Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital’s first low-cost airline, has announced the launch of a new non-stop route connecting Abu Dhabi to Almaty, Kazakhstan. The service is set to commence on June 3, 2025, and will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flights will depart from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport at 9:20 AM local time and arrive in Almaty at 2:35 PM.

Return flights will leave Almaty at 3:35 PM, landing back in Abu Dhabi by 7:20 PM. The route will be serviced by Airbus A320 aircraft, offering passengers modern amenities such as free in-flight streaming through 'SkyTime' and affordable onboard dining with 'SkyCafe'.

This new route marks a significant milestone for Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, increasing its network to 30 destinations and enhancing connectivity between the UAE and international markets. Almaty, known for its picturesque natural landscapes, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage, is expected to attract both leisure and business travelers.

The city offers a blend of traditional and modern attractions, including the Green Market, Panfilov Park, and the stunning Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, emphasized the airline's commitment to providing affordable travel options while supporting Abu Dhabi’s growth as a hub for tourism and business.

Here are some key details about the new route:

• Launch Date: June 3, 2025

• Frequency: Three times a week (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)

• Departure and Arrival Times:

  • Departure from Abu Dhabi: 9:20 AM local time

  • Arrival in Almaty: 2:35 PM

  • Departure from Almaty: 3:35 PM

  • Arrival back in Abu Dhabi: 7:20 PM

• Aircraft: Airbus A320, known for its comfort and efficiency

• Amenities:

  • 'SkyTime' for in-flight entertainment, offering a variety of movies, TV shows, and music

  • 'SkyCafe' for onboard dining, providing a range of snacks and meals at affordable prices

• Booking Options: Passengers can book their flights through Air Arabia’s website, call center, or travel agencies

• Ticket Prices: Starting from AED 298 for one-way trips, offering competitive pricing for travelers

• Loyalty Program: 'Air Rewards' allows customers to earn and redeem points for added value, such as free flights or upgrades

• Travel Documents: Passengers are advised to check visa requirements for Kazakhstan and ensure they have all necessary travel documents before departure

• Baggage Allowance: Economy class passengers are entitled to one piece of checked baggage up to 32 kg and one piece of hand luggage up to 10 kg

This new service is anticipated to foster stronger tourism and trade ties between Abu Dhabi and Almaty while providing travelers with greater convenience and choice. The route is expected to attract tourists interested in exploring Kazakhstan's natural beauty and cultural sites, as well as business travelers looking to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the region.

Qatar Airways will debut its revolutionary ‘Qsuite Next Gen’ business-class cabin at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2025, taking place from April 28 to May 1, as part of its mission to redefine luxury air travel.

The upgraded suite builds on the airline’s award-winning Qsuite design, introducing cutting-edge features such as modular Quad Suites with expandable social configurations, enabling groups of four to enjoy a collaborative lounge-like atmosphere in the sky. A standout innovation includes movable 4K OLED Panasonic Astrova screens—the first of their kind globally—which passengers can adjust to seamlessly connect adjacent suites, fostering both social interaction and workspace adaptability.

Enhanced privacy and comfort take center stage with redesigned Companion Suites along window aisles, featuring taller, digitally controlled dividers and expanded lie-flat beds that convert into double beds for couples.

The suites also boast smart ergonomic enhancements, including increased dining space for multi-course meals and upgraded touchscreen controls for personalized ambient lighting, temperature, and privacy settings. A dedicated ‘Make My Bed’ button activates Qatar Airways’ signature turndown service, complete with luxe bedding and curated amenities, elevating the in-flight sleep experience.

Strategic innovation underpins the launch, aligning with ATM 2025’s theme of fostering global tourism connectivity. The Qsuite Next Gen will debut on Qatar Airways’ forthcoming Boeing B777-9 fleet by late 2025, emphasizing the airline’s investment in next-gen aviation technology.

Visitors to stand ME 1420 (halls 3–4) can explore the suite’s AI-driven customization options and sustainable material integrations, reflecting the carrier’s focus on eco-conscious luxury. The showcase underscores Qatar Airways’ ambition to set new benchmarks in premium travel, merging hyper-personalization with operational excellence to cater to evolving passenger demands.

SalamAir has revealed an ambitious plan to boost air travel between Muscat and Salalah during the 2025 Khareef season, a period known for drawing thousands of visitors to southern Oman’s lush landscapes and cool weather. The airline will introduce fixed fares for Omani citizens, setting prices at OMR 30 for one-way and OMR 48 for round-trip tickets.

This special offer will be valid for travel from June 30 to August 31, 2025, and can be accessed exclusively through SalamAir’s official website and mobile application. To take advantage of these rates, travelers must present a valid Omani identification card at check-in or boarding.

In addition to the fixed fares, SalamAir is ramping up its capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route by 50% compared to the previous year. This means the airline will operate up to four daily flights between the two cities at the peak of the Khareef season, ensuring that more seats are available to accommodate the expected spike in demand.

The increased frequency is part of SalamAir’s broader strategy to support domestic tourism and make travel more convenient and affordable for Omani nationals.

The airline’s CEO, Adrian Hamilton-Manns, highlighted that this initiative is a response to the growing popularity of Salalah during the monsoon season and aligns with SalamAir’s mission to enhance connectivity within Oman. SalamAir’s current fleet of 13 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will be bolstered in July 2025 with the addition of two new planes, and the company has plans to expand its fleet to 25 aircraft by 2028 through further acquisitions.

Salalah, the jewel of Dhofar province, becomes a magnet for tourists during Khareef, thanks to its verdant hills, flowing waterfalls, and cool temperatures—a stark contrast to the rest of the Arabian Peninsula. With SalamAir’s expanded service and fixed pricing, more Omanis will have the opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty without worrying about fluctuating travel costs or limited seat availability.

The airline’s efforts are expected to provide a significant boost to the local tourism sector and reinforce its role as a key player in Oman’s aviation industry.

Etihad Airways has expanded its modern fleet with the arrival of its sixth Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which landed at Abu Dhabi International Airport on April 11 following a delivery flight from Toulouse, France. This latest addition, registered as A6-XWG, marks a significant milestone in Etihad’s ongoing fleet renewal and sustainability efforts.

The A350-1000 is renowned for its advanced fuel efficiency, emitting 25% less CO2 and producing a noise footprint 50% smaller than previous-generation wide-body aircraft, aligning with Etihad’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The aircraft features a spacious cabin with 371 seats, including 44 in business class, 45 in economy plus, and 282 in economy. Business class offers privacy-focused sliding doors, wireless charging, and state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, while economy passengers benefit from ergonomic seating, device holders, and Bluetooth-compatible entertainment systems.

The A350-1000’s extended range and seating capacity provide Etihad with greater operational flexibility, particularly for its long-haul routes.

This summer, Etihad will deploy the new A350 on its route to Atlanta, marking the airline’s sixth destination in North America and part of a broader expansion that includes 16 new routes this year.

The aircraft joins Etihad’s existing widebody fleet, which includes the Airbus A380, Boeing 777-300ER, and Boeing 787 variants, helping the airline phase out older, less efficient planes and reduce operating costs.

Etihad’s first A350 was delivered in 2019, but the airline only began operating the type in 2022 after initial storage. Since then, the A350 has become a favorite among passengers and a key component of Etihad’s strategy to modernize its fleet with fuel-efficient, passenger-friendly aircraft.

The airline currently has 14 more A350-1000s on order, underscoring its confidence in the aircraft’s role in future growth and sustainability goals.

Japan Airlines (JAL) has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first organization globally to receive the prestigious "Operating (Level 2)" certification under the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Security Management System (SeMS) program. This certification recognizes JAL's exceptional aviation security management practices, marking a significant advancement in the industry.

The SeMS program, designed for airlines, airports, and other aviation entities, aims to modernize security management by shifting from compliance-based approaches to proactive risk identification and mitigation.

JAL's certification highlights its robust risk management systems, which effectively address emerging threats and regulatory changes across various countries. The airline's leadership and clear operational responsibilities were commended, along with its continuous improvement efforts through internal and external audits, incident reviews, and the adoption of industry best practices. These measures have enhanced security quality and fostered trust among customers and partners.

The IATA SeMS program evaluates organizations across three maturity levels. At Level 2, JAL demonstrated comprehensive documentation and consistent application of its security procedures, aligning fully with the SeMS Manual. This achievement positions JAL as a leader in aviation security innovation, setting a benchmark for the industry.

IATA introduced the SeMS Certification Program to address the increasing complexity of aviation security threats. The program provides a structured framework to enhance security performance through dynamic, risk-based solutions. It includes tools such as self-assessments and a SeMS Community for knowledge sharing. Starting in 2025, IATA will also require IOSA-registered airlines to oversee their service providers' compliance with SeMS principles.

JAL plans to build on this success by collaborating with IATA and other stakeholders to further strengthen its security framework. This achievement underscores JAL's commitment to ensuring passenger safety and advancing global aviation security standards.

IndiGo, India's largest low-cost airline, has announced the launch of daily direct flights from Mumbai and Kannur to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, starting May 15, 2025. This strategic move marks Fujairah as IndiGo's 41st international destination and its fifth in the UAE, following Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.

The inaugural flight from Mumbai to Fujairah will take place on May 15, with subsequent daily services commencing from May 16. The Mumbai to Fujairah flight will depart at 1:10 AM and arrive at 2:40 AM, while the return leg will leave Fujairah at 12:25 AM and land in Mumbai at 4:50 AM. Meanwhile, flights from Kannur will depart at 8:55 PM and arrive at 11:25 PM, with the return flight departing Fujairah at 3:40 AM and reaching Kannur at 9:00 AM.

These new routes will be complemented by dedicated bus services to and from Dubai and Sharjah, enhancing connectivity and convenience for travelers. This expansion is part of IndiGo's commitment to boost regional connectivity and provide seamless travel experiences. Fujairah, known for its stunning natural beauty and economic potential, offers a unique blend of mountainous landscapes and a vibrant coastline along the Gulf of Oman.

The emirate is renowned for its pristine beaches, historic sites like Fujairah Fort, and the UNESCO-recognized Wadi Wurayah National Park. With its growing importance in trade, logistics, and tourism, these new flights are expected to enhance regional connectivity significantly.

IndiGo's expanded footprint in the UAE will operate a total of 275 weekly flights between India and the UAE, including 14 weekly flights to Fujairah. This strategic move not only strengthens IndiGo's global presence but also solidifies its position as a key player in international aviation, offering connectivity to 132 destinations worldwide.

The airline's extensive domestic network spanning over 90 Indian cities ensures seamless connections for travelers. By providing convenient and affordable travel options, IndiGo aims to bring people and businesses closer together, catering to both leisure and business travelers alike.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, emphasized that these new flights will enhance regional connectivity, providing convenient travel options for both leisure and business travelers. With its strategic growth plan, IndiGo continues to solidify its presence in the Middle East, offering seamless travel experiences across the globe.