Oman’s passport has notably climbed four spots to 56th place in the Henley Passport Index for the first half of 2025, reflecting enhanced international mobility for its citizens. This improvement is driven by recent visa exemption agreements with major countries such as China and Russia, expanding visa-free travel opportunities for Omanis to 88 countries worldwide, compared to 86 destinations in 2024, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The Henley Passport Index, powered by Timatic data from IATA, ranks passports based on the number of countries their holders can enter without requiring a prior visa. The elevation in Oman’s ranking comes amidst significant diplomatic moves, including China’s decision in May 2025 to waive visa requirements for nationals of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain thereby making all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries eligible for visa-free travel to China.

Further enhancing travel freedoms, Oman and Russia implemented a mutual short-term visa exemption agreement starting July 18, 2025. This historic pact enables Omanis to visit Russia without prior visa arrangements, marking a milestone in bilateral relations.

Omani citizens now enjoy visa-free access to a diverse array of countries spanning multiple continents, including Albania, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Botswana, Brunei, Colombia, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Georgia, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Armenia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Serbia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Cayman Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Syria, Türkiye, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zambia, Macao, Thailand, Tunisia, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar.

In addition, Omanis can obtain visas on arrival in countries such as Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Comoros, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, Maldives, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palau, Paraguay, Rwanda, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Tuvalu, and Yemen.

For certain destinations including Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Cuba, Gabon, Guinea, India, Liberia, Mauritania, Moldova, Montserrat, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Africa, Taiwan, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Vietnam, Omanis are advised to secure E-visas prior to travel. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required for visits to Kenya, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the United Kingdom.

This upward movement in the Henley Passport Index underscores Oman’s expanding global connectivity and growing diplomatic ties, facilitating easier and broader international travel for its citizens.

Singapore Airlines Group (SIA), widely regarded as one of the world’s leading carriers, reported a sharp 58.8% year-on-year drop in net profit to S$186 million for the first quarter ending 30 June 2025, despite a small 1.5% increase in total revenue to S$4.79 billion. The results reflect a complex operating environment marked by lower interest income, losses from associated companies, and intensified competition, even as passenger demand remains robust.

Operating from its hub at Changi Airport, the Group includes flagship Singapore Airlines and its budget arm, Scoot. While total revenue edged up, operating profit fell by 13.8% to S$405 million. One of the major profit drags was a S$122 million swing to losses from associates, primarily Air India, in which SIA holds a 25.1% stake. This marks the first quarter SIA’s accounts reflected Air India’s financial performance, following the integration of Vistara into Air India in December 2024.

The Group also faced a decline in interest income due to reduced cash balances and recent interest rate cuts, along with softer passenger yields pressured by increased capacity from competitors. Passenger yields fell 2.9% to 10.0 cents per revenue passenger-kilometre as airlines throughout the region ramped up flights.

Despite these headwinds, the Group reported a record passenger count of 10.27 million in Q1 FY2025/26, a 6.9% increase year-on-year. Singapore Airlines carried 6.82 million passengers with a load factor of 86.6%, while Scoot served 3.45 million passengers at an impressive load factor of 91.5%. The overall group load factor increased slightly to 87.6%, underscoring robust travel demand during the quarter.

However, the cargo segment was softer; flown cargo revenue declined 1.9% and cargo yields fell by 4.4%, with capacity growth outpacing demand, leading to a cargo load factor drop to 56.9%.

Financially, SIA Group remains resilient with strong shareholder equity at S$15.8 billion, total debt reduced to S$11.5 billion, and S$7.8 billion in cash and bank balances, though slightly down due to loan repayments and capital expenditures. The debt-to-equity ratio improved to 0.73, and the Group retains S$3.3 billion in undrawn committed credit lines to support liquidity.

The fleet remains modern and expanding, with 204 aircraft in operation averaging just under eight years in age, and 72 new aircraft on order. Network expansion continues with new Scoot routes to Iloilo City in the Philippines and Vienna, Austria. Following the recent closure of Jetstar Asia, SIA is boosting capacity on Asian routes and adding new destinations including Da Nang, Kota Bharu, and Nha Trang.

SIA is also advancing sustainability initiatives with new agreements to acquire sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aiming to reduce over 9,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The Group’s strategic focus includes strengthening its presence in key growth markets like India, where it holds a significant stake in Air India, and pursuing a commercial joint venture with Malaysia Airlines, pending regulatory approval.

Looking ahead, while summer travel demand remains strong, SIA acknowledges ongoing volatility from geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and competitive pressures. The Group signals a disciplined, forward-looking strategy emphasizing operational excellence and investment in high-potential routes to navigate this challenging environment.

In summary, Singapore Airlines Group showcases resilience with record passenger growth and solid financial footing, even as profit is weighed down by external factors including Air India’s losses and market competition. The carrier is well-positioned to adapt and expand amid ongoing industry challenges.

IndiGo Airlines, India’s largest low-cost carrier, has aggressively expanded its cockpit workforce by recruiting over 1,000 pilots in the past two years, bringing its total pilot strength to 5,456 by the end of FY25. This milestone surpasses the combined pilot count of Air India and Air India Express, which stands at 5,449, underscoring IndiGo’s dominant position in the Indian aviation sector.

This rapid increase in pilot numbers coincides with IndiGo’s substantial fleet growth, currently operating 434 aircraft, with over 920 more on order, including long-range Airbus A321XLRs and A350s to support its international ambitions. The accelerated hiring is a strategic move to maintain operational reliability in the face of soaring passenger demand and an industry-wide shortage of pilots. It also differentiates IndiGo from competitors like Akasa Air, which faced pilot resignations and flight cancellations in late 2024.

India’s aviation market is witnessing unprecedented growth, with domestic air travel rising to 165 million passengers in FY25 a 17% increase over pre-pandemic levels and international travel up 49% to 34 million. Responding to this surge, IndiGo has also strengthened its cabin crew roster to over 10,212 personnel.

IndiGo is leading industry efforts in gender diversity, with women constituting 16% of its pilot workforce approximately three times the global average and aiming to reach 1,000 female pilots by 2025. The commitment to inclusivity was highlighted when the airline onboarded 77 female pilots on India’s 77th Independence Day.

Financially, IndiGo posted a profit after tax of ₹7,258 crore for FY25, marking its second consecutive year of profitability, in contrast to losses reported by other carriers such as Air India and Akasa Air.
Despite a 17% decrease in the issuance of Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) in 2024, government data indicates there is currently no shortage of trained pilots in India, though the demand forecast is significant, with an estimated need for 21,500 pilots by 2034. IndiGo’s proactive recruitment and diversity initiatives position it well to meet the challenges of India’s rapidly expanding aviation market.

The Bangladeshi passport has climbed higher in the global passport rankings for 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year of improvement. According to the latest Henley Passport Index mid-year standings, Bangladesh now ranks 94th, up from 97th in 2024 and a significant rise from its lowest-ever position at 108th in 2021. This steady ascent reflects gradual gains in international travel freedom for Bangladeshi citizens.

Currently, holders of the Bangladeshi passport enjoy visa-free access to 39 destinations worldwide. These countries span diverse regions, including popular and emerging travel spots such as the Bahamas, Barbados, Bhutan, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Cambodia, Maldives, Nepal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and several island nations in the Caribbean and Pacific. Such access facilitates easier travel for business, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Despite this progress, Bangladesh's passport remains relatively modest in global mobility terms. Singapore continues to top the rankings, offering its citizens visa-free entry to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea share the second spot with 190 visa-free countries. Several European Union nations, including Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, occupy third place, followed closely by other European countries and New Zealand.

In contrasting fortunes, the UK and US passports have dropped in rankings   now 6th and 10th respectively  reflecting a longer-term decline from their previous peak positions in the early 2010s. Meanwhile, Afghanistan holds the lowest rank, with access to just 25 destinations without a visa, highlighting a stark mobility gap compared to the highest-ranked passports.

Several South Asian neighbors also demonstrate varying degrees of travel freedom. For instance, India has improved notably, climbing to 77th with access to 59 visa-free destinations. The Maldives holds the strongest South Asian passport at 52nd position, followed by Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, all ranked below Bangladesh’s current standing.

This upward trend in Bangladesh’s passport strength underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts and visa agreements that gradually enhance the country's global connectivity. While challenges remain, the progress over recent years offers a promising outlook for Bangladeshi travelers seeking greater ease in international movement.

Overall, the Henley Passport Index, based on data from IATA covering 227 travel destinations, continues to reflect a dynamic global landscape where passport power shifts with geopolitical, diplomatic, and security developments.

Facing heightened trade pressures from Washington, Bangladesh is taking bold steps to head off a looming tariff shock that threatens its crucial export industries. The government has dramatically escalated orders for American-made aircraft and increased key agricultural imports in hopes of bridging the growing U.S. trade gap and persuading the Trump administration to back off steep new duties.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman announced the uptick in purchases on Sunday, citing both urgent domestic needs and the rapidly shifting trade landscape. “We need new aircraft urgently, possibly within the next couple of years,” Rahman told reporters, explaining that the initial plan to buy 14 planes from Boeing has swollen to 25. The expanded order signals Bangladesh’s willingness to spend big on U.S. products as part of a broader strategy to narrow its $6 billion trade deficit with America a deficit now at the heart of escalating tensions.

But aircraft are only part of the story. Alongside the Boeing deal, Bangladesh has signed a major agreement to import U.S. wheat, with 700,000 tonnes set to arrive each year for the next five years. Imports of soybean oil and cotton vital ingredients for Bangladesh’s food processing and garment export sectors are also climbing.

Officials hope these measures will improve trade relations and soften the impact of what many here call a “looming crisis”: threatened U.S. tariffs as high as 35%, a move that could price Bangladeshi garments out of one of their largest global markets.

The country’s export sector, especially ready-made garments, is acutely vulnerable. The threat of sweeping tariffs has rattled manufacturers and policy makers alike, spurring the government into these swift, high-profile purchases of American goods. By diversifying its imports and investing in American products, Bangladesh hopes to show goodwill and convince Washington that punitive trade measures would be counterproductive.

As the stakes rise, Bangladeshi officials are keenly aware that resolving trade tensions with the U.S. is not just about economic figures; it’s about preserving hundreds of thousands of jobs at home and ensuring the future competitiveness of key industries. For now, all eyes remain on Washington—and on the tarmac, where new U.S.-built aircraft will soon be touching down.

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.