s role in cementing Dubai’s position as a global hub for travel, business, and investment.
Air India Express expands network to Abu Dhabi
Air India Express has announced the expansion of its flight network to Abu Dhabi, providing more convenient travel options for Indian expats in the UAE. The airline has also increased its baggage allowance, offering up to 30kg of check-in baggage and 7kg of cabin baggage at no extra cost. Additionally, the carrier has introduced new routes to Ras Al Khaimah, Dammam, Muscat, Bangkok, and Phuket.
Wipro to lead Etihad Airways’ technology modernisation
Etihad Airways has selected Wipro Limited to lead its comprehensive technology modernisation programme, aimed at improving operational efficiency and scalability. As part of the five-year contract, Wipro will deliver a customised cloud-based solution, integrate Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) modules, and provide real-time insights into resource utilisation. The partnership will enable Etihad Airways to elevate customer experiences through advanced automation, intelligent operations, and enhanced observability, while also gaining access to Wipro’s Innovation Lab in the UAE.
Earlier this week…
Etihad prepares to usher in Lunar Year of the Snake
Etihad Airways is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a special themed menu and decorations in its lounges and on select flights to and from Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, and Shanghai today, 29 January. Guests in premium cabins and eligible Etihad Guest members will be treated to a live cooking station, traditional dishes, and red-themed decorations. Additionally, Etihad will commence flying its Airbus A380 between Abu Dhabi and Singapore on 1 February, offering a luxurious travel experience with amenities such as comfortable seating, Wi-Fi connectivity, and premium cabins, including The Residence, a three-room suite in the sky.
Meanwhile, the airline has announced a significant expansion of its Italian network with the addition of a third daily flight to Milan, starting 1 November 2025. The triple-daily service will offer 12,600 seats per week, representing a 115% year-on-year capacity increase.
BAS upgrades ops management with SITA system
Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) has partnered with SITA to implement an advanced Resource Management System (RMS) at Bahrain International Airport, aimed at optimising ground operations and enhancing the passenger experience. The new system will enable BAS to efficiently allocate workforce and equipment resources, providing real-time operational insights and reducing downtime. The RMS is expected to improve service efficiency, particularly during peak periods, and facilitate effective monitoring of ground equipment usage, reducing maintenance and energy costs.
Riyadh Air completes successful test flight to Istanbul
Riyadh Air successfully conducted its first test flight to Istanbul on 23 January. The flight, operated using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner previously used by Oman Air, marks a significant step towards the airline’s planned launch later this year. The airline boasts partnerships with eight other airlines, including Turkish Airlines, and has ambitious goals including 132 aircraft orders and the creation of more than 200,000 jobs.
Jazeera Airways adds three summer hotspots
Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost airline, has announced the addition of three new summer destinations: Sochi, Russia; Hurghada, Egypt; and Budapest, Hungary. These new routes, including the recently unveiled Budapest connection, will provide passengers with a wider range of travel options. Sochi, known for its stunning beaches and breathtaking scenery, and Hurghada, renowned for its diving and vibrant culture, will offer unique and exciting travel experiences. Jazeera Airways CEO, Barathan Pasupathi, expressed his enthusiasm for this expansion, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable travel options for its customers.
Air AlgΓ©rie temporarily closes its Dubai office
Air AlgΓ©rie, Algeria’s national carrier, has temporarily closed its Dubai office for relocation. Despite the closure, the airline has assured customers of seamless support through alternative communication channels. Passengers can stay updated on the relocation progress and new office details through Air AlgΓ©rie’s official channels, with further updates to follow once the relocation is complete.
Qatar Airways extends Paris Saint-Germain partnership
Qatar Airways has extended its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) until 2028. The renewed partnership, which strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two brands, will feature the Qatar Airways logo on PSG’s shirts and training apparel. The collaboration will also extend across the Qatar Airways Group, involving Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport, to create a comprehensive partnership ecosystem.
Emirates resumes flights to Beirut from 1 February
Emirates will resume daily flights to Beirut, Lebanon, and Baghdad, Iraq, starting 1 February. The Beirut route will initially operate with a daily Boeing 777-300ER flight, offering over 5,000 seats weekly, and will add a second daily flight from April 1, 2025. The Baghdad route will also operate daily with a Boeing 777 aircraft. The reinstated services will provide passengers with increased choice, comfort, and connectivity to Dubai and Emirates’ network of over 140 destinations.
Oman Air fleet reduced
Oman Air has reported a significant turnaround in its financial performance, with a 40% increase in annual Ebitda to OR24 million and a 40% rise in earnings before interest and taxes to OR76 million. The airline achieved these results despite a 13% decline in passenger numbers to 5.4 million, by reducing its fleet size by 29% and implementing cost-cutting measures, including a 24% restructuring of its operations and workforce, which resulted in savings of OR18 million.
