British Airways has officially launched its Summer 2025 schedule, reintroducing direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Tbilisi, Georgia—two destinations that had been absent from its route map for years. The new routes aim to enhance connectivity between the UK and Asia while offering travelers expanded options for leisure and business trips.

Kuala Lumpur: A Gateway to Asia-Pacific

Flights to Kuala Lumpur resumed on April 1, 2025, marking the airline's return to Malaysia after a five-year hiatus. The daily service departs London Heathrow at 9:10 PM local time and arrives at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 5:20 PM the following day. Operated by Boeing 787-900 aircraft, passengers can select from four cabin classes: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business), and First.

Return fares start at £574. British Airways has also expanded its codeshare partnership with Malaysia Airlines, enabling seamless connections to over 17 destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Tbilisi: Europe Meets Asia

The Georgian capital of Tbilisi returns to British Airways’ route network after a 12-year gap. Flights operate four times weekly from London Heathrow, departing at 9:25 PM local time and arriving at Tbilisi International Airport at 5:30 AM the next day. The service offers two cabin options: Club Europe (business class) and Euro Traveller (economy), with fares starting from £244.

Georgia’s rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and claim as the birthplace of wine—boasting an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition—make it a compelling destination for travelers seeking unique experiences.

Expanded Network Highlights

Beyond Kuala Lumpur and Tbilisi, British Airways has increased its flight frequency to Tokyo Haneda Airport, now operating twice daily for a total of 14 weekly flights. These services utilize Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-900 aircraft with three cabin options.

Additionally, the airline will launch three new routes to Italy next month: Rimini from London Heathrow (starting May 15), Salerno from London Gatwick (starting May 22), and Olbia from London City Airport (starting May 25). British Airways is also boosting capacity on its Riyadh route, adding over 80,000 seats compared to last year.

Neil Chernoff, Chief Planning and Strategy Officer for British Airways, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded schedule: “We’re delighted to welcome Malaysia and Georgia back to our network… These new routes mean more choice for customers traveling for work or pleasure across Europe, Asia, and beyond.” With these additions, British Airways continues to strengthen its global reach while offering passengers enhanced travel experiences.

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.

Qatar Airways has announced plans to enhance its service to Manchester, UK, by adding three more flights per week starting from June 4, 2025. This expansion is driven by growing demand for the airline ahead of the summer season. The increased frequency will raise the total weekly flights from 21 to 24, providing passengers with greater flexibility and comfort when traveling to Manchester.

The flights will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, utilizing the airline's state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This move is part of Qatar Airways' strategy to strengthen connectivity between Manchester, known as the "Capital of the North," and its global network, including key markets like Australia.

The airline, voted the Best Airline in the World by Skytrax in 2024, has been serving Manchester since 2003 and continues to enhance its offerings through its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.

The increased service will not only benefit travelers heading to Manchester but also those connecting through Doha to other destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity to Manchester, emphasizing the city's cultural and economic significance.

Manchester is renowned for its rich history, vibrant music scene, and iconic football teams, making it a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers. With this expansion, Qatar Airways reinforces its commitment to providing superior travel experiences and seamless connections for its global customer base. Bookings for the additional Manchester flights can be made through the airline's website or mobile app.

Etihad Airways has announced the addition of Peshawar, Pakistan, to its growing network, marking the airline's fourth destination in the country alongside Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Starting September 29, 2025, the new route will connect Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) with Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW) in Peshawar.

Initially operating five times a week, the service will expand to daily flights from November 22, 2025. The flights will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring eight Business Class and 150 Economy Class seats, ensuring passengers enjoy Etihad’s renowned onboard service.

Peshawar, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is expected to attract both business travelers and tourists. Key attractions such as the Peshawar Museum, Mahabat Khan Mosque, and Qissa Khawani Bazaar make it an appealing destination. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed excitement about the expansion, stating that the new route underscores the airline's commitment to enhancing connectivity between Pakistan and global destinations across the Gulf, Africa, Europe, and North America.

The Peshawar route is part of Etihad’s ambitious network expansion for 2025, which includes 16 new destinations such as Tunis, Prague, Warsaw, Addis Ababa, and Atlanta. Additionally, the airline is increasing flight frequencies to major European cities like Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, and Zurich. Passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi can also benefit from Etihad’s Stopover Programme, offering up to two complimentary nights at premium hotels. This strategic growth reflects Etihad’s dedication to providing seamless travel options for its customers worldwide.

Flight Schedule: Abu Dhabi to Peshawar (Starting September 29, 2025)

• Flight Number: EY 276

  • Departure Airport: Abu Dhabi

  • Departure Time: 02:45

  • Arrival Airport: Peshawar

  • Arrival Time: 06:55

  • Frequency: Operates on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday

  • Aircraft Type: Airbus A320 / 32T

• Flight Number: EY 277

  • Departure Airport: Peshawar

  • Departure Time: 08:50

  • Arrival Airport: Abu Dhabi

  • Arrival Time: 11:15

  • Frequency: Operates on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday

  • Aircraft Type: Airbus A320 / 32T

Updated Daily Flight Schedule (Effective November 22, 2025)

• Flight Number: EY 276

  • Departure Airport: Abu Dhabi

  • Departure Time: 02:45

  • Arrival Airport: Peshawar

  • Arrival Time: 06:55

  • Frequency: Daily Service

  • Aircraft Type: Airbus A320 / 32T

• Flight Number: EY 277

  • Departure Airport: Peshawar

  • Departure Time: 08:50

  • Arrival Airport: Abu Dhabi

  • Arrival Time: 11:15

  • Frequency: Daily Service

  • Aircraft Type: Airbus A320 / 32T

Note: All times listed are local.