While Etihad wrapped up 2024 with a strong finish, major developments unfold in the region’s aviation industry, including new flight routes and enhanced passenger experiences.
Riyadh Air delays launch to late 2025 due to Boeing 787 deliveries
Riyadh Air has postponed its operational launch to late 2025, citing delays in the delivery of Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The airline now expects to receive its first Dreamliner in the third quarter of 2025, with operations commencing shortly thereafter. Despite the postponement, Riyadh Air is progressing towards obtaining its air operator certificate and has begun hiring flight attendants and pilots. The airline has placed orders for up to 72 Boeing 787-9s and 60 Airbus A321neos, targeting a fleet of 200 aircraft by 2030.
Middle Eastern airlines among world’s safest in 2025
According to AirlineRatings.com’s 2025 rankings, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways are listed among the world’s safest airlines. Air New Zealand secured the top position, followed closely by Qantas. Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates tied for third place, with Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways completing the top five. The rankings evaluate factors such as serious incidents, recent fatal accidents, audits, profitability, safety initiatives, fleet age, and pilot training assessments.
In terms of low-cost airlines, AirlineRatings.com has recognised flydubai and Air Arabia as two of the worldβs safest in 2024. The evaluation considered factors such as incident and crash records, fleet age, and audits by aviation governing bodies. These airlines were ranked among the top 20 from a pool of 385 carriers globally. flydubai was in 11th place, while Air Arabia ranked 18th.
Emirates ups Madagascar services and SkyCargo capacity, unveils new uniform for its VIP services team
Emirates is increasing its services to Madagascar from four to six weekly flights starting 2 April 2025, thanks to strong demands since commencing flights to the island nation in September 2024. The new schedule will operate every day except Mondays, with flights EK707 and EK708 linking Dubai and Antananarivo via Mahe. Meanwhile, Emirates SkyCargo has expanded its fleet by wet-leasing two additional Boeing 747 freighters, increasing its main deck cargo capacity by 15% compared to January 2024. The current operating fleet now includes 10 Boeing 777Fs and six wet-leased Boeing 747s, totalling 16 aircraft. Additionally, Emirates SkyCargo has 13 Boeing 777Fs on order, with deliveries expected between 2025 and 2026.
The airline has also introduced a new uniform for its Premium & VIP Passenger Services team at Dubai International Airport (DXB), to reflect Emirates’ commitment to providing an elevated experience for high-profile customers transiting through Dubai.
Qatar Airways to commence four weekly flights to Malta
Qatar Airways has announced the resumption of its services to Malta, with four weekly flights starting from 2 July 2025. This expansion will increase the airline’s European network to nearly 50 destinations. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the strong economic ties between Qatar and Malta, noting that the renewed operations will further strengthen this relationship.
Oman Air ranks second globally for punctuality in December 2024
Oman Air achieved a 91.6% on-time performance (OTP) in December 2024, securing the second position worldwide for punctual flight arrivals. This accomplishment follows the airline’s consistent performance, having been named the most punctual in the Middle East and Africa by Cirium in 2023 with a 92.5% OTP, and achieving a 91.3% OTP in 2022. These results highlight Oman Air’s ongoing commitment to operational efficiency and reliability.
Gulf Air to cease Calicut flights and reduce Kochi services
Gulf Air has announced plans to discontinue flights to Kozhikode (Calicut) by 28 March 2025 and to reduce services to Kochi to three weekly flights starting 6 April 2025. This decision affects a region with historically strong ties to the airline, raising concerns among passengers and stakeholders. Despite high occupancy rates of over 90% on the Calicut route, the airline cites strategic realignment towards attracting more transit passengers as the reason for these changes.
flyadeal set to order ten Airbus A330neo aircraft
flyadeal is finalising an order for ten Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, marking its first expansion into wide-body operations, according to a report by Reuters. The deal, expected to be announced in the coming weeks, includes options for an additional ten A330neos. This strategic move follows flyadeal’s evaluation of both the Airbus A330neo and Boeing 787-9 models, with the airline ultimately selecting the A330-900 variant. Deliveries are anticipated to begin in 2027, supporting the carrier’s plans to serve long-haul destinations and increase its international footprint. Currently, flyadeal operates a fleet comprising Airbus A320-200s and A320neos, focusing primarily on domestic routes with an expanding international presence.
flynas inaugurates direct flights between Riyadh and Entebbe
flynas has commenced its first direct flights between Riyadh and Entebbe, Uganda. The airline will operate three weekly flights on this route, marking its expansion into the African market under the theme “We Connect the World to the Kingdom.” Currently, flynas serves 139 routes across more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries, with over 1,500 flights weekly. Since its launch in 2007, the a
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Etihad Airways reports 1.7 million passengers in December, while BAS was awarded the airline’s Best Maintenance Service Provider for 2024
Etihad Airways reported a significant increase in passenger traffic in December 2024, welcoming 1.7 million guests, representing a 20% YoY rise, with the load factor improving to 87% from 84% the previous year. CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted that December was the busiest month of the year, coinciding with the holiday season, and noted a 22% increase in passenger numbers over December 2023. In 2024, Etihad carried over 18 million passengers, marking an 80% increase from 2022, with an average load factor of 87%. In December, the airline expanded its network by resuming services to Nairobi, Kenya, and plans to commence operations to newly announced destinations in the near future.
Meanwhile, Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) was honoured as Etihad Airways’ Best Maintenance Service Provider for 2024, surpassing the airline’s other international maintenance stations. The company also demonstrated proficiency in swiftly addressing technical challenges, adhering strictly to Etihad’s technical standards and operational procedures. This award, initiated by Etihad Airways in 2022 promotes excellence in maintenance services across its global network.
Riyadh Air receives first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for training purposes
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Monday. This leased plane, adorned in the airlineβs pearl livery, is designated for use as a technical spare and for training over the coming months. It is separate from Riyadh Air’s existing order of 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Before entering service, the aircraft will undergo the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation. Riyadh Air plans to commence operations later in 2025.
Air Arabia increases hand baggage allowance on flights
Air Arabia, the UAE-based low-cost carrier, has announced an increase in hand baggage allowance across its flights. Passengers can now carry up to 10 kg of hand baggage effective immediately and applies to all Air Arabia flights. However, passengers are advised to adhere to the specified dimensions for cabin baggage (55cm x 40cm x 20cm) to ensure compliance with airline policies.
Sharjah Airport welcomes more than 17.1 million passengers in 2024
Sharjah Airport reported a substantial increase in passenger traffic for the year 2024, handling more than 17.1 million travellers. This marks a significant growth compared to previous years, reflecting the airport’s expanding connectivity and the rising demand for air travel in the region. The increase is attributed to the addition of new destinations and airlines, as well as enhanced services and facilities aimed at improving the passenger experience.
Saudia launches NDC content on Sabre, enhancing travel retailing
Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has introduced its New Distribution Capability (NDC) content on Sabre’s global travel marketplace. This development enables travel agents, management companies, and corporations to access Saudia’s enriched content and offers, facilitating more personalised and flexible services for travellers. The integration supports Saudia’s strategy to modernise its distribution capabilities and enhance the booking experience across all channels. This collaboration marks the first instance of Saudia making its NDC content available on a Global Distribution System (GDS). Sabre has recently secured similar NDC agreements with other leading airlines worldwide, aiming to advance modern retailing and distribution capabilities across the travel industry.
Qatar Airways hosts dinner with Novak Djokovic during Australian Open
Qatar Airways, in partnership with tennis legend Novak Djokovic, hosted an exclusive dinner event during the Australian Open. The gathering took place at the Botanical Hotel in Melbourne, offering trade and corporate partners a unique opportunity to engage with the 10-time Australian Open champion. The event underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to sports partnerships, with Djokovic serving as the airline’s Global Brand Ambassador. The collaboration also aims to enhance the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, now an ATP 500 event, scheduled for February in Doha.
Royal Jordanian Airlines to commence flights to India
Royal Jordanian Airlines has announced plans to launch new flight routes to India. The expansion aims to strengthen air connectivity between Jordan and key Indian cities, facilitating travel and commerce. This strategic move is part of the airline’s broader initiative to expand its network and enhance its presence in the Asian market. The introduction of these routes is expected to boost tourism and economic ties between the two nations. Details regarding the specific destinations and flight schedules are anticipated to be released soon.
