Qatar Airways, acclaimed as the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2024, made a powerful statement on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2025, unveiling a suite of industry-leading digital and experiential innovations designed to redefine the future of air travel. At the heart of the airline’s showcase was the debut of Sama, the world’s first AI-powered digital human cabin crew, now with advanced Arabic-speaking capabilities.

Sama, whose name means ‘sky’ in Arabic, is powered by UneeQ-a New Zealand-based leader in intelligent digital human interfaces-and is designed to engage with passengers in both Arabic dialects and Modern Standard Arabic, offering a uniquely personalized and culturally attuned travel experience.

Sama’s new role extends beyond ATM, as she is now accessible across Qatar Airways’ digital ecosystem, including the award-winning mobile app and the immersive QVerse web platform. Travelers can interact with Sama through voice and chat, receiving real-time assistance with flight bookings, destination recommendations, and personalized itineraries.

Sama’s AI is also emotionally aware, capable of interpreting user moods to suggest the perfect holiday destination, marking a significant leap in the field of emotionally intelligent AI assistants. Beyond the booking process, Sama has become a social media ambassador, engaging a global audience on Instagram (@SamaOnTheMove) with travel tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights into the airline’s operations, further humanizing the brand and connecting with digitally native travelers.

Qatar Airways’ ATM stand also introduced The ORCHARD, a hyper-realistic virtual recreation of the iconic indoor garden at Hamad International Airport, allowing visitors to explore and preview the tranquil, nature-inspired environment in immersive VR. This experience is designed to make the unfamiliar feel familiar, setting a new standard for digital engagement in travel.

A major highlight was the Qsuite Next Gen, the latest evolution of Qatar Airways’ award-winning business class. The new suites feature fully customizable Quad and Companion Suites, movable 4K OLED Panasonic Astrova in-flight entertainment screens, increased dining space, taller digitally controlled privacy dividers, ambient lighting, and a dedicated ‘Make My Bed’ button for a 5-star turn-down service.

These innovations are set to debut on the Boeing B777-9 aircraft, offering passengers unprecedented levels of comfort, privacy, and connectivity. Complementing the Qsuite Next Gen was a multi-sensory pod, which brought the suite’s atmosphere to life through visuals, sound, scent, and motion, providing a fully immersive preview of the onboard experience.

Qatar Airways also announced expanded flight frequencies to key destinations, including Dar Es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Entebbe, Tokyo Narita, Maputo–Durban, Larnaca, Trabzon, Sharjah, Manchester, Madrid, Lisbon, and London Heathrow for the peak summer season. In parallel, the airline signed new Memoranda of Understanding with Visit Maldives and Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism to boost visitor arrivals and explore new tourism promotion opportunities via Hamad International Airport.

Additionally, the airline revealed that more than half of its Boeing 777 fleet now features Starlink’s high-speed Wi-Fi, with plans to equip all wide-body aircraft by the end of 2025, ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized the airline’s commitment to innovation and regional relevance: “We are proud to return to ATM with industry innovations that reflect the diversity and spirit of our region. Sama, The ORCHARD in VR, Qsuite Next Gen, and our multi-sensory pod are all part of how Qatar Airways is shaping a future of travel that is not only digital, but also deeply human.”

Visitors can experience these innovations firsthand at Qatar Airways’ stand ME1420, located between Halls 3 and 4 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, until May 1, 2025. Through these advancements, Qatar Airways continues to set new benchmarks in digital transformation, personalized service, and customer engagement, reaffirming its leadership in the global aviation industry.

Qatar Airways has set a bold new course for the next two decades with a landmark aircraft order from Boeing, signaling a pivotal step in the airline’s long-term fleet strategy until 2045. The deal, announced during the Qatar Economic Forum, is set to redefine aviation connectivity and passenger experience for the world-renowned carrier.

A Historic Fleet Transformation

The Group CEO of Qatar Airways, Eng. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, unveiled the airline’s ambitious vision at the forum’s opening. “We started this process back in March and April of 2024, creating a competitive environment between Boeing and Airbus, as well as between engine manufacturers Rolls-Royce and GE,” Al-Meer explained. “It was a very close call at every stage, but Boeing ultimately provided us with the best commercial and technical proposal.”

The new fleet—comprising up to 210 widebody jets—will begin arriving in May 2029 and is designed to support Qatar Airways’ global expansion, network enhancement, and the retirement of older aircraft. This investment is the largest widebody order in Boeing’s history and the most significant in Qatar Airways’ portfolio.

Unmatched Demand and Growth

Despite industry headwinds, demand for Qatar Airways’ services is at an all-time high. “We are witnessing demand that we simply cannot cater to at present,” Al-Meer noted. “Our load factors are at historic highs, averaging 85.6 percent, and reaching 95 to 96 percent in some sectors.”

The airline’s financial performance reflects this momentum, with April 2025 marking the best month in its history and May expected to set new records. “Advanced bookings give us confidence that Q1 will outperform last year’s figures by a significant margin,” Al-Meer added, highlighting a 28 percent jump in net profit and 6 to 8 percent revenue growth, driven by efficiency and new revenue streams.

Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion

Qatar Airways is not only expanding its fleet but also its global footprint. The airline’s strategic investment in Virgin Australia has overcome longstanding restrictions, increasing weekly flights to Australia from 21 to 49—a win for both airlines and consumers. “This is a win-win for us, Virgin Australia, and most importantly for Australian consumers, offering them more choice and competitive fares,” Al-Meer said.

Beyond Australia, Qatar Airways is targeting high-demand markets in the Far East, where regulatory restrictions persist. “While we have open skies with Europe and the US, we face bilateral limits in Asia,” Al-Meer explained, noting partnerships with Malaysia Airlines and other regional carriers to balance East and West.

Confidence in the Future

Al-Meer emphasized that the new aircraft order reflects the airline’s confidence in future market trends and its commitment to maintaining one of the world’s youngest and most efficient fleets. “For now, this is the order we have placed until we see how the market evolves,” he said, signaling readiness to adapt as the aviation landscape changes.

With the skies opening wider than ever, Qatar Airways’ historic Boeing deal is set to power growth, elevate traveler experiences, and strengthen air connectivity across continents—ushering in a new era for global aviation.

KARACHI, May 21, 2025 — Pakistan is set to extend the closure of its airspace for Indian flights for another month, with an official announcement expected by Thursday. The move follows a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting earlier this month, where Pakistan resolved to maintain the ban after India took what it termed "provocative steps" following the deadly Pahalgam attack in April.

A Notice to Airmen (Notam) will be issued once the extension is confirmed. Under International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules, airspace restrictions cannot exceed one month at a time, requiring periodic renewals.

The restrictions, which apply to both commercial and military aircraft, are a response to heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The crisis escalated after an armed attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 tourists. India retaliated by closing its airspace to Pakistani flights on April 23, prompting Islamabad to reciprocate the following day.

Escalation and Military Response

Further tensions erupted when India launched attacks on multiple Pakistani cities on May 6–7. In response, Pakistan’s armed forces initiated a large-scale retaliatory operation, "Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos," targeting several Indian military sites on May 10. The conflict prompted global powers to intervene, resulting in a ceasefire that remains in effect.

Aviation Fallout

While Pakistan’s aviation sector remains largely unaffected—with only one eastbound flight rerouted via China and limited Far East operations—Indian airlines are reeling from the fallout. Indian carriers are estimated to have lost over Rs8 billion in the past month alone, with Rs5 billion attributed to additional fuel costs and Rs3 billion to forced stopovers for long-haul flights.

Indian airlines operating Boeing 777 and Airbus A320 family aircraft are enduring 2 to 4 extra hours of flight time per journey. With about 150 flights rerouted daily, fuel consumption has skyrocketed. At current jet fuel prices, Indian airlines are spending nearly $557,625 daily on extra fuel—totaling over Rs5 billion in a month.

Extended travel times have also triggered crew duty hour limitations, requiring crew changes at transit airports, and adding costs for landing fees, refuelling, and airport services. These stopover expenses have amounted to between Rs2.5 and Rs3 billion over the past 30 days.

Air India is reportedly the worst-hit, seeking government financial support. Other airlines, including Akasa Air, SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India Express, are also facing operational disruptions. Flights from cities like Amritsar, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Jaipur must now take longer western routes over the Arabian Sea, affecting connections to North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Historical Context

This is not Pakistan’s first airspace closure targeting India. Similar restrictions were imposed during the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2019 Pulwama crisis, both of which caused greater aviation disruptions for India than Pakistan.

Looking Ahead

If the ban persists and the Indian government does not provide special assistance, Indian airlines may be forced to take extraordinary measures to sustain operations. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials highlight that the conditions prompting the closure have not improved, and the aviation department is prepared to issue a new Notam before the current restriction period ends.

It’s 4 AM, you’re bleary-eyed, clutching your suitcase, and running on three hours of sleep. You can barely find your boarding pass, and your coffee breath could wake the dead. You expect a weary sigh from airport staff—but instead, you’re greeted by a warm smile and genuine help that makes you wonder if you’ve stumbled into a parallel universe where customer service is king.

Welcome to the Skytrax Awards for Best Airport Staff, where friendliness isn’t just a line in the employee handbook—it’s an art form. Each year, Skytrax crowns airports whose staff go above and beyond, blending efficiency with heartfelt hospitality. Here are the top 10 airports in 2025 where staff service truly takes flight:
1. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea

Taking the top spot, Incheon’s staff are renowned for their warmth and willingness to help. Their secret? A rigorous training program that emphasizes emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity. Multilingual cultural ambassadors roam the terminals, ready to assist with everything from directions to cultural questions, making every traveler feel at home.
2. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore

Changi’s staff are legendary for their combination of precision and genuine care. With a multicultural team fluent in many languages, they proactively approach lost or confused travelers, often offering help before it’s even requested. Their calm demeanor during flight delays is a testament to their extensive training in stress management.
3. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Hong Kong

Staff at HKG bridge East and West with ease, thanks to extensive language training and a knack for problem-solving. Their personal attention and ability to read non-verbal cues mean that help is always at hand, even when words fail.
4. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Japan

Haneda’s staff embody the Japanese spirit of omotenashi—anticipating needs before they’re spoken. Their meticulous attention to detail and humble approach ensure travelers always feel cared for and informed.
5. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), Japan

Narita’s team blends traditional hospitality with international efficiency. They’re patient, thorough, and always willing to provide step-by-step guidance, even offering cultural tips to set the tone for your Japanese adventure.
6. Centrair Nagoya International Airport (NGO), Japan

At Centrair, staff pride themselves on building genuine connections. Friendly conversations and a welcoming attitude make every interaction memorable, while security and immigration staff ensure a smooth, stress-free process.
7. Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK), China

Reflecting Hainan Island’s laid-back vibe, Haikou’s staff make travelers feel like guests, not just passengers. Multilingual and always ready with local tips, they help coordinate everything from ground transport to sightseeing.
8. Vienna International Airport (VIE), Austria

Vienna’s staff blend Austrian efficiency with European warmth. Multilingual and culturally aware, they provide detailed information and keep processes moving smoothly, all while making travelers feel at ease.
9. Munich Airport (MUC), Germany

Munich’s staff combine German precision with Bavarian friendliness. Their can-do attitude and creative problem-solving turn travel hiccups into positive experiences, and even security checks come with a smile.
10. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Italy

At Rome Fiumicino, staff bring Italian passion to the terminal, treating travelers like family. From sharing local recommendations to offering a heartfelt “benvenuto,” their warmth sets the stage for a memorable visit to Italy.

Bottom Line:
In an age of automated check-ins and self-service everything, these airports prove that nothing beats a genuine smile and a helping hand. So next time you’re dragging your suitcase through one of these terminals, take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes who turn travel chaos into comfort. After all, it’s the human touch that makes the journey truly memorable.

A heart-stopping close call at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has thrust air traffic control (ATC) safety under the spotlight, as an American Airlines flight nearly took off on a runway still occupied by a United Airlines jet.

The drama unfolded around 12:30 AM on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. United Airlines flight UA2657, a Boeing 737-800 arriving from Houston, was instructed to taxi down Runway 13 and exit at a designated taxiway. Meanwhile, American Eagle flight AA4736, an Embraer E175 operated by Republic Airways, was cleared to line up and wait on the same runway for its scheduled departure to Buffalo.

Chaos erupted when United missed its planned exit and ground control redirected the aircraft to another taxiway—all while it remained on the active runway. In a critical lapse, the tower controller then authorized American Eagle to begin its takeoff roll, unaware that United had not yet cleared the runway.

As American Eagle accelerated past 100 knots, an automated conflict alert blared and the controller urgently tried to abort the takeoff. But a Spirit Airlines pilot’s simultaneous radio transmission blocked the crucial warning, delaying the message to American Eagle—exposing the fragility of current communication protocols.

Experts point to systemic flaws in U.S. ATC procedures, particularly the division of runway control between tower and ground controllers on separate frequencies. Unlike many international airports, where the tower maintains full control until an aircraft exits the runway, LaGuardia’s system creates dangerous blind spots. This setup, combined with high traffic density and overlapping radio chatter, dramatically increases the risk of catastrophic errors.

The incident is just the latest in a string of near-misses that have raised alarms about the need for urgent reform. Industry insiders and safety advocates are calling for a single point of runway control, enhanced technology, and improved communication systems to eliminate confusion and prevent future runway incursions. Until these changes are made, the skies above America’s busiest airports may remain a high-stakes gamble for travelers and crews alike

A dramatic scene at Phu Quoc International Airport has sparked outrage and a swift disciplinary response after a Vietnamese immigration officer publicly tore up a Taiwanese tourist’s flight ticket, an incident that quickly went viral on social media.

On May 13, a Taiwanese family of four—parents traveling with two unwell children—arrived at the airport for their return flight home. The parents, each carrying a child, requested to process immigration procedures in pairs for safety and convenience. However, the officer denied their request and instructed them to wait aside.

When the family sought clarification about when they could proceed, the situation escalated. The officer abruptly snatched the mother’s flight ticket and tore it in half, publicly berating the family in front of other travelers. The distressed mother shared the ordeal online, where it rapidly gained widespread attention and criticism.

Airport authorities quickly stepped in, reprinting the family’s ticket and ensuring they could complete their journey. The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security announced the officer’s suspension on Monday, citing an "inappropriate attitude" toward tourists as the reason for disciplinary action.

The incident has fueled heated debate about professionalism and service standards at Vietnam’s border checkpoints, with both Vietnamese and Taiwanese netizens condemning the officer’s behavior and calling for improved training and accountability in the tourism sector. Despite the controversy, the family later received an apology from local officials and the travel agency, though the mother chose to keep her social media post online as a reminder of the incident