Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resorts are set to undergo a major transformation in transportation as electric air taxis replace seaplanes starting next year. Archer Aviation, a US-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) company, will introduce its Midnight air taxis to fly tourists to luxury resorts along the Red Sea. The announcement came after the company signed a landmark agreement at the Dubai Airshow with the Public Investment Fund’s The Helicopter Company (THC) and Red Sea Global, the developer behind the world-class resorts.

According to Nikhil Goel, Archer's Chief Commercial Officer, the deal marks a significant milestone for THC as it begins deploying early aircraft for eVTOL testing, with plans to launch operations as soon as possible. "We’ve been working closely with Red Sea Global's team for some time, and the goal is to have eVTOL flights operational next year," Goel said.

While the exact number of aircraft and the value of the agreement have not been disclosed, Archer confirmed that operations will begin with a small fleet, which will expand as the commercial routes are finalized. The move is part of a broader effort to introduce cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transportation alternatives to the Red Sea resorts, which are currently served by fuel-intensive seaplanes.

Seaplanes, which burn a significant amount of fuel and produce high emissions, will be replaced by Archer’s electric air taxis, which offer a cleaner alternative for tourists in one of the world’s most ecologically sensitive regions. Goel emphasized that the Midnight eVTOL’s vertical take-off and landing capabilities provide a convenient and sustainable solution for high-end travelers seeking to access remote resorts.

This shift aligns with Red Sea Global’s broader vision for regenerative tourism. John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, highlighted that the introduction of electric aircraft would create a "cleaner, faster, and more connected way" for visitors to experience the resorts while preserving the environment.

Archer’s partnership with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and THC also opens the door for future collaborations with other major Saudi projects. The Red Sea resorts are just the beginning, as Archer looks to expand its services to other giga-projects in Saudi Arabia, including Neom and Qiddiya. Goel expressed enthusiasm for the potential of these projects, noting that Neom and Qiddiya’s ambitious goals for innovation and sustainability align perfectly with Archer's mission.

The development of air taxis in the region is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to modernize its aviation sector. The country’s aviation regulator, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), launched an Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap in 2022 to guide the growth of eVTOL technology, with the aim of integrating these aircraft into the kingdom’s airspace.

The momentum for electric air taxis is also gaining traction in neighboring Abu Dhabi. Archer Aviation has signed a similar agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to introduce its Midnight aircraft to the UAE capital by the end of 2026. This collaboration will involve testing the aircraft in the region, recruiting and training local pilots, and certifying the technology for commercial use. Abu Dhabi also plans to establish a network of vertiports to support the future air taxi services.

With Saudi Arabia and the UAE both actively pursuing the integration of eVTOL technology, the future of air travel in the region is set to be transformed. The shift to electric air taxis not only promises a more sustainable solution but also highlights the region’s commitment to being at the forefront of advanced air mobility, a key pillar of both nations' long-term innovation strategies.

As Archer Aviation’s partnership with the PIF and THC progresses, it’s clear that the Red Sea resorts will serve as a testing ground for a broader vision of modern, eco-friendly air travel in Saudi Arabia.

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 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 (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 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 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.