flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, is set to start its seasonal operations to 11 cities this summer, providing passengers with a range of holiday destinations to explore from 04 June. This includes the start of flights to two new summer destinations, Al Alamein and Antalya.
Flights will operate daily from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) to Antalya International Airport (AYT) from 05 June and Al Alamein International Airport (DBB) from 21 June. With the start of these flights, customers travelling from Dubai, and around the network, can enjoy convenient travel options to visit the beautiful Turkish Riviera and Egypt’s popular Al Sahel North Coast.
Customers looking for exciting destinations to explore this summer can also enjoy flydubai’s convenient flights to popular destinations such as Batumi, Bodrum, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Olbia, Santorini, Tivat and Trabzon.
To cater to the busy Eid Al Adha travel period, flydubai’s summer schedule will commence earlier this year at the beginning of June. The expanding network will be served by flydubai’s young and efficient fleet including its latest retrofitted aircraft as well as the latest Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft that entered service in April this year.
Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: “We have seen growth in demand for travel to popular seasonal summer destinations year-on-year. The introduction of more destinations to our summer operations reflects our ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers by providing greater convenience, enhanced accessibility and more options for travel. We are confident that Al Alamein and Antalya will be popular choices for holiday seekers from Dubai and across the flydubai network. The 11 seasonal summer routes operating from June to September complement our existing popular established routes such as Georgia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Thailand.”
flydubai continues to record growth in demand for its Business Class offering and has recorded a 20% increase in Business Class passengers in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The airline is expected to see continued growth in Business Class numbers over the summer, underscoring the attractiveness of its offering, coupled with the introduction of its new Business Class check-in area and flydubai Business Class Lounge at Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB).
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is celebrating summer holidays with an exciting promotion of a 15 percent discount on selected flights to and from Abu Dhabi.
The promotion applies to bookings for travel between 1 May and 30 June 2025, providing travellers with the opportunity to experience a variety of vibrant and culturally rich destinations at even more affordable rates. The discounted fares are now available for booking through wizzair.com and the Wizz Air mobile application.
Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, stated: “At Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, we are committed to offering affordable, high-quality travel options that enable more people to explore new destinations and create lasting memories. Our 15 percent summer discount underscores our dedication to providing exceptional value to our customers while supporting the continued growth of Abu Dhabi as a leading travel hub. We look forward to welcoming more travellers on board and delivering outstanding experiences across our diverse network.”
Travellers are encouraged to secure their bookings promptly to take advantage of this limited time offer and explore the world with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.
* This promotion applies on bookings made from 1 May to 30 June 2025 from 00.00 till 23.59 CEST (“Promotional period”). The 15% discount applies to selected flights. The promotion applies only to bookings made on https://wizzair.com or on the WIZZ mobile app. *
Almaty, Kazakhstan—The Air Astana Group fleet has grown to 60 aircraft following the arrival of a new Airbus A320neo in Almaty today. Full-service carrier Air Astana now has a fleet of 35 aircraft, while low-cost carrier FlyArystan operates 25.
Both carriers in the Group have grown rapidly with an increasing number of the latest generation Airbus A321LR and Airbus A320neo aircraft at the forefront of Air Astana’s network expansion to destinations across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. FlyArystan continues to boost low-cost services throughout Kazakhstan and Central Asia, together with an increasing number of longer-range flights to Georgia, China and the Middle East.
“Expanding our fleet to 60 aircraft is a significant milestone for Air Astana Group and an important step towards accomplishing our strategic plans,” said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group. “We will continue to invest in modern aircraft and expand our route network, offering passengers even more opportunities for convenient and affordable travel both within the region and beyond”.
The Air Astana Group fleet is destined to expand further in the next few years, with the total reaching 80 aircraft by 2028.
About Air Astana Group
Air Astana Group is the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size. The Group operates a fleet of 60 aircraft split between Air Astana, its full-service airline that operated its inaugural flight in 2002, and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline established in 2019. The Group provides scheduled, point-to-point and transit, short-haul and long-haul air travel and cargo on domestic, regional and international routes across Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Far East, the Middle East, India and Europe.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways is launching its biggest annual summer sale with up to 30% off on a wide range of destinations across its network, to help guests plan their summer travel.
Guests can book their flights at special sale fares until 18 April to various exciting Etihad destinations, including Prague and Warsaw launching in June, and travel between 1 May and 30 September 2025. They will also enjoy an additional 10% on all destinations using promotional code EYEXTRA10 when booking their tickets on Tuesday 15 April.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “Summer is the perfect time to create unforgettable travel memories, and we’re making it easier with these special fares across our network. Whether you’re dreaming of pristine beaches, cultural adventures, or family fun, our summer sale offers something for everyone. Book early and give yourself something wonderful to look forward to.”
Etihad Airways makes flying with children simple. From dedicated family check-in desks to priority boarding for families with little ones, the airline takes care of all the details so parents can focus on making memories together. Young travellers on longer flights enjoy the ‘Little VIP’ experience with themed amenities and activity packs designed for different age groups, while the inflight entertainment system features a wide selection of family-friendly movies, TV shows, music and games.
Adventure travellers can discover Etihad’s expanding network with 14 new destinations launching this year, as well as our seasonal summer routes to Antalya, Santorini and Nice, offering even more exciting places to explore around the globe. This significant expansion opens up fresh horizons for those seeking thrilling experiences and new adventures.
Cultural enthusiasts can explore destinations rich in history, art, and traditions across Etihad’s global network. From European masterpieces to Asian temples and ancient wonders, the airline connects Abu Dhabi to some of the world’s most culturally significant sites and experiences.
Food lovers can indulge in Etihad’s celebrated dining experience featuring dishes that blend Middle Eastern flavours with global culinary traditions. Menus showcase local specialties and international cuisine inspired by the destinations Etihad serves, paired with a thoughtfully selected range of beverages to enhance the dining experience at cruising altitude.
More information can be found on etihad.com.
Destinations highlights
Atlanta, USA (ATL): With fares starting at 2995 AED, Atlanta will captivate its visitors with diverse attractions, from the immersive Georgia Aquarium housing thousands of marine species to the fascinating World of Coca-Cola museum. History enthusiasts enjoy the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, while families flock to the expansive Centennial Olympic Park. The vibrant food scene, anchored by Ponce City Market, and cultural institutions like the High Museum of Art round out Atlanta’s appeal as a dynamic urban destination.
Prague, Czech Republic (PRG): Prague enchants visitors with its fairy-tale atmosphere, dominated by the magnificent Prague Castle complex overlooking the Vltava River. The iconic Charles Bridge, adorned with baroque statues, leads to the Old Town Square featuring the medieval Astronomical Clock. Prague’s affordable Czech beer, hearty cuisine, and romantic ambiance make it one of Europe’s most beloved destinations. Tickets to Prague start at 1,895 AED.
Warsaw, Poland (WAW): Warsaw impresses visitors with its remarkable resurrection story, showcased in the meticulously reconstructed Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The magnificent Royal Castle and grand Royal Łazienki Park with its Palace on the Water highlight the city’s royal heritage. Modern Warsaw shines through the striking Palace of Culture and Science, innovative culinary scene, and vibrant nightlife, creating a fascinating blend of past and present. Guests can book their trip to Warsaw with fares starting at 1,895 AED.
Sochi, Russia (AER): Sochi attracts visitors with its unique combination of Black Sea beaches and nearby Caucasus Mountain ski resorts, famously hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics. Tourists enjoy the vibrant Sochi Autodrom Formula 1 circuit, relax in mineral-rich spa treatments, and explore Stalin’s Summer Residence. The spectacular Olympic Park complex and neighboring Rosa Khutor ski resort offer year-round activities, making Sochi Russia’s premier resort destination. Tickets are available starting at 1,695 AED.
Al Alamein, Egypt (DBB): Al Alamein is also available starting at 995 AED and draws visitors to enjoy the pristine Mediterranean beaches along Egypt’s North Coast, with crystal-clear waters rivaling more famous Egyptian resorts. Nearby Marsa Matruh offers additional beautiful beaches and the historic Cleopatra’s Bath rock formation. The developing coastal area continues to attract tourists seeking a quieter alternative to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts.
TPE (Taipei, Taiwan) (TPE): Taipei captivates visitors with its perfect blend of traditional culture and cutting-edge modernity. Tourists marvel at the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper before exploring the National Palace Museum’s world-renowned Chinese artifacts collection. The city’s vibrant night markets offer unforgettable street food experiences, while peaceful temples like Longshan and natural attractions such as Yangmingshan National Park provide tranquil retreats. Taipei delivers Taiwan’s essence in one dynamic package with fares starting at 3,195 AED.
Etihad’s seasonal destinations of Antalya (AYT) in Turkey, and Santorini (JTR) and Mykonos (JMK) in Greece will also mesmerize their visitors with iconic whitewashed buildings crowned with blue domes cascading down volcanic cliffs, their perfect balance of natural beauty, nightlife, and Greek charm, as well as the stunning blend of turquoise Mediterranean coastlines with fares starting at 1,495 AED and 1,895 AED respectively.
Málaga (AGP) in Spain and Nice (NCE) in France are both available with fares starting at 2,095 AED and will enchant tourists with their perfect blend of beach and culture along Spain’s Costa del Sol and the French Riviera.
As the air cargo industry sees growing demand on capacity, Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) is celebrating its longstanding cargo operation with Royal Jordanian after 35 years of collaboration.
The Jordanian airline currently operates 3 to 4 full freighter flights a week to the expanding Dutch air cargo hub at MST.
“The choice for Maastricht Aachen Airport was, and still is, crystal clear. The speed, service, and trust at the airport are of an exceptionally high level. Add to that the airport’s accessibility and the friendly staff, and you simply don’t want anything else,” said Ibrahim Theodory, Station Manager, Royal Jordanian Maastricht.
Read: Schiphol Cargo Tonnage Hits 1.5M, Up 8.2% in 2024
MST has recently invested in its facilities to boost the work of its cargo team, alongside an investment of 40 percent by Royal Schiphol Group in the airport, as it looks to expand its operations to the well-connected cargo hub at MST.
‘We are incredibly proud of this long-term partnership with Royal Jordanian. Every day, our team is very dedicated to give Royal Jordanian and all of our other client’s custom-made cargo handling services,” Dean Boljuncic, Head of Commercial Development Maastricht Aachen Airport.
In 2024, MST recorded an on-time performance of over 98 percent for its cargo handling operations, with the industry benchmark for a good performance currently sitting at 95 percent.
At Schiphol Cargo – total air cargo tonnage reached 1.5 million tonnes in 2024, marking an 8.2 percent increase on 2023.
Electronics, machinery and spare parts, perishables, clothing, e-commerce goods, and pharmaceuticals are some of the largest categories by freight volume.
Air cargo growth was driven by a surge in e-commerce and various global geo-political developments and ocean shipping restrictions.
The Full Freighter to Belly ratio shifted to 57 percent for full freighters and 43 percent for belly freight, indicating an increase in the proportion of belly freight from 39 percent in 2023.
Experts expect this trend to continue in the coming years.
Read: SJU Airport Certified as Pharma Handling Hub
With a small decrease in full freighter flights, higher volumes carried by the aircraft led to a 1 percent average year-on-year increase in full freighter tonnage.
Belly freight saw a notable 19.8 percent increase, driven by a higher number of flights carrying belly cargo, as passenger flights continued their post-COVID recovery.
All regions experienced strong growth, except for Latin America, which saw a decline, partly due to the reallocation of routes to and from Asia driven by e-commerce demand.
Growth in both Inbound and Outbound Tonnage:
Singapore: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has renewed its title sponsorship of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix for another four years, continuing its long-standing partnership with one of the most anticipated events in the F1 calendar.
The Airline has been the title sponsor of the event for 11 years, beginning with the 2014 edition of this iconic race. This latest extension will cover the event, which will continue to be called the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX, from this year’s race, which is scheduled for 3 to 5 October 2025 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, through to the 2028 edition.
Renowned as one of F1’s premier events, the Singapore Grand Prix features drivers racing through the city streets against the spectacular backdrop of its night-time skyline. The event has bolstered Singapore’s reputation as a business and tourism hub, with numerous international events and meetings organized to coincide with the race, complementing SIA’s global network.
“The Singapore Grand Prix is an important event in Singapore’s sporting and tourism calendar. It has become iconic not just for showcasing our beautiful skyline, but also for highlighting Singapore’s position as a key global hub. This extension underscores Singapore Airlines’ long-standing commitment to supporting the development of sports and tourism in Singapore,” said Mr. Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines.
Ms. Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1, said: “We are delighted that Singapore Airlines will continue as the Title Sponsor of the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX. Singapore has become one of the most revered Grands Prix on the calendar, and it is through the hard work and dedication of partners such as Singapore Airlines that we can continue to deliver such a strong event. We look forward to continuing to work with them to further elevate this event for years to come.”
Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways, the world’s best airline as voted by Skytrax in 2024, has extended of its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) until 2028, reaffirming its commitment to one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, ushering in a new era of collaboration.
This renewal strengthens the long-standing relationship between Qatar Airways and PSG, built on shared values of excellence, ambition, and innovation.
The announcement was made a few days following The Parisian’s victory over Manchester City F.C at the Parc des Princes Stadium in the UEFA Champions League – Europe’s premier football tournament where Qatar Airways also holds a strong presence as ‘Official Airline Partner’. Further cementing their alliance, the partnership will extend across the Qatar Airways Group, involving Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport to create a comprehensive and engaging partnership ecosystem. The Qatar Airways logo will continue to feature on the “rouge & bleu” shirt, as well as all training apparel and warm-up jerseys at all domestic and international tournaments, including Ligue 1, and UEFA Competitions.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Paris Saint-Germain, a club that embodies the spirit of excellence and innovation. This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of connecting and inspiring people around the world. Together, we will continue to redefine the boundaries of what is possible, both on the pitch and in the skies.”
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, President of Paris Saint-Germain, said: “We are proud to extend our partnership with Qatar Airways, the world’s leading airline, through 2028. This collaboration, founded on excellence, creativity, and innovation, was exemplified by the groundbreaking in-flight press conference aboard a Qatar Airways flight to kick off 2025. Together, we will continue to set new benchmarks and create history in the years ahead.
Paris Saint-Germain is playing an important role in Qatar Airways’ extensive sponsorship portfolio and is connecting and engaging its brand with the club’s hundreds of millions of fans world-wide, whilst providing unique experiences to reward its Privilege Club members – which is the Official Frequent Flyer Programme of Paris Saint-Germain. Additionally, Qatar Airways Holidays will continue to offer official Paris Saint-Germain fan travel packages, bringing football enthusiasts from around the world to Paris, to enjoy the city and see some of the best players in football.
As an industry leader in advanced technology, Qatar Airways offers passengers complimentary gate-to-gate Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout their journey. This unique partnership with Starlink also enables Paris Saint-Germain teams to stay connected throughout their travels with its global fanbase in real-time. This technology was in use on 2 January when the team hosted a first ever virtual press conference onboard their Qatar Airways flight 35,000 feet up in the skies, prior to securing the French Cup against Monaco – a special cup final that was staged in Doha.
The renewed partnership underscores a shared commitment to elevating fan engagement and delivering exceptional brand experiences. It introduces a range of exciting initiatives designed to bring fans and Privilege Club members closer to the action. These include innovative collaborations that seamlessly blend Paris Saint-Germain’s elegance with Qatar Airways’ world-class hospitality, exclusive offerings within the Club’s ecosystem, and unique lifestyle experiences that celebrate the synergy between the two iconic brands.
The extended partnership will continue to focus on creating global campaigns, and opportunities to engage with PSG supporters worldwide. With Qatar Airways’ award-winning service and PSG’s growing influence on the world stage, this collaboration will reach new heights in the coming years.
This partnership marks another milestone in Qatar Airways’ portfolio of high-profile global sports partnerships, including the likes of FIFA, Formula 1®, UEFA, MotoGP, AFC, FC Internazionale Milano, Tennis Legend – Novak Djokovic, The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), French Rugby Team – Section Paloise, The British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia 2025, The Brooklyn Nets NBA Team, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, equestrian, kitesurfing, motor racing, squash, and tennis.
Muscat, Oman: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost airline, has launched three products designed to enhance passengers’ travel experience.
Starting January 2025, SalamAir will offer Express Bag, Priority, and Online Check-In services, providing travelers with more flexibility and options to tailor their journeys to suit their individual needs. These services will be available for bookings made through all of SalamAir’s booking channels.
SalamAir says it’s focused on reinventing its approach to travel and is introducing a lower fare structure that provides passengers greater opportunities to save on travel costs. As part of this change, passengers can now save 1OMR from the cost of travel by checking in online.
“We believe in letting passengers choose what products they want when they fly,” said Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of SalamAir. “Passengers should have the opportunity to reduce their cost of travel and only pay for what they want. Our first step on this path is to enable passengers to reduce their cost of travel by using online check-in. Passengers can choose to check-in at the airport if they wish, but there will be a charge applied to enable the airline to recover the cost of providing that service.”
In addition to this initiative, SalamAir is introducing two other innovative products:
Express Bag: Passengers can book this product to ensure their bag is among the first to arrive at their destination. This product provides our passengers with fast baggage delivery on arrival, allowing them to enjoy their travel without a long wait at a baggage belt.
Priority: Passengers can now choose to take an extra 10kg bag on the plane in addition to the 5kg hand baggage each passenger can carry for free. SalamAir’s priority product also includes priority boarding; passengers get to board the plane first, which guarantees they will have overhead space for their bags. Priority also offers a dedicated airport check-in area, making the airport experience easier.
“These new services are designed to provide our passengers with increased choice and flexibility,” said Hamilton-Manns. “From January, passengers can enjoy more personalization in their travel plans. SalamAir is committed to reducing the cost of travel while providing more options for our customers to tailor their travel needs to meet their personal requirements. With Express Bag, Priority, and Online Check-In, SalamAir has an expanded range of options to make every journey more enjoyable and lower cost.”
Istanbul, Türkiye: Turkish Airlines, which has held the title of flying to the most countries in the world since 2012, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records™ as the record holder.
Turkiye’s national flag carrier has successfully achieved the Guinness World Records™ title for the “Most Countries Flown to by an Airline”.
The record certificate was presented at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport following Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight to Chile. The ceremony was attended by Turkish Airlines executives and Guinness World Records™ officials.
Based on Guinness World Records™ evaluation criteria, Turkish Airlines set the record with flights to 120 countries, reflecting only the active routes of the past 12 months. Nevertheless, including temporarily suspended routes and the inaugural flight to Chile, Turkish Airlines’ flight network now spans 131 countries.
Commenting on the record, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi stated, “We are delighted to be in Santiago, Chile, our newest route launched today, and to receive the Guinness World Records™ title for the Most Countries Flown to by an Airline. As the only airline to hold this distinction for over a decade, we proudly showcase the strength of our flight network and reinforce our mission to connect people, cultures, and destinations around the globe.”
Talal Omar, VP – MENA & Türkiye, Guinness World Records™, said: “Today, we mark a distinguished milestone for Turkish Airlines, whose steadfast commitment to connecting the world exemplifies vision and excellence in aviation. This remarkable achievement affirms its vital role in the global aviation landscape, reaching more international destinations than any other airline. We offer our congratulations to Turkish Airlines on this extraordinary accomplishment and declare them, with great distinction, Officially Amazing™.”
New flights to Santiago, Chile
As this developed, Turkish Airlines has expanded its reach in the Americas by launching flights to Santiago, the capital of Chile. With Santiago as its 26th destination in the Americas, this new route holds significant importance, as it increases the number of countries in the flag carrier’s network in the region to 10 and the world to 131.
Since December 19, Turkish Airlines has been operating four weekly flights from Istanbul to Santiago via São Paulo. This new route further reaffirms the flag carrier’s commitment to boost its presence in the Americas.
“As the airline flying to more countries than any other in the world, we continue to connect continents and cultures. The launch of our Santiago flights once again underscores our commitment to offering travellers unparalleled connectivity options. These flights will not only contribute to trade and tourism but also enhance cultural interaction between the two nations. We look forward to welcoming passengers onboard to experience our signature services and our world-renowned Turkish hospitality while discovering the captivating beauty of Chile, Türkiye and beyond,” said Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi.
Flight Schedule:
With its rich history, cultural centers, and breath-taking scenery of the Andes Mountains, Santiago stands out as an attractive destination for travelers from all around the world. This new route not only expands Turkish Airlines’ flight network but also strengthens the connections between Türkiye and Chile.
To make travel more comfortable, Turkish Airlines offers a wide range of privileged services for its guests. These include the Stopover Istanbul program, which provides free hotel accommodation for transit passengers with layovers of 20 hours or more, and the TourIstanbul program, which offers complimentary guided tours showcasing Istanbul’s historic landmarks for layovers lasting 6 to 24 hours.
This new route not only enhances accessibility to South America but also provides travelers with an unforgettable opportunity to discover Chile’s natural and cultural wonders.
Technology has made the world smaller and faster.Real time communication with people from all over the world at different time zones through phones and gadgets
