flyadeal’s launches new flights to Pakistan, Saudia goes direct flights from Chattogram to Jeddah, Riyadh Air partners with LIV Golf, Muscat International Airport welcomes charter flight from Slovakia, QAIA celebrates exceptional year in 2024, Hamad International Airport opens new Concourse E, and more.
flyadeal takes to the skies in Pakistan
Saudi Arabian airline flyadeal has commenced flight operations to Pakistan, with its inaugural flight touching down at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Saturday. The airline will operate two weekly flights to Karachi from Riyadh and Jeddah, and will initially offer four weekly flights to Lahore and Karachi using Airbus A320 aircraft. The launch is expected to provide additional direct travel options for passengers and create new employment opportunities, with Flyadeal becoming the third Saudi airline to operate in Pakistan. The carrier is aiming to carry at least 75,000 pilgrims on dedicated international charters for this year’s Hajj season.
Saudia launches direct flights from Chattogram to Jeddah, revises London flights for Summer 2025
Saudia is set to launch direct flights between Chattogram and Jeddah from March, initially operating three weekly flights with plans to increase frequency over time. The airline will utilise Boeing 777 and 747 aircraft on this route, expanding its presence in Bangladesh where it currently operates flights from Dhaka.
Meanwhile, the airline has revised its planned Riyadh to London service for the Northern Summer 2025 season beginning 1 April, opting to maintain three daily flights to London Heathrow (LHR) instead of introducing a third daily flight to London Gatwick (LGW) as initially planned. All three daily LHR flights will be operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with reservations available across various fare classes for the outbound flight and limited availability for the return flight.
Riyadh Air announces multi-year partnership with LIV Golf
Riyadh Air has entered into a multi-year partnership with LIV Golf, the world’s first global golf league. The agreement, announced by Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas and LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, includes comprehensive sponsorship across the LIV Golf League, aligning with Riyadh Air’s values of innovation, excellence, and community engagement. The partnership will cover 14 global events in nine countries, including on-course branding, hospitality, and TV placement, starting with the season-opening event at the Riyadh Golf Club.
Muscat International Airport welcomes charter flight from Slovakia
Muscat International Airport has received its inaugural weekly charter flight from Slovakia, carrying 182 passengers, marking the beginning of a new direct connectivity between Oman and Slovakia. This service, set to continue throughout the tourist season, is part of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s strategy to expand Oman’s tourism market and attract more international visitors. The charter flights sector is expected to play a significant role in supporting tourism-related industries and creating job opportunities for Omani youth. Notably, over 74,000 passengers arrived in Oman via charter flights in the 2023/2024 tourist season, generating revenues exceeding RO 23M.
QAIA celebrates exceptional year in 2024
Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) has marked a successful year in 2024, despite regional challenges impacting traffic figures. QAIA welcomed 8.8 million passengers, handled 73,370 aircraft movements, and processed 75,450 tons of cargo. The airport expanded its network with new routes, including London Stansted and Moscow, and made significant strides in sustainability, including a 4.8 MW solar farm project. QAIA received several accolades, including the Best Airport by Size and Region: Middle East title and a 4-Star Airport Rating by SKYTRAX. The airport also strengthened its infrastructure and operations, signing agreements to build a new hangar and implement the Airport Collaborative Decision Making concept.
Hamad International Airport opens new Concourse E
Hamad International Airport (DOH) has inaugurated Concourse E, a key component of its terminal expansion programme. The new concourse increases the airport’s contact gates by 20%, enhancing the passenger experience with improved boarding efficiency, reduced reliance on remote gates, and accessibility-focused design. The expansion adds 51,000 sq m of space, featuring eight new contact gates, advanced self-boarding technology, and sustainable infrastructure, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to delivering world-class facilities.
The airport has also launched a new uniform for its customer service team, marking a significant evolution in the airport’s brand. The uniform, designed by Qatari designer Sheikha Zulfa Al Thani, reflects a modern, dynamic, and functional design inspired by the airport’s iconic logo. Over 350 customer service personnel will wear the new uniform, which aims to foster stronger connections with passengers and create a welcoming environment.
