Miral announces official opening of Yas Bay East Beach
Sun, 22 Mar 2026
Abu Dhabi developer Miral has announced the opening of Yas Bay East Beach, newest stretch of shoreline on Yas Island. Operated by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, the beach spans 290 m of waterfront, providing a contemporary coastal escape designed for adults seeking a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. ...
Jazeera boosts Mideast ops with more flights, new destinations
Sat, 21 Mar 2026
Leading Kuwaiti low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways has announced additional capacity across its network with more flights and more destinations to reconnect people with their families and loved ones. Open for booking until April 15 from Kuwait via Qaisumah Airport, this includes over 18 destinations. ...
Royal Jordanian keeps flights running amid Mideast turmoil
Thu, 19 Mar 2026
Royal Jordanian Airlines, the Arab country's flag carrier, said it continues to operate its flights to various destinations whose airspace remains open and safe, in light of the security developments in the region and the challenges posed by the regional situation on the aviation sector. ...
Jazeera Airways welcomes new VP– Strategy & Airports
Thu, 19 Mar 2026
Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, announced the appointment of Nigel Fanning as Vice President – Strategy & Airports, in the Commercial team. ...
Jin Jiang International named Travel and Hospitality Partner for ITB China 2026
Thu, 19 Mar 2026
Jin Jiang International has been named the Official Travel and Hospitality Group Partner for ITB China 2026, held from 26–28 May at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre. ...
Finland offers free trip to celebrate happiness title
Thu, 19 Mar 2026
Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for the ninth year, as the report highlights reducing screen time and embracing nature; Visit Finland’s “Chill Like a Finn” campaign offers a seven-day Lakeland stay. ...
Aquamania Jungle Park now open at Rixos Radamis Sharm El Sheikh
Thu, 19 Mar 2026
Rixos Radamis Sharm El Sheikh has opened Aquamania Jungle Park, a 35,000-square-metre aquapark on the Red Sea featuring 28 waterslides, thrilling rides, children’s zones, and a dedicated splash area for younger guests. ...
Turkish Airlines adds London Stansted as ıts third gateway in London
Thu, 19 Mar 2026
Turkish Airlines has added London Stansted as its third London destination, expanding its UK network to six cities with 15 weekly flights; total weekly frequencies across the UK and Ireland will reach 168 this summer. ...
Air India, Air India Express boost Jeddah, Muscat operations
Thu, 19 Mar 2026
Leading national carriers Air India and Air India Express are together operating 48 scheduled and non-scheduled flights, to and from the West Asia region today. Both carriers will continue their scheduled operations to Saudi port city Jeddah and Omani capital Muscat. ...
T-REX Glamping to offer themed overnight stays over Eid Al Fitr break
Thu, 19 Mar 2026
Families can celebrate Eid Al Fitr with a unique staycation at T-REX Glamping, a dinosaur-themed experience running March 19–22, featuring premium tents, complimentary breakfast at T-Rex Adventure Café, and daily outdoor entertainment. ...
Banyan Tree Samui named Best Spa Resort in Thailand
Thu, 19 Mar 2026
Banyan Tree Spa Samui has been named “Best Spa Resort – Thailand” at The Luxury Spa Edit Global Spa Awards 2026, following evaluation by spa and wellness experts, travel journalists, sustainability specialists, and more than 85,000 public votes. ...
Gulf Air adds Paris, Manila to temporary network via Dammam
Thu, 19 Mar 2026
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, announced the addition of Paris and Manila to its temporary commercial network operated via King Fahd International Airport, until March 28, bringing the total number of destinations to 10 international destinations. ...
Jazeera restores Kuwait–India connectivity under Vande Bharat
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Leading Kuwaiti low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways has marked another major milestone by simultaneously relaunching flights to six Indian cities from Kuwait via Qaisumah Airport (AQI) in Hafar Al Batin, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Project Vande Bharat during these challenging times. ...
Dubai Culture celebrates Eid with immersive heritage experiences
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is marking Eid Al-Fitr with a programme of activities across Etihad Museum and Al Shindagha Museum, celebrating the holiday and its cherished traditions. ...
Jazeera Airways expands Kuwait–Egypt connectivity with four destinations
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Jazeera Airways has strengthened connectivity between Kuwait and Egypt, with flights operating to four Egyptian cities — Alexandria, Cairo, Assiut, and Luxor — supporting essential travel during the current regional situation and local airport closures. ...
Resilience is reshaping the region’s Eid Al Fitr plans
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
As the region prepares for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr festivities, the Middle East’s hospitality sector is demonstrating its remarkable agility and resilience with everything from a high-octane family adventure on Yas Island to serene waterfront retreats on offer. ...
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) rescheduled to August
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, originally scheduled to take place from May 4 to 7 at Dubai World Trade Centre, will now take place from August 17 to 20, with the venue remaining unchanged, RX, the organiser, has confirmed. ...
Air Cairo appoints Aeroprime as cargo GSSA for India, UAE
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
AirCairo, Egypt’s hybrid national airline carrier, announced the appointment of Aeroprime Group as its Exclusive Cargo General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) for India and the UAE. ...
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr launches festive Eid experiences
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is celebrating Eid al-Fitr with a series of curated experiences, including staycation offers, festive dining and a new coffee collaboration, inviting residents and visitors to mark the holiday along Abu Dhabi’s waterfront. ...
SalamAir signs eSIM, e-Visa partnership with Arcube
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
SalamAir, Oman’s Low-Cost Carrier, has announced a strategic collaboration with Arcube, a UK-based travel-technology company, to launch eSIM and e-Visa services, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to enhancing passengers experience beyond the flight. ...
Accor CEO visits Dubai, vows commitment to region, staff
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Dubai's Crown Prince HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum this week received Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor Group, one of the world’s leading hospitality and hotel management companies. ...
Ethiopian Airlines to resume direct flights to Atlanta beginning May 21
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Ethiopian Airlines will resume its direct passenger service between Addis Ababa and Atlanta starting May 21, 2026, after a temporary interruption of the route since February 2026. ...
Virtuoso members, partners honoured at Continental Europe Forum
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Virtuoso, a global network specialising in luxury and experiential travel, presented its second annual regional Virtuoso Awards at its Continental Europe Forum, held March 11-13, at Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal. ...
Dubai Airports CEO says: 'We will not stop, expansion plans stay unchanged'
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Dubai Airports will press ahead with expansion plans despite aviation disruption caused by the regional conflict with Iran, with Chief Executive Paul Griffiths saying the emirate’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position in global aviation remains firmly on track. ...
Air travel costs increase as jet fuel prices double
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Global airlines are raising ticket prices, cutting some services and reviewing schedules as soaring jet fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict squeeze margins, while widespread flight disruptions continue to hit passenger traffic and tourism demand worldwide. ...
Yas Island unveils ultimate Eid Al Fitr family getaway experiences
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Yas Island promotes itself as a prime Eid Al Fitr destination, offering family-friendly experiences, luxury stays, dining, and entertainment, with “Stay and Play” packages granting hotel access plus entry to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros., and SeaWorld® Yas Island. ...
EMMA Systems, Rheinberry unveil I-AEM airport vision
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
EMMA Systems and Rheinberry launched Integrated Airport Experience Management (I-AEM), a new framework enabling airports to manage operations holistically around the passenger journey instead of isolated functions, improving coordination, efficiency, and overall traveller experience. ...
UN Tourism strengthens tourism measurement in global economic system
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Tourism drives global movement, jobs, and trade, but measurement lags behind growth. At the UN Statistical Commission, UN Tourism promoted global standards to improve data accuracy, enabling governments and businesses to rely on consistent, comparable tourism statistics. ...
Air travel demand will more than double by 2050: IATA
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects global air passenger demand will more than double by 2050, reaching about 20.8 trillion RPKs under a mid-range 3.1% CAGR, with scenarios ranging from 19.5 to 21.9 trillion RPKs depending on growth rates. ...
Campaign to promote Oman’s local tourism during Eid Al Fitr holiday
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Eid Al Fitr offers residents in Oman a chance to explore diverse tourist attractions, supported by a Ministry of Heritage and Tourism campaign enabling governorates to host cultural and entertainment events during the holiday. ...
69pc of travellers still choose cash: Travelex report
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Despite declining domestic cash use, most travellers prefer cash abroad, with over a quarter buying currency a month early, according to Travelex’s report analysing revenue data and surveys on travel money habits and spending trends. ...
Cairo, Casablanca, Chennai added to Gulf Air’s temporary Dammam operations
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, announced the addition of Cairo, Casablanca and Chennai to its temporary commercial network via King Fahad International Airport in Dammam, with more destinations to be added in the coming days. ...
Shaza Hotels introduces Eid stays, dining experiences
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
Shaza Hotels is offering a range of Eid experiences across its regional properties, focusing on family gatherings, dining, and stay packages rooted in Middle Eastern hospitality traditions. ...
Luxury drives Dubai hotel boom as inventory hits 158,700 rooms: report
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
Dubai’s hotel inventory reached 158,700 rooms across 770 properties in 2025, with nearly 70% high-end, according to Cavendish Maxwell. Supply grew 2.2%, with 3,400 new rooms and further expansion planned. ...
Emerging Travel Group expands globally with Meliá Hotels partnership
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
Emerging Travel Group (ETG), a travel company operating the RateHawk, ZenHotels, and Roundtrip brands, announces a new direct integration with Meliá Hotels International, one of the largest hotel groups in Europe. ...
TPConnects unveils MCP Layer for AI airline retailing
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
TPConnects Technologies introduced Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration in its Astra NDC platform, providing the first AI-ready layer that removes NDC schema fragmentation and enables smooth connectivity between AI agents and airline systems. ...
Air India, Air India Express to operate 44 West Asia flights
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
Air India and Air India Express will together operate 44 scheduled and non-scheduled flights, to and from the West Asia region on March 17, 2026. Both carriers will continue scheduled operations to Muscat and Jeddah on March 17. ...
Outletcity celebrates 30th anniversary with continued expansion
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
Outletcity marks its 30th anniversary, reflecting years of development and brand partnerships. Originating in 1972 with the HUGO BOSS factory outlet in Metzingen, it has grown into a major retail destination. ...
Experience Shangri-La staycation in Abu Dhabi
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri invites UAE residents to relax with its Residents’ Retreat staycation. Guests can unwind on a private beach, enjoy an infinity pool, and explore traditional architecture via abra rides through scenic waterways. ...
Travel interest from Filipino community remains strong for UAE: Pinoy Tourism
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
Interest in UAE travel remains strong among Filipino travellers, with steady visa inquiries and trip planning despite airspace disruptions. Many continue preparing trips while monitoring updates, reflecting confidence in the UAE as a safe, welcoming destination, said Pinoy Tourism . ...
Air traffic operations return to 'normal' across UAE airspace: GCAA
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced that air navigation has returned to normal across the UAE’s airspace, following the stabilisation of the situation and the lifting of the temporary precautionary measures that had been implemented. ...
Gulf Air expands temporary Dammam operations with Frankfurt, Nairobi
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, announced the expansion of its temporary commercial network via King Fahad International Airport in Dammam in Saudi Arabia to include Frankfurt and Nairobi, with additional destinations to be announced in the coming days. ...
Gulf tourism faces short-term losses, but recovery will be quick
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
The Gulf’s tourism sector is expected to take a significant short-term hit as regional conflict disrupts air travel, weakens traveller confidence and forces widespread flight cancellations, but analysts say regional markets retain the financial strength and infrastructure needed for recovery once hostilities ease. ...
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort earns multiple global awards in 2025
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort received multiple international accolades in 2025 from leading global awards programmes, recognising its achievements in hospitality, dining, sustainability, MICE, and entertainment. ...
Austria moves toward full EU Entry/Exit System rollout by April 10
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
Austria has announced the final steps toward fully activating the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) across its air, land, and rail borders, making biometric data collection from non-EU travellers mandatory at all border checkpoints by April 10. ...
Fairmont Riyadh celebrates Women’s Day with leadership panel
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
On March 8, Fairmont Riyadh hosted an International Women’s Day panel in the Mecca Meeting Room, uniting leaders and community members to celebrate women’s achievements and discuss their expanding leadership role in shaping the Kingdom’s future. ...
Oman’s ancient quarters undergo tourism-led revival
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
Oman's ancient quarters are experiencing a renaissance, with intensifying restoration and development efforts transforming these heritage sites into vibrant tourism destinations that seamlessly blend authenticity with contemporary renewal. ...
Mandarin Oriental posts 10pc RevPAR growth in 2025
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group reported strong 2025 financial and operational performance. The group achieved a 10% like-for-like increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) compared with 2024. ...
Jazeera starts operating flights from Kuwait to Istanbul via Saudi
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
Leading Kuwaiti low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways has announced that it has begun operating flights to Istanbul via Qaisumah Airport (AQI) at Hafar Al Batin in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This comes following the recent launch of its similar flights to Egypt and Jordan. ...
Dubai International Airport flights begin to resume after temporary suspension
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
Dubai Airports said flights to and from Dubai International Airport are gradually resuming to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure. ...
Flights from Dubai International Airport suspended temporarily
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced Monday morning the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. ...
Dubai redefines beach safety with deployment of AI tech rescue system
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
Dubai Municipality has announced the deployment of an advanced, technology-driven beach safety system that combines next-generation aquatic rescue robotics with aerial water-rescue drones, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a regional and global pioneer in smart coastal safety. ...
Gulf Air extends temporary operations via Dammam until March 22
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air has announced the extension of its temporary operations via King Fahad International Airport in Dammam (DMM), with flights for booking now available to all passengers for travel until March 22 to key destinations London Heathrow (UK); Mumbai (India) and Bangkok (Thailand). ...
Air India, Air India Express to operate 48 Mideast flights
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
Indian carriers Air India and Air India Express are jointly operating 48 scheduled and non-scheduled flights, to and from the Middle East region on March 16. The duo will continue their scheduled operations to Jeddah and Omani capital Muscat including a total of 10 flights between India and the Saudi port city. ...
Diriyah unveils 1.9km main spine within mega Saudi development
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
Diriyah Company, the developer of Saudi Arabia's premier historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination, has announced the launch of a 1.9-km-long main spine within its mega development in the kingdom's ancient city. The GrandAvenue will boast iconic landmarks, hotels, offices, retail spaces and residential units. ...
Gulf Air expands Dammam ops, starts bookings for international flights
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the expansion of its temporary operations via King Fahad International Airport in Dammam (DMM), with flights now available for commercial booking to passengers travelling to London Heathrow, Mumbai and Bangkok. ...
SalamAir adds extra flights to and from Fujairah, Cairo, Port Sudan
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
SalamAir has announced additional flights on several routes to accommodate increased travel demand in March 2026. The extra services will operate between Muscat and destinations including Fujairah, Sphinx (Cairo), and Port Sudan. ...
Air India Express curtails ad-hoc operations to UAE
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
Following instructions from UAE Airport Authorities, Air India Express has cancelled all its flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. However, it will operate one-round trip on Delhi–Dubai sector, to and from Dubai, subject to prevailing conditions at the time of operation. ...
F1 cancels April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula One Grands Prix will not take place in April as scheduled due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the FIA said. ...
Mauritius launches first dedicated art & culture investment summit
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
Mauritius will host the inaugural Mauritius Art and Culture Investment Summit on March 24, 2026, aiming to position the island as a leading art and cultural tourism hub across Africa and the Indian Ocean region. ...
Air Arabia shareholders approve 30pc dividend distribution
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
Air Arabia shareholders approved the distribution of 30 per cent cash dividend for the financial year ending December 31, 2025 at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). ...
Etihad Airways carries 1.9m passengers in February 2026
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
Etihad Airways carried 1.9 million passengers in February 2026, compared with 1.6 million in the same month last year. Passenger load factor was 89.4 per cent, consistent with the same month last year. ...
Saudia adds 20 flights between Riyadh, Jeddah, Red Sea destination
Sun, 15 Mar 2026
Saudia added 20 Eid Al-Fitr flights between Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Red Sea destination with Saudi Tourism Authority to promote tourism and sector growth, bringing the total number of flights in both directions to 44. ...
Air India, Air India Express boost West Asia operations with 80 flights
Sat, 14 Mar 2026
Leading Indian carriers Air India and Air India Express are jointly operating a total of 80 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region. Both these carriers continue to operate their respective scheduled services to and from Saudi port city Jeddah and Omani capital Muscat. ...
Joramco renews MRO agreement with top Indian carrier IndiGo
Sat, 14 Mar 2026
Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility and a unit of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, has renewed its agreement with Indian carrier IndiGo. The scope of work includes performing C-checks, lease return work and aircraft paint jobs on IndiGo’s A320neo fleet. ...
Jazeera Airways discusses resumption of Kuwait–Colombo operations
Sat, 14 Mar 2026
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka held a high-level discussion with senior representatives of Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, regarding the potential resumption of air services between Kuwait City and Colombo, with possible onward connectivity to India. ...
UAE airports serve 1.4m passengers from March 1 to 12, airline ops reach 44.6%
Sat, 14 Mar 2026
More than 1.4 million passengers used UAE airports between March 1–12, according to the UAE GCAA. National carriers are restoring operations, reaching 44.6% of overall activity compared with operational levels before the current regional tensions. ...
Bahrain visit visa holders exempted from overstay penalties
Fri, 13 Mar 2026
Bahrain's Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) has announced that all visit visa holders currently residing in the kingdom whose permitted stay expired on or after February 28, will be exempted from overstay fines for an additional period of one month. ...
Air India, Air India Express to fly 78 flights from West Asia
Fri, 13 Mar 2026
Air India and Air India Express will together operate a total of 78 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on March 13. Both these carriers continue to operate their respective scheduled services to and from Saudi port city Jeddah and Omani capital Muscat. ...
New agreement advances Sumharam Park, sustainable tourism in Oman
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed an agreement with Sumharam Tourism Investment Company to develop and operate Sumharam Archaeological Park at Khor Rori, aiming to promote sustainable cultural heritage tourism in Dhofar. ...
SalamAir suspends select routes amid ongoing airspace restrictions
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
SalamAir says some flights are changed due to ongoing airspace closures. Flights to Iraq, Lebanon and Iran are suspended until March 28, 2026, and to Kuwait, Sharjah, Doha and Dammam until March 20, 2026, with safety the top priority. ...
Qatar Airways updates limited flight schedule to and from Doha
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
Qatar Airways updates and will operate a limited flight schedule following temporary approval from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, supporting affected passengers while ensuring flights comply with regulations and airspace conditions for safe travel. ...
Saudia extends flight suspensions to several cities
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
Saudia Airlines has extended flight suspensions to Amman, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain until March 12, and to Moscow and Peshawar until March 15, while monitoring developments to ensure passenger and crew safety. ...
Wynn Al Marjan Island work resumes after a short pause, says company
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
Wynn Resorts has said that construction work on the Wynn Al Marjan Island, its resort under development in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, has resumed following a short pause. ...
Gulf Air begins operating limited flights
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
Embassies in Bahrain are working to ensure citizens’ safety as flights remain suspended due to airspace closure, while Gulf Air has begun limited flights from Dammam to London, Mumbai and Bangkok, arranging Bahrain–Dammam transport for booked passengers. ...
UAE residents choose Eid staycations as hotel searches surge: Wego
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
Wego reports more UAE residents choosing Eid Al-Fitr staycations, with rising searches for luxury hotels, beachfront resorts, and wellness retreats across Dubai and other UAE destinations as overseas travel becomes more selective. ...
War is costing region's Travel & Tourism sector $600 million a day
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is costing the region’s Travel & Tourism sector about $600 million a day in lost international visitor spending, as disruptions to air travel, declining traveller confidence and weakened regional connectivity begin to hit demand, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). ...
British Airways cancels flights to multiple Mideast destinations
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
British Airways has temporarily reduced its Middle East schedule due to regional uncertainty and airspace instability, cancelling flights to Amman, Manama, Doha, and Dubai until month-end and to Abu Dhabi until later this year, while assisting affected customers with travel options. ...
IATA advances AI initiatives to support air cargo operations
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is advancing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in air cargo with three initiatives to improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety and compliance, and accelerate innovation across the global air cargo value chain. ...
flynas carries 15.8m passengers in 2025, expands global reach
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
flynas reported strong FY2025 results, carrying 15.8 million passengers (+7% YoY). The airline operated 71 aircraft across 156 routes to 80 destinations in 38 countries. In Q4, passengers rose 13% to 4.3 million and revenue reached SAR 1.8 billion ($480 million). ...
Air India, Air India Express boosts West Asia ops with 58 more flights
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
Air India and Air India Express will together be operating a total of 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia on March 12. These airlines will operate a non-scheduled round flight each to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia from Mumbai and Kozhikode, respectively. ...
Cyprus Airways resumes Dubai - Larnaca flights
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
Cyprus Airways has announced the resumption of its flights between Dubai and Larnaca starting March 11, restoring a key connection between the UAE and Cyprus and offering travellers convenient access to one of the Mediterranean’s most attractive destinations. ...
Dubai Miracle Garden offers free entry for UAE residents this month
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
Dubai’s popular floral attraction, Dubai Miracle Garden, has announced a special promotion offering free entry to all UAE residents for a limited period later this month. ...
AKCEL Holding launches $272m plan to develop golf venues in UAE
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
AKCEL Holding, a Dubai-based diversified conglomerate, has signed a strategic development agreement with XRange Golf Entertainment to develop a network of next-generation golf entertainment venues across the UAE, in a project valued at more than AED1 billion ($272.2 million). ...
$12.5trn in travel, tourism investment to boost G20 competitiveness through 2035: WTTC
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says $12.5 trillion in travel and tourism investment across major economies will shape competitiveness and growth through 2035, with capital investment expected to grow 4.6% annually, stressing the need to align spending with demand. ...
60pc of travellers still prefer human trip planning over AI: Civitatis survey
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
A Civitatis survey of over 7,000 users shows that despite generative AI growth in travel planning, 60% of travellers still prefer human-curated recommendations and verified information for guided tours and excursions. ...
Africa’s hotel development pipeline hits record high, led by East Africa
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
The 2026 Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa report by W Hospitality Group reveals a record 123,846 rooms across 675 hotels and resorts. This represents year-on-year growth of 18.6%, or 12.2% on a same-store basis. ...
Haramain High-Speed Railway exceeds 140 daily trips in last 10 days of Ramadan
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) will increase Haramain High-Speed Railway daily trips to over 140 during the last 10 days of Ramadan 2026, accommodating the expected rise in Umrah performers and visitors between Makkah and Madinah. ...
Gulf Air repositions aircraft to strengthen connectivity network for customers
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
Gulf Air has temporarily repositioned a number of its aircraft as part of its operational planning, in order to ensure continued operational efficiency and enhance its connectivity network for customers. ...
Oman Airports confirms continued operations at Muscat Airport
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
Oman Airports has confirmed that operations at Muscat International Airport are continuing as normal, including scheduled commercial flights, private aviation, and business aviation services. ...
Top attractions industry expo IAAPA Mideast postponed to April 2027
Tue, 10 Mar 2026
IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has announced the cancellation of its inaugural edition in the region owing to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The IAAPA Expo Middle East will now be held next year in Abu Dhabi on April 12. This comes following a meeting with the IAAPA Board of Directors. ...
EMEA carriers have rating headroom to weather short-term conflict: Fitch
Tue, 10 Mar 2026
Most EMEA airlines have sufficient rating headroom to withstand aviation disruption if the Iran conflict lasts fewer than four weeks. However the impact will be greater for local Gulf-based carriers, due to direct network disruption, than for more diversified European airlines, according to Fitch ratings. ...
Azizi begins rollout of $20bn hospitality portfolio with debut 5-star hotel in Dubai
Tue, 10 Mar 2026
UAE-based Azizi Developments said it has laid the foundation for its first five-star hotel, marking the beginning of the rollout of its AED75 billion ($20.4 billion) hospitality investment plan for Dubai under which it will develop 151 hotels, including 100 four-star and 50 five-star hotels as well as a seven-star property. ...
Historic Jeddah welcomes over 2m visitors in first half of Ramadan 2026
Tue, 10 Mar 2026
Historic Jeddah continues to flourish during Ramadan as one of Saudi Arabia's premier cultural and heritage destinations, having welcomed over 2 million visitors in the first half of Ramadan 2026. ...
Qatar Airways announces limited flight schedule for coming days
Tue, 10 Mar 2026
Qatar Airways announced a limited flight schedule after receiving temporary approval from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority to operate select routes, allowing departures and arrivals from Doha between March 10 and 12 to support passengers affected by disruptions. ...
Qatar Tourism extends hotel accommodation for stranded passengers
Tue, 10 Mar 2026
Qatar Tourism extended the temporary hotel accommodation for stranded passengers in the country for another week, allowing them to stay in a licensed hotel up to March 13, 2026. ...
EgyptAir gradually resumes flights to UAE after regional tensions
Tue, 10 Mar 2026
EgyptAir will gradually resume flights to the UAE, operating two daily flights to Dubai and one to Sharjah. From March 10, the airline will also run one daily flight to Abu Dhabi. ...
IATA Focus Africa to spotlight safety, connectivity, operational efficiency
Tue, 10 Mar 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2026 edition of IATA Focus Africa Conference will convene under the theme 'Elevating Aviation Safety, Connectivity, and Operational Efficiency in Africa’ in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 29-30 April 2026, hosted by Ethiopian Airlines. ...
Global airline accident rate improves in 2025: IATA report
Tue, 10 Mar 2026
The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 2025 Safety Report showed solid aviation safety performance, with the all-accident rate improving to 1.32 per million flights from 1.42 in 2024, slightly above the 2021–2025 average of 1.27. ...
Gulf Air opens booking for special Dammam–Karachi flight
Tue, 10 Mar 2026
Gulf Air has opened registration for a special flight between Dammam’s King Fahad International Airport and Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on March 10, 2026, enabling passengers to travel during Bahrain’s airspace closure. ...