From soaring passenger growth rates to trailblazing new routes and strategic partnerships, an inaugural travel fare that defied expectations earning it an extension, and a highly anticipated air show on the horizon, this week’s aviation round-up is jam-packed with excitement, innovation, and milestones!
DXB achieves top sustainability milestone with global accreditation
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has achieved the prestigious Level 4 “Transformation” accreditation from Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation program, recognising its significant efforts in reducing carbon emissions. This distinction places DXB among the top 5% of participating airports worldwide. The airport’s comprehensive strategy focuses on decarbonisation, resource conservation, and adopting cutting-edge technologies, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. Dubai Airports’ CEO, Paul Griffiths, emphasised the airport’s commitment to sustainability, highlighting partnerships and initiatives driving systemic change. Examples include transitioning to biodiesel, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing waste. The oneDXB Sustainability Alliance, a network of airport partners, is exploring more than 180 decarbonisation projects.
Emirates celebrates Diwali, returns to Adelaide, and signs MoU with VN & VJ
From 28 October – 4 November, passengers travelling between Dubai and nine Indian cities will be treated to traditional Diwali delicacies in all classes, including motichoor laddu and pista rolls. Emirates’ Lounges will also offer festive fare, Diwali-themed cocktails, and mocktails. Emirates’ First Class Lounges in Dubai will serve dishes like firangi chaat, zaatar kebab, and lamb rogan josh, while Business Class Lounges will offer vegetable samosa and dal kachori. That’s not all! There’s also the entertainment aspect, where flights will include up to 215 Indian movies, including new and classic Bollywood hits, and Indian regional movies in nine languages.
In other news, Emirates has reinstated its daily Adelaide-Dubai service, offering 4,200 weekly seats on a Boeing 777-200LR. The move is expected to facilitate 220,400 passengers annually, generating over $62 million in tourism expenditure and creating 315 jobs, boosting South Australia’s economy and tourism industry. Emirates has also signed MoUs with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet to enhance connectivity between Dubai and Vietnam, offering travellers more options and flexibility. The agreements, signed at the Vietnam-UAE Business Forum, reaffirm Emirates’ commitment to supporting trade and tourism between the UAE and Vietnam, a market it has served since 2012.
Hamad International Airport enjoys Q3 2024 growth, launches direct flights to Shenzhen
Hamad International Airport (DOH) has recorded a notable 7.9% increase in passenger traffic for the third quarter of 2024, totaling 13.7 million passengers. This growth is attributed to a significant 11.7% rise in point-to-point traffic. Key growth markets include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Spain, UK, Germany, and China, which boasted a substantial 43% increase. Notably, July emerged as the airport’s busiest month, handling 4.7 million passengers. Aircraft movements expanded by 6.2% to 71,425, while cargo handling demonstrated a 13.5% increase to 670,643 tonnes, and baggage processing rose by 8.9% to more than 11 million.
The airport has also just launched direct flights to Shenzhen, China, operated by Shenzhen Airlines, marking its ninth destination in China and Shenzhen Airlines’ first destination in the Middle East. As of 29 October three weekly flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays aboard Shenzhen Airlines’ Airbus A330-300.
Sharjah Airport reports 10% growth in Q3 2024
Sharjah Airport reported strong growth in its Q3 2024 performance, with passenger numbers increasing 10% to 4.392 million and flight movements rising 6.7% to 27,758. Cargo handling also saw significant growth, up 32% to 46,284 tonnes, while sea-air cargo operations increased 7.8% to 3,236 tonnes.
According to Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, the airport’s growth aligns with Sharjah’s broader economic expansion, solidifying its position as a leading regional airport. To accommodate increasing demand, the airport is undergoing expansion plans aimed at boosting capacity to 25 million passengers annually by 2027. The project includes upgraded cargo facilities, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices to provide a seamless travel experience.
Abu Dhabi Airports reports 31.2% passenger traffic growth in nine months
Abu Dhabi Airports has reported exceptional year-to-date passenger traffic growth, with 21.7 million passengers served as of 30 September 2024. This represents an incredible 31.2% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven by an expanded route network, new airline additions, and increased demand for travel during the peak summer months. The airports’ top destinations included London, Mumbai, Kochi, Cairo, and Doha.
Abu Dhabi Airports’ cargo throughput also witnessed incredible growth, reaching 572,000 metric tonnes year-to-date, marking a 23% YoY increase. To support this expansion, Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone has signed agreements to enhance its warehousing capabilities, including a 29,000-sq-m facility with MSM Logistics and a 140,000-sq-m facility with Radius Group. Managing Director and CEO Elena Sorlini attributed the growth to confidence in Abu Dhabi as a leading aviation hub, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure and services to further improve trade and connectivity.
Etihad strengthens North American network with new flights and aircraft, announces new flights to Egypt
Etihad Airways marked a significant upgrade to its daily services between Abu Dhabi and Canada with the arrival of its first Airbus A350 at Toronto Pearson Airport on 27 October 2024. The state-of-the-art aircraft features Etihad’s latest cabin interior. This development follows increased demand on Etihad’s North American routes, including Toronto and Boston. With daily flights to Boston starting 1 November 2024, the airline now operates 42 weekly flights to the region, including twice-daily services to New York JFK and daily flights to Chicago, Toronto, and Washington DC. Etihad’s US Customs and Border Protection facility at Abu Dhabi streamlines immigration, while its complimentary stopover program offers up to two free nights at premium hotels in Abu Dhabi. Further growth plans are slated for November, with new destinations to be announced soon.
Meanwhile, the airlines has also announced non-stop flights to Al Alamein (DBB), Egypt’s Mediterranean coastal gateway, starting July 2025.
Saudia records growth in Q3 2024, launches flight from Dammam to Beijing
Saudia has reported significant growth in its Q3 2024 operational performance. The airline carried more than 9 million guests, a 10% YoY increase with 49,500 flights operated. Saudia logged 146,700 flight hours with an impressive on-time performance rate of 87.8%. Internationally, the airline carried 5 million guests, up 9%, while domestically, it served 4 million guests, a 12% increase. From January to September 2024, Saudia transported 25.3 million guests across 143,800 flights. To meet growing demands, the airline plans to expand its fleet with 131 new aircraft, increasing flight offerings and seating capacity across its network of over 100 destinations.
Meanwhile, the airline launched its inaugural flight from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam to Beijing, China’s capital. This new route operates twice weekly in each direction, connecting through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Dammam is now the third city to operate flights to Beijing, joining Jeddah and Riyadh. The airline offers 1,310 weekly seats to Beijing and 1,966 seats to Guangzhou across six flights. This expansion supports economic and tourism growth in the Eastern Province, with King Fahd International Airport seeing a 16.2% growth in passenger numbers from January to September 2024. Saudia recorded 84,890 guests on 482 flights to Beijing and 78,560 guests to Guangzhou, reflecting a 19% increase in demand.
Oman Air extends partnership with Qantas and ups services to Moscow, while CAA enters in to six air transport agreements
Oman Air and Qantas have strengthened their partnership with a new loyalty programme that enables Sindbad members to redeem miles on Qantas flights and Qantas members to access Oman Air’s network. The airlines’ existing interline partnership will expand to include mile-earning opportunities, ahead of Oman Air’s joining the oneworld alliance in 2025.
The airline is also enhancing its Moscow service for the winter season, having increased direct flights from Muscat to three times weekly from 29 October, five times weekly from 1 December, and six weekly flights from 25 December to 29 March 2025. The outbound flights will depart Muscat at 15:25, arriving in Moscow at 21:00, with return flights departing at 22:20 and arriving at 05:40.
Meanwhile, Oman’s Civill Aviation Authority has taken a significant step in expanding its aviation network by signing bilateral air transport agreements with six countries: Australia, Chad, Chile, Suriname, Syechelles and Uganda. These agreements aim to enhance cargo and passenger connectivity between Oman and its new partners, fostering economic cooperation, regulatory oversight, and code-sharing arrangements. The agreements, comprising 24 articles and route schedules, were signed during the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiations event in Malaysia. With this development, Oman now holds 129 bilateral air transport agreements, including 82 under an open skies policy. This expansion is expected to increase airline operations to and from Oman’s airports, advancing the civil aviation sector through enhanced cooperation in air transport.
Gulf Air Travel Fair a success
Gulf Air’s inaugural Travel Fair, held over the weekend at The Gulf Hotel in Bahrain enjoyed a resounding success, drawing a remarkable crowd of enthusiastic travellers. The event offered exclusive deals and discounts of up to 50% on flights to popular destinations, including London, Casablanca, Istanbul, Cairo, and Dubai. Purchased return tickets are valid for travel from Bahrain until May 31, 2025, with return travel to Bahrain required by June 30, 2025.
Gulf Air Group CEO, Jeffrey Goh, noted that the strong turnout reflected robust travel demand and underscores the value the airline provides. Due to popular demand, the fair was extended for another day with additional hours from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event also featured activities, including a kids’ area and immersive virtual reality experiences showcasing Gulf Air’s diverse destinations.
Air Arabia launches Sharjah-Maldives flights, and will soon commence RAK-Moscow
Air Arabia has launched daily direct flights from Sharjah International Airport to Velana International Airport in Malé, Maldives on 27 October. The flights are operated by Air Arabia’s modern Airbus A320 aircraft. This development is expected to enhance travel options for Middle Eastern tourists and strengthen the airport’s connectivity.
From 27 December 2024, Air Arabia will commence three weekly direct flights between Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Moscow Domodedovo Airport. According to Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, this expansion is part of the airline’s commitment to growing its international network from Ras Al Khaimah, further enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Russia.
Cathay Pacific resumes flights to Saudi, Syrian Air to follow
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, has resumed direct flights to Riyadh on Monday 28 October, after a six-year hiatus. Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po was on the inaugural flight, leading a delegation of around 100 representatives from finance, technology, and innovation sectors to Saudi Arabia. The airline will operate three weekly flights on Monday’s, Thursday’s, and Saturday’s, with the aim of boosting connectivity, trade, and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative. The delegation’s visit will also include participation in the 8th Future Investment Initiative, highlighting the importance of this renewed air link for business and economic cooperation between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile Syrian Air, the national carrier, will resume flights from Damascus to Jeddah on 7 November. The twice-weekly flights will be the first commercial services between the two cities in over eight years. This development follows existing flights between Damascus and Riyadh, and is expected to boost transportation, communication, and community ties between the two nations, according to Syrian Air General Director Hatem Kabbas. The route was originally suspended in May 2016.
flydubai, and Turkish Airlines secure Macedonia route contracts
Along with Wizz Air, flydubai and Turkish Airlines have secured subsidies from the Macedonian government to launch new routes. flydubai will resume its Dubai-Skopje service after a five-year hiatus, while Turkish Airlines will begin flights between Istanbul and Ohrid. Wizz Air will be connecting between Skopje to Barcelona, Lyon, and Stuttgart, as well as from Ohrid to Basel. The threeroutes are expected to generate an additional 200,000 passengers in 2025, according to TAV Macedonia, the operator of Skopje and Ohrid airports.
The airlines will receive subsidies for three years, with €9 allocated for each arriving passenger from Skopje and €12 from Ohrid. Macedonia’s Minister for Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, expressed pride in the new routes, highlighting the significance of Turkish Airlines’ regular service from Istanbul to Ohrid, which will link Ohrid to Europe’s largest and most connected airport. The new routes are set to launch next year, with flydubai and Turksih Airlines beginning flights on 30 March 2025, and Wizz Air on 30 June 2025.
flydubai launches daily flights to Nepal
flydubai is launching a daily service from Dubai to Bhairahawa, Nepal, starting 10 November 2024. The flights will operate from Dubai International’s Terminal 2 to Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA), also known as Bhairahawa Airport, in the Lumbini Province. The airline has served Nepal since 2009, carrying more than 3 million passengers between Nepal and the UAE. Emirates will codeshare on the Bhairahawa route, offering passengers more connection options through Dubai’s aviation hub.
Saudi airshow touted to be biggest to date
The Saudi General Aviation Airshow, Sand & Fun 2024, will take place from 19-23 November at Al-Thumamah Airport in Riyadh. The event promises to be the largest to date, featuring more than 100 exhibitors with 100,000 visitors expected. Highlights include the SkyVentures Air Show with 15 international teams, static displays of military and civilian aircraft, and exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge aviation technologies such as 3D printing and drone displays.
The airshow will also feature interactive zones, including the Avitainment Zone with virtual reality experiences and the Kids Zone with aviation-themed workshops. A music concert with regional artists will conclude the week-long event. Concurrently, the 118th FAI General Conference will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, bringing together global aviation leaders to discuss the future of flight. The conference aims to set new standards and celebrate achievements in aviation, gathering a community from over 90 countries.
flynas signs with VCM to support Kingdom’s climate commitments
flynas has partnered with the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company (VCM) to advance its sustainability goals and support the Kingdom’s net-zero emissions target by 2060. The agreement, signed by VCM CEO Riham ElGizy and flynas’ Director of Corporate Commnucations, Waleed Ahmed, aims to establish cooperation in the voluntary carbon market, including carbon credit trading. The partnership enables flynas to launch a voluntary carbon offset program for passengers on domestic and international flights; with funds going towards climate projects and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to net-zero emissions.
