Qatar Airways has signed a landmark strategic agreement with Barzan Holdings and Satys Aerospace to establish a state-of-the-art widebody aircraft painting facility at Dukhan Air Base, marking a major advancement in the region's aviation infrastructure.

The agreement, announced by Qatar Airways, is part of a long-term collaboration aimed at strengthening Qatar’s aviation ecosystem through capability building, technology transfer, and innovation. The new facility will be the first of its kind in the region to utilize next-generation digital aircraft painting technologies, positioning Qatar as a regional hub for specialized aviation services.

Set to support commercial, VIP, and military aircraft, the project includes two widebody paint bays and a multipurpose hangar capable of handling light maintenance tasks. The facility is designed to reduce aircraft downtime by eliminating the need for overseas ferrying for repainting or livery changes and will cater to airline operators across the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

Featuring cutting-edge digital systems and future-ready robotic painting technologies, the facility will implement environmentally sustainable practices, including energy-efficient paint booths and advanced waste management solutions. It will also support dual-use operations in both civil and defense aviation, in alignment with Qatar’s strategy to localize high-value services and nurture local aerospace expertise.

“This partnership delivers strategic aviation infrastructure that serves both our national and regional ambitions,” said Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Group CEO of Qatar Airways. “Together with Barzan Holdings and Satys, we are building capabilities that define the future of Qatar’s aerospace sector and empower local talent.”

Eng. Mohammed Bader Al Sadah, CEO of Barzan Holdings, added: “This agreement strengthens our commitment to Qatar’s defence and aerospace capabilities. The facility will establish Qatar as a centre of excellence in the region, advancing local industry and supporting the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.”

Christophe Cador, CEO of Satys Aerospace, emphasized the company’s dedication to the project, stating: “Since our partnership began in 2021, we have remained committed to delivering top-tier services in quality, innovation, and turnaround time.”

The new painting facility is expected to play a pivotal role in elevating Qatar’s status as a global leader in aviation services and technology.

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.

A Singapore-bound Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, operating as BG 584 with a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, was forced to make an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka on Friday, June 27, 2025, following a bird strike shortly after takeoff. The flight departed at 8:38am and, while climbing through approximately 2,500 feet—with some sources noting the crew halted the climb at around 10,000 feet after reporting engine problems—the pilots detected a technical issue and promptly decided to return to Dhaka for safety reasons.

The aircraft, carrying 154 passengers and either 6 or 7 crew members according to different reports, landed safely at 8:59am and was parked at Bay 14 without incident. All individuals on board disembarked safely and were confirmed to be unharmed.

Initially, airport authorities inspected the runway and found no evidence of foreign objects or bird remains, leading to some confusion about the cause. However, subsequent statements from Biman’s General Manager (Public Relations) and the executive director of HSIA clarified that blood stains were later detected in the engine cowling, confirming the incident was indeed a bird strike.

A thorough technical review of the aircraft is currently underway to assess any damage and determine its readiness for future flights. Meanwhile, the airline arranged a replacement flight, which departed HSIA at 1:45pm to continue the journey to Singapore. The event highlights both the professionalism of the flight crew in handling emergencies and the ongoing risks posed by wildlife to aviation operations.

As tensions in the Middle East escalate, particularly following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran, Qatar has implemented precautionary measures by temporarily closing its airspace. This decision, announced on Monday, aims to ensure the safety of residents and visitors and has led to significant disruptions at Doha Hamad International Airport, one of the world’s busiest international hubs.

The airspace closure forced the majority of Qatar Airways flights bound for Doha to divert to alternate airports, severely impacting operations across Europe, Asia, the U.S., Australia, and the Gulf region. Shortly after the announcement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, flights began diverting mid-route, while departures from Hamad International Airport were suspended.

Key Diversion Statistics

Istanbul Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah each handled nine rerouted Qatar Airways flights, making them the most affected locations. Other airports, including Muscat International Airport and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport, also managed multiple diversions. Notable diversion statistics include:

	Airport	City/Country	Number Of Diversions
1	Istanbul Airport (IST)	Istanbul, Turkey	9
2	King Abdulaziz Int’l (JED)	Jeddah, Saudi Arabia	9
3	Muscat International Airport (MCT)	Muscat, Oman	8
4	Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz (MED)	Medina, Saudi Arabia	7
5	King Fahd International (DMM)	Dammam, Saudi Arabia	6
6	Kempegowda International (BLR)	Bengaluru, India	5
7	Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)	Izmir, Turkey	4
8	Salalah International Airport (SLL)	Salalah, Oman	4
9	Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH)	Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	3
10	Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)	Abu Dhabi, UAE	3

European Flights Diverted

Most European flights impacted by the airspace closure were redirected to Istanbul, with additional diversions to other Turkish airports. For instance, flights from Amsterdam and Algiers were rerouted to Antalya and Bodrum, respectively. Long-haul flights from Asia and Australia also experienced significant rerouting, with Bengaluru receiving the highest number of diverted flights.

Several flights returned to their departure points mid-air. Notably, Flight QR146 from Barcelona turned back after entering Turkish airspace, and similar cases occurred with flights from Madrid and the UK, which returned before reaching the Gulf region. Other flights experienced delays and prolonged holding patterns, complicating the situation further.

Impact on Global Operations

The disruptions extended beyond Qatar Airways, affecting many international airlines. Major carriers, including Emirates, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines, adjusted their flight schedules and routes in response to the sudden closure. This led to a ripple effect on global air traffic, as many planes had to find alternative landing locations while keeping safety as the top priority.

Travelers faced uncertainty and frustration, with some flights landing in unexpected destinations hours from their original plans. Passengers reported long waits and confusion at diverted airports, as airlines scrambled to provide accommodations and information.

Passenger Assistance and Accommodations

In light of the disruptions, Qatar Airways and other affected airlines deployed customer service teams to assist stranded passengers. Many airlines offered hotel accommodations and meal vouchers for those left in limbo due to diverted flights. Qatar Airways also set up information desks at key airports to help travelers navigate the changes.

For those whose flights were canceled, airlines provided options for rebooking or refunds, although availability was limited due to the high volume of affected passengers.

Reopening of Qatari Airspace

By Tuesday morning, Qatari authorities announced the reopening of the country’s airspace, and operations at Hamad International Airport began to gradually normalize. However, the effects of the disruption continued into the following day, with numerous cancellations affecting scheduled arrivals in Doha. Airlines such as British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Iberia, American Airlines, and JetBlue reported canceled inbound services.

Ongoing Regional Tensions

The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with experts warning of potential further escalations. Analysts are closely monitoring developments, as diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The ongoing situation raises concerns about the stability of air travel in the region, prompting airlines to stay vigilant and adaptable.

Economic Impact

The disruptions also have broader economic implications. Qatar Airways, which is a significant player in international air travel, may face financial repercussions due to the disruptions and cancellations. The airline industry is already recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and further interruptions could hinder this recovery.

As regional tensions continue to impact air travel, the aviation industry is facing unprecedented challenges. With the reopening of Qatari airspace, airlines are working to restore normal operations, but the situation remains fluid. Travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight statuses and to expect continued adjustments as airlines navigate these turbulent times. The unfolding events serve as a reminder of the fragility of global air travel amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Air travel across the United Arab Emirates faced severe disruption on Monday after a series of military escalations in the Gulf region prompted widespread airspace closures. Sharjah-based Air Arabia issued an urgent advisory to passengers, warning of potential flight delays and disruptions following Iran’s missile strikes on a US base in Qatar.

The airline advised travelers to check their flight status online and assured that affected passengers would be notified directly via SMS and email.

Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, also announced the rerouting of several flights on June 23 and 24 due to airspace restrictions over Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, and cautioned that further delays and disruptions were likely as the situation continued to evolve.

The airline has already suspended all flights to Tel Aviv until July 15, and clarified that transit passengers connecting to canceled destinations would not be accepted for travel from their point of origin.

The closures come amid a dramatic escalation in regional tensions, with the United States and Israel launching strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Iran targeting US assets in the Gulf. As a result, the UAE reportedly closed its airspace to all commercial traffic, forcing inbound flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to divert or enter holding patterns, and some were rerouted to airports in Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Major carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, and Air Arabia, have suspended or rerouted flights to and from affected countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and Jordan, with some suspensions extended until the end of June or mid-July.

Authorities have activated emergency response plans at major UAE airports, including Dubai International, Dubai World Central, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, to manage the crisis and ensure passenger safety. Travelers are strongly urged to check with their airlines for the latest updates and avoid heading to airports without confirmation of their flight status.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also advised UAE nationals, residents, and visitors to monitor official channels for further travel guidance as the situation remains highly volatile.

A British Airways flight from Chennai to London was forced to return to Chennai International Airport mid-flight on Sunday morning after sudden airspace closures over the Middle East, triggered by escalating military tensions between the US and Iran. The flight, a Boeing 777 designated BA276, took off at 6:24 a.m. IST—nearly an hour behind schedule—with 247 passengers and 15 crew members on board.

After passing Bengaluru and cruising over the Arabian Sea, the pilots received an urgent alert that key Middle Eastern airspace had been shut down, following reported US military strikes on Iranian targets overnight. This closure made the planned flight path to London impassable.

Acting swiftly, the flight crew contacted air traffic control in both Chennai and London. Prioritizing passenger safety, authorities instructed the aircraft to return to Chennai, where it landed safely around 10:00 a.m. All 262 people aboard were unharmed. The incident caused significant disruption at the airport, with passengers initially accommodated in lounges and later in hotels across the city while the situation was assessed.

After several tense hours and once authorities confirmed the reopening of Middle Eastern airspace, the same aircraft—with all original passengers and crew—departed again from Chennai at 11:50 a.m., successfully resuming its journey to London. The episode highlights the ongoing volatility in international air travel caused by geopolitical conflicts, as several airlines continue to monitor and adjust their routes in response to regional instability