Air India Express has fully restored connectivity across its West Asia network with the resumption of flights to Salalah and Kuwait.
Jazeera Airways has marked one year since resuming flights to Damascus by increasing its service to four daily flights from July 14, 2026, responding to sustained demand from leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travellers.
flyadeal has launched its summer 2026 seasonal network, adding Milan and Prague and resuming flights to Trabzon, Sarajevo and Sharm El Sheikh. The programme features 12 routes and nearly 900 flights through September 26, 2026.
Zayed International Airport (AUH) reported strong growth, handling over 93,000 passengers and nearly 500 flights daily between June 26–30, surpassing 2025 levels, driven by airline expansion, strong carriers, and efficient biometric-enabled operations.
Emirates has surpassed one million Starlink Wi-Fi connections just seven months after introducing the service across its fleet, marking a significant step in inflight connectivity.
Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region recorded over 4 million domestic and international overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 47% increase compared to 2024, according to tourism figures. Total visitor spending exceeded SAR3 billion, reflecting a 19% year-on-year rise.
Bahrain’s Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi reaffirmed support for the events sector as a key tourism driver, stressing public-private partnerships, infrastructure development, and efforts to attract regional and international events under the 2022–2026 strategy.
SalamAir launched its first direct Muscat–Medan flight on July 3, 2026, entering the Indonesian market. The service operates twice weekly using Airbus A320neo aircraft, expanding its Southeast Asia network and improving regional connectivity.
Airport Show 2026, taking place from October 12–14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will highlight biometric and passenger innovations, as Middle East airports accelerate digital identity adoption to improve efficiency, security, and travel flow amid projected 240 million passengers in 2026.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Etihad Airways and key tourism stakeholders, has concluded a strategic familiarisation visit for senior travel industry leaders from China, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s long-term focus on one of its most important international source markets.
