Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi has achieved a new milestone, ranking as the world’s 9th busiest airport in 2024 after handling nearly 77.8 million passengers—a 7.8% increase from the previous year and a 13.6% rise compared to 2019, according to Airports Council International (ACI). This performance marks IGIA’s highest-ever passenger volume and reflects a steady recovery and growth in both domestic and international air travel after the pandemic slump.

IGIA’s ascent in the global rankings saw it surpass major hubs such as Los Angeles, Paris, and New York, moving up from 10th place in 2023. The airport’s passenger traffic now exceeds pre-pandemic levels, underlining its strategic importance in the region and globally. Of the total passengers in the financial year 2024, more than 54 million were domestic travelers and over 19 million were international, highlighting the airport’s dual role as a domestic and international gateway.

Globally, passenger traffic hit a record 9.4 billion in 2024, up 8.4% from 2023 and 2.7% above 2019 levels. The top 20 airports together handled 1.54 billion passengers, or 16% of global air traffic. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport retained its position as the world’s busiest, with over 108 million passengers, followed by Dubai International and Dallas/Fort Worth. Six US airports featured in the top 20, most dominated by domestic travel, except for New York’s JFK, where international passengers made up 56%.

IGIA’s operational scope is vast: it connects to 153 destinations 81 domestic and 72 international reflecting its growing network and the expansion of airline routes to meet rising demand. The airport’s operator, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), attributes this growth to infrastructure upgrades, enhanced passenger-handling processes, and improved transfer facilities. Notably, the international-to-international transfer area was doubled as part of the phase 3A expansion, boosting the airport’s capacity for seamless global connections.

In terms of aircraft movements, IGIA climbed two spots to 15th globally, recording 477,509 takeoffs and landings in 2024. Aircraft movements worldwide reached 100.6 million, a 3.9% increase over 2023, and are now at 96.8% of 2019 levels.

Spanning over 5,100 acres in Palam, southwest Delhi, IGIA has been India’s busiest airport for both passenger and cargo traffic since 2009. It is also the second-busiest airport in the world by seating capacity, with more than 3.6 million seats, and ranks third in Asia for passenger volume.

ACI, representing over 2,180 airports in 170 countries, noted that these rankings showcase the resilience and ongoing growth of the aviation industry, even amid global challenges. As IGIA continues to expand its reach and capacity, it stands as a testament to India’s rising prominence in international aviation.

Dubai’s Emirates Airline and Dubai Duty Free have taken a major step toward embracing digital currencies by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Crypto.com to enable cryptocurrency payments for flight bookings and retail purchases. The agreements, signed on July 8, 2025, at Emirates Group Headquarters in Dubai, mark a pioneering move to integrate Crypto.com Pay into their payment ecosystems, with implementation expected to begin next year.

Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, highlighted that the partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to adapting to evolving customer preferences and attracting younger, tech-savvy travelers who favor digital currencies. He noted that this initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision to lead in financial innovation while providing customers with greater flexibility and choice in how they transact with Emirates.

Dubai Duty Free, which posted a turnover of AED 4.118 billion in the first half of 2025, will enable crypto payments both in-store and online, enhancing the retail experience for millions of international travelers passing through Dubai International Airport. Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi described the move as a forward-looking step that adds significant value to their diverse customer base and supports sustained growth.

The MoUs also include plans for strategic collaborations such as joint marketing campaigns and customer engagement programs to promote awareness and adoption of cryptocurrency payments. Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, emphasized that partnering with Emirates and Dubai Duty Free will accelerate mainstream adoption of digital assets and bring real momentum to the crypto industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

This initiative is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to become a global hub for crypto and digital finance innovation. The emirate has already established regulatory frameworks like the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and hosts over 650 crypto companies in free zones such as DMCC. Other sectors, including real estate and petroleum retail, are also integrating cryptocurrencies, as seen in partnerships like Crypto.com’s recent collaboration with Emirates Petroleum Company (Emarat) to enable crypto payments at service stations.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, and other senior executives from Emirates and Crypto.com were present at the signing ceremony, underscoring the strategic importance of these partnerships in transforming travel and commerce through advanced digital payment solutions.

By enabling cryptocurrency payments, Emirates and Dubai Duty Free are positioning themselves at the forefront of the digital economy, offering travelers innovative, secure, and convenient payment options that reflect the future of global commerce.

Prince Sultan bin Salman, founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club (SAC), chaired a high-level meeting to approve the executive plans and airshow programs for the upcoming Sand & Fun exhibition. The meeting was attended by Ahmed Al-Fahaid, the club’s general supervisor, alongside senior officials involved in the event’s preparation.

Prince Sultan described the Sand & Fun exhibition as a national platform that integrates aerial entertainment, education, and interactive experiences, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional and global hub for general aviation. This aligns closely with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly in advancing tourism, education, and local content development.

This year’s event holds special significance as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Saudi Aviation Club, which was established in December 2000 by a Council of Ministers resolution and has since played a pivotal role in promoting aviation culture and activities throughout the Kingdom. The club operates from its base at Al-Thumamah Airport, located within the King Khalid Royal Reserve north of Riyadh, and is the official Saudi representative to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

The Sand & Fun exhibition will run from November 25 to 29, 2025, at Al-Thumamah Airport. It will feature live day and night airshows, dedicated youth and children’s zones, innovation pavilions, and investor platforms designed to foster collaboration between local and international aviation stakeholders. Prince Sultan emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships across education, training, entertainment, and technology sectors to maximize the event’s impact.

The Saudi Aviation Club has been instrumental in developing general aviation and air sports in Saudi Arabia, overcoming numerous challenges since its inception. It transitioned under the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in 2013, further integrating into the Kingdom’s civil aviation framework. SAC’s efforts include organizing educational initiatives, supporting aviation talent, and hosting international events such as the upcoming 118th FAI General Conference in Riyadh from November 19 to 21, 2024, underscoring its growing global stature.

Prince Sultan highlighted that the exhibition not only demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s organizational capabilities but also opens new avenues for future generations to engage with and advance the aviation sector.
The Saudi Aviation Club continues to lead the Kingdom’s general aviation sector, promoting aeronautical sciences and encouraging the practice of aviation hobbies and sports, thereby contributing significantly to the broader objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Emirates officially inaugurated its first dedicated travel store in Japan on July 8, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion within the Kansai region. The new store, located in Osaka’s bustling commercial district, is designed to bring Emirates’ world-renowned hospitality and personalized service closer to customers, enhancing their travel planning experience.

The opening ceremony was graced by Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President – Passenger Sales and Country Management at Emirates, alongside Mr. Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture, and H.E. Shihab Alfaheem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Japan. Emirates’ senior management, distinguished guests, and media representatives also attended the event, underscoring the importance of this new venture.

Spanning 110 square meters, the Emirates Travel Store offers a comprehensive, customer-centric environment where travelers can receive expert assistance from a multilingual team. The staff is equipped to support both Japanese and international customers with flight bookings, travel-related information, and bespoke itinerary planning. This personalized service aims to address the diverse needs of travelers, from leisure tourists to business professionals.

The store’s interior has been thoughtfully designed to reflect modern luxury and comfort. Soft beige lounge chairs and sleek contemporary furnishings create a warm and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging customers to take their time while planning their journeys. To enhance convenience, the store features a self-service kiosk and an innovative personalized Queue Management system, streamlining customer flow and reducing wait times. Additionally, a selfie mirror with unique backgrounds showcasing popular Emirates destinations adds an interactive and engaging element to the customer experience.

During the opening remarks, Mr. Nabil Sultan emphasized the strategic importance of the Japanese market for Emirates. He stated, “Japan is a vital market for Emirates, and today’s opening reflects our commitment to building even deeper connections with our valued customers and partners here in the Kansai region by bringing our products and services even closer to them. The opening of our first retail store in Osaka is a reflection of our customer-first philosophy and we’re confident that this space will enable us to engage in more meaningful ways with the Japanese community.”

Emirates continues to strengthen its presence in Japan with daily flights to Osaka Kansai, Tokyo Narita, and Tokyo Haneda airports. The airline’s fleet serving Japan has been retrofitted with enhanced products, including upgraded seating, improved in-flight entertainment systems, and premium dining options, ensuring a superior travel experience for passengers.

The Emirates Osaka Travel Store is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a break between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The store remains closed on weekends and public holidays to maintain optimal service quality during operational hours.

This new retail space not only serves as a booking and information center but also acts as a cultural bridge, promoting greater understanding and exchange between Japan and the UAE. Through this initiative, Emirates aims to foster stronger community ties and encourage more travelers from the Kansai region to explore the world with the airline’s extensive global network.

With this innovative travel store, Emirates is setting a new standard for customer engagement in Japan, combining state-of-the-art technology, personalized service, and elegant design to create a unique and memorable travel planning experience.

Etihad Airways is set to transform the Abu Dhabi–Kolkata route by introducing its cutting-edge Airbus A321LR aircraft starting September 26, 2025. This marks a significant milestone as Etihad brings its renowned wide-body luxury experience to a single-aisle aircraft for the first time on this busy medium-haul corridor, enhancing comfort and premium service across all cabins.

The A321LR is designed to deliver wide-body comfort with fuel-efficient technology, making it ideal for regional routes with increasing demand for premium travel. It features two exclusive First Class suites, 14 lie-flat Business Class seats, and a spacious Economy cabin accommodating 144 passengers, all equipped with next-generation amenities.

In First Class, passengers will enjoy fully enclosed suites with sliding doors, offering complete privacy, a fully lie-flat bed, and a companion seat for shared dining. Each suite is equipped with a large 20-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment system with Bluetooth audio pairing and Qi wireless charging. The suite also includes a cocktail table with wireless charging and custom headrest covers, creating a personalized luxury environment akin to Etihad’s flagship wide-body aircraft.

Business Class features 14 lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-1 herringbone layout, providing direct aisle access and window-facing orientation for enhanced privacy. These 78-inch beds come with 17.3-inch 4K entertainment screens, wireless charging, Bluetooth headphone pairing, and ample storage. The design balances passenger comfort with operational efficiency, as the seats do not have sliding doors to keep the aircraft’s range optimal in high-temperature environments.

The Economy cabin offers some of the widest seats in the industry for a narrow-body aircraft, measuring 18.4 inches in width with up to a five-inch recline and ergonomic support. Each of the 144 seats features a 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, and access to Etihad’s state-of-the-art entertainment system. Thirty-six seats provide extra legroom, enhancing comfort on this medium-haul route.

Connectivity is a standout feature across all cabins. The A321LR is equipped with Viasat’s advanced multi-orbit satellite system, delivering high-speed Wi-Fi with speeds up to 1 Gbps, enabling seamless streaming, browsing, gaming, and live TV from gate to gate where permitted. Complimentary messaging is included for all passengers, with full connectivity available for premium customers.

This aircraft will serve not only the Abu Dhabi–Kolkata route but also other destinations including Chennai, Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, Riyadh, Zurich, Tunis, and various Southeast Asian cities, expanding Etihad’s regional network with enhanced comfort and connectivity.

Etihad is also enhancing the end-to-end First Class experience with premium services such as 24/7 personal travel planning through Etihad Concierge, private chauffeur transfers, dedicated check-in counters, exclusive lounge access, porter services, personal escorts on arrival, and soon, home check-in and “Land & Leave” services in Abu Dhabi. First Class passengers at Zayed International Airport may even be chauffeured directly to the aircraft door in a private limousine.

This upgrade aligns with Etihad’s “Journey 2030” vision, aiming to double its fleet size, triple passenger numbers, and open 16 new destinations in 2025 alone. The introduction of the A321LR symbolizes a transformational moment for the airline, blending luxury, efficiency, and connectivity on short and medium-haul flights, and reinforcing its strategic commitment to the Indian market and beyond.

Passengers traveling between the UAE and India can expect a seamless, luxurious journey with the latest in comfort, entertainment, and connectivity, making Etihad a highly competitive choice for premium regional travel.

Dubai’s skies welcome a new era of luxury and innovation as Emirates officially launches its next-generation Airbus A350 service to Dammam, marking the Saudi city as the airline’s first destination in the Kingdom to receive this cutting-edge aircraft. This milestone underscores Emirates’ deepening commitment to Saudi Arabia and its ongoing investment in enhancing regional connectivity and passenger experience.

The daily A350 flight EK827 departs Dubai at 7:30 am, arriving in Dammam at 7:50 am, with the return flight EK828 leaving Dammam at 9:20 am and touching down in Dubai at 11:45 am (all local times). This schedule offers convenient morning travel for business and leisure passengers alike.

Designed to elevate comfort on short and medium-haul routes, the Emirates A350 boasts a sophisticated three-class cabin layout with a total of 312 seats:

• 32 lie-flat Business Class seats arranged in a spacious 1-2-1 configuration
• 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout
• 259 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout

Every passenger can indulge in Emirates’ signature in-flight innovations, including the award-winning ice entertainment system with thousands of channels, enhanced seat ergonomics, advanced ambient lighting, quieter cabins, and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the aircraft.

Emirates’ presence in Saudi Arabia spans over 30 years, currently serving Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, and now Dammam with multiple daily flights operated by a modern mix of A380s, Boeing 777s, and the new A350s. The introduction of the A350 to Dammam not only enriches the travel experience but also strengthens seamless connectivity via Dubai to more than 140 global destinations within Emirates’ extensive network.

Dammam joins a growing roster of cities benefiting from Emirates’ A350 service, including Mumbai, Edinburgh, Bahrain, Colombo, Kuwait, Muscat, Tunis, Amman, and Ahmedabad. To date, Emirates has inducted eight A350 aircraft into its fleet, with plans to extend this service to 17 destinations by the end of 2025. The A350’s advanced fuel efficiency and environmental performance align with Emirates’ future-focused fleet strategy, promising a sustainable and elevated journey for travelers across all cabin classes.

This launch reflects Emirates’ vision of delivering world-class travel experiences while reinforcing its strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region, heralding a new chapter in aviation excellence and regional integration.