Etihad Airways is set to elevate the travel experience between Sydney and Abu Dhabi with the introduction of its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on select flights starting October 1, 2025. These aircraft feature one of the airline’s most luxurious business class cabins, offering 44 private suites designed to provide the comfort and exclusivity of first class within a business class setting.

Each business suite is equipped with sliding privacy doors, fully flat beds, and advanced in-flight entertainment systems, ensuring passengers can relax and arrive refreshed after the long-haul journey. The A350-1000’s cutting-edge design also contributes to a quieter, more comfortable cabin atmosphere, with features such as larger windows and improved air filtration.

Technologically advanced and environmentally efficient, the A350-1000 is constructed from lightweight carbon polymer materials and powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This combination reduces fuel consumption by approximately 25% and lowers carbon emissions, making it one of the most eco-friendly aircraft in operation.

Initially, the A350 will complement the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Sydney-Abu Dhabi route, with both aircraft offering the premium business suites. From January 31, 2026, all ten weekly Etihad flights from Sydney will be operated exclusively by the A350, while Melbourne flights will continue daily on the 787-9.

Passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi will benefit from the recently opened Zayed International Airport, which has been acclaimed as the world’s most beautiful airport. The $4.8 billion facility incorporates advanced AI technologies, including facial recognition and smart passenger processing systems, allowing travelers to move swiftly from curbside to gate in as little as 12 minutes.

With this upgrade, Etihad Airways promises Australian travelers a seamless blend of luxury, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring that their journey is as exceptional as their destination.

Flying in and out of Cape Town just got even more convenient this summer as international airlines ramp up their schedules to the Mother City. Qatar Airways, recently voted the World’s Best Airline for a record ninth time in 2025 by Skytrax, is adding two extra weekly flights from Doha, upping their total to 12 weekly services. This near double-daily frequency promises greater flexibility and potentially more competitive fares for travellers.

A highlight for tech-savvy flyers: Boeing 777 flights are fitted with Starlink, offering free in-flight internet access to stream Netflix and more while deciding between chicken or beef meals.

But Qatar is not alone in expanding; Norse Atlantic Airways, which launched its inaugural Cape Town flights last year, is back with increased service. Starting October 28, 2025, Norse will resume its seasonal route to London Gatwick with three weekly flights, scaling up to four weekly from December 2025 through April 2026. This route, serviced by Boeing 787 Dreamliners, offers budget-conscious travellers direct access to and from the UK with increased frequency and ease.

Meanwhile, French connection lovers have cause to celebrate as Air France returns with seasonal flights between Paris and Cape Town. From mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026, it will operate daily services connecting these two iconic cities.

For those dreaming of tropical paradise, South African Airways is launching non-stop flights from Cape Town to Mauritius starting December 9, 2025. This new route offers a direct escape to sandy beaches and turquoise waters without the need to transit through Johannesburg.

With these enhanced offerings from major global airlines, Cape Town is poised to become an even more accessible and attractive destination for international travellers during the summer season and beyond.

A dramatic arc of water erupted over Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER as Flight EK310 touched down at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on July 30, marking not just the arrival of a new daily flight but a new era of connectivity between the innovation capitals of Dubai and China’s Silicon Valley. The ceremonial water cannon salute, gift packages for inaugural passengers, and a VIP delegation comprising Emirates’ senior leaders all signaled a high-profile debut for the airline’s fifth mainland Chinese destination a feat achieved within a month of its last launch in Shenzhen.

Hangzhou, a city of over 2,000 years of cultural legacy and the birthplace of Alibaba, is fast earning its “China’s Silicon Valley” moniker as it leads advances in artificial intelligence, big data, and digital commerce. It’s this dual identity historic hub and digital trailblazer that Emirates is tapping into with its new daily service, connecting not just tourists but entrepreneurs, traders, and tech enthusiasts. “Connecting these two cities makes perfect sense,” said Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, International Affairs, highlighting both heritage and innovation.

The logistical backbone supporting this flight the Boeing 777-300ER boasts eight First class suites, 42 Business class seats, and 304 Economy seats, a total of 2,478 seats each week between Dubai and Hangzhou. For Hangzhou’s e-commerce giants and bustling manufacturing sector, it’s the sky-high cargo capacity that truly stands out. Each flight ferries up to 16 tonnes of high-value cargo, streamlining the movement of electronics, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and Alibaba’s e-commerce goods directly to global markets via Dubai.

This is a boon for UAE consumers and businesses, who now gain faster, more cost-effective access to Chinese products as Emirates SkyCargo leverages Hangzhou’s vast logistics infrastructure and digital trade ecosystem.
Dubai’s magnetism for Chinese travelers is surging: 2024 welcomed 824,000–830,000 Chinese tourists a 30–31% leap over 2023, fueled by enhanced connectivity, language-tailored services, and promotional events. Emirates’ expanded Chinese network now includes 49 weekly flights across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and now Hangzhou, with onboard service tailored for Chinese passengers, including Mandarin-speaking crew and in-flight catering adjustments.

For business, Emirates’ rapid expansion in China two new routes in a single month has prompted a surge in corporate and labor traffic, as well as flows of overseas Chinese visiting families in Europe and beyond. “Before this route, Hangzhou passengers had to connect via Shanghai. Direct service makes the journey seamless and reflects strong demand from business, labor, and diaspora communities,” said Adam Li, Emirates’ Vice President – China.

Hangzhou’s digital economy industries generated over Dh1 trillion (¥2 trillion) in 2024, accounting for nearly a third of the city’s GDP. Its cross-border e-commerce exports are expected to exceed Dh70 billion by 2026—growth directly supported by Emirates’ expanded air corridor. As part of broader BRICS and Belt and Road initiatives, this route is more than an aviation milestone; it’s a statement of intent for commercial, cultural, and technological bridges between East and West.

For Emirates, the inaugural Hangzhou flight is a symbol of two decades of partnership with China. As new air corridors accelerate business flows, tourism, and digital commerce, the world’s horizons for travelers, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike just got a bit broader and a lot more connected.

Key Flight Facts:

• Route: Dubai (DXB) – Hangzhou (HGH)Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER (8 First, 42 Business, 304 Economy)
• Flight times: EK310 departs Dubai 03:10, arrives Hangzhou 15:30; EK311 departs Hangzhou 00:10, arrives Dubai 04:55
• Cargo: 16 tonnes of bellyhold capacity per flight

Notable Growing Trends:

• 30–31% year-on-year increase in Chinese tourists to Dubai in 2024
• Hangzhou’s digital economy topped Dh1 trillion in 2024 revenue
• Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights between Dubai and China’s five key gateways

Emirates’ launch of daily flights to Hangzhou marks a new chapter for global connectivity, enabling the movement of people, ideas, and trade between two of the world’s most future-focused cities.

A new chapter is set to take flight in Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape with the announcement of a Dammam-based low-cost airline, led by UAE’s Air Arabia in partnership with Saudi firms Kun Investment Holding and Nesma Group. Far from just adding another budget carrier to an already bustling market, this initiative is a strategic move deeply aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan, aiming to diversify the economy, boost tourism, and stimulate regional development.

Dammam, home to King Fahd International Airport Saudi Arabia’s third-largest and a crucial gateway for the Eastern Province, will serve as the airline’s headquarters. This marks a significant pivot from the usual Riyadh and Jeddah focus, placing Dammam at the heart of expanded connectivity efforts. The new carrier is designed to unlock the airport’s untapped potential as a hub linking underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Abha, Jazan, and Tabuk with the Gulf capitals Doha, Manama, Kuwait City, and Sharjah, enhancing both domestic and regional access.

The airline is set for an ambitious start with a fleet of 45 aircraft, targeting to serve 81 destinations (24 domestic and 57 international), and plans to transport up to 10 million passengers annually by 2030. This expansion is expected to create over 2,400 direct jobs, boosting the local economy and increasing travel options with affordable fares and greater seat capacity.

Saudi Arabia’s domestic air travel demand has surged past 62 million passengers in 2023, fueled by growing religious tourism and the rise of mega leisure projects like NEOM and AlUla. The new airline aims to cater to these evolving travel patterns by providing competitive, budget-friendly flights that stimulate latent demand in ways the existing full-service carriers do not.

This move comes amid a robust aviation ecosystem supported by heavy investments over SR50 billion into airport modernization and privatization initiatives that tackle infrastructure bottlenecks, making the environment ripe for low-cost carrier growth. With two-thirds of Saudi Arabia’s 35 million population under 35 and rising consumer preferences toward budget travel, the regional aviation market is expanding rather than cannibalizing existing players like Flynas and flyadeal.

The Air Arabia-led consortium, combining regional low-cost expertise and local governance, symbolizes a mature approach to Gulf aviation partnerships. It contrasts with the less successful ventures by foreign carriers lacking regional rooting, emphasizing the importance of cost discipline, fleet strategy, and market alignment to thrive in the Kingdom.

In essence, this new Saudi low-cost airline launching from Dammam is a calculated strategic lever not a gamble to energize the Eastern Province, strengthen regional connectivity, and underpin the Kingdom’s economic diversification through tourism and transport. Its success will hinge on local responsiveness, disciplined operations, and the ability to integrate seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s broader national vision.

This pioneering airline, expected to begin flights by late 2026, is more than a carrier it is a bold statement on Saudi Arabia’s evolving aviation ambitions and a beacon for the future of budget travel in the region.

In a landmark moment for both its fleet and passenger experience, Etihad Airways has received its first Airbus A321LR at the Airbus Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg a major milestone in the airline’s growth trajectory and a bold step in redefining single-aisle travel.

The new A321LR is the first of 30 such jets set to join the Abu Dhabi-based carrier, ushering in a new era where widebody amenities and luxurious innovations are available on shorter routes. Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, hailed the delivery as “an extraordinary moment,” emphasizing the airline’s mission to deliver “luxury at every altitude” and across its expanding global network.

Among the jet’s standout features is Etihad’s inaugural narrowbody First Suites cabin—a first for the airline. These private suites offer sliding doors, fully-flat beds, and bespoke design touches reminiscent of the airline’s long-haul flagship products. Window seats are further enhanced by 20-inch 4K screens, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and companion seating, blurring the line between widebody and narrowbody experiences.

The 14-seat Business Class cabin features a 1-1 herringbone layout akin to widebody flagships, with direct aisle and window access for every guest. Each seat sports a 17.3-inch 4K screen, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connectivity, elevating comfort and privacy on short-haul journeys.

Etihad’s Economy Class also receives a premium upgrade, offering 144 seats with extra space, 13.3-inch 4K seatback touchscreens, USB charging, and Bluetooth connection for personal headphones plus over a thousand hours of content. Increased overhead luggage space also brings widebody convenience to the narrowbody segment.

Airbus Executive Vice President Sales, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, commented on the delivery: “The arrival of Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR symbolizes innovation and partnership, deepening the longstanding bond between Airbus and the UAE. This aircraft sets a new comfort benchmark for single-aisle jets and expands Etihad’s global reach from Abu Dhabi.”

The A321LR is also equipped with next-generation Viasat Wi-Fi, promising lightning-fast speeds reaching 100’s of Mbps for uninterrupted streaming, browsing, and gaming at cruising altitude. This gate-to-gate connectivity will be available on Asian routes from September 2025, ensuring travelers stay productive and entertained throughout their journey.

Set to debut commercially on 1 August 2025 on the Abu Dhabi–Phuket route, the A321LR will soon serve a diverse mix of both short- and medium-haul destinations, including Bangkok, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, Tunis, Zurich, and more. The aircraft’s arrival is a key pillar in Etihad’s “Journey 2030” vision to reinforce Abu Dhabi as a world-class aviation hub and support the airline’s goal of reaching 38 million annual passengers by 2030.

With another nine A321LRs landing in 2025 and an ambitious slate of 27 new routes in a single year, Etihad is poised to bring the luxury of widebody flying to more travelers and more destinations than ever before—raising the bar for what’s possible in single-aisle aviation.

Etihad Airways is ramping up its expansion in 2025 by adding seven new routes that will enhance Abu Dhabi’s connectivity across the Gulf, Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. This strategy is designed to drive more direct point-to-point traffic to Abu Dhabi, positioning the city as a key hub for tourism, culture, and trade.

The new destinations include Almaty in Kazakhstan, Baku in Azerbaijan, Bucharest in Romania, Medina in Saudi Arabia, Tbilisi in Georgia, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Yerevan in Armenia. Flights to Medina will begin on November 9, 2025, operating six times a week, while services to the other six cities will start from early March 2026, with weekly frequencies ranging between four and ten flights.

Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, highlighted that these destinations connect Abu Dhabi to rapidly growing and culturally rich regions, stimulating tourism and economic activity. He noted the diversity of attractions these cities offer, from Medina’s religious significance to the vibrant urban culture of Baku and Almaty, and the historic depth of Tbilisi, Yerevan, and Bucharest.

 In total, Etihad will have added or announced 27 new routes in 2025, reflecting a significant milestone in its network growth and commitment to Abu Dhabi’s development as a global travel center.

Earlier in the year, Etihad launched routes to Prague, Warsaw, Sochi, and Atlanta, with 13 more additions expected later in 2025. The airline also revealed seasonal summer destinations for 2026, including Krakow in Poland, Salalah in Oman, and Kazan in Russia, targeting peak travel periods.

Each new city brings unique appeal: Medina attracts pilgrims with its spiritual heritage and iconic mosques; Bucharest offers elegant architecture and lively urban life; Tbilisi balances old-world charm and modern vibrancy; Yerevan boasts ancient history and a rich cultural scene; Baku stands out with its striking mix of tradition and futuristic design; Almaty provides a blend of natural alpine beauty and cosmopolitan buzz; and Tashkent offers a combination of historic sites and contemporary developments.

These additions will simplify travel to and from Abu Dhabi for business, leisure, and pilgrimage travelers alike, supported by Etihad’s world-class service and seamless connections. This expansion underlines Etihad’s vision of solidifying Abu Dhabi as a premier international aviation hub linking diverse regions around the globe.