Air Arabia, the UAE-based low-cost carrier, continues to make impressive strides in passenger growth and network expansion, even as its quarterly profits took a small dip. Reporting a net profit of Dh415 million for the second quarter of 2025, the airline faced a minor 3% decline compared to Dh427 million in Q2 2024. However, this was offset by a 2% rise in revenue to Dh1.69 billion, driven by a surge in passenger traffic and improved operational efficiency.

The April–June period saw passenger numbers soar by 15% to reach 5.1 million travelers, with the average seat load factor climbing six percentage points to a robust 85%. These figures underscore burgeoning demand and Air Arabia’s ability to capitalize on increasing air travel appetite across its expanding network.

For the first half of 2025, Air Arabia posted a healthy net profit of Dh770 million, marking an 11% increase over the Dh693 million profit from the same period last year. Revenue jumped 8% to Dh3.44 billion, complemented by a 13% rise in passenger numbers to 10.1 million. The average seat load factor also remained strong at 84%.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, underscored the airline’s resilience amid "escalating geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts" which posed operational challenges. “Our continuous investments in expanding capacity across all hubs enabled us to achieve record seat load factors supported by sustained travel demand,” he explained.

Air Arabia strengthened its fleet during the first half by adding two new aircraft, raising its count to 83 Airbus A320 and A321 jets. The airline anticipates deliveries from a substantial order of 120 new aircraft to commence by the end of 2025, setting the stage for future growth.

Alongside fleet expansion, Air Arabia launched 13 new routes spanning its main hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan, enhancing connectivity and market reach.

The airline maintained its ‘Leader’ category status in the MSCI ESG Ratings with an impressive “AA” score, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices. Additionally, Air Arabia secured a spot among Forbes Middle East’s “Top 100 Listed Companies” for the second consecutive year, cementing its position as a regional aviation powerhouse.

Chairman Al Thani emphasized that the airline’s strategic focus remains on expanding connectivity, entering new markets, and improving operational efficiency, all while safeguarding shareholder value and ensuring sustainable growth. As Air Arabia prepares for further fleet deliveries and route launches, it aims to keep flying high in a competitive and evolving market landscape.

A series of technical malfunctions involving Biman Bangladesh Airlines' Boeing and DHC Dash-8 aircraft over the past month has cast a shadow over the national flag carrier’s maintenance practices and safety standards. At least 10 incidents have been reported where Biman planes encountered technical issues either before or shortly after takeoff, severely disrupting operations and passenger confidence.

Currently, four out of the carrier’s 10 widebody planes remain grounded, including three Boeing 787s and one Boeing 777, leaving Biman with a strained fleet comprising six Boeing 787s, four Boeing 777-300ERs, four Boeing 737s, and five Dash-8Q400s. The shortage of operable aircraft has forced the airline to delay flights on key routes such as Dhaka–Kuwait and Dhaka–Chattogram–Dubai by up to 24 hours.

Prominent incidents include a Boeing 787 grounded in Rome on August 10 due to a flap fault that stranded 262 passengers overnight at Biman’s expense. On August 11, a Dash-8 flight returned to Dhaka just 21 minutes into its journey to Chattogram because of extreme cabin heat. Other mid-air issues involved excessive engine vibration, multiple malfunctioning toilets, and sudden aircraft returns from flights destined for Bangkok, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Dammam.

Behind the scenes, concerns mount over the airline’s technical maintenance capacity. Sources within Biman allege that essential scheduled checks and servicing have been improperly executed, compounded by a shortage of experienced engineers and spare parts. Engineers themselves reportedly feel overburdened and fatigued by the workload.

Investigation committees have been established to look into the problems, with mandatory comprehensive technical inspections now required before any flight departure.

Senior Biman pilots have voiced alarm, stressing that the airline’s scheduling system is on the brink of collapse, unable to guarantee aircraft availability. Some leased Boeing 737 planes from 2010 remain plagued by persistent faults even after undergoing heavy maintenance, triggering repeated flight returns.

Aviation expert and former Biman board member Kazi Wahidul Alam warns that the ongoing crisis could lead to disaster if not resolved quickly, noting the erosion of passenger trust just as Biman attempts to rebuild its reputation.

Though Biman’s spokesperson ABM Raoshan Kabir acknowledges the troubling frequency of technical setbacks, he insists passenger safety has never been compromised. "Even if a small issue is detected, an aircraft will not fly until the problem is fully resolved," he affirmed, citing ongoing thorough investigations by skilled engineers.

Industry insiders suggest it may be time for Biman to reconsider its heavy reliance on the Boeing Component Services Program and instead invest in developing its own spare parts management strategy backed by robust engineering and financial analysis, signaling a critical moment for the national carrier’s future maintenance and operational integrity.

These recent incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced maintenance rigor and resource allocation at Biman Bangladesh Airlines to restore confidence among its passengers and safeguard its operational reliability in highly competitive skies.

Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, the gateway to one of the world’s most beloved tropical destinations, has taken a significant leap forward in passenger convenience and security. As part of its ongoing commitment to enhance travel comfort and safety, the airport introduced a revolutionary baggage screening system in July 2025 that is already transforming the way millions of tourists begin their Balinese adventure.

Departing from the traditional model where checked baggage was screened at the terminal entrance, the airport now conducts this crucial security step directly at the airline check-in counters. This shift significantly reduces the need for multiple baggage checks and interaction points that often cause bottlenecks.

Passengers' hand luggage continues to be screened at the security checkpoint, but the integration of advanced Multi-View Dual-Energy X-ray (MVXR) machines for checked baggage marks a technological leap. These machines offer sharper and more accurate threat detection, ensuring heightened safety without slowing down the passenger flow.

General Manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab highlighted that these changes align with international aviation safety standards and Indonesia's National Aviation Security Program. “This program not only boosts security but also helps us reduce waiting times dramatically, especially during peak travel seasons when passenger numbers can double from the daily average of 31,000 to 60,000,” Shahab said.

Once check-in and baggage screening are complete, travelers and their hand luggage undergo a single security screening before entering the departure waiting area, simplifying the process while maintaining robust safety protocols.

Passengers are reminded to comply with security regulations by avoiding prohibited items such as power banks, lithium batteries, and electronic cigarettes, underscoring the shared responsibility of flight safety.
The airport’s improvements extend beyond technology, with dedicated efforts to make the terminal more accessible and inclusive.

Enhanced features such as priority seating, wheelchair services, accessible restrooms, a Special Needs Counter, and dedicated drop-off and pick-up zones cater to passengers with disabilities and special requirements, inviting everyone to experience Bali with ease.

With these upgrades, Ngurah Rai International Airport aims to set a new standard in passenger experience, reflecting Bali’s stature as a top global destination. Travelers can now look forward to a smoother, faster, and safer start to their journey, turning airport time from a potential hassle into a seamless prelude to paradise.

Kuwait has taken significant steps to ease its visa regulations, enabling all expatriates residing in the country to bring their extended families on visit visas without any salary restrictions, according to a top official from the interior ministry. This bold move is part of Kuwait’s broader efforts to welcome foreign visitors and tourists more smoothly while encouraging stronger social connections.

Col Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Director of Electronic Services at the Department of Residency Affairs, shared that the previous salary requirement for family visit visas has been completely abolished. Now, any expatriate living legally in Kuwait can sponsor extended family members, including relatives up to the fourth degree by blood and third degree through marriage.

This represents a marked expansion from the past, when family visas were limited mainly to spouses, children, and parents. Despite these relaxed eligibility rules, the family visit visas remain valid for one month. However, applicants can secure these visas rapidly, with complete applications being processed in as little as five minutes through the newly launched online Kuwaitvisa platform and app.

In another notable development, Kuwait has removed the prior mandate that visitors must travel exclusively on Kuwaiti carriers such as Kuwait Airways or Al-Jazeera Airways. Visitors can now enter the country by air, sea, or land using any carrier of their choice, adding crucial flexibility for international travelers.
The revamped visa system offers four primary categories accessible via the Kuwaitvisa platform: tourist, family, business, and governmental visas.

Tourist visas have been streamlined with nationals of 53 countries primarily Western and some Asian nations eligible for visas on arrival or through online applications without any restrictions. These countries include 41 European countries (including Turkey), Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Applicants are encouraged to apply online to avoid security delays.

The second category covers expatriates living in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states or those holding valid residence permits in the United States, Canada, the UK, or Schengen countries. Although previously this category required holding "medium to high professions" and salary proofs, the profession and salary requirements have now been eliminated. To streamline approvals, applicants should provide essential documents like passport copies, photos, confirmed air tickets, and hotel reservations.

A third category, which involves applicants not falling under the above two groups, is under review; they would need to prove financial capability through bank statements.

Finally, a fourth category allows visitors attending specific sports or entertainment events to apply for visas aligned with the event timing.

For business visas, any Kuwaiti company can sponsor foreign business partners or visitors. Visa fees vary depending on the nationality of the applicant.

These immigration reforms align with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 digital transformation goals, making travel simpler and more inclusive by leveraging a robust e-visa platform that facilitates fast, transparent visa issuance for a variety of purposes.

This comprehensive shakeup enhances Kuwait’s attractiveness as a destination for tourists, business travelers, and families, promoting openness while supporting expatriates’ social ties without the burden of previous financial constraints.

Salalah’s famed Khareef season the enchanting monsoon spectacle that transforms Dhofar into a lush paradise has once again captured the hearts of visitors from near and far, marking an exciting milestone for Oman’s tourism sector this year.

According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the Khareef Dhofar Season from June 21 to July 31, 2025, drew approximately 442,100 visitors, reflecting a notable 7% increase over the 2024 season’s 413,122 visitors. This surge signals the continuing allure of Dhofar’s unique climate and vibrant cultural offerings during the Khareef months.

A standout in this year’s visitor statistics is the dramatic rise in domestic tourism. Omani visitors to Dhofar increased by an impressive 75.6%, reaching 334,399, a clear testament to growing national enthusiasm for exploring Oman’s natural and cultural gems. Visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries numbered 69,801, while tourists from other international destinations accounted for nearly 38,000.

The majority of guests arrived by land about 334,846 visitors reflecting Dhofar’s accessibility and appeal for road travelers. Air arrivals also saw an uptick, with 107,254 visitors arriving by plane, marking a 10.9% increase compared to last year. Notably, 95.3% of arrivals were concentrated in July alone, highlighting the peak season’s magnetic pull.

This growth in visitor numbers represents more than statistics; it is a signal of opportunity and momentum for Dhofar’s burgeoning tourism economy. Local businesses in hospitality, retail, and transport sectors can expect expanding demand. The region’s ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure including viewpoints, waterfronts, parks, and cultural sites are paying dividends by enhancing the visitor experience and drawing a diversified visitor base.

Dhofar Municipality is promising an unforgettable Khareef season with a spectacular line-up of events and attractions carefully curated to celebrate Omani culture and entertain visitors of all ages. This year’s program features the world’s largest inflatable amusement park and a state-of-the-art main stage equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual technology. Visitors can enjoy eco-friendly fireworks, daily drone shows, folklore performances from 18 countries, and vibrant markets showcasing Omani entrepreneurs and artisans.

The Khareef season also celebrates heritage and wellness with projects such as "Awda" (The Return), a live re-creation of traditional Omani life, alongside parks dedicated to creative learning and sports activities. Beyond Salalah city, events and markets spread across Taqah, Mirbat, Sadah, and the Al Haffa Beach Market further enrich the seasonal experience.

As Khareef continues to shine as a beacon of natural beauty and cultural pride, the 7% growth in visitors in 2025 alongside a surge in domestic tourists confirms Dhofar's rising status as a premier destination in Oman and the Gulf region. With sustained support from government bodies and private stakeholders, the coming years promise even more innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity for the Khareef Dhofar experience.

From the emerald hills to bustling souqs and lively festivals, Khareef Dhofar 2025 invites everyone to witness the magic of monsoon in Oman’s southwestern gem—and to be part of a story that is still unfolding.

Thailand has been celebrated as the country with the richest cultural heritage in Asia and ranks eighth globally, according to the latest 2024 US News & World Report rankings that evaluated 89 nations worldwide. This prestigious annual assessment measures cultural richness through five critical factors: cultural accessibility, historical legacy, cuisine, cultural attractions, and geographical appeal.

Among the top 10 culturally rich nations in Asia, Thailand leads the pack, followed by India, Japan, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, and the Philippines. The report highlights Thailand’s unique charm a seamless blend of bustling modern cities alongside ancient landmarks, a treasure trove of historical and natural sites, pristine beaches, intricately designed temples, famed Thai massage traditions, and world-renowned cuisine all contributing to its magnetic appeal to global travelers.

Despite tourism contributing just 7% of Thailand’s GDP, the country remains one of the world’s most visited destinations. This underlines the power of Thailand’s cultural and natural attractions in drawing visitors from across the globe.

Government spokeswoman Sasikarn Wattanajun emphasized that this global recognition underscores Thailand’s effective use of soft power to attract international tourists. “Our rich cultural heritage is not only a source of immense national pride but also a cornerstone for economic opportunity,” she said.

Highlighting the government’s commitment, Sasikarn detailed a strategic soft power policy spearheaded by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) under the National Soft Power Development Committee. The policy advances in three focused stages:

Upstream: Enhancing cultural skills nationwide through initiatives like “One Family, One Soft Power,” which blends traditional knowledge with modern technology and creative innovation to upskill and reskill Thai citizens.

Midstream: Unlocking the creative potential of Thailand’s traditional and cultural industries by removing legal obstacles and supporting 14 key cultural sectors to boost their global competitiveness.

Downstream: Promoting Thai culture internationally through creative cultural diplomacy aimed at building stronger global relationships, expanding export markets, and increasing demand for Thai cultural products and services.

The government pledges to continue safeguarding and promoting Thailand’s cultural and natural heritage to solidify its role as a global cultural leader while enhancing national pride and economic resilience.

Thailand’s positioning as Asia’s cultural crown jewel in the 2024 US News & World Report not only celebrates its vibrant heritage but also sets the stage for future growth driven by the nation’s storied past and dynamic creative future.