Top 3
Emirates enhances premium experience and expands Dublin service
DXB Terminal 3 is the home of the newly opened Emirates First, an exclusive new check-in area for First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. The space features private seating, refined interiors with wood and marble accents, leather furnishings, integrated soft lighting, and a calm, greenery-filled ambience. Guests are welcomed through a golden entryway, with check-in services offered on iPads while they relax. The area also features dedicated hosts, private baggage belts, and seamless transitions to immigration and lounge access.
Separately, Emirates has announced the launch of a third daily flight to Dublin from 26 October using a Boeing 777-300ER. The new flight enhances connectivity and cargo capacity, complementing the route’s second refurbished 777, which enters service on 16 October.
Etihad launches Al Alamein route and corporate travel portal
Etihad Airways launched its inaugural flight to Al Alamein (DBB), Egypt, on 17 July, adding the Mediterranean destination to its seasonal summer network. The twice-weekly service operates on Thursdays and Sundays using an Airbus A320 with eight Business and 150 Economy seats, catering to growing leisure demand from the UAE and Gulf region.
Etihad has also launched its Etihad for Business corporate portal, offering companies a streamlined platform to manage contracts, monitor spend, and redeem travel benefits. The tool features real-time tracking, self-service capabilities, and dedicated support, simplifying corporate travel management.
Qatar Airways expands Saudi network and boosts Dublin services
Qatar Airways is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia and is now serving 11 destinations in the Kingdom, including the recently added Abha, and operates over 130 weekly flights offering more than 30,000 seats during summer. Key markets include Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam, with increased capacity supporting connections to more than 170 destinations worldwide via Doha.
The airline will also increase its Dublin-Doha service from 14 to 17 weekly flights starting 2 December. The enhanced schedule includes a new morning arrival into Doha, improving onward connections to recently launched morning flights to Sydney and Melbourne. The added frequency offers more flexibility for Irish travellers heading to Australia and beyond.
Noteworthy
- SalamAir has resumed direct flights between Muscat and Beirut, reconnecting Oman and Lebanon.
- Royal Jordanian has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a new Airbus A320neo, part of its ongoing fleet modernisation strategy aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
- Flynas has launched a new route linking Jeddah and Prishtina, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity with the Balkans and tapping into seasonal travel demand.
- Abu Dhabi Airports reported 15.8 million passengers in the first half of the year, signalling a strong rebound in air traffic and sustained growth in tourism and transit travel.
- Oman Air has introduced a city check-in facility at Salalah Gardens Mall, offering travellers added convenience by enabling baggage drop and boarding pass collection before arriving at the airport.
- Jazeera Airways has rolled out a new customer experience platform, designed to streamline booking, personalise travel services, and improve passenger satisfaction through digital innovation.
- China Southern Airlines has inaugurated a new direct route between Guangzhou and Riyadh, enhancing air links between China and Saudi Arabia to support tourism and business ties.
- Flyadeal has taken delivery of its 40th aircraft and opened a new office in Dubai, growing its regional footprint in the GCC aviation market.
- Kuwait and India have expanded their aviation agreement, boosting weekly seat capacity to 18,000 to accommodate rising demand and deepen bilateral air connectivity.
- Turkish Airlines released their busiest international routes for 2025 so far. The top 10 in order are; London taking the lead, followed by Paris, Dubai, New York, Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt, Jeddah, Duesseldorf, Vienna, Munich, Tashkent, Bangkok, Milan, Madrid, Zurich, Barcelona, Hamburg, Rome, and Baku.
