Skydiving is widely regarded as one of the most exciting adventure activities in the world. It gives travellers the rare opportunity to experience the feeling of flying while enjoying spectacular landscapes from the sky.

For many people, it is the closest experience to soaring like a bird. Today, skydiving has become a popular attraction in many countries, attracting adventure lovers who want to combine travel with adrenaline-filled experiences.

Before taking part in a skydiving jump, participants usually receive a short safety briefing and training session from certified instructors. Most first-time visitors perform a tandem jump, where they are securely attached to a professional skydiver who controls the jump and parachute landing.

Safety equipment, modern parachute systems, and strict international safety standards make skydiving a controlled and well-regulated adventure sport.

Below are some of the world’s most popular skydiving destinations, along with approximate costs and the best seasons to visit.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Nepal offers one of the most extraordinary skydiving experiences in the world, set in the heart of the Himalayas. Participants can jump from around 23,000 feet above the ground, descending toward landing zones such as Ama Dablam Base Camp at about 15,000 feet above sea level or Syangboche Airport at 12,340 feet.

Skydiving near Mount Everest is considered one of the highest commercial skydives available globally. The aerial view of snow-covered peaks and deep valleys makes this destination particularly unique.

• Estimated cost: Around 290 US dollars per person
• Best time to visit: May to August

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is one of the most famous skydiving locations in the world. Jumpers enjoy incredible aerial views of the palm-shaped artificial island, the Persian Gulf, the surrounding desert landscape, and Dubai’s iconic skyline.

Because of its global popularity, skydiving slots here are often booked weeks in advance, especially during the peak tourism season.

• Estimated cost: Around 530 US dollars per person
• Best time to visit: October to March

Interlaken, Switzerland

For travellers who prefer alpine scenery, Interlaken offers spectacular views of snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. Skydivers usually jump from around 15,000 feet above sea level.

During the descent, participants can see Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the majestic peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The combination of lakes and mountains makes Interlaken one of Europe’s most scenic skydiving spots.

• Estimated cost: Around 420 US dollars per person
• Best time to visit: June to September

North Wollongong Beach, Australia

Located about one hour south of Sydney, North Wollongong Beach is considered one of the best skydiving drop zones in Australia. From around 14,000 feet, jumpers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline.

During certain seasons, skydivers may even spot whales or dolphins swimming in the ocean below. Both tandem jumps and solo skydives are available at this location.

• Estimated cost: Around 250 US dollars per person
• Best time to visit: December to February

Snohomish, Washington, United States

Snohomish in Washington State offers dramatic views of the Pacific Northwest landscape. Skydivers can see the green islands of the San Juan archipelago as well as the snow-capped peaks of Mount Rainier and Mount Baker.

The area is known for its clear skies during the warmer months, making it an ideal destination for aerial adventure activities.

• Estimated cost: Around 230 US dollars per person
• Best time to visit: May to October

Victoria Falls, Africa

Skydiving near Victoria Falls delivers a truly unforgettable experience. Participants jump from heights ranging between 6,000 and 10,000 feet, descending near one of the largest waterfalls in the world.

During the descent, skydivers may witness rainbows forming in the mist rising from the waterfall, creating a spectacular natural display.

• Estimated cost: Between 230 and 305 US dollars per person
• Best time to visit: November to March

Denarau Island, Fiji

Denarau Island in Fiji offers a tropical skydiving experience above turquoise waters and coral reefs. The aerial views of the Pacific Ocean, small islands, and lush greenery create a peaceful yet thrilling adventure.

Many travellers combine skydiving here with island hopping, snorkeling, and other water activities.

• Estimated cost: Around 250 US dollars per person
• Best time to visit: November to April

Santa Barbara, California, United States

Santa Barbara provides skydivers with stunning views of the California coastline and the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular destination for beginners because professional instructors provide extensive guidance and safety support.

Participants can jump from heights of up to 18,000 feet, making it one of the higher commercial skydiving experiences in North America.

• Estimated cost: Around 200 US dollars per person
• Best time to visit: May to October

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is often referred to as the adventure capital of the world. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and dramatic landscapes, the town offers some of the most scenic skydiving experiences available.

Visitors can enjoy skydiving in both summer and winter seasons, making it a year-round adventure destination.

• Estimated cost: Around 380 US dollars per person
• Best time to visit: December to February (summer) or June to July (winter)

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and scenic surroundings. Skydiving here allows travellers to enjoy views of forests, rivers, and charming landscapes.

The activity is available throughout the year depending on weather conditions.

• Estimated cost: Around 200 US dollars per person
• Best time to visit: Available year-round

Mauritius

Mauritius is one of the most beautiful island destinations in the Indian Ocean. Skydiving here offers stunning aerial views of turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches.

The island’s natural beauty makes it an attractive destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

• Estimated cost: Around 380 US dollars per person
• Best time to visit: July to October

Skydiving continues to grow in popularity as more travellers seek unique and memorable experiences during their trips abroad. With professional training, strict safety measures, and breathtaking landscapes, these destinations provide unforgettable opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.

flydubai has announced the launch of a new double-daily service to Bangkok, further strengthening its footprint in Thailand and increasing its total operations to the country to 28 weekly flights.

The new route will commence on 15 September 2026, operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). The addition of Bangkok marks the airline’s second destination in Thailand, complementing its existing service to Krabi.

With this expansion, flydubai continues to enhance its network in Southeast Asia, which also includes destinations such as Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia. The carrier’s growing regional presence reflects sustained passenger demand for travel between Dubai and key leisure and business markets across Asia.

Don Mueang International Airport, located north of central Bangkok, serves as one of the Thai capital’s two international gateways. Its strategic location provides convenient access for both corporate and leisure travellers visiting Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Commenting on the launch, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said:

“Thailand continues to be a highly popular destination for both leisure and business travel. The introduction of our double-daily Bangkok service reflects strong and consistent demand across our network. Operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International and under our codeshare partnership with Emirates, passengers will benefit from seamless connections via Dubai to destinations across the GCC, Europe and other international markets.”

The new service further reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub. flydubai’s network now extends to more than 135 destinations, offering customers expanded travel options and convenient one-stop connectivity.

Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at flydubai, added:

“We are pleased to expand our presence in Thailand with the launch of double-daily flights to Bangkok. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board and providing a comfortable and reliable travel experience in both Economy and Business Class.”

As part of its continued investment in customer experience, flydubai offers thoughtfully designed cabins across both classes. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating, internationally inspired dining options and a wide selection of inflight entertainment available through the airline’s onboard system.

Flight Schedule (All Times Local)

From 15 September 2026, flydubai will operate the following services between Dubai and Bangkok:

• FZ1335: DXB 11:00 – DMK 20:45

• FZ1336: DMK 23:50 – DXB 03:20

• FZ1345: DXB 01:20 – DMK 11:10

• FZ1346: DMK 12:10 – DXB 15:40

Fares

• Return Business Class fares from DXB to DMK start from AED 9,000, while Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 2,500.

• From DMK to DXB, return Business Class fares start from THB 64,000, and Economy Class Lite fares from THB 22,000.

Flights are available for booking via flydubai.com, the official flydubai mobile application, the UAE Contact Centre, flydubai travel shops and authorised travel partners.

Xiamen Airlines will resume its direct flights between Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport in Fujian and Mactan–Cebu International Airport in the Philippines starting 29 March 2026. The twice-weekly service will operate every Tuesday and Saturday using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring eight business-class and 162 economy seats. The flight takes just under three hours.

The move, announced on 14 February, follows recent bilateral talks that granted new traffic rights and improved ground-handling support ahead of the summer season. The reinstated route reconnects Quanzhou—a major manufacturing hub for shoes, garments, and stone products—with Cebu, the commercial heart of the Visayas region. It’s expected to make business travel and supply-chain visits much easier for companies that previously relied on indirect routes via Xiamen or Manila.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the restart, calling it a “new chapter” in people-to-people exchange. The Chinese Embassy in Manila also confirmed that Xiamen Airlines plans to increase flights on its Xiamen–Manila route to meet stronger demand. The announcement comes after the Philippines introduced a one-year visa-free entry scheme allowing Chinese citizens to stay up to 14 days for tourism or business.

For corporate travelers, the renewed direct link offers a more convenient route between Fujian’s export clusters and Cebu’s logistics, repair, and electronics sectors. It also supports greater accessibility to Mindanao, where several Chinese companies are currently involved in infrastructure projects. Filipino travelers should note that China has yet to introduce a reciprocal visa-free policy, so visas remain required except for short transits of up to 24 hours.

The service will also provide around five tonnes of cargo space per flight, which is expected to benefit e-commerce and high-value shipments like electronics and fashion samples. Freight forwarders are advised to secure space early, as the route typically maintains load factors above 80% during peak export periods.

Oman Air is set to introduce a new nonstop service linking Dubai with Salalah, beginning on July 3, 2026. The route will operate three times weekly throughout the year, further enhancing air connectivity to the Dhofar Governorate and offering greater travel convenience for both residents and international tourists ahead of the much-anticipated khareef season.

The addition of the new service reflects the growing demand for travel between Salalah and Dubai, while reinforcing Oman Air’s ongoing efforts to expand its domestic network and strengthen regional air corridors within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Oman Air Chief Executive Officer Con Korfiatis described the new route as a strategic step in advancing the airline’s role in national development. “Launching the Dubai–Salalah service highlights our continuous investment in enhancing regional connectivity in line with Oman’s broader economic and tourism ambitions,” he said.

“We’re responding to strong market demand by increasing capacity and creating more travel opportunities that support tourism and business growth across Dhofar. Oman Air remains a key enabler of connectivity and economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.”

Consistent with its growth strategy, Oman Air continues to scale up operations on key domestic routes. Seat capacity to Salalah has increased by 20% in January 2026 compared to the same period last year, following a 15% expansion during the 2025 khareef season to handle the surge in visitors. The airline also launched its first direct charter between Moscow and Salalah, expected to attract over 7,000 travelers from Russia and contribute strongly to Dhofar’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

In addition, Oman Air plans further network and schedule enhancements, including expanded services during Ramadan, to provide passengers with even more flexibility and travel options throughout the year.

Tickets for the new Dubai–Salalah route will be available from Monday, February 16, 2026, through www.omanair.com and the Oman Air mobile application.

AirAsia X is launching new routes from Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and on to London Gatwick starting June 26, 2026. This move positions Bahrain as the airline's first global hub outside Asia.

The service connects Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe via Bahrain's prime location and strong aviation setup. Bahrain-to-London becomes AirAsia X's second Fifth Freedom route, helping it tap into worldwide low-cost long-haul travel.

AirAsia X sees Bahrain as a springboard for growth, with opportunities for transit traffic and partnerships in cargo and maintenance. It fits the airline's push to link regions efficiently while keeping fares affordable.

Tony Fernandes, Capital A CEO and AirAsia X advisor, called it a key growth step. "Bahrain lets us link Asia, the Middle East, and Europe better, plus scale up cargo like Teleport after its $50 million raise," he said. He plans deeper ties with local airports and tourism groups.

Bahrain's Finance and National Economy Minister, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, welcomed the deal. "It boosts jobs in aviation, tourism, and logistics, plus skills for Bahrainis in this growing field," he noted. Bahrain aims to solidify its role as a regional connector.

Emirates has launched a fourth daily flight to London Gatwick, marking the debut of the Airbus A350 on the route and bringing its popular Premium Economy cabin to Gatwick for the first time. The new service joins the airline’s three existing daily A380 flights between Dubai and Gatwick, expanding travel options for passengers on one of its busiest routes.

With this latest addition, Emirates now operates 146 weekly flights to the UK—90 of them to London across Heathrow, Stansted, and Gatwick—offering travellers more flexibility and choice than ever before.

Flight EK069 departs Dubai at 17:05, arriving in London Gatwick at 20:50. The return flight, EK070, leaves Gatwick at 23:55 and lands in Dubai at 11:00 the next morning. The new evening schedule gives passengers another convenient option for both business and leisure travel between the two cities.

A New Experience on the A350

The new daily service is operated by the Airbus A350-900 in a three-class layout, featuring 32 lie-flat Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 in Economy Class. Passengers can look forward to the latest Emirates cabin experience with thoughtful design touches like wireless charging in Business Class, electric window blinds with the airline’s Ghaf tree design, and digital menus on Emirates’ ‘ice’ entertainment screens.

The A350 also introduces Emirates’ next-generation inflight entertainment system, with ultra-responsive 4K and HDR touchscreens that deliver a cinema-quality experience. Onboard Wi-Fi is powered by ViaSat’s Global Xpress satellite network, offering stronger, faster connections and enough bandwidth for more passengers to stay connected throughout their journey.

Strengthening the London Connection

Gatwick now becomes the second UK destination served by Emirates’ A350, following the aircraft’s launch in Edinburgh in early 2025. London joins a growing list of cities to welcome the airline’s latest addition, including Montreal, Oslo, Mumbai, and Istanbul. Later in 2026, more destinations—such as Rome, Copenhagen, Taipei, Phuket, Cape Town, and Helsinki—will also see the new A350 join their routes.

Customers can book flights and learn more through emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates retail outlets, contact centres, or travel agents.