In a move to expand its network in South Asia, Saudi Arabia's low-cost airline flyadeal has launched new twice-weekly flights connecting the port city of Karachi, Pakistan with the Saudi cities of Riyadh and Jeddah.

The inaugural flight from Riyadh to Karachi touched down at Jinnah International Airport on February 28th, marking flyadeal's entry into the Pakistani market. The airline will operate the Riyadh-Karachi and Jeddah-Karachi routes twice a week using its fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.

"We are excited to add Karachi to our growing network and provide affordable air travel options for passengers traveling between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan," said Ibrahim Abdulrahman, CEO of flyadeal. "This new route strengthens the connectivity between the two countries and supports the increasing trade and tourism activities."

Flyadeal's foray into Pakistan comes as part of the airline's broader expansion strategy to establish a stronger presence in the South Asian region. The addition of Karachi follows the launch of flights to other major cities in the subcontinent, including Delhi and Mumbai in India.

Passengers traveling on the new flyadeal routes will benefit from the airline's low fares and convenient flight timings. One-way tickets from Riyadh and Jeddah to Karachi start from SAR 499 (approximately $133 USD).

With the new Karachi flights, flyadeal now operates to 28 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia from its hubs in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Emirates, the world’s largest operator of Airbus A380s, is taking its European operations to new heights by introducing its newly retrofitted A380 aircraft to Manchester and Milan. These aircraft feature the airline’s latest cabin upgrades, including the much-anticipated Premium Economy class, alongside refreshed interiors across all cabin classes. This move is part of Emirates’ multi-billion-dollar retrofit program aimed at modernizing its fleet and enhancing passenger comfort.

Starting June 6, Emirates will deploy the upgraded A380s on flights EK017 and EK018 between Dubai and Manchester. Following this, the retrofitted aircraft will begin operating on flights EK091 and EK092 to Milan from July 1. The introduction of these aircraft marks a significant milestone for Emirates as it expands its Premium Economy offering to more destinations in Europe. 

The airline has already introduced these upgraded A380s on routes to London Heathrow, New York JFK, Sydney, Paris, and Christchurch.

Premium Economy: A New Level of Comfort
The highlight of these retrofitted A380s is the Premium Economy cabin, which offers passengers a unique blend of luxury and affordability. Designed to bridge the gap between Economy and Business Class, Premium Economy features 56 seats arranged in a spacious 2-4-2 configuration.

Each seat is crafted for maximum comfort, offering up to 40 inches of pitch, wider seats with adjustable headrests, and generous recline. Passengers can also enjoy in-seat charging points, a side cocktail table for added convenience, and premium dining options curated exclusively for this class. Complementing the elevated experience are fine beverages such as Chandon Vintage Brut 2016.

Upgrades Across All Cabins
The retrofit program doesn’t stop at Premium Economy—passengers across all cabin classes will benefit from enhanced features. First Class suites on the refurbished A380s offer unmatched privacy with closing doors, virtual windows for middle suites, zero-gravity seats designed for ultimate relaxation, and gourmet dining options served on demand.

Business Class travelers will enjoy lie-flat beds with direct aisle access, updated finishes inspired by luxury automotive interiors, and an onboard lounge where passengers can socialize or relax during their flight.

Economy Class passengers are also in for an improved experience with ergonomically designed seats featuring adjustable headrests and enhanced entertainment systems with larger screens. Across all classes, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment), offers over 5,000 channels of movies, TV shows, music playlists, games, and live sports.

Strategic Expansion
The introduction of these retrofitted A380s to Manchester and Milan is part of Emirates’ broader strategy to meet growing demand for premium travel experiences while maintaining its position as a leader in global aviation. By expanding its Premium Economy offering to new markets, Emirates is catering to passengers who seek elevated comfort without the higher cost associated with Business Class.

Manchester currently enjoys three daily Emirates flights operated by both A380s and Boeing 777s. The addition of the retrofitted A380s will enhance passenger choice on this busy route. Similarly, Milan benefits from multiple daily flights connecting Italy to Dubai’s global hub. With these upgrades in place by mid-2025, passengers traveling from Manchester and Milan will have access to Emirates’ latest cabin features on long-haul journeys to popular destinations such as Sydney, Singapore, Mumbai, Osaka, and Bangkok.

Fleet Modernization Program
Emirates’ retrofit initiative is part of a $2 billion investment aimed at upgrading 120 aircraft in its fleet—comprising both Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s—over the next few years. The program reflects Emirates’ commitment to sustainability by extending the lifecycle of its existing fleet while introducing cutting-edge technologies for improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

Looking Ahead
As Emirates continues to innovate and expand its services globally, the deployment of these retrofitted A380s signals a new era of travel for passengers flying through Manchester and Milan. Whether traveling for business or leisure, passengers can look forward to enjoying world-class amenities that redefine air travel standards.

With its extensive network spanning six continents and connections to over 140 destinations worldwide, Emirates remains dedicated to delivering exceptional travel experiences tailored to diverse customer needs.

This latest development further solidifies Emirates' reputation as an industry leader committed to blending luxury with accessibility while setting benchmarks for innovation in aviation. Passengers departing from Manchester or Milan can now anticipate a seamless journey aboard one of the most advanced aircraft in the skies today.

Air India and Air New Zealand have announced a significant codeshare partnership, marking a major step forward in strengthening air connectivity between India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 19, 2025, in Mumbai.

The event was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, and other dignitaries. This collaboration is expected to not only simplify travel for passengers but also boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Under the codeshare arrangement, passengers traveling from key Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai will be able to connect seamlessly via major transit hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore to popular destinations in New Zealand, including Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.

The codeshare will allow travelers to book their entire journey on a single ticket with coordinated baggage handling and streamlined connections. This partnership is particularly significant as it bridges the gap between two regions that currently lack direct air connectivity.

A key highlight of the MoU is the exploration of launching direct flights between India and New Zealand by 2028. While this plan hinges on new aircraft deliveries and regulatory clearances, it represents a transformative opportunity for both countries. At present, travelers face long connecting flights that can take up to 30 hours; a direct route would reduce travel time significantly and enhance convenience for both business and leisure travelers.

The introduction of direct flights could also stimulate economic activity by facilitating smoother trade relations and increasing tourism flows.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s potential to expand Air India’s global footprint. He noted that the codeshare aligns with Air India’s broader strategy of forging alliances with leading global carriers—such as its recent agreements with Lufthansa Group and Singapore Airlines—to provide customers with greater connectivity options.

Wilson also highlighted his personal connection to New Zealand as a motivating factor in fostering closer ties between the two nations.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran underscored India’s growing importance as a key market for tourism and travel demand. He pointed out that Indian visitors to New Zealand have been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2023 alone, over 87,000 Indians visited New Zealand—a 23% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Additionally, data shows that over 18 million Indians actively consider visiting New Zealand annually. Foran emphasized that this codeshare partnership is an important first step toward understanding travel patterns and building demand for future direct services.

The partnership also reflects broader geopolitical and economic trends. With India emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and New Zealand seeking to diversify its international connections post-pandemic, this collaboration is well-timed. It supports both countries’ goals of fostering stronger bilateral relations through enhanced people-to-people ties and increased business opportunities.

Beyond tourism and trade benefits, the partnership could pave the way for greater cultural exchange between the two nations. New Zealand has a vibrant Indian diaspora community that plays an integral role in its multicultural fabric. Improved connectivity is likely to strengthen ties within this community while encouraging more Indians to explore opportunities in education, business, and leisure in New Zealand.

As both airlines are members of the Star Alliance network, this partnership leverages their shared commitment to providing world-class service and seamless travel experiences. With Air India undergoing significant transformation under its new ownership by Tata Group—focusing on fleet modernization and network expansion—and Air New Zealand continuing its efforts to attract international travelers post-COVID-19 recovery, this collaboration represents a win-win for both carriers.

In summary, this codeshare agreement between Air India and Air New Zealand is more than just an operational partnership—it is a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking new opportunities for connectivity, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between two vibrant regions of the world.

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.