Saudi Arabia launched the second gateway of the Makkah Route Initiative in Morocco at the initiative’s hall at Rabat-Salé International Airport. The Makkah Route Initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries travelling to the Kingdom.
Airports Cluster 2, operating 22 Saudi airports, reported strong Q1 2026 growth. Passenger numbers reached nearly five million, up 7% year-on-year, while flights exceeded 37,000, marking a 9% increase.
Red Sea Global (RSG) is expanding access to The Red Sea destination for Eid Al-Adha by adding 32 extra flights between May 21–31 to meet rising holiday demand.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that all Kingdom airports have secured operating permits from the National Centre for Environmental Compliance after meeting required environmental standards.
Etihad Airways will showcase its role as one of the UAE’s largest global exporters of services and a key driver of national economic growth at Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2026, the country’s largest industrial trade platform, taking place from May 4 to 7 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Emirates has restored 96% of its global network, serving 137 destinations in 72 countries with 1,300 weekly flights. Despite disruptions, it carried 4.7 million passengers and continues expanding services while reinforcing Dubai’s hub status.
Euroairlines, the Spanish company specialised in air distribution, is reinforcing its presence in Asia through a new interline agreement with Greater Bay Airlines, at Hong Kong-based carrier.
RateGain, an AI travel SaaS provider, reports Dubai hotel demand is recovering after a sharp March–May decline. Levels have risen from 7%–14% and are expected to stabilise, reaching 20%–30% of pre-disruption demand by summer.
Qatar Airways continues to reinstate its network across the Middle East, announcing the return of passenger flights to Baghdad (BGW), Basra (BSR), and Erbil (EBL) in Iraq, starting on May 10, 2026.
SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has announced the opening of sales for its newest route to Kigali, Rwanda, further expanding its growing presence across the African market.
