Wednesday, 01 April 2026

Emirates and flydubai Boost Global Connectivity and Traveller Rewards

Published: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Emirates and flydubai Boost Global Connectivity and Traveller Rewards
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Emirates and flydubai have solidified their partnership as a model of industry collaboration, providing travellers with unparalleled connectivity and a seamless journey across an expansive global network. The partnership continues to reward Emirates Skywards members through a joint loyalty programme, offering significant benefits to millions of passengers.

Key Highlights of the Emirates and flydubai Partnership:

  1. A Global Network at Your Fingertips:
    The collaboration between Emirates and flydubai spans 245 destinations in 103 countries, unlocking a wide range of travel options for customers.

  2. Expanding Horizons:
    Emirates passengers now have access to 103 additional flydubai destinations, while flydubai travellers can explore 107 exclusive Emirates destinations. Popular locations include Kathmandu, Baku, Krabi, Belgrade, and Zanzibar.

  3. New Destinations Added in 2025:
    The partnership continues to grow, with Emirates adding new destinations like Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Siem Reap, and Da Nang, while flydubai expands its offerings with cities such as Chisinau, Iasi, Vilnius, Riga, and Nairobi.

  4. Growing Passenger Numbers:
    In the last year alone, both airlines carried over 5 million passengers on codeshare flights, reflecting a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Since 2017, more than 22 million customers have enjoyed seamless travel across both carriers' networks.

  5. Premium Travel Options:
    Emirates' premium cabins (First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy) saw a 20% increase in bookings, with Premium Economy growing by an impressive 130%. The partnership enhances travel experiences, offering a greater range of premium options for passengers.

  6. Seamless Travel Experience:
    From simplified check-ins and baggage transfers to optimised schedules, the collaboration ensures smooth travel. flydubai Business Class passengers enjoy a premium service experience at Terminal 2 in Dubai, with personalised assistance, seated check-in, and Fast Track priority.

  7. Exclusive Loyalty Rewards:
    Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme, allows nearly 18 million members to earn and redeem Skywards Miles for a variety of rewards. Members enjoy additional perks, including lounge access, extra baggage allowances, and priority check-ins across both airlines.

  8. Miles that Go Further:
    The recently launched Classic Rewards offer a simplified way to use Skywards Miles to book flights. With as little as 5,000 Miles, members can enjoy flights to over 130 destinations, including popular seasonal spots like Mykonos and Bodrum. The enhanced Cash+Miles option also provides greater value, with members saving AED 100 for every 3,500 Miles used.

Photo: Emirates

Ongoing Fleet Enhancements:
Emirates continues its extensive fleet retrofit programme, upgrading nearly 220 aircraft with new cabins, including Premium Economy. Flydubai is also modernising its fleet, retrofitting 15 aircraft this year and introducing a dedicated Business Class check-in area at Terminal 2.

A Combined Fleet of Modern Aircraft:
Together, Emirates and flydubai operate a fleet of 363 modern aircraft. Emirates' fleet of 267 widebody aircraft includes A380s, B777s, and A350s, while flydubai operates 96 B737 aircraft.

Supporting Dubai’s Vision:
As part of Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda, Emirates and flydubai are committed to expanding their combined network to 400 destinations from Dubai, further strengthening the emirate's role as a global aviation hub.

This strategic partnership continues to enhance connectivity, elevate travel experiences, and contribute to Dubai's growing importance on the global stage.

Qatar Airways Flags Potential Delays in Refund Processing Amid Ongoing Situation

Published: Monday, March 23, 2026
Qatar Airways Flags Potential Delays in Refund Processing Amid Ongoing Situation
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Qatar Airways has cautioned passengers that refund processing times may be extended due to ongoing operational pressures, while emphasizing that teams are actively working to handle requests as efficiently as possible.

The airline confirmed that travelers holding confirmed bookings with departure dates between February 28 and April 30, 2026, can opt either to request a full refund or modify their travel dates without penalty.

According to the carrier, refunds returned to the original method of payment could take as long as 28 working days to complete. Passengers are advised to monitor their email for updates after submitting a request, as this will provide the latest status of their application.

Qatar Airways noted that reimbursement amounts will reflect the unused portion of the ticket. Any additional services purchased, such as seat selection, will be processed and refunded separately.

Customers looking for further information or support with their bookings are encouraged to consult the airline’s official travel updates portal for the most recent guidance.

Source: Zawya

India to Lift Domestic Airfare Caps as Aviation Sector Stabilises

Published: Sunday, March 22, 2026
India to Lift Domestic Airfare Caps as Aviation Sector Stabilises
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India is set to abolish temporary limits on domestic airfares from Monday, according to a government directive reviewed by Reuters, as the aviation sector shows signs of recovery and carriers face mounting cost pressures.

The fare restrictions were introduced in December after widespread flight cancellations by leading airline IndiGo led to a spike in ticket prices across the market. The government intervened to stabilise fares during a period of reduced capacity.

In its latest order, the civil aviation ministry said operating conditions have improved, pointing to restored flight capacity and a return to more stable operations. The directive, dated Friday and examined by Reuters on Saturday, has not been officially released. Officials from the ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Airlines had called for the removal of the caps, saying the controls were contributing to substantial revenue losses while operating expenses continued to rise. Higher jet fuel prices, partly driven by the conflict involving Iran, have added to the financial strain.

Although airlines have not disclosed specific loss figures, analysts at HSBC estimate that a $1 per barrel increase in fuel prices could raise IndiGo’s annual fuel costs by roughly 3 billion rupees.

Under the temporary rules, fares for flights up to 500 kilometres were capped at 7,500 rupees ($80.07), while routes between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres—including New Delhi to Mumbai—had a maximum fare of 15,000 rupees.

Despite lifting the caps, the government has directed airlines to keep ticket prices fair and transparent, ensuring they reflect market conditions without harming passenger interests.

Source: Khaleej Times

Singapore Airlines to Launch Direct Riyadh Flights in 2026 Expansion

Published: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Singapore Airlines to Launch Direct Riyadh Flights in 2026 Expansion
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Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced plans to begin non-stop services between Singapore and Riyadh from June 2026, marking a significant step in its Middle East network expansion. The airline intends to operate the route four times a week using its Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft.

The aircraft will be configured with 303 seats, including 40 in Business Class and 263 in Economy Class, offering passengers a two-cabin travel option.

Pending regulatory approval, flight SQ498 will depart Singapore at 18:20 local time on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, arriving in Riyadh at 21:45. The return service, SQ499, is scheduled to leave Riyadh at 23:00 on the same days, landing in Singapore at 12:15 the following day.

From 25 October 2026, minor schedule adjustments will take effect. Departures from Singapore will shift to 17:40, arriving in Riyadh at 21:35, while return flights will depart Riyadh at 22:50 and arrive in Singapore at 11:50 the next day.

Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer of Singapore Airlines, said the move reflects Riyadh’s growing economic significance. He noted that the Saudi capital’s rapid development and strong business environment position it as a key destination in the region. He added that the new route could also enhance collaboration with partner airlines, providing customers with broader travel options across the Middle East.

Riyadh will become the second Saudi destination served by the SIA Group, complementing Scoot’s existing four-times weekly flights to Jeddah.

As the capital and financial hub of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh offers a mix of cultural and modern attractions. Visitors can explore historic landmarks such as Diriyah and Masmak Fortress, alongside museums, high-end hotels, and diverse retail and dining experiences.

Ticket sales for the new service will be introduced gradually through Singapore Airlines’ distribution channels, subject to final approvals.

Philippine Airlines Suspends Dubai, Doha Flights Until April 30: What Affected Passengers Can Do

Published: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Philippine Airlines Suspends Dubai, Doha Flights Until April 30: What Affected Passengers Can Do
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Philippine Airlines has suspended all flights between Manila and the Gulf hubs of Dubai and Doha until April 30, leaving thousands of overseas Filipinos and other travellers rushing to adjust their plans.

The flag carrier’s decision, driven by heightened security risks and airspace uncertainties in parts of the Middle East, extends an earlier series of short-term cancellations and effectively wipes out PAL’s Dubai (PR 658/659) and Doha (PR 684/685) services for the rest of April.

For affected passengers, PAL is offering a range of options. Travellers can rebook to a later date once services resume, with the airline waiving rebooking fees in line with its current advisories. Those who no longer wish to push through with their trip may opt to convert the value of their ticket into a travel credit for future use, or request a refund subject to the fare conditions.

Passengers are urged to first check if their flight falls within the suspension period using PAL’s online manage booking facility or by contacting the carrier’s customer service channels. From there, they can decide whether to secure the earliest possible rebooked flight after April 30, bank their ticket value for a later trip, or cancel altogether.

Travel agents and community groups in the Gulf are also advising Filipino workers and residents to consider alternative routings on other airlines while PAL’s Middle East operations are on hold, especially for those with urgent travel needs such as contract changes, medical emergencies or planned vacations.

With the situation in the region still fluid, Philippine Airlines has encouraged passengers to monitor its official advisories regularly, noting that any further extensions, resumptions, or special flights will be announced through its website and social media channels.

Saudia Expands Eid Services to Red Sea, Boosting Routes Between Riyadh and Jeddah

Published: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Saudia Expands Eid Services to Red Sea, Boosting Routes Between Riyadh and Jeddah
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Saudia announced an increase of 20 flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Red Sea destination during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday. Carried out in coordination with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the Red Sea destination, the move raises the total number of round-trip services on these routes to 44.

The expanded schedule is part of a broader partnership between Saudia and the STA designed to promote Saudi tourist sites and support the tourism sector’s development. Officials said the collaboration focuses on offering travelers more convenient flight options and enhancing the onboard experience.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider tourism ambitions, which include a target to welcome 150 million visitors by 2030.