Top 3 Headlines
Riyadh Air orders 25 Airbus A350-1000s to power global expansion
Riyadh Air has signed a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the Paris Air Show, with options to double the order to 50 jets. The new Saudi airline will be the first in the Kingdom to operate the A350-1000, with the aim of handling 300 million air passengers annually. The aircraft will enhance the airline’s long-haul capability, passenger comfort, and sustainability, being SAF-compatible.
Royal Air Maroc expands summer operations with record capacity
Royal Air Maroc has launched its Summer 2025 flight program with a record 6.6 million seats, 700,000 more than last year, serving 95 destinations globally. The initiative supports the annual return of Moroccans living abroad and boosts connectivity across Africa and Europe. Key increases include daily flights to Dakar, nine weekly services to Nouakchott, and enhanced European routes from Casablanca. The airline is also adding eight new aircraft, including Boeing 787-9s and 737 MAXs, while reducing reliance on chartered planes.
The low-down on UAE flights disruptions
Major UAE airlines have suspended flights to several destinations amid escalating regional tensions and airspace closures. The UAE’s ICP has also activated its emergency plan to ensure smooth airport operations, with support for stranded passengers including accommodation, logistics, and information. Travellers are advised to check their flight status regularly, arrive early at the airport, and consider alternate routes or dates. Here are the current changes:
Etihad Airways:
- Flights to Tel Aviv suspended until 22 June
- Abu Dhabi to Amman and Beirut operating on a revised schedule
Emirates
- Flights to Amman and Beirut suspended until 22 June
- Flights to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra suspended until 30 June
- Tel Aviv service remains suspended
flydubai
- Flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria suspended until 20 June
- Flights to Jordan and Lebanon resuming daytime operations on 17 June
Air Arabia
- Flights to Iran and Iraq suspended until 30 June
- Flights to Jordan, and Russia suspended until 20 June
- Sales offices in Iran temporarily closed
- Passengers from Sharjah or Abu Dhabi to affected destinations not accepted for travel
Wizz Air
- Flights to Tel Aviv suspended until 15 September
- European flights to Amman also suspended
- Avoiding overflight of Israel, Iraq, Iran, and Syria
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Noteworthy:
- Boeing secured orders for 303 aircraft in May 2025, its strongest monthly performance in two years, driven by major purchases from Qatar Airways.
- Airbus has confirmed new aircraft deals with LOT Polish Airlines and EgyptAir, including A220s and A320neos, signed mid-June 2025 to support their fleet growth.
- Turkish Airlines and Icelandair have expanded their codeshare agreement from 17 June 2025, offering more connectivity between Türkiye and Iceland via key European hubs.
- Etihad Airways and flydubai are resuming select flights to Jordan and Lebanon from 20 June 2025, enhancing regional travel following a temporary pause.
- Oman Air is set to launch direct flights to Uzbekistan and expand its fleet, as part of its strategic growth plans unveiled on 17 June 2025.
- Gulf Air marked its 75th anniversary on 19 June 2025 with a celebration at Athens International Airport, celebrating decades of partnership between Bahrain and Greece. Gulf Air has also launched direct flights between Bahrain and Nairobi, boosting business and tourism ties with Kenya and expanding its African footprint.
- Saudia has added new direct flights between Riyadh and Vienna starting mid-June 2025, enhancing travel options to Central Europe.
- Emirates has launched a new collection of onboard kids’ toys and travel bags worldwide as of 18 June 2025, appealing to collectors and young travellers alike.
- Air Arabia has wet-leased four A320s until the end of Q1 2026 to meet growing passenger demand and expand short-haul routes.
- flynas named Best Low Cost Carrier in the Middle East by Skytrax for the 8th consecutive year.
