Search alerts

Qatar Airways ramps up all-inclusive FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 travel packages for fans to secure their place in world football’s biggest event. The additional packages include match tickets, flights and accommodation throughout the course of the tournament, allowing passionate football fans to book their seats and follow their favourite team during the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East.The airline originally launched these packages in September 2021 to cater to millions of anticipating fans, and now with less than 130 days to go until the mega event, a worldwide demand for match tickets has risen and these travel packages provide fans guaranteed tickets to experience matches in person.

Etihad Airways has announced the extension of its flights between Abu Dhabi and Zanzibar to 14 January 2023.The service will continue to be operated at the current schedule of three times weekly until 26 November, when a fourth weekly flight will be introduced for the end of year holidays.The flights will be operated on modern Airbus A320 aircraft, providing travellers with a range of travel options to the popular Indian Ocean archipelago throughout the week.

flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, announced today the launch of flights to Samarkand in Uzbekistan from 20 September with a twice-weekly service. With the addition of flights to Samarkand, flydubai grows its operations in the market to two points including the capital, Tashkent. Flights to Samarkand International Airport (SKD) will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB) on Tuesdays and Fridays. With the launch of operations to Samarkand, flydubai grows its network to 102 destinations served by a fleet of 65 Boeing 737 aircraft, giving passengers from the UAE and the region more reliable and convenient options for travel.

The United Kingdom will remove the visa requirement for Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) state nationals visiting the country from 2023.A number of countries were added to the United Kingdom’s list of countries eligible for its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. The ETA scheme is a key part of the UK government’s move to have a fully digital border by the end of 2025. Before ETAs are introduced in 2023, travellers from GCC countries will continue to use electronic visa waivers which can be completed online before entering the UK.

Dubai carrier Emirates is preparing for a busy summer schedule with 24,000 passenger flights lined up in July and August. The carrier said it was coordinating with ground handling partners at 129 airports around the world to ensure they are up-to-date with operational requirements and are prepared to support smooth passenger movement.Emirates has also worked closely with other stakeholders at Dubai Airport to support its flight schedule and services, provisioning additional resources to ensure efficient operations at the hub, including for transiting passengers

As a result of staffing problems at Schiphol, all airlines will only be able to board a maximum number of passengers from Amsterdam in July and August. And KLM is no exception. The maximum number will vary from day to day. To remain within this limit, KLM will restrict ticket sales and cancel a number of flights – albeit on a limited scale. By taking such measures, KLM expects to remain within the agreed number of boarding passengers, enabling us to provide our customers with clarity, despite the ongoing operational challenges at Schiphol. For example, passengers who have already booked do not need to worry whether their trip will be going ahead.

Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest growing and most sustainable airline, is launching exciting new routes from Dammam, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to Rome, Vienna and Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi route will be operated by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Wizz Air’s joint venture airline with ADQ. Launching in September 2022, the new destinations are the first step towards a growing presence in KSA which will provide for the first time truly affordable, hassle-free, point-to-point travel for tourists and residents in the Kingdom, Europe and the UAE, strengthening global connectivity.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will resume direct passenger flights between Abu Dhabi and Beijing from 29 June 2022, becoming the first regular direct international passenger flight to recommence for Beijing, under the latest mandate of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council.

Etihad Airways is expanding its quick self-service bag drop facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The service provides a faster check-in experience and can accommodate a greater number of guests who will then be able to skip the queues. Once checked-in online, the self-service facilities allow travellers to seamlessly retrieve their booking, print the bag-tag and process their bags in less than two minutes.

Emirates is deploying extra flights to ensure more connectivity for the scores of pilgrims making their way to the Holy City of Makkah. Emirates will be operating special flights to Jeddah and Medina during the upcoming Hajj season to carry pilgrims for this special period.Emirates will be deploying 31 additional flights to Jeddah and double daily flights to Medina from 23 June to 20 July to help transport pilgrims to carry out one of the key pillars of Islam. These services will run in parallel with Emirates’ regularly scheduled services.

The South African Government has done away with the remaining COVID-19 regulations from 22 June 2022. Travellers passing through South Africa’s borders no longer require proof of vaccination status, test results or proof of recovery from Covid-19. All other safety regulations like the wearing of masks and limits on gatherings have also been removed.

Emirates, renowned for its world-leading air transport services, has also been recognised for its outstanding ground transport services with awards in multiple categories, at the recent RoSPA awards, held for the first time in Dubai. The only airline to have achieved commendations three years in a row, the Emirates team took gold awards in three main categories: Fleet Safety Award, Health and Safety Award, and Leisure Safety Award. The team also added the coveted Health and Safety - Team of the Year (Middle East) to its tally, for the second time in three years, demonstrating tangible outcomes in its operational safety performance, health and safety governance systems, and extensive COVID-19 precautions to safeguard its people and customers.

Oman Air, the Sultanate of Oman’s flag carrier, has amended its summer schedule to reflect increased frequency and flight resumptions. Based on the table below, the airline is boosting frequency to 8 Indian destinations: Bangalore, Mumbai, Kozhikode, Kochi, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, and Chennai as demand increases.Between Muscat and its operational India destinations, the airline introduced wide-body service, including the B787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330 in addition to the Boeing 737.

The Northern Runway rehabilitation programme at Dubai International (DXB) has surpassed its midway point on schedule paving the way for the reopening of the runway on June 22, operator Dubai Airports has announced. The essential work involves resurfacing the entire 4.5km long Northern runway, strengthening the wider runway strip, as well as reinforcing the paving on key taxiway entries and exits, and repairing drainage infrastructure. Aeronautical ground lighting, navigational aids and meteorological equipment are also being replaced, and a navigation aids substation is being relocated –as the Southern runway maintains operations at the world’s busiest international airport.

During the closure of the Northern Runway at Dubai International (DXB), a number of flights are being redirected to Dubai World Central (DWC) to ensure minimal operational disruption. During this time, Dubai Airports has announced multiple transport services between the two airports to cater to all travellers.Dubai Airports is providing a free bus service between all terminals of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airport, every 30 minutes, 24 hours per day, ensuring a seamless transfer experience.Dubai Taxi Corporation will remove the flag fall charges for any journeys starting at from DWC for airport customers.Those travelling via Uber car services can enjoy discounts quoting ‘DWC2022’ when booking a car through the app.RTA will continue to operate the bus routes N55 and F55, providing a cost-effective transport option from DWC.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has unveiled its all-new flagship SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, following a S$50 million re-design, upgrade, and expansion project. This will further enhance the on-ground customer experience at the Airline’s main hub, and comes as the demand for international air travel from and through Singapore takes off once again.The Private Room, the First Class section of the SilverKris Lounge, the Business Class section of the SilverKris Lounge, and the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge can collectively accommodate around 1,150 customers within their 6,100 square-metres, translating to 30% more seats and space. This also doubles the capacity that was available during the pandemic while the upgrading works were going on.

The federal COVID-19 restrictions at the border are being extended until at least June 30, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada announced on Tuesday.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital’s first low-cost carrier, has announced the introduction of its City Check-in services in Abu Dhabi.The City Check-in service aims to provide passengers with added convenience and flexibility by enabling them to drop off their baggage and collect their boarding pass at a location near them before traveling with Air Arabia. The service allows passengers to select seats and receive their boarding passes and baggage claim tags. They can then immediately proceed to the flight upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

As part of the commitment to make the first ever FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ hosted in the Middle East and Arab world an all-inclusive gala event, Qatar Airways has tied up with flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air and Saudia to connect match ticket holders to Doha via Match Day Shuttle flights for 24-hour experiences, during the tournament period.Football fans based in Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or UAE, will soon be able to book their Match Day Shuttle flights. This service is designed with the purpose of connecting fans seamlessly to Qatar so they can attend their respective matches, capture the sights and sounds of the host country, before departing Doha on the same day.

Etihad Airways introduces newest addition of its modern fleet; the Airbus A350. It’s not just the fuel-efficiency and noise-reduction that makes the A350 so incredible. It’s the small details that create big experiences.The Airbus A350 is one of the most innovative and sustainable aircraft in the world.