Emirates has announced the deployment of its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft on all three daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh, making Riyadh the first city in the Middle East and one of the few globally to be exclusively served by these upgraded planes.

The rollout will begin with flights EK815 and EK816 on March 30, 2025, followed by EK817 and EK818 on May 7, 2025, initially operating six times weekly before transitioning to daily service by August 11, 2025.

This expansion builds on the successful introduction of the retrofitted Boeing 777 to Riyadh in October 2024, which received positive customer feedback.

The refurbished Boeing 777s feature significant upgrades across all cabin classes. Premium Economy is arranged in a spacious 2-4-2 layout, offering enhanced comfort. Business Class now includes a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access for greater privacy and convenience. First Class retains its luxurious suites, while Economy Class has been refreshed for improved comfort. 

These enhancements aim to provide passengers with a superior travel experience, whether they are exploring Dubai or connecting to other destinations within Emirates’ extensive network.

In addition to onboard upgrades, Emirates introduced its Chauffeur-Drive Service (CDS) in Riyadh in November 2024 for First and Business Class passengers. This complimentary door-to-door service covers a 100-kilometer radius from King Khalid International Airport and underscores Emirates’ commitment to premium services.

Riyadh remains the only regional destination where this exclusive service is offered.

Emirates currently operates 72 weekly flights to Saudi Arabia across four cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina—using a mix of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s. This latest investment reflects the airline’s dedication to enhancing its fleet and services in key markets like Saudi Arabia.

In 2025, India's aviation sector is poised for a significant transformation with the launch of three new airlines: Shankh Air, Air Kerala, and Alhind Air. These airlines are set to enhance regional connectivity, offer more affordable travel options, and capitalize on the growing demand for air travel in India.

Shankh Air, headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is planning to commence operations in May 2025, pending the final approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Initially, it will operate with a fleet of five Airbus A320-200 aircraft, connecting major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. By 2026, Shankh Air aims to expand its fleet to 15 aircraft and venture into international operations by 2027.

The airline is backed by a significant investment of $50 million from its chairman and $200 million from its parent company, positioning itself as Uttar Pradesh's first full-service scheduled airline. Shankh Air's strategy focuses on offering a two-cabin class experience at competitive fares, enhancing regional connectivity, and providing passengers with a premium yet affordable flying experience148.

Air Kerala, envisioned as India's first ultra-low-cost carrier, is set to launch in June 2025. Backed by Dubai-based investors, it will initially operate with three ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, connecting tier 2 and tier 3 cities to major hubs. Air Kerala aims to expand internationally by 2026, targeting the Middle East, where there is a large Malayali expatriate community.

The airline plans to eventually have a fleet of 20 aircraft and will be based at Kannur International Airport. Its goal is to provide affordable and convenient travel options, making it an attractive choice for both domestic and international passengers359.

Alhind Air, based in Kozhikode, Kerala, is preparing for a mid-2025 launch. The airline will operate with a fleet of ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, focusing on enhancing regional connectivity within Kerala before expanding to domestic and international routes. Alhind Air plans to start with two aircraft and scale up to seven within a year.

It aims to connect 40 domestic airports, targeting tier 1, 2, and 3 cities, and plans to expand to the Gulf region within 18 months of its launch. The airline is promoted by the Alhind Group, a company with a significant presence globally, and is expected to secure its Air Operator Certificate by mid-2025211.

The entry of these airlines into the Indian market comes at a time when the aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for air travel and the expansion of airport infrastructure. Their launch is expected to foster greater competition, offer passengers more travel options, and contribute to the overall growth of India's aviation industry

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has made a significant move in expanding its flight network by launching new direct flights to Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. This strategic addition marks the airline's 29th destination and underscores its commitment to providing affordable and convenient travel options from the UAE capital.

The flights will operate six times a week, commencing on June 1, 2025, between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. This new route is expected to boost tourism and business travel between the UAE and Armenia, offering passengers a seamless journey to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of Yerevan.

The flight schedule has been carefully planned to accommodate a variety of travel needs. On Mondays and Wednesdays, flights will depart from Abu Dhabi at 14:05, arriving in Yerevan at 17:25, with return flights departing Yerevan at 18:15 and landing back in Abu Dhabi at 21:25. On Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, flights will depart Abu Dhabi at 09:00, reaching Yerevan at 12:20, with return flights leaving Yerevan at 13:10 and arriving in Abu Dhabi at 16:20.

All flights will be operated using the modern Airbus A320 aircraft, which offers a comfortable travel experience with amenities like 'SkyTime' for in-flight streaming and 'SkyCafe' for onboard catering. This ensures that passengers can enjoy a range of entertainment options and delicious meals during their journey.

Yerevan, often affectionately referred to as the "Pink City" due to its distinctive pink tufa stone buildings, offers a unique blend of ancient history and vibrant contemporary culture. Visitors can marvel at the stunning architecture of Republic Square, enjoy breathtaking views from The Cascade, and delve into the nation's rich history at museums like the History Museum of Armenia.

With this new direct connection, travelers can now easily experience the unique charm of Yerevan, explore its culinary scene, and discover its ancient winemaking traditions. The city's vibrant atmosphere, combined with its historical landmarks and cultural events, makes it an attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers.

The launch of these direct flights is also expected to enhance economic ties between the UAE and Armenia by facilitating easier travel for business travelers. It will provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to explore new markets and strengthen existing partnerships.

Additionally, the tourism sector in both countries is likely to benefit from increased visitor traffic, as travelers from the UAE and other parts of the Middle East can now easily access Armenia's beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and cultural festivals. Overall, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi's new route to Yerevan is set to open up exciting possibilities for travelers and businesses alike, fostering greater connectivity and cooperation between the two regions.

Emirates Airlines has announced the resumption of its second daily flight service between Dubai and Beirut, which will commence on April 1, 2025. This strategic expansion aims to meet the increasing demand for travel between the UAE and Lebanon, providing travelers with more options and flexibility.

The additional service, designated as EK957, will depart from Dubai at 7:30 AM local time and arrive in Beirut at 10:35 AM. The return flight, EK958, is scheduled to leave Beirut at 12:05 PM and arrive back in Dubai at 4:55 PM.

The new flight will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which features three classes of service, enhancing comfort for passengers. This addition will increase Emirates' weekly passenger capacity by over 5,000 seats in both directions, facilitating greater connectivity for those traveling for leisure or business.

Notably, this service also provides convenient layover options for passengers connecting to Emirates’ extensive network of over 140 destinations worldwide, including popular cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto, New York, and Kuala Lumpur.

The reinstatement of the second daily flight follows the successful resumption of daily services to Beirut that began on February 1, 2025. This move comes after a period of suspension due to regional tensions related to conflicts in Lebanon.

Emirates' commitment to restoring these routes reflects its dedication to supporting travel and trade in the region. Travelers can book tickets through various channels including the Emirates website, mobile app, retail stores, and travel agents.

Kuwait Airways, the national airline of Kuwait, has reaffirmed its dedication to adhering to the most stringent operational guidelines and regulations set forth by global aviation authorities. This pledge is a key part of the airline's ongoing efforts to enhance its service delivery and maintain its position as a leading regional carrier.

In the statement, Kuwait Airways CEO Ahmed Al-Hajeri emphasized that upholding the highest industry directives is fundamental to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of the airline's passengers. He noted that the company has been making significant investments to align its operations with the latest technological advancements, safety protocols, and training programs in the aviation sector.

Specifically, the airline has been upgrading its fleet with state-of-the-art aircraft, implementing robust security measures, and providing extensive professional development opportunities for its pilots, cabin crew, and ground personnel. These initiatives are aimed at equipping the Kuwait Airways team with the knowledge and skills required to deliver the exceptional level of service that customers have come to expect.

Furthermore, the article highlights that Kuwait Airways' pledge to adhere to the highest industry standards is particularly important given the ongoing challenges facing the global aviation industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By reaffirming its commitment to operational excellence, the airline is positioning itself as a leader in the region and strengthening its reputation for providing safe, reliable, and customer-focused air travel services.

The news article underscores Kuwait Airways' proactive approach to maintaining the most rigorous industry directives, which is expected to bolster passenger confidence and contribute to the airline's long-term success in the competitive aviation market.

Emirates has announced the deployment of its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft on all three daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh, making Riyadh the first city in the Middle East and one of the few globally to be exclusively served by these upgraded planes.

The rollout will begin with flights EK815 and EK816 on March 30, 2025, followed by EK817 and EK818 on May 7, 2025, initially operating six times weekly before transitioning to daily service by August 11, 2025.

This expansion builds on the successful introduction of the retrofitted Boeing 777 to Riyadh in October 2024, which received positive customer feedback.

The refurbished Boeing 777s feature significant upgrades across all cabin classes. Premium Economy is arranged in a spacious 2-4-2 layout, offering enhanced comfort. Business Class now includes a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access for greater privacy and convenience. First Class retains its luxurious suites, while Economy Class has been refreshed for improved comfort. 

These enhancements aim to provide passengers with a superior travel experience, whether they are exploring Dubai or connecting to other destinations within Emirates’ extensive network.

In addition to onboard upgrades, Emirates introduced its Chauffeur-Drive Service (CDS) in Riyadh in November 2024 for First and Business Class passengers. This complimentary door-to-door service covers a 100-kilometer radius from King Khalid International Airport and underscores Emirates’ commitment to premium services.

Riyadh remains the only regional destination where this exclusive service is offered.

Emirates currently operates 72 weekly flights to Saudi Arabia across four cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina—using a mix of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s. This latest investment reflects the airline’s dedication to enhancing its fleet and services in key markets like Saudi Arabia.