Top 3 Headlines
GAF spotlights cutting-edge airport innovation
The 4th edition of the Global Airports Forum (GAF) is set to take place from 16-17 December 2025 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) in Saudi Arabia, featuring over 250 exhibitors from 100+ countries and attracting over 10,000 participants. The event will showcase cutting-edge innovations and technologies in airport operations, including biometric screening, automated check-ins, and smart baggage handling, with a focus on enhancing passenger experience and sustainability. Notable exhibitors include Saudia, Amadeus, and Airport Innovation Hub, with special pavilions from countries like Italy, Germany, and the UK. The event will also feature the Airport Innovation Trail and Hub, highlighting solutions driving aviation growth, and will include over 100 international speakers and 5,000+ pre-scheduled meetings.
Qatar Airways returns to Canberra with daily Doha flights
Qatar Airways has resumed daily flights between Australia’s capital Canberra and Doha. The airline’s return brings much-needed international connectivity to the nation’s capital, offering travelers enhanced options and flexibility.The daily Boeing 777 service, operating via Melbourne, connects Canberra to over 170 global destinations, including Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Passengers can enjoy Qatar Airways’ renowned Qsuite Business Class, featuring fully enclosed suites and premium dining, as well as complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi. Canberra Airport CEO Stephen Byron hailed the return as a “game-changer for international travel,” while ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr expects it to drive tourism growth and contribute to the government’s goal of USD 3.276 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030.
Oman Air takes delivery of ninth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Oman Air has taken delivery of its ninth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, supporting the airline’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency on key long-haul routes, including London, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, and Amsterdam. The Dreamliner is renowned for its fuel efficiency and advanced technologies, aligning with Oman Air’s goals of achieving long-term sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The aircraft features a two-class configuration, with 30 Business Class seats and 258 Economy Class seats. Oman Air’s CEO, Con Korfiatis, highlighted the Dreamliner’s ideal balance of efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort, underscoring the airline’s commitment to modernising its fleet and elevating the travel experience.
Noteworthy
- According to AirHelp’s 2025 rankings, Middle Eastern airlines are making waves globally. Qatar Airways takes the top spot in the Middle East and ranks first worldwide with an impressive AirHelp Score of 8.16. Etihad Airways follows closely, ranking second globally with a score of 8.07, jumping nine places year-over-year. Oman Air (7.82) came in 7th position and Saudia (7.69) in 8th place.
- Etihad Airways has debuted a new social video celebrating the UAE’s 54th National Day, showcasing the nation’s growth and innovation, and featuring a young Emirati boy’s journey through the Founder’s Memorial, symbolizing the UAE’s progress and Etihad’s role in carrying forward Sheikh Zayed’s vision.
- Emirates has extended its partnership with World Rugby for another decade, becoming the governing body’s first-ever Platinum Partner, with the airline committing to support various rugby tournaments, including the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups, until 2035.
- Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) has won the 2025 ACI World-Amadeus Technology Innovation Award for its Smart Cleaning System, a pioneering solution that uses real-time data and robotics to optimise cleaning operations, boost efficiency, and maintain high hygiene standards, with QAIA being one of only four global winners selected for its innovative approach to airport operations and passenger experience.
- Air Arabia has launched a new daily nonstop service between Sharjah and Krabi, Thailand, strengthening travel links between the UAE and the scenic coastal destination, with the airline’s Group CEO Adel Al Ali highlighting the route’s potential to boost tourism and trade between the two countries.
- Turkish Airlines has partnered with Samsung to introduce Smart Tagged Baggage Service, allowing passengers to track their luggage using Galaxy SmartTags, as part of its efforts to enhance the travel experience through digitalisation and innovative technology.
- Sfeer, the loyalty programme powered by Riyadh Air, has partnered with Uber to offer its Founding Members six months of complimentary Uber One membership, providing savings, premium ride features, and 10% cashback on eligible trips across Saudi Arabia.
- Emirates and Kuwait Airways have formalised their interline partnership, aiming to boost commercial operations between Kuwait and the UAE, with Emirates operating 29 weekly flights on the Dubai-Kuwait route.
