Dubai, UAE - Emirates, the world's largest international airline, is celebrating a significant milestone of 25 years of operations in Bahrain, solidifying its commitment to connecting the Kingdom to the world.

Since launching flights to Bahrain in 1993, Emirates has played a vital role in promoting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Bahrain and the rest of the world. Over the past quarter of a century, the airline has carried over 10 million passengers to and from Bahrain, offering convenient connections to over 150 destinations across its network.

Emirates is proud to mark 25 years of operations in Bahrain, a country that has become an integral part of our network," said Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates' Country Manager for Bahrain. "We are grateful for the support of the Bahraini government and the trust of our customers, who have made Emirates their airline of choice for travel to and from Bahrain."

To commemorate this milestone, Emirates will launch a series of promotions and activities in Bahrain, including special fares, discounts on tickets, and surprises for passengers traveling on Emirates flights.

Emirates' commitment to Bahrain is reflected in its modern aircraft, spacious cabins, and world-class in-flight entertainment. The airline operates three daily flights from Bahrain International Airport to Dubai International Airport, offering seamless connections to destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Throughout its 25-year history, Emirates has played a significant role in promoting Bahrain's economy, supporting the country's tourism and trade sectors, and fostering cultural exchange between Bahrain and the rest of the world.

Emirates looks forward to continuing to connect Bahrain to the world, and we are committed to providing our customers with an exceptional travel experience," added Sheikh Majid Al Mualla.

As Emirates celebrates this important milestone, the airline reaffirms its commitment to Bahrain and its people, and looks forward to many more years of successful operations in the Kingdom.

Airbus is preparing to secure significant orders for its A350 wide-body aircraft at the Paris Air Show in June 2025, aiming to strengthen its market position amid growing competition with Boeing.

A key focus for Airbus is Riyadh Air, the new Saudi Arabian carrier planning to expand its long-haul fleet. The airline is expected to announce an order for up to 50 Airbus A350 aircraft during the show, complementing its existing Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.

This move highlights Riyadh Air’s emphasis on operational efficiency and reliability, favoring the A350 over Boeing’s delayed 777X.

Airbus is promoting the A350’s fuel efficiency, extended range, and enhanced passenger comfort to appeal to airlines targeting premium international routes in the Middle East.

The anticipated order will likely include a combination of firm commitments and options, giving Riyadh Air flexibility as it grows toward a fleet of more than 200 aircraft.

 This deal will significantly enhance Airbus’s presence in the region, where demand for wide-body jets is rising due to expanding long-haul travel and Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism and business sectors.

In addition to the A350, Airbus is also focusing on growth in the single-aisle market with its A320neo family. These aircraft continue to attract airlines seeking modern, fuel-efficient narrow-body jets, especially as Boeing faces ongoing delays and quality control challenges with its 737 MAX line.

The competition between Airbus and Boeing has intensified in 2025. Boeing has gained ground in wide-body orders, driven in part by diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and renewed airline confidence. However, Boeing still faces low production rates and the challenge of rebuilding trust.

Airbus, although not restricted by government production caps, is dealing with supply chain constraints and assembly delays that affect aircraft output.

 The company is focused on restoring order momentum and improving manufacturing efficiency. The Paris Air Show will be an important opportunity for Airbus to demonstrate its competitiveness in a changing market.

Despite some easing, supply chain disruptions are expected to continue through 2027 or 2028, making backlog management and converting airline interest into firm orders a top priority. Airbus aims to deliver 820 jets in 2025, a 7% increase over 2024, even as the A350 freighter variant experiences delays.

The Paris Air Show will allow Airbus to showcase technological advances such as the A350’s composite airframe and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, which reduce fuel burn by 25% compared to older models.

 Securing major orders like Riyadh Air’s will be crucial for Airbus to counter Boeing’s resurgence and maintain its growth trajectory in the global aviation market.

Further updates from the Paris Air Show 2025 will provide insights into the evolving aerospace industry landscape.

Saudi Arabia is preparing to place orders worth billions of dollars for Airbus aircraft as part of its strategy to diversify suppliers and accelerate aviation growth to rival its Gulf neighbors, industry sources revealed.

Leasing company AviLease, which recently ordered 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region, is expected to place a comparable order for Airbus A320neo jets at next month’s Paris Airshow.

The company, aiming to become a top global aircraft lessor, is also reportedly interested in Airbus A350 freighters.

Startup airline Riyadh Air is poised to select the Airbus A350 over Boeing’s delayed 777X, with a potential deal involving up to 50 A350 aircraft anticipated to be announced at an upcoming trade show this year. Riyadh Air is currently studying an order for large wide-body planes, with a decision expected in the coming months.

Airbus declined to comment, and AviLease was not immediately available for comment.

These developments come amid Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation expansion, including Saudia Group’s historic order for 105 Airbus narrowbody jets, marking the largest aircraft deal in the kingdom’s history.

This order includes 54 A321neos for Saudia and additional A320neo and A321neo aircraft for its subsidiary Flyadeal, with deliveries scheduled from 2026 through 2032.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation growth is a key component of its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, aiming to triple annual passenger traffic and establish the kingdom as a major aviation and tourism hub by the end of the decade.

The combined efforts of Saudia, Riyadh Air, and leasing firms like AviLease signal a significant expansion of the Saudi fleet, positioning the country to compete strongly in the Gulf aviation market.

Turkey has introduced a new travel regulation imposing fines of up to 2,603 Turkish lira (approximately $70 or Dh255) on passengers who stand up, unbuckle their seatbelts, or open overhead bins before the aircraft has come to a complete stop.

 The Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated airlines to update their in-flight announcements to warn travelers about this rule, and cabin crews are required to report any violations.

This crackdown addresses growing safety concerns and chaotic disembarkation scenes. The DGCA warns that premature movement can lead to injuries caused by sudden stops, falling luggage, and blocked aisles that could hinder emergency evacuations.

Turkish Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, has already incorporated clear warnings about penalties into its landing announcements. With millions of tourists passing through Turkey annually, the measure aims to enhance both passenger safety and orderly flow during disembarkation.

Passengers are now required to keep their seat belts fastened and remain seated until the plane has fully stopped and the seatbelt sign is turned off. Opening overhead compartments or crowding the aisle prematurely is prohibited. Violators will be reported to authorities and fined accordingly.

This issue is part of a broader global challenge. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), failure to follow crew instructions remains the most common form of unruly passenger behavior worldwide.

 In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can impose fines up to $37,000 per violation and may pursue jail time in severe cases. During the pandemic, incidents surged due to disputes over mask mandates, with flight attendants frequently facing harassment, verbal abuse, and physical violence, prompting stricter enforcement measures.

In India, a similar problem persists where passengers often stand up immediately after touchdown, causing crowded aisles and onboard chaos.

 While India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) enforces regulations against serious unruly behavior, minor infractions like standing during taxiing are rarely penalized, allowing the trend to continue.

Experts emphasize that the few seconds saved by rushing to exit are not worth the increased risk of injury or delays caused by premature movement.

Following Turkey’s lead, other countries, including India, may consider implementing similar fines to improve passenger discipline and safety. Ultimately, waiting until the plane fully stops before standing up is a small inconvenience that significantly reduces risk and enhances overall travel safety.

Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group led by billionaire Sabin Aboitiz, officially takes over the operations and maintenance of Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) starting today, following its successful no-competition bid worth $81.18 million (₱4.53 billion).

Major Expansion in Philippine Aviation Sector
This marks a significant milestone for AIC as it aggressively expands its footprint in the Philippine aviation industry. BPIA, which opened in November 2018 on Panglao Island, Bohol, replaced the older Tagbilaran Airport to accommodate the rising tourism demand in the region.

The 30-year concession agreement includes comprehensive upgrades, expansion, and maintenance of the airport facilities.

Investment and Capacity Upgrades
AIC plans to invest ₱4.53 billion to modernize BPIA, including expanding the passenger terminal, installing state-of-the-art aviation systems, and enhancing both airside and landside facilities.

The company aims to increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity from 2 million to 2.5 million within two years, with a further expansion to 3.9 million passengers expected by 2030.

Strategic Importance and Vision
Cosette Canilao, AIC President and CEO, emphasized that the modernization of BPIA is not merely about infrastructure upgrades but also about supporting Bohol’s growth as a vibrant tourism and economic hub in the Visayas region.

The development aligns with the Philippine government’s infrastructure advancement goals and reinforces Aboitiz’s commitment to enhancing regional gateways.

Expanding Airport Portfolio
This takeover adds to Aboitiz’s growing portfolio of airports, which includes Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Laguindingan International Airport. The latter was officially handed over to AIC in April 2025.

Aboitiz’s acquisition of Mactan-Cebu International Airport in 2022 for ₱25 billion marked the company’s strong entry into the country’s aviation infrastructure sector.

Official Signing and Future Outlook
The concession agreement was officially signed in December 2024, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Aboitiz Group CEO Sabin Aboitiz leading the ceremony. Sabin Aboitiz expressed the goal of transforming BPIA into a world-class gateway that significantly improves passenger experience and supports local tourism and economic growth.

With this strategic move, Aboitiz InfraCapital is poised to elevate Bohol-Panglao International Airport into a premier regional airport, fostering increased connectivity and economic development in the Visayas and beyond.

Passengers on British Airways Flight BA104 from Dubai to London faced extreme discomfort when an air-conditioning fault grounded their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner amid record-breaking temperatures in Dubai on May 24, 2025.

The aircraft was delayed on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport for approximately two hours due to a failure of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), which supplies power to the cabin cooling system while the plane is on the ground.

This malfunction prevented airflow and cooling, leaving passengers trapped in a cabin that reached temperatures as high as 47ºC (116.6ºF).

After boarding, the plane pushed back from the gate and began taxiing but had to stop when a cockpit warning light appeared. With the original gate occupied, the aircraft was diverted to a remote cargo area, prolonging the delay and the oppressive heat inside the cabin.

Passengers described the conditions as unbearable, with some children stripped down to diapers to cope with the heat.

Flight attendants distributed only one cup of water per passenger, citing concerns for their own safety due to the extreme temperatures. One passenger with high blood pressure reported feeling physically and emotionally distressed during the ordeal.

British Airways issued a statement thanking customers for their patience while the technical issue was resolved and confirmed the flight departed for London after repairs were completed.

The airline emphasized that crew members worked hard to maintain passenger comfort during the delay.

The incident coincided with a day of record-breaking heat in the UAE, with temperatures soaring to 47ºC in Dubai and exceeding 50ºC in other areas. The nearby Sweihan region recorded a May record high of 51.6ºC, surpassing the previous day’s record of 50.4ºC.

This event highlights the challenges airlines face operating in extreme heat conditions and raises questions about passenger safety and comfort during technical delays in such environments.