Riyadh Air’s partnership with Panasonic Avionics for in-flight engagement, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation inspecting Damascus International Airport ahead of resuming flights to Syria, and Etihad Airways extending its partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank. Other highlights include Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport ranking 24th globally in Skytrax’s 2025 World Airport Awards, Dubai Airports training 45,000 staff to be autism-inclusive, and Turkish Airlines planning to offer free unlimited in-flight internet. Airlines like Emirates, Oman Air, and Gulf Air are also expanding routes and services, while industry events like IATA Aviation Day MENA are set to discuss digitalisation, sustainability, and airspace management.
Riyadh Air and Panasonic in-flight collaboration
Panasonic Avionics has announced that Riyadh Air will be the first airline to deploy its new Modular Interactive (MI) platform for in-flight engagement as part of its Astrova IFE launch. Riyadh Air is set to launch as a digitally native airline in 2025 and this collaboration will include delivering entertainment to guests that include personalised promotions, and real-time A/B testing to enhance guest engagement and drive loyalty. The aim is to boost ancillary revenue, while maintaining traditional Saudi hospitality from pre-flight to landing.
Saudi Aviation’s inspection before Syria flights resumption
A delegation from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation arrived at Damascus International Airport for a routine inspection ahead of the planned resumption of Saudi airline flights to Syria. Confirmed by Ala’a Sallal of the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority, the visit is part of internationally recognised procedures to reactivate routes to Damascus after being suspended since 2012. The inspection is a step forward as Syria gradually reopens its airspace following significant political changes.
Saudi airports shine
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has climbed to 24th place globally in Skytrax’s 2025 World Airport Awards, rising 11 spots from last year and ranking highest among Saudi airports. The airport also earned accolades for “Best Airport Staff” in the Middle East and ranked third for “Best New Airport Terminal” worldwide. Meanwhile, Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport efficiently handled around 5.3 million passengers during the peak Umrah season, managing 31,500 flights and approximately 6.4 million bags with reduced waiting times and a seamless experience for travelers.
Etihad Airways partners with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) for guest perks
Etihad Airways has extended its partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) through 2027, further enhancing benefits for Etihad Guest members and FAB credit cardholders. Launched in 2017, the alliance now offers exclusive perks including an introductory offer for UAE residents. New Etihad Guest Visa Infinite Credit Cardholders can earn up to 110,000 welcome miles until 30 April, split evenly between joining and bonus miles. Additional benefits include free worldwide airport lounge access and expedited progress towards Etihad Guest Gold status.
Dubai Airports train 45,000 staff to be autism-inclusive
Dubai Airports has expanded its autism-inclusive training program, equipping 45,000 employees and key partners at DXB and DWC to better serve autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers. This initiative supports Dubai’s goal of becoming a Certified Autism Destination, following DXB’s recognition as a Certified Autism Centre. The training covers sensory awareness, effective communication, and anxiety reduction, while special measures, including Sunflower pins for Guest Experience Ambassadors, blue-illuminated Smart Gates during Autism Acceptance Month, and support tools such as the Sunflower Lanyard, ensure a welcoming and accessible travel experience.
flydubai gets Boeing 737 MAX 8 and kits out with new space bins
The CAPA Fleet database has recorded that flydubai took delivery of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 on 4 April. This comes as flydubai announces an agreement with Boeing to retrofit 21 of flydubai’s 737 MAX aircraft with Boeing’s new, larger Space Bins. These upgraded bins can hold up to six standard-sized bags, an improvement from the typical four, enhancing carry-on storage and passenger convenience.
Turkish Airlines brings free internet to the skies in 2025
Turkish Airlines is set to provide free unlimited in-flight internet to all passengers by late 2025. The carrier plans to retrofit its entire fleet with cutting-edge in-flight connectivity technologies, expanding its current WiFi service, already available to business class travellers and Miles&Smiles members, to all classes at no extra cost. Currently passengers outside of these tiers have to pay $5 for unlimited messaging, $8 for $100MB, or $15 for 250MB, or $35 for unlimited data on long-haul flights.
IATA’s Aviation Day MENA announces themes and focus for event
IATA Aviation Day MENA, taking place in Jeddah on 6-7 May 2025 and hosted by Saudia, has announced it will focus on: digitalisation, sustainability, airspace management, modern airline retailing, and future skills development. It will also look at the aviation’s role in boosting economic growth and connecting the East and West as the event aims to address rapid passenger traffic growth forecasted by 2040. Key speakers include IATA’s Regional Vice President Kamil Alawadhi, Senior VP Nick Careen, and President of GACA Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, along with other industry leaders..
Earlier this week…
Etihad adds another route to Pakistan
Etihad Airways is launching flights to Peshawar, Pakistan, from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, starting September 29, 2025. The new route will operate five times a week, increasing to daily flights from November 22, and will be serviced by Airbus A320 family aircraft. This marks Etihad’s fourth nonstop route to Pakistan, following recent expansions to Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. The airline’s growing network now includes 16 new destinations in 2025, with increased frequencies to key European cities and a revamped Abu Dhabi Stopover programme offering complimentary hotel stays.
Emirates’ expands offerings and sustainability initiatives
Emirates is making waves with two exciting announcements. The airline has made its My Emirates Pass available year-round, offering seasonal summer and winter packages with over 600 exclusive deals across Dubai. Passengers can enjoy discounted culinary experiences, shopping, and leisure attractions, including Aquaventure and The View at The Palm, simply by showing their boarding pass and valid ID.
In other news, Emirates is expanding its Aircrafted KIDS initiative into the MENA region, repurposing aircraft materials to create handmade schoolbags for students in need. The airline has also joined the Aviation Circularity Consortium to drive sustainable practices in aviation and reduce waste. Additionally, Emirates is resuming its second daily flight between Dubai and Beirut from April 1, 2025, adding over 5,000 weekly seats. These initiatives showcase Emirates’ commitment to sustainability, community development, and enhancing the passenger experience.
Oman Air expands London flights as tourism sector adapts to changes
Oman Air is reinstating double-daily flights between Muscat and London from 26 October 2025, in response to strong demand and route performance. The airline will initially operate an additional flight on four days a week, increasing to 14 return flights per week by summer 2026. Meanwhile, Oman’s tourism sector is adapting to recent airline changes, with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism exploring alternative travel options, targeting emerging markets like China and Russia, and promoting charter flights. The Civil Aviation Authority of Oman is also working to reduce domestic airfares by increasing competition and capacity on key routes, addressing the issue of high airfares that currently deter many visitors from flying to Salalah.
Riyadh Air granted Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC)
Saudi Arabia’s GACA has granted Riyadh Air an Air Operator’s Certificate after an 11‑month review, confirming compliance with international aviation standards. The certificate, presented to CEO Tony Douglas, paves the way for the carrier to launch commercial operations later in 2025. Riyadh Air aims to serve over 100 international destinations by 2030 through the use of more than 130 aircraft. It is expected to contribute to the creation of over 200,000 jobs and $19.9 bn of non-oil GDP for the Kingdom.
EgyptAir and Port Sudan connectivity increases
EgyptAir has launched a new service offering four weekly flights between Cairo and Port Sudan, running from 30 March through the end of the summer schedule. Outbound flight MS865 departs Cairo International Airport at 23:50 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, while the return flight leaves Port Sudan at 02:55 on Saturdays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Matarat reports 6.8m passengers during Umrah season
Matarat Holding Company reported that over 6.8 million passengers, including Umrah performers, passed through four major Saudi airports during the peak Umrah season of 1446 AH (from the start of Ramadan to the seventh of Shawwal). International flights accounted for over 4.6 million passengers, while domestic travel reached 2.1 million. The airports involved were King Abdulaziz International (Jeddah), Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International (Madinah), Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International (Yanbu), and Taif International.
Turkish Airlines expands fleet and enhances passenger policy
Turkish Airlines has signed a deal with AviLease to lease eight Airbus A320neo aircraft, supporting its growth and sustainability initiatives. Two aircraft have already been delivered, with six more scheduled for 2025. The airline has also introduced a 24-hour booking refund policy, allowing passengers to receive a full refund without deductions if they cancel within 24 hours of booking via the airline’s website or mobile app. This policy also applies to its low-cost subsidiary, AJet.
Gulf Air resumes flights to Nairobi
Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, has announced the resumption of direct flights to Nairobi, Kenya, a route it last operated in 2012. Beginning 2 June, the airline will offer five weekly flights between Bahrain International Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport using its A320neo aircraft. The service will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.
Royal Jordanian Airlines signs SaaS deal with GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace has signed a five-year agreement with Royal Jordanian Airlines to supply a comprehensive suite of SaaS solutions, marking the first collaboration in this field between the two. Under the deal, GE will provide flight operations software, including Safety Insight for risk management and Fuel Insight for optimising fuel consumption which will enhance Royal Jordanian’s operational data analytics, safety procedures, and sustainability efforts. Serving over 45 destinations worldwide, Royal Jordanian is leveraging GE’s digital technologies to boost operational efficiency and reliability.
flynas making moves
Saudi budget airline flynas has received approval from the Capital Market Authority to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO) of 51.26 million shares, representing a 30% stake. Meanwhile, the airline has also launched direct cargo flights from Entebbe, Uganda to Riyadh, offering 6 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity for perishables and general freight, marking a significant boost for Uganda’s export ambitions and trade flows between East Africa and the Gulf.
SunExpress begins first flights from Scotland to Turkey
SunExpress has launched its first direct flights from Glasgow Airport to Bodrum, Turkey, as part of the ongoing budget airline partnership between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines. Starting from 5 April for the 2025 summer season, six weekly flights will operate to popular destinations, two to Dalaman, and four to Antalya. All of the routes will be served by Boeing 737 aircraft.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) includes Beirut in new summer routes
While releasing its largest summer program to date, which includes flights to Northern Europe, Seattle, and Seoul, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) announced new flights from Copenhagen to Beirut. This will provide strengthened connectivity between Northern Europe and the Middle East with three fights per week during the summer season. Vice President of Network at SAS, Henrik Winell spoke to Travel Wires and hinted at increasing more access to the Middle East and ‘solidifying Copenhagen as a world-class travel hub’.
Royal Air Maroc signs partnership agreement with Mauritania
Royal Air Maroc strengthened its partnership with Mauritania Airlines, increasing weekly flights between Casablanca and Nouakchott from seven to nine, enhancing regional connectivity. The two airlines have signed both a ‘free flow’ codeshare agreement and an MoU committing both airlines to increase flights along the Casablanca-Nouakchott route. This comes a week after Morocco announced a $1.5b airport expansion for Royal Air Maroc’s key hub (Casablanca Mohammed V Airport).
SalamAir launches dedicated WhatsApp service
SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has enhanced its customer experience by launching a dedicated WhatsApp service that delivers tickets and boarding passes directly to passengers. This digital upgrade follows the introduction of Express Bag and Priority services, further personalising the travel experience. Chief Commercial Officer Steven Allen highlighted the initiative as part of a broader digital transformation strategy aimed at offering flexible, customer-focused tools that empower passengers to tailor their journeys to their individual needs.
Ethiopian Airlines expands UAE presence
Ethiopian Airlines is launching a new passenger flight service to Sharjah, UAE, effective 1 June 2025, operating four times weekly. The new route complements the airline’s existing cargo operations and strengthens its connectivity to the Middle East.
