Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has released detailed traffic statistics for March 2025, highlighting a period of significant growth and expansion. The airline carried 1.6 million passengers during March, representing a 14% year-on-year increase compared to March 2024, and contributing to a total of 5 million passengers in the first quarter of 2025—a 16% rise from 4.3 million in the same period last year.

This surge in passenger numbers was supported by a 10% increase in fleet size, with Etihad operating 98 aircraft in March, up from 89 a year earlier. The number of destinations served also grew, rising from 69 to 73 over the past year.

The airline achieved a passenger load factor of 87% for the first quarter, up from 86% in Q1 2024, indicating strong demand and efficient capacity management. However, the load factor for March specifically was 82%, slightly down from 84% in March 2024, reflecting the impact of rapid capacity expansion.

CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the airline’s momentum, noting that nearly 20 million passengers were welcomed over the 12 months ending March 2025.

Etihad’s network expansion strategy has been a key driver of this growth. In March alone, the airline announced two new routes and increased flight frequencies, bringing the total number of new destinations scheduled for 2025 to 16. Recent and upcoming additions include routes to Algiers, Atlanta, Chiang Mai, and El Dabaa, among others, as part of a broader push to strengthen Etihad’s global footprint.

The airline’s focus on customer experience has also paid off, with March 2025 recording the highest-ever customer satisfaction scores in Etihad’s history, reflecting its commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience.

Industry analysts note that Etihad’s robust growth in both passenger numbers and network reach positions it among the fastest-growing global carriers. The airline’s ongoing investments in fleet modernization, route expansion, and service enhancements are expected to sustain its upward trajectory throughout 2025.

Emirates is turning retired aircraft interiors into chic, eco-friendly luggage with its newly launched “Aircrafted by Emirates 2025 Collection.” After the sellout success of its 2023 debut, the Dubai-based airline has unveiled a second limited-edition series featuring 167 handmade bags crafted from materials salvaged during its multi-billion-dollar fleet retrofit project. These unique collector pieces trolley bags, backpacks, and handbags are now available exclusively through the Emirates Official Store, priced between $80 and $350.

The bags are genuine artifacts of aviation history, created from elements reclaimed from Emirates’ iconic Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 planes. Upcycled components include aluminum headrests, genuine leather from First and Business Class seats, and even the faux-fur lining from the Captain’s chair.

All materials undergo thorough laundering, deep cleaning, disinfecting, and conditioning before being transformed into luxury bags enhanced with new linings, functional zippers, and some featuring Emirates seatbelts as straps.

What sets this collection apart is that every piece is handcrafted by Emirates’ team of 14 skilled cabin tailors traditionally responsible for aircraft interior repairs who now work full-time on this sustainable creative initiative. This hands-on approach transforms industrial waste into fashion statements while providing meaningful employment within the airline’s Engineering facility in Dubai.

The Aircrafted initiative is not merely a marketing stunt; it is a direct offshoot of Emirates’ vast retrofit program launched in 2022, aiming to upgrade 219 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft with thousands of new Premium Economy, First Class, and Business Class seats. So far, over 30,000 kilograms of aircraft materials have been repurposed, demonstrating how large-scale aviation projects can embrace circular economy principles with aesthetic and environmental benefits.

Moreover, the project blends luxury fashion with philanthropy. Proceeds from the collection support the Emirates Airline Foundation, benefiting children in need worldwide. The airline’s inaugural Aircrafted collection raised more than $17,000 for this cause, and the 2025 lineup continues this commitment, combining stylish upcycling with social impact.

Emirates’ Aircrafted by Emirates collection offers an inspiring vision for sustainable luxury where heritage, craftsmanship, and eco-conscious innovation meet setting a new standard for the Gulf region and global fashion enthusiasts seeking thoughtful, responsible style.

Five Australian women who were forcibly removed from a Qatar Airways flight and subjected to invasive physical examinations on the tarmac at Doha’s Hamad International Airport in 2020 have won the right to sue the airline after a federal court upheld their appeal.

The women, whose identities remain confidential, were among dozens of female passengers taken off multiple flights and subjected to nonconsensual bodily searches after a newborn baby girl was found abandoned, wrapped in plastic and buried in trash at the airport. This discovery prompted Qatari authorities to carry out the searches as part of an effort to identify the mother and prevent the alleged perpetrators from leaving the country.

The Australian federal court’s unanimous ruling criticized the original judge for dismissing the relevance of the Montreal Convention, an international treaty that governs airline liability for passenger injury or death. The court found that the women’s ordeal occurred while they were still embarking or disembarking from the aircraft, thus the airline could be held liable. The women had been taken off their Sydney-bound Qatar Airways flight 908 at gunpoint and examined in ambulances on the tarmac before being returned to the plane.

Their lawyer, Damian Sturzaker, described the incident as causing lasting psychological trauma including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. He emphasized that his clients have yet to receive an apology or compensation, and expect further evidence to strengthen their negligence claims against Qatar Airways and the airport operator MATAR, which manages Hamad airport. The case is expected to go to trial next year.

The incident sparked international outrage at the time, with Australia’s then foreign minister condemning it as “grossly disturbing” and “offensive.” It remains unclear exactly how many women were subjected to these invasive searches, but at least 13 women from a single flight were examined, with as many as 10 flights potentially affected.

The Qatari government apologized for any distress caused and stated that some airport security staff responsible for the searches were charged. They also charged the mother of the abandoned baby with attempted murder; reportedly she left the country and was of Asian nationality a sensitive issue given the criminalization of sex outside marriage in Qatar.

This landmark legal victory challenges the limits of airline accountability abroad and shines a spotlight on airport security practices that many consider disproportionate and invasive. The women’s fight for justice highlights the complexities of international law and human rights in air travel.

In a bid to enhance security and streamline traffic at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), the airport authority has introduced new entry restrictions limiting the number of accompanying persons per passenger. Effective Sunday, only two individuals will be allowed to accompany or receive passengers at the Departure Driveway and Arrival Canopy areas.

The official notification released by HSIA on Friday highlights that this measure aims to ensure smoother passenger movement, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen security within the airport premises. The authority has urged visitors to cooperate and maintain orderly conduct while navigating the airport.

Passengers and their companions are encouraged to adhere to the new guidelines to help maintain a safe and efficient environment for everyone at Bangladesh’s busiest international gateway.

A consortium led by UAE-based Air Arabia has won the license to establish and operate Saudi Arabia’s newest national low-cost carrier, headquartered in Dammam. The consortium, which includes Saudi partners Nesma Group and KUN Holding, was awarded the project by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and will operate out of King Fahd International Airport.

While the airline’s official name has yet to be announced, it is widely expected to carry the Air Arabia Saudi Arabia brand, following the company’s pattern of regional expansions such as Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia Egypt.

According to the initial roadmap, the airline aims to serve 24 domestic and 57 international destinations with a fleet of 45 aircraft by 2030. The project targets reaching 10 million passengers, boosting tourism, and supporting the economic development of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, hailed the achievement as a milestone for regional aviation: “As a leading low-cost airline operator, this marks a key milestone reaffirming our commitment to support the Kingdom’s aviation growth. With our economic model and regional expertise, we aim to deliver a reliable, affordable travel experience for passengers.”

The announcement comes at a dynamic time for the region’s aviation market. Just days ago, Wizz Air announced its exit from Abu Dhabi after five years, sparking a reshuffle among low-cost carriers. Air Arabia responded swiftly, revealing plans to increase its Abu Dhabi capacity by 40% in 2025. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways added seven new destinations—previously served by Wizz Air—including key cities in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is riding a wave of rapid expansion. According to GACA’s Air Traffic 2024 Report, passenger numbers surged by 15% last year to 128 million, split between 59 million domestic and 69 million international travelers.

Adding to the country’s growing aviation reputation, travel tech firm AirHelp recently ranked Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport as the 10th best airport globally, with four Saudi airports making it into the world’s top 12.

The launch of the new Air Arabia-backed airline is expected to further cement Saudi Arabia’s position as a major aviation and tourism hub, aligning with its broader Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and infrastructure development.

A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into Milestone School and College in northern Dhaka’s Uttara district on Monday afternoon, killing at least 19 people and injuring 164, in what has become the deadliest air accident in the capital in recent memory.

The Chinese-made F-7BGI aircraft took off from BAF Base Bir Uttom AK Khandker at 1:06pm local time for a routine training flight but reportedly experienced a mechanical failure shortly after departure.

According to military officials, the pilot—Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam—attempted to steer the jet away from densely populated areas but crashed into the primary school building as students were in classes or sitting for exams. The pilot, who managed to eject, was critically injured and later died in hospital.

 

Most of the victims are believed to be children, as the plane struck classrooms for grades 1–5, as well as teachers and school staff. At least 16 students, two teachers, and the pilot are among the confirmed dead.

Over 100 others, including both children and adults, sustained injuries—many from burns—with doctors describing at least eight cases as critical and warning the toll could rise.

Footage from the scene revealed a massive blaze and thick, black smoke billowing from the wreckage. Emergency responders worked swiftly, with nine fire engine units and military personnel rescuing victims, battling flames, and transporting the injured to several area hospitals, including Dhaka

Medical College Hospital and the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Many students and teachers were seen helping each other, dragging the wounded to rickshaws and ambulances, as crowds of anxious parents and onlookers gathered nearby.

Several eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos and terror. “When I looked back, I just saw fire and smoke… There were many guardians and kids here,” said one teacher. Another student described watching the aircraft hit the building “right in front of my eyes”.

The crash occurred just before school break, with many children still inside the building. Classes at Milestone School and College range from playgroup through secondary levels, with some 2,000 students enrolled.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed profound grief, calling the incident a “moment of deep national sorrow” and promising a thorough investigation. The Bangladeshi government has declared a national day of mourning for July 22.

Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities sort through debris and search for possible survivors. The Inter-Services Public Relations office confirmed a committee has been established to investigate the cause of the disaster.

Early reports suggest a sudden technical malfunction led to loss of control shortly after takeoff, but further details are pending.

This tragedy marks one of the worst aviation disasters in Bangladesh’s recent history and has sent shockwaves through the nation as families, students, and school staff mourn the devastating loss.