Top 3 Headlines
IATA sets global priorities to strengthen aviation safety
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has identified three key priorities to strengthen global aviation safety and operations:
- Defending and evolving global standards
- Fostering strong safety culture through leadership
- Using data to enhance performance
Speaking at the World Safety and Operations Conference in Xiamen, IATA’s Global Director of Safety, Mark Searle, emphasised growing challenges such as airspace closures, GNSS interference, and regulatory fragmentation.
IATA’s action plan includes tackling GNSS jamming, protecting aviation radio spectrum amid 5G and 6G rollouts, and improving timely accident reporting. Through programs like Turbulence Aware and risk-based IOSA, IATA is driving data-led safety insights. Together, these efforts aim to build a safer, smarter, and more unified global aviation system prepared for tomorrow’s risks.
Australia lifts Qatar Airways ban and airline urges passengers to review new EU travel system
Qatar Airways is celebrating a major breakthrough as Australia lifts its flight restrictions, allowing the airline to expand routes and increase competition across key cities. The move is expected to lower fares, boost tourism, and strengthen ties between the Gulf and Australia’s growing aviation market.
Meanwhile, from 12 October, the European Union will roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travellers, replacing manual passport stamping with digital biometric checks at Schengen borders. Qatar Airways has urged passengers to review the new procedures before travel. Together, these developments mark a pivotal shift in global mobility, expanding Qatar Airways’ reach while modernising how millions move through Europe’s airports.
Dammam Airport opens Saudi’s largest sensory room
King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) in Dammam has unveiled Saudi Arabia’s largest sensory room, designed to support travellers with disabilities and the elderly. The facility features 12 interactive devices and a dedicated relaxation space, offering a calming environment that enhances accessibility and comfort during air travel.
Launched through a partnership between Matarat Holding, the King Salman Centre for Disability Research, and Aramco, the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s growing commitment to inclusive aviation.
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Noteworthy:
- Etihad Airways wrapped up a milestone week with sold-out inaugural flights to four destinations, Krabi, Sumatra, Phnom Penh, and Addis Ababa. Krabi marks 11 new destinations in 2025, expanding Etihad’s global network to 86 routes.
- Riyadh Air has opened its flagship Hafawa Lounge between Terminals 1 and 2 in the King Khalid International Airport, offering 2,000 sqm of luxury spaces for Business Elite and Business Class guests. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the lounge blends Saudi-inspired materials with modern comfort, featuring private rooms, immersive digital zones, and refined a la carte dining.
- Turkish Airlines will launch Istanbul-London Stansted flights on 18 March 2026, growing to 14 weekly services by summer. The carrier also signed a broad partnership with Air Algerie to expand codeshares and collaborate on cargo, maintenance, training, and sustainability initiatives, strengthening cultural and economic ties between Turkiye and Algeria.
- flyadeal will begin twice-weekly Riyadh-Lahore flights on 27 October, expanding its Pakistan network to five cities and 18 weekly services. The move follows rapid growth since August, tapping strong demand from over 2.7 million Pakistani residents in Saudi Arabia.
- EgyptAir will launch direct flights from Cairo to Los Angeles and Chicago in 2026, operated by Airbus A350-900s, its longest US routes yet. Sister carriers Nile Air and Air Cairo will also add new regional and European routes, while Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and TUI UK expand connectivity to Upper Egypt and Sharm El Sheikh.
- flynas received its 60th A320neo, bringing its fleet to 66 aircraft. The airline, which has 280 Airbus jets on order, will also add a new Jeddah-Moscow Vnukovo service from 23 December 2025, flying three times per week and complementing its existing Riyadh-Moscow route as part of its growing international expansion.
- Saudia inaugurated its first scheduled flights between Riyadh and Moscow, marking a key milestone in strengthening Saudi-Russian relations. Flights will operate three times per week by Boeing 787-10 aircraft.
- As part of its Aircrafted KIDS initiative, Emirates distributed 834 upcycled backpacks and school supplies to Jordanian youth through four local NGOs. The airline also announced a temporary suspension of its Dubai-Madagascar flights due to civil unrest, and choosing to rebook affected passengers.
- Royal Jordanian will launch twice-weekly Amman-Hamburg flights in March 2026 and resume Amman-Munich routes, alongside expanded services to Casablanca, Algiers, and AlUla. The moves strengthen RJ’s summer 2026 network and its presence in key European and regional markets.
