Qatar Airways is rapidly advancing its Starlink satellite internet rollout, achieving significant milestones ahead of schedule. As of February 2025, the airline has equipped 30 Boeing 777 aircraft—over 50% of its fleet—with Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet. This progress comes just four months after launching the world’s first Starlink-enabled Boeing 777 flight in October 2024.

Originally planned to take two years, the retrofit process has been optimized to just 9.5 hours per aircraft, allowing installations to be completed overnight without disrupting operations or flight schedules. The entire Boeing 777 fleet is now expected to be fully upgraded by mid-2025, nearly a year ahead of initial projections.

Following the completion of the Boeing 777 upgrades, Qatar Airways will begin outfitting its Airbus A350 fleet with Starlink by summer 2025. The airline operates one of the largest A350 fleets globally, with 58 aircraft (A350-900s and A350-1000s), and plans to complete this phase within an accelerated timeline as well.

Additionally, Qatar Airways has announced plans to extend Starlink installations to its Boeing 787 Dreamliners and other wide-body aircraft by the end of 2025.

The service offers passengers complimentary high-speed internet from gate to gate, enabling seamless streaming, gaming, and work capabilities at cruising altitudes. Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer described Starlink as a "game-changer," emphasizing the airline’s commitment to redefining in-flight connectivity standards.

The installations are being conducted at the airline’s Qatar Airways Technic MRO facility in Doha Hamad International Airport, ensuring adherence to safety and efficiency standards.

Beyond Starlink, Qatar Airways is also enhancing its inflight entertainment systems through a partnership with Thales, establishing a maintenance hub in Doha for quick repairs and support. By the end of 2025, all wide-body aircraft in Qatar Airways’ fleet are expected to feature Starlink connectivity, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in aviation technology and passenger experience innovation.

Traveling with family can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to navigating airports and ensuring everyone’s comfort. Recognizing the unique needs of families, Air Arabia has introduced a comprehensive range of services aimed at making air travel easier, more convenient, and enjoyable for parents and children alike. From city check-ins and dedicated airport support to onboard entertainment and family-friendly loyalty rewards, Air Arabia is setting a new standard for family travel. Below, discover the key features and benefits designed to make every family journey smooth and memorable.

Check-In and Pre-Departure Convenience

Air Arabia offers families a seamless start to their journey with multiple convenient check-in options. Families can use 13 to 14 city check-in locations across Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, allowing them to check in and collect boarding passes away from the airport, reducing wait times and stress. Online check-in is also available, enabling families to bypass queues and enjoy a smoother start to their trip.

Dedicated Family Support at the Airport

At Sharjah International Airport, families benefit from dedicated fast-track check-in, expedited boarding, and streamlined immigration and security processing. Porter services are provided to help with luggage, so parents’ hands are free to manage their children. The Meet & Assist package is available for both departures and arrivals, offering a warm greeting, help with airport formalities, fast-track clearance, baggage assistance, and escort services.

Traveling with Infants and Young Children

Air Arabia makes traveling with infants easy by providing onboard bassinets for those seated in the front row—these can be pre-booked via the airline’s website or customer service. Infants as young as three days old are accepted for travel with the proper documentation. Parents can bring an extra hand baggage item (up to 3 kg) for baby essentials. Strollers can be used throughout the airport and are returned upon landing. Every infant must be accompanied by a passenger at least 16 years old, and children under 12 must be accompanied by someone at least 16 years old as well.

Onboard Entertainment and Activities

Onboard, Air Arabia’s complimentary in-flight entertainment system, SkyTime, features a wide range of kid-friendly movies, games, and TV shows, refreshed regularly for new and exciting content. The “Fun Onboard” program offers interactive activities such as coloring books, face painting, and in-flight competitions. Special “Kid Snack Boxes,” packed with treats and drawing sets, keep young travelers entertained. Families can pre-order kid-friendly meals, including options like chicken tenders with mac & cheese and Nutella sandwiches.

Loyalty and Rewards for Families

Air Arabia’s AirRewards loyalty program enhances family travel by allowing up to eight family members to be linked under one account. The family head earns 50% of the points from each member’s flights, helping to accumulate rewards faster and unlock exclusive benefits. The airline’s spacious economy seating and flexible baggage policies further ensure a comfortable and affordable journey for all.

Thoughtful amenities, robust safety measures, and personalized support distinguish Air Arabia’s approach to family travel. These features collectively raise the bar for family-friendly air journeys, ensuring that every trip is both memorable and free from hassle for passengers of all ages.

Etihad Airways has announced a significant expansion of its operations to Karachi, Pakistan, with the introduction of four daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Karachi starting from October 1, 2025. This move will increase the frequency to 28 nonstop flights per week, offering travelers more flexibility and convenience on one of the region’s most popular routes. The enhanced schedule is expected to support both business and leisure travel, catering to the strong demand between the UAE and Pakistan.

Etihad’s flights from Abu Dhabi to Karachi cover a distance of approximately 1,271 kilometers (790 miles), with each direct journey taking around two hours and fifteen minutes. The airline is known for its high standards of comfort across all cabins, including ergonomic seats in Economy and fully flat beds in Business Class, as well as onboard Wi-Fi and a robust in-flight entertainment system. Passengers can also take advantage of Etihad’s convenient home check-in service, premium amenity kits, and attentive service throughout their journey.

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and commercial hub, is a vital destination for travelers seeking business opportunities or exploring its vibrant cultural scene. The city’s tropical, semi-arid climate, diverse landscapes, and rich history make it a compelling destination year-round. With the increased frequency, Etihad aims to further strengthen economic and tourism ties between the UAE and Pakistan, providing more options for travelers and contributing to the growing connectivity in the region. For the latest schedules, fares, and booking options, travelers are encouraged to visit Etihad’s official website.

Flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and Karachi from 01 October 2025. All times local

A devastating tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad on Thursday when Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff en route to London Gatwick Airport. The crash, which occurred in the densely populated Meghani Nagar neighborhood near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulted in at least 240 fatalities, including passengers, crew, and reportedly some individuals on the ground.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, where images showed towering plumes of black smoke and burning wreckage as rescue teams worked tirelessly to recover bodies and assist survivors.

Remarkably, there was one reported survivor: 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. According to officials and hospital sources, Ramesh had been seated near an emergency exit and managed to escape the burning aircraft by jumping out after the crash. He was found disoriented and with multiple injuries but is reportedly out of danger and receiving treatment at Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh described the chaos: “When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital,” he told the Hindustan Times.

The doomed flight was carrying a diverse group of passengers: 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian, along with 12 crew members. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control less than a minute after takeoff, plummeting into a residential area and reportedly striking the dining hall of a medical college hostel, which may have contributed to the high death toll. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow and assured that all possible support was being provided to the victims and their families.

As investigations continue, Air India and government officials have pledged full support for affected families, while the airline’s CEO confirmed that a special team is on the ground to assist with relief efforts. The crash has shocked the nation and the international community, with many awaiting further details as authorities sift through the wreckage in search of answers.

An Emirates Airline Boeing 777 flight bound for Dubai was forced to abort its take-off at Chennai International Airport on June 8, 2025, after pilots detected a technical fault while taxiing from Terminal D1 at around 9:50 a.m. local time. The flight crew immediately halted the aircraft on the taxiway and alerted the airport’s control room, prompting emergency response teams to tow the plane back to its designated parking area, where Emirates engineers began diagnostics.

All 312 passengers were initially kept onboard during troubleshooting, but as the fault could not be resolved, the flight was officially canceled at 12:20 p.m. Passengers were then deboarded and accommodated at hotels across Chennai, with alternative flights arranged for those with urgent travel needs. Emirates later confirmed that the canceled flight would be rescheduled for departure either late Sunday evening or early Monday morning, depending on aircraft readiness. The airline issued an apology and reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority.

This incident follows a similar emergency at Chennai International Airport less than a month earlier. On May 11, 2025, Emirates flight EK543, also a Boeing 777-300ER, was forced to return to Chennai shortly after takeoff due to a mid-air technical glitch. The pilot detected the issue minutes after departure, contacted Air Traffic Control, and received priority clearance for an emergency landing.

The aircraft, carrying 268 passengers and 12 crew members, landed safely at 11:17 a.m. Emergency protocols were activated, and engineers resolved the fault within 90 minutes, allowing the flight to resume its journey to Dubai the same day. No injuries were reported, and the incident was praised for the swift and coordinated response by both Emirates and Chennai airport authorities.

Chennai International Airport, handling over 22 million passengers annually, has demonstrated strong emergency preparedness and coordination with airlines during such incidents. Emirates, which operates 21 weekly flights between Chennai and Dubai, has maintained a spotless safety record with no fatalities in its 40-year history, reinforcing passenger confidence in the airline’s operational standards.

In addition to technical issues, Emirates flights at Chennai have faced other safety challenges. On June 5, 2025, an Emirates Boeing 777 was struck by a green laser during its final approach, temporarily blinding the pilots and forcing an aborted landing attempt before a safe touchdown was achieved. These incidents highlight the importance of robust safety protocols and the ongoing vigilance required to ensure passenger safety in modern aviation

Air Karachi, Pakistan’s latest private airline, is gearing up to launch its domestic flight operations after securing its Regular Public Transport (RPT) licence from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation sector. Headquartered in Karachi, the airline is the result of a strategic alliance among some of the city’s most influential business leaders, including Aqeel Karim Dhedhi (AKD Group), Arif Habib (Arif Habib Limited), S.M.

Tanveer, Bashir Jan Muhammad, Khalid Tawab, Zubair Tufail, Hanif Gohar, and Hamza Tabani, with each shareholder contributing Rs50 million towards an initial investment pool of Rs5 billion.

The airline’s leadership is under the stewardship of retired Air Vice Marshal Syed Imran Majid Ali, who brings extensive aviation and military experience as the former Southern Commander of the Pakistan Air Force. Air Karachi will commence operations with a fleet of three leased aircraft, with plans to expand both its fleet and route network in the future.

The business model is inspired by the successful launch of AirSial, another business-backed airline, and aims to enhance connectivity across Pakistan, particularly focusing on underserved cities and key business travel corridors.

The airline has been formally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and its application for operational licensing has been submitted to the federal government. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), led by President Atif Ikram Sheikh, has strongly endorsed the venture, highlighting its potential to promote economic self-reliance, create jobs, and stimulate growth in the aviation sector.

FPCCI’s involvement as a major shareholder further underscores the project’s significance as a model for public-private collaboration and economic revitalization.

Air Karachi’s launch comes amid a surge of new entrants in Pakistan’s aviation market, with other airlines such as Jet Green, Q Airways, and Go Green Air also seeking regulatory approval to operate on domestic routes. Currently, three private airlines—SereneAir, AirSial, and Airblue—compete alongside the state-owned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which is undergoing privatization efforts.

The introduction of Air Karachi is expected to increase competition, improve service standards, and offer more choices to travelers, while also providing much-needed employment opportunities within the sector.

Looking ahead, Air Karachi’s management has indicated intentions to expand into international markets once domestic operations are firmly established and regulatory approvals are secured. The airline’s entry is widely seen as a positive indicator for Pakistan’s economic outlook and a testament to the growing confidence of the business community in the country’s aviation industry.