Saudi Arabia's Cluster2 Airports Company recorded robust operational performance during the second quarter of 2026, serving 3.98 million passengers across 36,600 flights while continuing to expand airport infrastructure and environmental initiatives.

During the quarter, the company inaugurated two new flynas operational centres at Abha International Airport and Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim, strengthening airline operations and enhancing airport capabilities.

Cluster2 also advanced its sustainability agenda, with five airports earning Level 2 Accreditation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme for their progress in carbon management and environmental performance.

The accredited airports are King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan, Najran International Airport, Sharurah Airport, Wadi Al-Dawasir Airport and Al-Wajh Airport.

In support of Saudi Arabia's environmental goals, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Greening Program to plant 300,000 trees across selected airport sites by 2030.

The tree-planting initiative is designed to reduce carbon emissions while supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and the sustainability objectives of Vision 2030.

Cluster2 Airports Company said the quarter's achievements underscore its commitment to improving operational efficiency, strengthening aviation services and promoting environmental sustainability throughout its airport network.

Source: ZAWYA

HONG KONG: Passenger traffic at Hong Kong International Airport rose 11.7% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, reflecting stronger visitor demand and a busy schedule of events in the Asian financial hub.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the city was continuing to strengthen its position as an international aviation hub.

The airport handled more than 200,000 aircraft movements between January and June, an increase of 4.4% from the same period a year earlier. Passenger traffic reached 32.8 million during the six-month period, Chan said in a blog post on Sunday.

Visitor arrivals also recorded strong growth. Hong Kong welcomed 31.2 million visitors during the first seven months of 2026, up 12% year-on-year, according to Chan.

The increase in passenger and visitor numbers highlights the continued recovery and expansion of Hong Kong’s aviation and tourism sectors, supported by a wider range of events and increased international travel demand.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Incheon International Airport, South Korea’s main gateway to Seoul, ranked first worldwide for international passenger traffic during the first half of 2026, marking the first time it has reached the top position since opening in 2001.

The airport recorded 38.39 million international passengers between January and June, an increase of 6.3% from the same period a year earlier, according to Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC).

Preliminary data from the Airports Council International (ACI), covering 1,234 airports worldwide, placed Incheon ahead of London Heathrow Airport, which handled 37.79 million international passengers, and Singapore Changi Airport, with 34.53 million.

Incheon’s position in the global rankings has steadily improved over the past two decades. It stood 10th in 2002 with 20.55 million international passengers, climbed to fifth in 2018 with 67.68 million, and reached third place in 2024 after recording 70.67 million passengers.

The latest figures underscore Incheon Airport’s growing role as a major international aviation hub and reflect continued growth in cross-border passenger demand.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Salalah Airport recorded a 7% increase in arriving flights during the 2026 Dhofar Khareef season, with 1,758 flights landing between June 21 and July 31, compared with 1,637 during the same period last year.

Data from Oman Airports showed that arriving passenger numbers also increased, reaching 154,529, up from 142,488 in 2025.

The increase of 12,041 passengers represents growth of approximately 8% year on year.

The rise in air traffic coincides with the 2026 Dhofar Khareef season, which continues to draw visitors from across Oman and overseas to experience the governorate’s distinctive monsoon climate and lush landscapes.

Salalah Airport remains an important gateway for tourism in Dhofar, where passenger numbers and travel activity typically increase significantly during the annual khareef season.

The latest figures point to continued growth in passenger demand and air connectivity during one of the region’s busiest tourism periods.

Source: ZAWYA

Syria has officially reopened Deir ez-Zor International Airport after nearly 14 years of closure, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to restore air connectivity.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport announced on August 5 that maintenance and rehabilitation work at the airport had been completed, allowing flight operations to resume.

The airport's first domestic service since reopening was operated by Syrian Air from Damascus International Airport, re-establishing regular air links between the Syrian capital and Deir ez-Zor.

International operations also resumed with the arrival of a Syrian Air flight from Kuwait, the first overseas service to land at the airport since its closure, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

The aviation authority said the reopening forms part of a broader strategy to expand Syria's air transport network, restore domestic aviation services and improve travel options for passengers. The initiative is also intended to support economic and investment activity while strengthening links between Syria's governorates and international destinations.

Source: ZAWYA