Top 3 Headlines

Oman Airports and Oman Air sees passenger surge as Indian travellers lead inbound market

Oman Air has tripled its point-to-point (direct) traffic in just one year and has hit 200,000 passengers in June 2025. It now accounts for 58% of total traffic for the airline, more than twice other GCC airlines. Oman Airports has also seen a 2% year-on-year increase in June traffic, totalling 1.13 million passengers.

Of these, Indian nationals remain the top inbound market, with 88,579 arrivals and more than 113,213 departures in the first five months of 2025. Oman’s strong India connectivity includes routes operated by Oman Air, SalamAir, IndiGo, and Air India Express. SalamAir plans to expand further in India, targeting new cities like Nagpur.

Etihad’s A321LR enters service and launches loyalty partnership with Azul 

Etihad Airways’ first Airbus A321LR will enter commercial service on 1 August, starting with flights between Abu Dhabi and Phuket. The new aircraft will soon be deployed on additional routes including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, and Zurich. This delivery marks the beginning of a fleet of 10 A321LRs set to arrive throughout 2025, supporting Etihad’s vision to carry 38 million passengers per year. 

Etihad has also signed a new frequent flyer partnership with Azul Brazilian Airlines. The agreement allows Etihad Guest and Azul Fidelidade members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ networks as well as across hotel stays, flights, holidays, car rentals, and specific shop products. Etihad customers can now explore Azul’s coverage across Brazil and the Americas, including destinations like Sao Paulo, Salvador, Fort Lauderdale, and Curacao. Meanwhile, Azul members gain access to Etihad’s network across the Middle East and Asia.

Morocco unveils Dh38 Billion airport investment ahead of FIFA World Cup 2030

Morocco has announced a Dh38 billion (US$10.3 billion) airport investment plan over the next five years to boost infrastructure ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The agreement, signed in Rabat, includes major expansions at airports in Marrakech,Fez, Agadir, and Tangier, and a new terminal and runway at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca (Dh25 billion). An additional Dh13 billion will fund maintenance, modernisation, and land acquisition.

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Noteworthy: 

1. Turkish Airlines will resume flights to Aleppo on 1 August, marking a return to the Syrian city after 13 years. Meanwhile it has also secured a major A350 financing deal with Dubai Islamic Bank for fleet expansion plans.
2. Air Arabia adds a third daily flight to Bangkok and boosts operations in Multan (to 5 per week) and Faisalabad (to 4 per week), while launching a major seat sale with one-way fares from just Dh149 to popular destinations including India.
3. Flyadeal has achieved a record-breaking first half of 2025, topping global punctuality rankings, carrying one million passengers in July, and celebrating with a 500,000 seat sale starting at Dh47.9.
4. Etihad Guest has launched a new loyalty partnership with Revolut, allowing members to earn and redeem points through the fintech app, expanding lifestyle rewards integration.
5. Saudia has joined the Esports World Cup as Official Airline Partner, a landmark sponsorship to gain visibility in the growing gaming industry. The airline has also introduced ‘Cash + Miles’ payment option for AlFursan members, allowing travellers to book flights using a mix of loyalty miles and cash.
6. Jazeera Airways has launched a sale offering 100,000 discounted seats on travel between 1 August and 30 September 2025 with one-way fares starting from KWD14 (BD17).
7. Qatar Airways has unveiled a new ‘Privilege Club Pro’ loyalty subscription service allowing members to earn Qpoints and Avios each month. 
8. The UAE and China are set to deepen aviation cooperation after a UAE delegation visited various leading Chinese aerospace manufacturers. The aim is increased flight connectivity and strategic collaboration across the sector. 
9. Belavia will relaunch direct charter flights to Oman starting from 24 October 2025 reconnecting Salalah and Belarus.