Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's ambitious new state-owned airline, is making a strategic move to establish a strong presence in the Indian market. CEO Tony Douglas is leading a high-level delegation on a crucial visit to India from March 12 to 14, 2025, just months before the airline's anticipated launch later this year.

The delegation's primary objective is to explore potential partnerships and strengthen aviation ties between Saudi Arabia and India, recognizing the latter's growing importance as a key market for the airline's expansion plans.

During their visit, the Riyadh Air team will engage in a series of high-stakes meetings with various stakeholders in the Indian aviation sector. Notably, they will meet with officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to secure the necessary regulatory approvals for launching operations in India.

Additionally, Douglas is scheduled to hold discussions with representatives from India's two largest airlines, Air India and IndiGo, to explore possible collaborations that could enhance connectivity between the two nations.

This strategic initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 economic transformation plan, which aims to position India as its largest tourism source market by the end of the decade.

The Saudi Tourism Authority has set an ambitious target of welcoming 7.5 million Indian visitors annually by 2030, capitalizing on the remarkable 50% surge in Indian travelers to Saudi Arabia in 2023, which exceeded 1.5 million visitors. 

To support this goal, Riyadh Air has already taken a significant step by appointing Bird Travels as its exclusive distribution and sales partner in India, leveraging the company's extensive network and deep understanding of the Indian travel landscape.

As Riyadh Air prepares for its commercial launch, the airline is actively expanding its fleet and route network. The carrier plans to operate a mix of narrow-body A321 neos and wide-body B787-9 Dreamliners, with ongoing discussions for additional wide-body aircraft from Boeing and Airbus.

With its sights set on connecting Saudi Arabia to over 100 global destinations by 2030, Riyadh Air's focus on the Indian market underscores the growing importance of the country in the global aviation landscape and the potential for enhanced economic and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and India.

British Airways’ recent decision to ban cabin crew and other employees from taking or sharing photos and videos at layover hotels marks a significant shift in airline social media policy, reflecting growing industry concerns over security and privacy.

The airline’s directive, which also requires staff to delete existing hotel-related content from their personal social media accounts—including private ones—was implemented following fears that advanced AI tools could use background details in images to pinpoint hotel locations, potentially putting crew members at risk. This move follows a series of incidents, including the death of a British Airways crew member in a San Francisco hotel, that have heightened the focus on staff safety.

The new policy is notably stricter than those of many global competitors. For example, airlines like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Qatar Airways actively encourage staff engagement and customer interaction on social media, using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase destination highlights, crew experiences, and behind-the-scenes content to build brand loyalty and trust.

Hawaiian Airlines, for instance, has achieved industry-leading engagement rates by spotlighting employees and sharing user-generated content, such as passenger photos and stories, which have proven highly effective in connecting with audiences and humanizing the brand.

Industry data shows that real-time content, employee spotlights, and authentic crew stories drive some of the highest engagement rates across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Airlines that restrict such content may risk missing out on valuable customer interaction and brand advocacy opportunities. However, the move by British Airways highlights the tension between leveraging employee-driven content for marketing and protecting staff from emerging digital threats.

This policy change comes at a time when the airline industry is under intense scrutiny regarding its social media strategies. According to recent analyses, only about 25% of customer questions on airline social media posts receive responses, and negative sentiment remains high, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

While airlines are increasingly using social media for real-time customer service and engagement, British Airways’ approach signals a prioritization of operational security over the marketing and engagement benefits seen in other carriers’ more open social media policies.

Overall, British Airways’ ban on layover hotel photos sets it apart from industry trends that favor transparency and employee-driven storytelling, underscoring the complex balance between brand promotion, customer engagement, and staff safety in the digital age.

The Hajj Transport and Logistics System has reported robust operations this season, with 62 airlines conducting 3,314 flights to bring pilgrims from 238 destinations across 71 countries.

Saleh Al-Zuwaid, the system’s spokesperson, highlighted the high operational efficiency in receiving and managing the flow of pilgrims, ensuring smooth arrivals and movements throughout the holy sites.

Al-Zuwaid detailed that the Haramain High Speed Rail scheduled 4,700 trips during the season, offering a capacity of up to two million passengers an increase of 400,000 seats compared to last year. 

Trips between King Abdulaziz International Airport Station and Makkah increased by 75 percent, averaging about one trip per hour. By Sunday, the rail service had transported 700,000 passengers and continues to operate to meet demand.

The Mashaer Train is also expected to run over 2,000 trips, facilitating the transport of more than two million pilgrims over seven days.

Innovations in infrastructure include an 82 percent expansion in road cooling technology at the holy sites, effectively reducing road surface temperatures by 12 degrees Celsius, particularly near Namirah Mosque.

On the communications front, Saad Al-Shanbari, spokesperson for the Hajj Communications and Technology System, announced that 4G and 5G network coverage reached 99 percent in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.

Internet speeds have risen significantly, with an average of 264 megabits per second a 10 percent increase from last year and speeds in Makkah and Madinah alone reaching 336 megabits per second, up 19 percent. Over 10,000 Wi-Fi access points were deployed in partnership with telecom providers.

Additionally, the Communications and Space Technology Commission, in collaboration with Aramco, successfully implemented an artificial intelligence-based crowd management system using HAI surveillance cameras to enhance safety and efficiency during the pilgrimage.

These comprehensive transport and communication enhancements reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing pilgrims with a seamless, safe, and technologically advanced Hajj experience.

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has officially launched new services to two vibrant Central European capitals, Prague and Warsaw, marking a significant expansion of its European network. The inaugural flight to Prague took place on June 2, followed by the first flight to Warsaw on June 3, both operated four times weekly as part of Etihad’s ambitious plan to add 16 new destinations in 2025.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighted the strategic importance of these routes:
“Our new Prague and Warsaw services open doors to countless possibilities.

These new routes create a bridge between two remarkable regions, connecting travellers from the Middle East to the heart of Central Europe, while offering seamless connections via Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Australia”.

The new flights are operated using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring 28 Business Studios with fully-flat beds and direct aisle access, alongside 262 Economy Smart seats designed for enhanced comfort. Passengers will also enjoy the latest in-flight entertainment technology, ensuring a premium travel experience.

Boosting Tourism and Trade
These new connections are expected to stimulate tourism and trade between the UAE and the Central European countries of Czechia and Poland. Prague, known as the ‘City of a Hundred Spires,’ offers a rich tapestry of Gothic architecture, historic squares, and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center.

 Warsaw presents a dynamic blend of elegant historic sites and modern urban culture, making both cities attractive destinations for business and leisure travelers.

Etihad’s Global Expansion and The Extraordinary Challenge
The Prague and Warsaw routes are part of Etihad’s larger global expansion strategy, which includes launching flights to Charlotte, USA, in 2026, and other key cities such as Atlanta, Taipei, Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Krabi throughout 2025.

To celebrate its growing network, Etihad has introduced The Extraordinary Challenge, a competition inviting Etihad Guest members to visit 15 of the airline’s new destinations, including Prague and Warsaw, within 12 months.

 The first three participants to complete the challenge will win up to five million Etihad Guest miles, offering a unique incentive to explore the airline’s expanding global reach.

Looking Ahead
In a recent interview, CEO Antonoaldo Neves revealed plans to hire 1,500 new employees next year to support the airline’s growth. With a current workforce of around 12,000, Etihad aims to double its staff by 2030 as it expands its fleet and network.

Etihad Airways’ new routes to Prague and Warsaw not only enhance connectivity between the Middle East and Central Europe but also reinforce the airline’s commitment to providing seamless, comfortable, and rewarding travel experiences worldwide.

At the 2025 International Air Transport Association (IATA) summit in New Delhi, Emirates Airline President Tim Clark highlighted a “greater degree of determination” from Boeing’s new leadership in tackling the manufacturer’s longstanding production and delivery challenges.

 Clark acknowledged meaningful progress in stabilizing Boeing’s production lines, a critical factor for Emirates given its massive order of 205 Boeing 777X aircraft.

Originally, Emirates expected deliveries of the 777X years earlier, but Clark confirmed the airline now anticipates receiving its first aircraft between late 2026 and early 2027. This revised timeline reflects ongoing delays caused by complex certification processes, manufacturing issues, and heightened regulatory scrutiny following safety concerns with Boeing’s previous models.

 Despite these setbacks, Clark expressed cautious optimism, noting a “more positive tone” from Boeing regarding the wide-body program’s future.

Clark also used the IATA platform to call on aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing and Airbus, to take full accountability for persistent supply chain disruptions. He criticized the industry’s tendency to blame external supply chain issues, stating bluntly, “You are the supply chain,” urging OEMs to ensure their suppliers meet delivery commitments.

His remarks underscore growing frustration within the airline industry over chronic delays that hinder fleet modernization and sustainability goals.

Emirates is meanwhile investing heavily in retrofitting its existing fleet, including Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs, to maintain service quality while awaiting the 777X deliveries. The airline plans to retrofit 90% of its fleet, reinforcing its position as a leader in premium economy offerings during this interim period.

In summary, while Boeing’s 777X program faces significant delays—pushing first deliveries to late 2026 or early 2027—Emirates remains cautiously hopeful about the aircraft’s eventual introduction.

At the same time, the airline demands greater transparency and responsibility from manufacturers to resolve ongoing supply chain and production challenges that impact the global aviation industry.

Emirates SkyCargo has introduced a specialised product named Aircraft Engines, designed to transport one of aviation’s most critical and high-value components with precision and speed. This new service is part of the airline’s newly launched Aerospace and Engineering vertical, which focuses on providing tailored logistics solutions for the aerospace, defence, and space sectors.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said, “Moving highly specialised items is always an exciting challenge, and, having significantly invested in building world-class infrastructure across our network, it’s a challenge that we are ready to meet.

 We developed Aircraft Engines by harnessing our team’s technical expertise, proprietary technology, and fit-for-purpose infrastructure to cater to such valuable and technical cargo at every touchpoint”.

The Aircraft Engines service addresses the complex needs of transporting engines for maintenance, repair, or replacement. Emirates SkyCargo collaborated closely with manufacturers, operators, and consultants to optimise handling processes, resulting in a solution that ensures expert oversight at every stage.

Certified loadmasters supervise loading, securing, and unloading, utilising specialised equipment such as shock-absorbing transport dollies. Real-time shipment monitoring is available through the carrier’s control tower and optional track-and-trace devices.

Prioritising speed, engine shipments receive the highest loading priority to minimise ground time and maintain efficient aircraft operations. A dedicated team of experts stationed in key global cities offers 24/7 consultation through a hotline and email, enabling rapid response and seamless communication.

The Aerospace and Engineering vertical targets customers across commercial aviation, aircraft manufacturing, defence, space technology, and government sectors.

Alongside Aircraft Engines, it includes Emirates AOG (Aircraft on Ground) service, which expedites time-critical aircraft parts. Emirates SkyCargo has enhanced this offering with distinctive ‘Must Go’ bags for quicker recognition and handling.

Emirates SkyCargo transports hundreds of aircraft engine shipments annually and has supported notable aerospace missions, including the transport of KhalifaSat, the first Emirati-built satellite, and nanosatellites from Paris to Auckland for global IoT connectivity.

 These experiences have informed the development of the new product and vertical, reinforcing Emirates SkyCargo’s position as a leader in aerospace logistics.

This strategic launch expands Emirates SkyCargo’s specialised services, with additional subcategories under the Aerospace and Engineering vertical currently in development to further meet the complex demands of the aerospace industry.