Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been recognized as the world’s second-best airline for 2025 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, held during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport. The awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of the aviation industry,” are determined by passenger votes, with this year’s survey drawing responses from over 22 million travelers and evaluating more than 325 airlines globally.

Qatar Airways claimed the top spot for a record ninth time, while Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and ANA All Nippon Airways completed the top five.

Despite not reclaiming the top position, SIA achieved an impressive sweep of major accolades, including World’s Best Cabin Crew, World’s Best First Class, and Best Airline in Asia. Its First Class suites, renowned for their spacious design and luxury amenities, were highlighted as industry leaders. The airline also received recognition for its business and economy class offerings, maintaining its reputation for service excellence across all cabin classes.

The Skytrax awards are highly regarded in the industry, with winners selected through independent surveys that have been conducted annually since 1999. The event saw attendance from around 500 airline representatives, including senior executives and uniformed cabin crew, underscoring its significance within the aviation sector.

SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, was also honored as the World’s Best Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline, reflecting the group’s broad appeal and commitment to quality at multiple price points. The consistent performance of Singapore Airlines, which has previously won the World’s Best Airline title five times, is seen as a testament to its enduring focus on customer experience, innovation, and operational excellence.

The Skytrax methodology relies on passenger feedback regarding various aspects of the travel experience, including cabin comfort, onboard service, and catering, making the awards a direct reflection of customer satisfaction. SIA’s continued presence at the top of these rankings highlights its global standing and the loyalty it commands among travelers worldwide

Emirates is set to expand its service to Barcelona with the introduction of a third daily flight starting October 26, 2025, responding to rising demand and enhancing connectivity between Dubai and the Catalonian capital. This new service will increase Emirates’ weekly flights to Barcelona to 21, providing greater flexibility and capacity for both business and leisure travelers.

The new flight will be operated primarily with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring 354 to 360 seats, and will join the existing daily flights operated by Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The three daily departures from Dubai International Airport (DXB) are scheduled at 3:45 AM, 8:15 AM, and 2:00 PM, arriving at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) in the morning and early evening.

 Return flights from Barcelona will depart at 3:10 PM, 3:30 PM, and 8:25 PM, allowing for smooth connections to Emirates’ extensive global network.

Barcelona is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant food scene, and beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination. The increased flight frequency will also facilitate easier onward travel to key destinations in Asia and the Indian Ocean region, including the Maldives, Bangkok, Bali, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Emirates aims to optimize the new schedule to reduce layover times in Dubai, enabling passengers to connect efficiently to onward flights, such as afternoon departures to the Maldives arriving the same evening.
Emirates currently operates 28 weekly flights to Spain, split evenly between Madrid and Barcelona, with seven Barcelona flights extending to Mexico City, offering convenient transatlantic connections.

The third daily flight will mark the largest seat capacity ever offered on the Dubai-Barcelona route since Emirates launched the service.

Passengers can book tickets through emirates.com, the Emirates App, authorized travel agents, and Emirates retail stores. Emirates releases its tickets continually, up to 340 days before departure, so travelers looking to secure the best fares or reward seats should book early to maximize availability and savings.

In addition to expanding flight services, Emirates has recently partnered with Uber to enhance the travel experience. Frequent Uber riders in select markets can earn Emirates Skywards miles, which can be redeemed for discounted flights and other benefits. Conversely, Emirates customers booking flights may receive Uber ride vouchers, facilitating smoother and more affordable airport transfers.

This partnership aims to create a seamless journey from doorstep to destination, rewarding customers both on the ground and in the air[Memory].

Overall, the new third daily flight to Barcelona strengthens Emirates’ position as a key connector between Spain and the Middle East, Asia, and beyond, catering to increasing travel demand and offering passengers enhanced convenience and choice.

Etihad Airways is set to elevate the travel experience between Sydney and Abu Dhabi with the introduction of its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on select flights starting October 1, 2025. These aircraft feature one of the airline’s most luxurious business class cabins, offering 44 private suites designed to provide the comfort and exclusivity of first class within a business class setting.

Each business suite is equipped with sliding privacy doors, fully flat beds, and advanced in-flight entertainment systems, ensuring passengers can relax and arrive refreshed after the long-haul journey. The A350-1000’s cutting-edge design also contributes to a quieter, more comfortable cabin atmosphere, with features such as larger windows and improved air filtration.

Technologically advanced and environmentally efficient, the A350-1000 is constructed from lightweight carbon polymer materials and powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This combination reduces fuel consumption by approximately 25% and lowers carbon emissions, making it one of the most eco-friendly aircraft in operation.

Initially, the A350 will complement the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Sydney-Abu Dhabi route, with both aircraft offering the premium business suites. From January 31, 2026, all ten weekly Etihad flights from Sydney will be operated exclusively by the A350, while Melbourne flights will continue daily on the 787-9.

Passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi will benefit from the recently opened Zayed International Airport, which has been acclaimed as the world’s most beautiful airport. The $4.8 billion facility incorporates advanced AI technologies, including facial recognition and smart passenger processing systems, allowing travelers to move swiftly from curbside to gate in as little as 12 minutes.

With this upgrade, Etihad Airways promises Australian travelers a seamless blend of luxury, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring that their journey is as exceptional as their destination.

Vietnam Airlines will inaugurate a direct flight service between Hanoi and Milan, Italy, starting July 1, 2025, marking the first time a Vietnamese carrier offers nonstop flights to Italy. The new route will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, enhancing connectivity between Vietnam and Europe.

This milestone expands Vietnam Airlines’ European network to nine direct routes, including existing flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Paris, Frankfurt, London, and soon Munich. The airline also plans to launch a direct Ho Chi Minh City–Milan service after 2025, further strengthening ties between the two countries.

Milan, Italy’s second-largest city and a global fashion and cultural hub, attracts millions of tourists, especially during summer months. Italy is a popular destination for Vietnamese travelers, and visitor numbers from Italy to Vietnam have surged by 155% in 2024, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

The new direct route is expected to boost tourism and facilitate economic, social, and political exchanges between Vietnam and Italy, with ongoing negotiations for a visa waiver for Vietnamese tour groups.

Tickets are now available on Vietnam Airlines’ website and official channels, with promotional fares starting at around USD 810 for round-trip economy tickets in July 2025. Flight VN73 departs Hanoi at 00:45, arriving in Milan at 07:40; the return flight VN72 leaves Milan at 12:45, arriving in Hanoi at 04:35 the next day.

Vietnam Airlines currently operates a modern fleet including Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, A321, and A320neo aircraft, and continues to expand its international services with plans to launch or revive 15 new routes this year.

This new Hanoi-Milan service represents a strategic expansion of Vietnam Airlines’ global network, offering greater travel flexibility and fostering stronger international ties between Vietnam, Italy, and Europe.

Following Israel's recent airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, Air Arabia has announced extensive flight cancellations affecting ten countries amid escalating regional tensions and widespread airspace closures. The Sharjah-based low-cost carrier temporarily suspended flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, with cancellations initially covering June 13 and 14 and extended through June 17 for some routes.

The disruptions stem from Israel's military campaign aimed at halting Iran's nuclear weapon development, which triggered the closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and neighboring countries, severely impacting key air corridors between Europe and Asia. Air Arabia's affected routes include major cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Erbil, Baghdad, Najaf, Basra, Amman, Beirut, Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Samara, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Baku, Almaty, and Tashkent. Flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Moscow, as well as Abu Dhabi and Moscow, Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku, have also been canceled, including return flights to the UAE.

Other UAE carriers have similarly curtailed operations: Emirates suspended flights to Iraq, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon until late June; Etihad Airways canceled Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv flights through June 17 and adjusted schedules for Amman and Beirut; flydubai halted flights to Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Israel with some aircraft rerouted or returned mid-flight for safety. Dubai International Airport, Dubai World Central, and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport have reported delays and cancellations, urging passengers to verify flight status before traveling.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory urging nationals and residents in the region to stay updated and register with consular services for emergency support. Airlines emphasize passenger and crew safety as their highest priority and advise travelers to monitor official airline websites for real-time updates, rebooking options, and refunds due to the fluid security situation.

This extensive disruption highlights the profound impact of geopolitical conflicts on global aviation, with airlines forced to navigate rapidly changing airspace restrictions to ensure safety amid rising tensions in the Middle East

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.