Browsing: Travel

Fleet expands as Emirates enters winter season with strong bookings

The carrier’s seasonal performance highlights expanding passenger capacity and higher load factors across primary long-haul routes connecting North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. Operational updates released through international aviation channels indicate that forward bookings for the upcoming holiday travel window remain elevated across both premium cabins and economy class. Industry observers note that the sustained passenger volume underscores structural resilience across international long-haul aviation markets.

Etihad Airways adds Saudi Red Sea route from Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways will launch year-round flights from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast on Oct. 4, 2026. The service will connect Zayed International Airport with Red Sea International Airport in Tabuk Province. Etihad will start with one weekly flight, then increase the route to two flights a week from Oct. 25. The journey will take just over three hours, adding a sixth Saudi destination to Etihad’s network.

Anak Krakatau ash hits nearly 3,000 flights in Indonesia

Indonesia reopened Jakarta’s main airport and several regional airports Tuesday after volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau disrupted air travel. More than 340,000 travelers faced delays, cancellations or diversions during the disruption. Nearly 3,000 flights across Indonesia felt the impact. Authorities reopened Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after winds cleared ash from critical aviation areas. Anak Krakatau remained active Tuesday, with monitors recording three smaller eruptions during the morning.

Air Arabia boosts Sharjah Bangkok routes to 28 weekly flights

The expanded Bangkok operations complement the airline’s existing schedule to Thailand, which includes 21 weekly non-stop flights between Sharjah and Phuket. With the addition of the fourth daily Bangkok frequency, Air Arabia will operate a combined total of 49 weekly non-stop flights between its primary Sharjah hub and Thai destinations. The route expansion strengthens air connectivity between the Arabian Gulf and major Southeast Asian tourism and trade centers.

Air Arabia sets December start for Sharjah Gdansk route

Gdansk will become Air Arabia’s fourth Polish destination from Sharjah once the announced December services are operating. The airline already serves Krakow and Warsaw Chopin Airport from its Sharjah base. Air Arabia will also launch four weekly flights to Katowice on Dec. 17, 2026. That service will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Together, the Gdansk and Katowice additions will extend the carrier’s direct Poland network beyond the country’s two cities it currently serves.

Etihad sets December start for Abu Dhabi Gothenburg flights

The route will give Gothenburg its first direct air connection with the United Arab Emirates. It will also create the city’s first nonstop link to the Middle East and Asia. Passengers from western Sweden can connect through Abu Dhabi to destinations across India and Asia. The new service also provides direct access to Abu Dhabi for travelers departing from the Gothenburg region. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Gothenburg and the wider western Sweden market.

Spain begins temporary border checks for Italy arrivals

Spain has begun temporary border checks on travelers arriving from Italy by air and sea, in response to Italy’s own controls on arrivals from Spain. The measures include document checks at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. Italy imposed restrictions after a large influx of migrants into Ceuta, prompting Spain to reciprocate. The controls are set to last until Sept. 7, with the hope of lifting them once the stated risks have passed.

South Korea tourism surplus reaches post-pandemic high

South Korea recorded a $596.6 million tourism surplus in June 2026, its strongest monthly result since the COVID-19 pandemic. The figure marked a $1.44 billion improvement from June 2025, when the balance showed an $846.8 million deficit. Korea Tourism Organization data show June produced the second-highest monthly tourism surplus on record. Only October 2008 was higher, with a surplus of $661.5 million.