Sunday, 26 July 2026

Erbil International Airport Resumes Flights After Temporary Suspension

Published: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Erbil International Airport Resumes Flights After Temporary Suspension

Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq resumed flight operations on Tuesday evening after a temporary suspension triggered by security concerns, airport officials said.

Airport Director Ahmed Hoshyar told the Iraqi News Agency that both arriving and departing flights had resumed after operations were briefly halted earlier in the day.

The airport suspended services following a wave of attacks targeting Erbil and its surrounding airspace.

According to Iraqi media reports, three suicide drones were intercepted and shot down after powerful explosions were heard across the city.

Airport operations have since returned to normal, although authorities continue to monitor the security situation.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Dubai Airports Announces Three Senior Executive Appointments

Published: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Dubai Airports Announces Three Senior Executive Appointments

Dubai Airports has announced three senior leadership appointments as it reinforces its operational, technology and cybersecurity capabilities to support the continued growth of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).

Kan Ni has been promoted from Vice President of the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) to Senior Vice President of Airport Operations. Khalid Ishaq, previously Head of AOCC Integration, has been appointed Vice President of AOCC, while Ahmad Al Bastaki joins the organisation as Vice President of Technology Operations and Cybersecurity within the Business Technology division.

The appointments are designed to strengthen leadership across key areas of airport operations as Dubai's aviation sector continues to expand.

In his new role, Kan Ni will build on his work in transforming the AOCC into a data-driven operations centre that coordinates the daily movement of around 200,000 passengers through DXB. He also played a leading role in maintaining safe and efficient airport operations during recent regional airspace disruptions.

Khalid Ishaq, who joined Dubai Airports in 2005, brings nearly 20 years of operational experience to his new position. His promotion also reflects the organisation's focus on developing Emirati talent, with UAE nationals making up 75% of its management team.

Ahmad Al Bastaki will lead technology operations, cybersecurity and infrastructure, helping strengthen the resilience of the airport's digital systems as aviation becomes increasingly dependent on advanced technologies.

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said the appointments enhance the organisation's leadership capability by combining operational expertise, technology leadership and Emirati talent to support the future performance and resilience of Dubai's airports.

Source: ZAWYA

Erbil International Airport Resumes Flights After Temporary Suspension

Published: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Erbil International Airport Resumes Flights After Temporary Suspension

Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq resumed flight operations on Tuesday evening after a temporary suspension triggered by security concerns, airport officials said.

Airport Director Ahmed Hoshyar told the Iraqi News Agency that both arriving and departing flights had resumed after operations were briefly halted earlier in the day.

The airport suspended services following a wave of attacks targeting Erbil and its surrounding airspace.

According to Iraqi media reports, three suicide drones were intercepted and shot down after powerful explosions were heard across the city.

Airport operations have since returned to normal, although authorities continue to monitor the security situation.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Saudi's King Salman International Airport Reaches Major Construction Milestone

Published: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Saudi's King Salman International Airport Reaches Major Construction Milestone
Source: Saud

King Salman International Airport (KSIA) has completed Phase Zero of its Private Aviation Terminal Apron, marking a significant construction milestone as Saudi Arabia moves forward with the development of one of the world's largest airport projects.

The 57-square-kilometre aviation hub in Riyadh, designed by Foster + Partners, is progressing toward its first phase of terminal operations, which is scheduled to begin in 2029.

Backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the airport's masterplan features nine passenger terminals, multiple concourses, a dedicated royal terminal, private aviation facilities, and around 12 square kilometres of retail, residential, and leisure developments.

Construction is currently underway across the airfield and terminal infrastructure, with major contractors including Almabani, FCC Construcción, and CarbonCure, the latter supporting the use of lower-carbon concrete as part of the project's sustainability goals.

Upon completion, KSIA will operate six parallel runways and is expected to accommodate 100 million to 120 million passengers annually by 2030. The airport is also projected to handle 3.5 million tonnes of cargo each year by 2050, strengthening Riyadh's role as a global aviation and logistics hub.

The latest progress follows a site visit by Abdulaziz Al Duailej, President of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), who reviewed construction updates and ongoing execution work at the project.

Source: TradeArabia

Al Alamein Airport Sees Passenger Surge Ahead of Egypt International Air Show 2026

Published: Monday, July 13, 2026
Al Alamein Airport Sees Passenger Surge Ahead of Egypt International Air Show 2026

Al Alamein International Airport has recorded strong growth in passenger activity this year, with traveller numbers rising by 57% compared with the same period in 2025, as Egypt advances preparations for the second edition of the Egypt International Air Show (EIAS 2026) scheduled for September.

According to Egypt’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), the increase highlights the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen its civil aviation sector through infrastructure upgrades and expanded airport capacity aimed at meeting growing tourism, business and investment demand.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is continuing development projects at Al Alamein International Airport as part of a broader strategy to establish New Alamein City as a major hub for tourism, commerce and international events. The airport is being enhanced to manage higher passenger volumes and support the successful hosting of the upcoming aviation and aerospace exhibition.

EIAS 2026 is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the Egyptian Air Force and the Egyptian Space Agency.

The IDSC said the event is expected to further elevate Egypt’s profile within the global aviation and aerospace sectors while encouraging investment, fostering strategic partnerships and facilitating the exchange of advanced technologies.

Official data showed that passenger traffic at Al Alamein International Airport reached 266,600 travellers in 2026, compared with 169,500 during the corresponding period of 2025. Aircraft movements also increased significantly, rising by approximately 26% to 3,190 flights from 2,540 flights a year earlier.

The airport currently hosts operations from 15 airlines, including Etihad Airways, flydubai, flynas, Air Cairo and Saudia. Its international network has expanded further during the 2026 summer season with the arrival of new carriers such as Romania’s TAROM, Poland’s Enter Air, Bulgaria’s BH Air and Gulf Air.

Authorities expect the number of airlines serving the airport to grow to 26 by the end of the summer season, reflecting rising international interest in Egypt’s North Coast and the growing importance of New Alamein as a destination for tourism, investment and major global events.

Source: Daily News Egypt

Abha International Airport Achieves Record Daily Traffic With More Than 130 Flights

Published: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Abha International Airport Achieves Record Daily Traffic With More Than 130 Flights
Source: SPAENG

Abha International Airport has reached a new operational benchmark after processing more than 130 flights in a single day, setting a record for the highest daily traffic volume in the airport’s history.

The milestone was achieved on July 5, when the airport, managed by Cluster2 Airports, handled a total of 132 flights. The day's operations included 117 domestic services and 15 international flights.

According to Cluster2 Airports, the increase reflects strong travel demand during the summer season, supported by efficient airport operations and a rise in visitor arrivals. The operator noted that the Asir region’s seasonal events, scenic landscapes and cultural attractions have contributed significantly to growing passenger numbers.

The airport operator said the achievement aligns with the goals of the Aviation Programme under Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The initiative is focused on increasing airport capacity, improving passenger experience and raising operational efficiency across the Kingdom’s aviation network.

The latest record highlights the continued growth of air travel in southern Saudi Arabia as authorities work to strengthen the country's aviation infrastructure and tourism sector.

Source: TradeArabia