Top 3 Headlines
Etihad has launched four new routes
Etihad Airways has launched four new routes, bringing the carrier’s network to over 85 destinations. The new routes include:
- Tunis (three weekly flights starting 1 November)
- Hanoi (six weekly flights starting 2 November)
- Chiang Mai (four weekly flights starting 3 November)
- Hong Kong (five weekly flights starting 3 November)
Saudia launches free WiFi
Saudia Airlines has launched free high-speed WiFi on its flights on 1 November. The service, which offers speeds of up to 300 Mbps, is being rolled out across the entire fleet, with future updates expected to boost connectivity to 800 Mbps. Passengers can connect multiple devices, stream live content, browse the web, and join virtual meetings seamlessly. The introduction of free WiFi is a significant step in Saudia’s digital transformation strategy, and the airline aims to expedite implementation across all its aircraft. This move sets the carrier apart from some regional competitors, although new carrier Riyadh Air is expected to offer high-speed connectivity, potentially including free access, in line with global standards. Currently, Emirates and Qatar Airways also offer complimentary WiFi, but with certain limitations.
Emirates’ new biometrics system
Emirates will install a biometric facial recognition system at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, allowing customers to pass through various checkpoints, including Check-In, Immigration, Boarding Gates, and Lounges, using facial recognition technology. This eliminates the need for customers to carry passports and boarding passes, making the travel experience faster and more seamless. The system, developed in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), uses powerful cameras that can recognise biometric profiles from a distance of one meter. Passengers can register for the service using the Emirates app or at check-in desks, and once registered, they can enjoy a streamlined journey through dedicated Biometric Zones, reducing processing time and increasing efficiency.
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Noteworthy
- Turkish Airlines has secured a landmark USD 412 million financing deal with Bank of China to support its growth initiatives, including fleet expansion and infrastructure projects, marking a significant partnership between Türkiye and China.
- Qatar Airways and Air Algérie have launched a codeshare partnership, beginning 15 November, enhancing connectivity between Algeria and key markets in Asia and the Middle East.
- Emirates is adding six weekly flights to its Dubai-Cairo route from 1 December 2025, and will operate a daily flight from 1 February 2026, to meet growing demand.
- Emirates has opened its latest retail store in Riyadh, offering an immersive travel experience with interactive displays and expert advice in a stylish, lounge-inspired space.
- Emirates is harnessing artificial intelligence and real-time data from global partners to predict and avoid turbulence, significantly reducing severe turbulence incidents and improving flight safety and comfort. The airline’s multi-layered approach combines AI-driven platforms like SkyPath and Lido mPilot with IATA’s Turbulence Aware, providing pilots with live turbulence information to make dynamic route and altitude adjustments.
- Flyadeal has launched scheduled flights to Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, marking its fifth destination in the country, with twice-weekly services connecting Riyadh and Lahore.
- Flynas has resumed direct flights between Jeddah and Kuwait, with three weekly flights, adding to its existing daily Riyadh-Kuwait service.
