Etihad Airways is substantially expanding its African network by doubling its flights to Nairobi, Kenya, to 14 weekly services starting 15 December 2025. This move comes less than a year after the airline resumed the Nairobi route, reflecting strong demand and the city’s importance as a key East African hub.

Alongside Nairobi, Etihad is introducing four new direct routes from Abu Dhabi to African cities including Addis Ababa (7 weekly flights from 8 October), Algiers (4 weekly from 7 November), Tunis (3 weekly from 1 November), and the seasonal route to Al Alamein (2 weekly flights from July to September).

The airline is also increasing frequencies on existing routes: Casablanca and Johannesburg will see daily Boeing 787 services starting 1 August, while flights to Seychelles, operated in partnership with Air Seychelles, will rise to six weekly from 24 May. This codeshare agreement allows Etihad customers to enjoy consistent services such as baggage allowance, complimentary meals, inflight entertainment, and loyalty mileage accrual on all flights.

Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, highlighted a “holistic approach” to Africa that combines fleet expansion, frequency increases, and strategic partnerships, notably with Ethiopian Airlines and Air Seychelles. These collaborations underpin the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity across Africa and linking the continent seamlessly with global destinations through Abu Dhabi.

By the end of 2025, Etihad will have doubled its African footprint, increasing weekly flights from 39 to 57 and expanding its served cities from four to eight. This growth supports Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a premier tourism and business hub, with Etihad aiming to attract over one million visitors to the UAE capital by 2025. The expanded network opens access to diverse African markets and tourist destinations, strengthening economic and cultural ties between Africa and the Middle East.

 

Australia is forging ahead with its largest aviation infrastructure project in over half a century, the $5.3 billion Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, currently rising from a vast greenfield site in Badgerys Creek, roughly 41 kilometers west of Sydney’s bustling CBD.

Designed to alleviate chronic congestion at the city’s existing Kingsford Smith Airport—which faces geographic constraints and strict nighttime curfews—this state-of-the-art facility promises to redefine air travel for Australia’s most populous city.

Set to commence operations in 2026, the airport will debut with a single 3.7-kilometer runway and a cutting-edge terminal equipped to serve 10 million passengers annually, scaling up to 20 million by the early 2030s. Unlike its predecessor, the hub will operate around the clock, free from noise-related flight restrictions, positioning it as a critical logistics and tourism gateway. 

Ambitious expansion blueprints include a second runway and upgraded terminals, with projections suggesting a staggering capacity of 82 million travelers annually by 2060, rivaling global hubs like London Heathrow.

The development integrates advanced sustainability features, including energy-efficient designs harnessing natural light and cross-ventilation, alongside solar-ready infrastructure to minimize carbon footprints. A dedicated rail link, the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, and the M12 motorway will connect the airport to Greater Sydney, reducing traffic strain and ensuring rapid transit for commuters and cargo alike.

The terminal precinct will boast expansive retail zones, dining hubs, and public plazas, blending functionality with passenger comfort.

Beyond infrastructure, the project has catalyzed economic revival, generating over 14,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities to embed cultural heritage into its design. Major carriers like Qantas and Singapore Airlines have already secured slots, with plans to launch both domestic and international routes from day one.

As global air travel rebounds, Western Sydney International emerges as a linchpin for Australia’s post-pandemic recovery, poised to unlock billions in tourism revenue, streamline freight logistics, and cement Sydney’s status as a premier Asia-Pacific aviation hub. The airport’s strategic location in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions ensures it will drive urban development, attract foreign investment, and serve as a cornerstone of national connectivity for decades to come.

Singapore Airlines has launched a comprehensive S$45 million renovation of its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 2, marking its largest overhaul of the facilities in over a decade. The phased upgrades, which began on 15 April 2025 and will conclude by mid-2027, aim to deliver a 50% expansion in lounge space and seating capacity while integrating design and culinary elements from the airline’s award-winning Terminal 3 lounges.

First Class Lounge: Premium Redesign

The First Class SilverKris Lounge, undergoing immediate renovations, will relocate to a new area with floor-to-ceiling windows, higher ceilings, and a reconfigured layout to maximize natural light and space. Key upgrades include an expanded bar offering barista services in the morning, live cooking stations serving Singaporean, Asian, and Western dishes, and a self-service buffet mirroring the Terminal 3 flagship lounge’s offerings. Completion is slated for late 2025.

Business Class Enhancements

The Business Class SilverKris Lounge will expand by 30% starting in late 2025, introducing productivity pods, quiet zones with recliners, and a full-service bar with signature cocktails. The redesigned space will feature wingback chairs, communal worktables, and an enhanced buffet selection, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

KrisFlyer Gold Lounge Upgrades

The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge, doubling in size from early 2026, will finally include dedicated restrooms and shower suites—a first for this lounge category at Terminal 2. The expansion addresses long-standing passenger feedback about limited amenities, with new seating configurations and an upgraded food-and-beverage lineup.

Phased Renovation Strategy

To minimize disruption, renovations will proceed sequentially:

• First Class Lounge: April 2025–Q4 2025
• Business Class Lounge: Q4 2025–2026
• KrisFlyer Gold Lounge: H1 2026–mid-2027.

Leadership Vision

Senior Vice President Yeoh Phee Teik emphasized the project’s role in delivering a “seamless, world-class experience,” aligning Terminal 2’s offerings with the airline’s global reputation for premium service. The overhaul follows SIA’s S$50 million Terminal 3 lounge renovations (2019–2022) and addresses outdated designs and capacity constraints at Terminal 2.

Culinary and Design Highlights

All lounges will feature live cooking stations, curated beverage programs, and ergonomic seating. The redesign prioritizes natural light, open layouts, and regionally inspired décor, reflecting Singapore’s cultural heritage while maintaining the airline’s modern aesthetic.

Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi has once again cemented its reputation as a global leader in passenger experience by being named the "Best Airport at Arrivals Globally" for the third consecutive year at the 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, organized by Airports Council International (ACI) World.

This accolade highlights AUH’s dedication to providing seamless and exceptional arrival experiences, supported by its state-of-the-art facilities and innovative passenger services. In 2024, the airport welcomed nearly 29 million passengers, showcasing its ability to handle increasing demand while maintaining world-class standards.

The recognition comes as part of ACI’s ASQ program, which evaluates airports based on real-time feedback from travelers, covering over 30 key performance indicators such as efficiency, comfort, and overall satisfaction.

Nearly 700,000 surveys were conducted globally in 2024, making the ASQ Awards a trusted benchmark for excellence in customer experience. ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci praised AUH for setting a new standard for excellence and exceeding passenger expectations.

AUH’s success is underpinned by significant investments in infrastructure and technology. The airport recently completed upgrades to its terminals and expanded its airline network, enhancing connectivity and capacity.

Additionally, it is pioneering a "document-free" travel initiative through biometric technology integration, aiming to become the world’s first fully document-free airport by the end of 2025. These advancements align with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision for digital transformation and economic growth.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing the team’s commitment to delivering memorable first impressions of Abu Dhabi. The airport also plays a vital role in supporting the emirate’s Economic Vision 2030 by fostering tourism, commerce, and foreign investment.

With its strategic location between eastern and western trade routes and cutting-edge facilities like the Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), AUH is positioned as a premier global aviation hub.

In addition to this accolade, AUH has been recognized for its architectural beauty and operational excellence. The airport continues to break records, including handling over 92,000 passengers in a single day in August 2024.

As it looks toward the future, Zayed International Airport remains committed to redefining passenger journeys through innovation, sustainability initiatives like energy-efficient systems, and inclusivity-focused services that cater to diverse traveler needs.

Dubai International Airport has been ranked as the 11th best airport globally in the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards. This prestigious ranking highlights Dubai's status as a major travel hub, known for its luxury and exceptional shopping experiences.

Dubai International Airport's position within the top 20 underscores its commitment to providing a high-quality travel experience, despite not reaching the top ten. 

The airport's amenities, such as its extensive shopping options, including luxury brands like Gucci and Burberry, contribute to its appeal. Additionally, Dubai International offers a range of lounges, including the Marhaba Lounge and Ahlan Business Class Lounge, which provide travelers with comfort and convenience through amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, showers, and dining options.

Dubai's ranking can be attributed to its continuous efforts to enhance passenger experience. The airport features advanced facilities such as free high-speed Wi-Fi, convenient power sockets, and water filling stations across all terminals.

Furthermore, Dubai International offers special services like home check-in, fast-track facilities, and medical assistance, which cater to diverse passenger needs.

The airport's strategic location and extensive airline network also make it a preferred transit point for travelers between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Despite these strengths, Dubai International faces stiff competition from other major airports, particularly those in Asia, which have dominated the top spots in the Skytrax rankings.

In the broader context, the Skytrax awards saw Singapore Changi Airport claim the top spot for the thirteenth time, followed by Doha's Hamad International Airport, which was recognized for its shopping and regional excellence.

The dominance of Asian airports in the rankings reflects their focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.

Dubai International Airport's 11th position is a testament to its enduring appeal as a luxury travel hub, but it also indicates areas for improvement to compete with the world's best airports.

Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has been ranked as the 20th best airport in the world in the prestigious 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards, marking a significant achievement for the Gulf region. The awards, held at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid, Spain, are based on global passenger surveys that evaluate airports on various aspects of customer experience. This recognition highlights BIA’s growing prominence as a world-class aviation hub.

In addition to its global ranking, BIA achieved a triple win at the awards. It was named the "World’s Cleanest Airport" among facilities handling up to 25 million passengers annually, the "Middle East’s Cleanest Airport," and the "World’s Best Airport Serving 5-10 Million Passengers." These accolades underscore BIA’s commitment to maintaining exceptional cleanliness standards and delivering seamless travel experiences.

The airport also ranked third globally for "Best Immigration Services" and fourth for "Best Baggage Delivery," showcasing its efficiency in critical passenger services.

The awards were accepted by Eyad Ismaeel, Vice President of Facility Management at Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), who expressed pride in the airport's accomplishments. Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Hussain Taqi emphasized that these honors reflect Bahrain’s strategic importance in the aviation industry and celebrate the dedication of BIA’s teams.

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, commended BIA for its consistent excellence, particularly in cleanliness—a key driver of passenger satisfaction. With its modern $1.1 billion terminal inaugurated in 2021, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and a capacity to handle 14 million passengers annually, BIA continues to set benchmarks for boutique airports worldwide.

These achievements reaffirm Bahrain International Airport’s role as a gateway connecting Bahrain to global destinations while enhancing its reputation on the international stage.