Friday, 04 July 2025

Air France to Launch Direct Paris-Riyadh Route on May 20, 2025

Published: Friday, March 21, 2025
Air France to Launch Direct Paris-Riyadh Route on May 20, 2025

This summer, Air France is poised to enhance its global connectivity with the launch of a new direct route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Riyadh, the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia. This strategic move underscores Air France's commitment to expanding its presence in the Middle East, a region that has seen significant growth in air travel.

The service is scheduled to commence on May 19, 2025, with an initial frequency of three flights per week, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. As the summer season progresses, the frequency will increase to five flights per week starting June 2, 2025, with additional departures on Tuesdays and Sundays.

This expansion will not only cater to the increasing demand for travel between France and Saudi Arabia but also provide seamless connectivity for passengers traveling from Europe to the Middle East.

The new route will be operated using the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft, renowned for its comfort and efficiency. The aircraft will offer a total of 324 seats across three cabin classes: 34 in Business, 24 in Premium Economy, and 266 in Economy. This configuration ensures that passengers have a range of options to suit their travel preferences, whether they prioritize luxury, comfort, or affordability.

The Business class will provide an upscale experience with lie-flat beds and gourmet dining, while Premium Economy offers additional legroom and enhanced amenities. Economy class passengers will also enjoy modern entertainment systems and ergonomic seating.

The introduction of this new route is part of a broader strategy by Air France to strengthen its partnership with Saudia Airlines, Saudi Arabia's national carrier. This collaboration will enhance the travel experience for passengers by offering more seamless connections and a wider range of destinations.

All three airlines within the Air France-KLM Group—Air France, KLM, and Transavia—will now offer services to Saudi Arabia, further solidifying the group's commitment to the region. This strategic alignment is particularly timely given Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans to expand its aviation sector, which includes significant investments in infrastructure and tourism development.

The flights will depart Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 23:20 local time, arriving in Riyadh at 06:25 the next day, while the return leg departs Riyadh at 08:40, landing in Paris at 14:20. This schedule is designed to optimize travel time and ensure that passengers can make the most of their day, whether they are traveling for business or leisure.

The new route is expected to boost tourism and business travel between France and Saudi Arabia, capitalizing on the growing interest in cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations. Paris remains a highly popular destination for travelers from Saudi Arabia, drawn by the city's rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and luxury shopping opportunities.

Conversely, Riyadh offers a unique blend of traditional Middle Eastern hospitality and modern urban development, making it an increasingly attractive destination for European travelers.

Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Malta, Boosting Global Network and Connectivity

Published: Friday, July 04, 2025
Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Malta, Boosting Global Network and Connectivity

Qatar Airways has officially resumed direct flights between Doha and Malta, with four non-stop services each week starting July 2, 2025, further strengthening its extensive global network and enhancing international connectivity.

The flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, departing Doha at either 08:45 or 14:05 and arriving in Malta later the same day or the following morning, depending on the schedule. Return flights from Malta to Doha are similarly structured, with departures at 10:15 or 17:05 and an average flight time of just over five hours.

This route re-establishes Malta as the 50th European destination in Qatar Airways’ network for the northern summer of 2025, providing travelers from Asia-Pacific markets—including China, India, Japan, and the Philippines—greater access to the Mediterranean. The service is expected to boost tourism to Malta’s capital Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the islands of Gozo and Comino.

Travelers from Malta will benefit from seamless connections to Qatar Airways’ network of over 170 destinations worldwide, including 42 weekly flights to Australia. The airline’s proposed partnership with Virgin Australia, pending regulatory approval, is set to further expand connectivity options for passengers.

Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized the importance of the Malta route in reinforcing economic ties and supporting tourism, highlighting Malta’s appeal with its rich history, cultural sites, and sun-soaked coastline. Malta International Airport and the Malta Tourism Authority have both welcomed the airline’s return, citing the positive impact on regional connectivity and tourism potential.

Qatar Airways remains the only Middle Eastern carrier offering non-stop flights between Doha and Malta, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft with both Economy and Business Class options. Bookings for the new service are now open.

Emirates Launches Direct Flights to Shenzhen, Expanding Connectivity to Southern China

Published: Friday, July 04, 2025
Emirates Launches Direct Flights to Shenzhen, Expanding Connectivity to Southern China

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has officially commenced its daily passenger service to Shenzhen, China, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s strategic expansion across East Asia. The inaugural flight, EK328, touched down at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on July 1, 2025, where it was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute and a special ceremony attended by local dignitaries, Emirates executives, and media representatives.

A New Gateway for Emirates in Mainland China

Shenzhen becomes Emirates’ fourth gateway in mainland China, joining Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The new route is operated by the airline’s newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, which features Emirates’ latest four-class configuration: eight private suites in First Class, 40 new-generation lie-flat seats in Business Class, 24 seats in Premium Economy, and 260 seats in Economy Class.

Shenzhen is the first city in mainland China to receive Emirates’ upgraded aircraft with the Premium Economy product, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering a superior travel experience for both business and leisure travelers.

Flight Schedule and Connectivity

Flight EK328 departs Dubai International Airport (DXB) daily at 10:05 am, arriving in Shenzhen (SZX) at 10:00 pm local time. The return flight, EK329, leaves Shenzhen at 11:55 pm, arriving back in Dubai at 3:40 am the next day.

These timings are designed to optimize connections to and from Emirates’ extensive global network, including key cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Boosting Trade, Tourism, and Cargo

The launch of the Dubai-Shenzhen route is expected to significantly enhance trade, tourism, and business ties between the UAE and southern China. Shenzhen, often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of China,” is a major technology, innovation, and manufacturing hub within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, home to over 86 million people and a GDP exceeding US$1.9 trillion.

Each Emirates flight to Shenzhen offers up to 16 tonnes of cargo capacity in the bellyhold, supporting the city’s thriving export-oriented industries, including electronics, e-commerce, and high-tech manufacturing. This will facilitate the movement of goods between China and over 140 destinations across Emirates’ network, reinforcing Shenzhen’s role in global supply chains.

Strategic Importance and Bilateral Relations

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, highlighted the significance of the new service: “The launch of our Shenzhen route is a testament to Emirates’ long-term commitment to China and to supporting the country’s trade and tourism ambitions. This new link will not only provide travelers with more choice and convenience but will also strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the UAE and China.”

The expansion comes at a time of deepening bilateral relations between China and the UAE, with both countries seeking to enhance cooperation under initiatives such as the Belt and Road. Emirates has been serving China since 2004 and now operates 42 weekly flights to four major Chinese cities, offering travelers and businesses unprecedented connectivity.

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines Launch Daily Manila-Doha Flights Under New Codeshare Partnership

Published: Thursday, July 03, 2025
Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines Launch Daily Manila-Doha Flights Under New Codeshare Partnership

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines have launched daily nonstop flights between Manila and Doha as part of a new strategic partnership, with the inaugural codeshare flight celebrated at Hamad International Airport on June 30, 2025. The collaboration officially began on June 16, 2025, with Philippine Airlines operating the service using its long-range Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering 18 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 341 seats in Economy Class.

Flights depart Manila at 18:50, arriving in Doha at 23:40, while the return leg leaves Doha at 01:30, reaching Manila at 16:15, enabling smooth connections to Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations across Africa, the Americas, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East via Hamad International Airport, which was named the Middle East’s Best Airport by Skytrax in 2025.

The partnership also enhances connectivity for travelers from key markets such as Brazil, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, offering greater flexibility and seamless travel options.

The launch event was attended by senior executives from both airlines, including Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall and Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori, who highlighted the partnership’s role in strengthening economic, tourism, and cultural ties between the Philippines and Qatar, as well as providing improved travel options for overseas Filipino workers and their families.

Both airlines plan to explore further collaboration, including expanded codeshare destinations and frequent flyer cooperation, aiming to maximize fleet efficiency and enhance passenger convenience through integrated schedules and check-ins.

Qatar Airways already serves four cities in the Philippines—Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao—while Philippine Airlines connects to 31 domestic and 38 international destinations, making this partnership a significant step in boosting access and connectivity for travelers in both regions.

Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Iraq and Syria, Restores Full Operations in Lebanon and Jordan

Published: Wednesday, July 02, 2025
Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Iraq and Syria, Restores Full Operations in Lebanon and Jordan

Qatar Airways has taken a significant step in revitalizing air travel across the Middle East by fully resuming its operations to Iraq and Syria while restoring its complete flight schedule to Lebanon and Jordan. This extensive network reinstatement comes amid improving geopolitical stability and easing of airspace restrictions that had previously forced the airline to suspend or reduce services to these key destinations.

The move not only reflects Qatar Airways’ confidence in the region’s security environment but also underscores its commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting economic recovery, and facilitating cultural exchange throughout the Levant and Mesopotamian corridors. With the summer travel season underway, the airline aims to meet rising passenger demand by offering increased frequencies, modern aircraft, and flexible schedules that cater to both business and leisure travelers.

This development is also aligned with Qatar’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub through Hamad International Airport, which serves as a vital gateway linking Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Iraq:
The airline has relaunched service to five Iraqi cities:

  • Baghdad International Airport (BGW):

    • 13 weekly flights from June 30, increasing to 16 from July 8.

    • Two daily flights:

      • QR442 departs Doha at 18:40, arrives Baghdad at 20:45; return QR443 departs Baghdad at 21:55, arrives Doha at 00:05.

      • QR444 departs Doha at 08:10 (except Saturdays), arrives Baghdad at 10:15; return QR445 departs Baghdad at 11:45, arrives Doha at 13:55.

    • Additional flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (QR458/QR459) from July 8123.

  • Erbil International Airport (EBL):

    • Seven weekly flights from July 1, with three extra weekly flights beginning July 9.

    • QR450 departs Doha at 18:35, arrives Erbil at 21:00; return QR451 departs Erbil at 22:00, arrives Doha at 00:25.

    • Additional flights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (QR454/QR455) from July 912.

  • Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU):

    • Seven weekly flights from July 2.

    • QR436 departs Doha at 00:55, arrives Sulaymaniyah at 03:25; return QR437 departs Sulaymaniyah at 04:25, arrives Doha at 06:40123.

  • Al Najaf International Airport (NJF):

    • Five weekly flights from July 2 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).

    • QR460 departs Doha at 19:10, arrives Najaf at 21:05; return QR461 departs Najaf at 22:10, arrives Doha at 00:1013.

  • Basra International Airport (BSR):

    • Seven weekly flights from July 3.

    • QR448 departs Doha at 08:20, arrives Basra at 09:50; return QR449 departs Basra at 11:20, arrives Doha at 12:4513.

Syria:

  • Damascus International Airport (DAM):

    • Daily flights resume July 6 (QR410 departs Doha at 09:05, arrives Damascus at 12:00; return QR411 departs Damascus at 14:00, arrives Doha at 16:50).

    • From July 15, service increases to 14 weekly flights with an additional daily rotation (QR412/QR413)13.

Lebanon:

  • Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY):

    • Service increases from 14 to 21 weekly flights starting July 1, with three daily departures.

    • Example: QR418 departs Doha at 21:00, arrives Beirut at 00:10; return QR419 departs Beirut at 01:40, arrives Doha at 04:4513.

Jordan:

  • Queen Alia International Airport (AMM):

    • Service also increases to 21 weekly flights from July 1, with three daily departures

Qatar Airways has advised passengers to check the latest flight schedules and travel alerts on its website, as some departure times may have changed to ensure operational reliability and passenger safety. The airline’s resumption of these routes is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and support economic, cultural, and humanitarian links across the region. Flights to Iran remain suspended, with updates to be provided as the situation evolves

Etihad Prepares to Welcome Over Seven Million Travelers This Summer

Published: Sunday, June 29, 2025
Etihad Prepares to Welcome Over Seven Million Travelers This Summer

Etihad Airways is preparing for a record-breaking summer, expecting to welcome over seven million travelers through Zayed International Airport. This surge is part of a broader trend, as the airline carried 8.4 million passengers in the first five months of 2025, marking a 17% increase compared to the same period last year.

In May alone, Etihad transported 1.7 million passengers—a 19% year-on-year rise—while maintaining a high passenger load factor of 87%, demonstrating its ability to efficiently manage increased demand without sacrificing service quality.

To accommodate this growth, Etihad has expanded its operating fleet to 100 aircraft and increased the number of destinations served to 72, up from 68 in the previous year. The airline has also introduced an enhanced summer schedule, featuring double-daily flights to major European cities such as Paris, Milan, Rome, Manchester, and Frankfurt, as well as increased frequencies to other popular destinations like Bali and Sydney.

These schedule enhancements are designed to offer travelers greater flexibility, with conveniently timed departures and arrivals that cater to both leisure and business passengers.

Etihad’s strategic expansion is further supported by its commitment to customer experience, including seamless connections through Abu Dhabi and value-added services like a complimentary stopover program, allowing travelers to enjoy up to two free nights at premium hotels in the city.

According to CEO Antonoaldo Neves, these efforts underscore Etihad’s position as the fastest-growing airline in the Middle East and reflect the trust placed in its service by millions of travelers worldwide.

Essential Travel Tips for Guests

To assist travellers, Etihad has outlined a series of essential tips for a hassle-free journey:

1. Stay Informed with Flight Updates

Guests can access real-time flight information via the "Manage My Booking" section on etihad.com or through the Etihad mobile app. This feature allows passengers to view, modify flight details, select seats, and utilize various other services.

2. Early Check-in Recommendations

To minimize wait times, Etihad advises guests to arrive at the airport at least four hours prior to departure during peak periods. The airline offers multiple early check-in options:

  • Online Check-in: Opens 30 hours before departure via the website or app, allowing guests to use automated self-service bag drops in the terminal.
  • Off-Airport Check-in: Available at several locations, including:
    • Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (24/7)
    • The Fountains, YAS Mall (10 AM - 10 PM)
    • Mussafah (10 AM - 10 PM)
    • Al Ain at Lulu Hypermarket (10 AM - 10 PM)

3. Convenience with Home Check-in

For ultimate convenience, guests can utilize the home check-in service through MORAFIQ, available up to five hours before departure. This service, starting at AED 185, includes baggage check-in, seat selection, and delivery of boarding passes to the guest’s doorstep.

Upon returning to Abu Dhabi, the Land & Leave service allows guests to head straight to their destination while their bags are delivered within three hours.

4. Enhance Pre-Flight Experience

Travellers can enhance their journey by purchasing additional comfort options on the Etihad website. Options include:

  • Economy Extra Legroom for more space.
  • Neighbour-free Seats available for selection at least 72 hours before departure.
  • Lounge Access for First and Business Class guests, purchasable up to 90 minutes before departure.

5. Baggage Allowance

Economy Class passengers are allowed 7kg of carry-on baggage, while First and Business Class guests may carry up to 12kg. Cabin baggage must adhere to size restrictions of 56cm height, 36cm depth, and 23cm width. Additional checked baggage can be purchased at special rates online.

6. US Pre-clearance Facility

Travellers heading to the US must check in at Terminal A at least four hours before their flight. First, Business, and The Residence guests are advised to arrive at the US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility 90 minutes prior, while all other guests should arrive two hours before departure. The facility closes one hour before flight time.

For More Information

For further details and to book your next journey, visit click here or download the Etihad Airways mobile app. As travel demand surges, Etihad Airways is dedicated to providing a superior travel experience for all guests this summer.