RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi low-cost airline flynas has added a new Airbus A320neo to its fleet, supporting the carrier’s expansion strategy while introducing another aircraft equipped with its latest-generation cabin.

The latest delivery brings the flynas fleet to 68 Airbus aircraft, comprising 62 A320neo jets, two A330s and four A320ceo aircraft.

The aircraft is the second in the airline’s fleet to feature the new-generation cabin, which was introduced earlier this year. The cabin is designed to improve passenger comfort while supporting greater operational efficiency and lower fuel consumption.

The new seats, developed in partnership with Safran, include integrated smartphone and tablet holders, high-speed USB-A and USB-C charging ports with a 60-watt capacity, larger meal tables, dedicated storage for books and magazines, and coat hooks.

Premium-class seats also feature additional legroom, adjustable headrests and a center-seat divider aimed at providing greater comfort for passengers.

The A320neo’s improved fuel efficiency compared with previous-generation aircraft is expected to reduce fuel consumption and operational emissions per seat. The addition therefore supports flynas’ wider sustainability program alongside its fleet growth plans.

The latest aircraft also reflects the airline’s efforts to enhance the onboard experience as it expands its network and responds to growing demand for air travel in Saudi Arabia.

Source: QCAA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to place aviation at the centre of national development strategies, describing it as essential infrastructure that can unlock long-term economic and social progress across the continent.

Speaking at the Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, said aviation should be viewed as a catalyst for job creation, trade expansion, tourism growth, and regional integration.

He noted that a well-structured aviation strategy focused on safety, cost efficiency, energy security, sustainability, and a business-friendly regulatory environment would generate lasting economic benefits. According to him, these gains would outweigh short-term revenue considerations from taxation on passengers.

Safety improvements remain critical

While Africa has made progress in aviation safety, IATA highlighted that further improvement is needed. The region’s accident rate declined from 12.13 per million sectors in 2024 to 7.86 in 2025, yet it remains significantly above the global average of 1.32, making it the highest of any region.

IATA urged stronger implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, noting that effective compliance across 46 of 48 Sub-Saharan African states stands at 60.34%, compared with the global average of 69.46% and a target of 75%.

The organisation also pointed to gaps in accident reporting, stating that only 19% of accident reports between 2019 and 2023 were completed, far below the global average of 63%. It stressed that delays or incomplete investigations limit access to safety lessons.

To address these challenges, IATA called for broader use of global safety programmes, including IOSA, ISSA, and ISAGO, to strengthen operational oversight and risk management.

High operating costs remain a barrier

IATA also raised concerns over the cost of doing business in African aviation, noting that taxes and charges imposed by governments and infrastructure providers are around 15% higher than the global average.

The association criticised rising passenger and data-related charges, including Tanzania’s API-PNR fee of $45 per one-way journey, described as the highest globally. Similar high charges were also reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.

It further urged governments to implement the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decision scheduled for December 2025 to eliminate aviation taxes and reduce selected charges by 25%, stressing the importance of full and timely execution.

IATA also recommended maintaining residence-based corporate taxation for airlines, warning that source-based taxation models under discussion at the United Nations could lead to double taxation due to the cross-border nature of aviation.

Regulatory barriers affecting operations

The organisation highlighted ongoing challenges in revenue repatriation, noting that airlines continue to face restrictions despite international agreements guaranteeing access to earned funds.

As of March 2026, Africa accounted for the largest share of globally blocked airline funds, totalling $774 million. The highest amounts were recorded in Algeria ($258 million), followed by the XAF Zone ($105 million), Mozambique ($82 million), Eritrea ($78 million), and Angola ($73 million).

Alawadhi stressed the need for urgent action in Algeria, saying industry engagement with authorities had so far produced limited progress, while airlines continued to comply with complex requirements.

Visa restrictions were also identified as a major obstacle, with nearly half of intra-African travel still requiring prior visas, limiting mobility, tourism growth, and regional economic integration.

Sustainability and energy opportunities

On sustainability, IATA highlighted opportunities for Africa in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and global carbon market participation.

The organisation noted that Africa could supply up to 57.6 million Eligible Emission Units (EEUs) under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), potentially generating significant climate finance. However, only a limited number of countries, including Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, and Nigeria, have begun participation.

In addition, IATA said Sub-Saharan Africa could produce up to 106 million tonnes of SAF-compatible feedstock by 2050, using agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste. With supportive policies and infrastructure investment, current renewable fuel capacity could scale significantly, creating jobs and improving energy security.

Source: ZAWYA

flynas significantly expands seat capacity by 20%, providing over 1.7 million seats on domestic and international flights during Ramadan 1447H

flynas, recognized as the world’s leading low-cost carrier and the premier low-cost airline in the Middle East, proudly announces the availability of more than 1.7 million seats throughout Ramadan 1447H. This substantial increase marks a 20% rise in seat capacity compared to the same period in the previous year, spanning the airline’s comprehensive domestic and international network.

This strategic capacity expansion is a direct response to the heightened travel demand during the sacred Umrah season and the holy month of Ramadan. flynas is committed to offering pilgrims, travelers, and families broader travel options, enhanced flexibility, and seamless connectivity to meet the consistent annual surge in passenger traffic to the Kingdom’s spiritual and cultural destinations.

The initiative exemplifies flynas’ ongoing execution of its ambitious growth and expansion strategy, which includes doubling its modern fleet and extending its destination network to serve more cities across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. By prioritizing operational efficiency, competitive pricing, and customer-centric services, flynas continues to redefine affordable air travel while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability.

This development further reinforces flynas’ pivotal contribution to the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector objectives under Saudi Vision 2030. The airline plays an essential role in connecting the world to Saudi Arabia, bolstering the national economy, and ensuring smooth, accessible journeys for the guests of the Two Holy Mosques – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Air Arabia, the award-winning low-cost carrier, today announced a limited-time Ramadan promotion, delivering up to 40% discounts on flights to popular destinations across its network. Travelers can unlock these exclusive fares by applying promo code RAMADAN2026 during checkout between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., with bookings valid until 5:00 a.m. on February 21, 2026, for travel from April 1 to April 15, 2026.​

This seasonal campaign caters to the heightened demand for family reunions and spiritual journeys during Ramadan, a peak travel period in the Middle East where airlines report up to 30% surges in bookings. The tiered discounts apply across three fare families, enhancing affordability without compromising on essentials.​

Key Offer Details:

• Basic Fare: 20% off, including hand baggage.

• Value Fare: 30% off, with hand baggage, 20kg checked bag, seat and meal selection, plus rebooking and cancellation flexibility.

• Ultimate Fare: 40% off, featuring hand baggage, 30kg checked bag, seat and meal selection, priority check-in, and full rebooking/cancellation options.

Featured destinations include Bangkok (Thailand), Cairo (Egypt), Kuwait City (Kuwait), Istanbul (Turkiye), Amman (Jordan), Delhi (India), Muscan (Oman), and Tbilisi (Georgia), ideal for festive getaways.​

“Ramadan is a time for connection and reflection, and we’re thrilled to make travel more accessible for our passengers,” said an Air Arabia spokesperson. “This promotion reflects our commitment to value-driven service amid rising regional travel trends.”.​

Offer terms: Valid on selected routes and flights, subject to availability and fare rules. Promo code required at booking; not applicable retroactively.​

About Air Arabia

Air Arabia is a leading low-cost airline headquartered in Sharjah, UAE, operating an extensive network across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe. Renowned for reliability and affordability, it serves over 170 routes with a modern fleet.

Qatar Airways Holidays has officially launched its range of ticket-inclusive travel packages for the FIFA World Cup 2026, giving fans from around the world a chance to attend football’s biggest tournament with all travel arrangements seamlessly managed by the airline.

The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup will be the first to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, featuring a record 48 participating teams and expanding to 16 host cities across North America. It promises to be the largest tournament in World Cup history, and Qatar Airways is among the first global airlines to roll out dedicated travel solutions for fans.

Four Package Categories

The airline’s packages are divided into four options — Single Match, Follow My Team, Knockout Series, and Final Round Series — designed to suit different fan preferences.

• Single Match Package: Prices start at USD 4,500 per person for the Gold category and USD 3,700 for the Silver category, including one match ticket, flights, accommodation, and transfers.

• Follow My Team Package: Tailored for passionate supporters wishing to attend all their favorite team’s matches throughout the tournament.

• Knockout Series and Final Round Series: Created for those aiming to witness the high-stakes stages, including quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand final.

According to Qatar Airways Holidays, all packages are inclusive of return flights, premium hotel stays, ground transportation, and official FIFA match tickets, ensuring a hassle-free and fully coordinated experience.

Compliance and Booking

The airline emphasized that guests purchasing these packages are required to comply with FIFA’s Ticket Terms of Use and the Stadium Code of Conduct, which outline safety and attendance regulations in all World Cup venues.

Travelers can access detailed itineraries, inclusions, and booking options through the Qatar Airways Holidays portal, where a digital brochure is available for download at qatarairwaysholidays.com.

Qatar Airways and FIFA Partnership

Qatar Airways remains the Official Airline Partner of FIFA and continues its collaboration following its successful role as the Official Airline of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. The airline’s tie-up with FIFA highlights its longstanding commitment to global sporting events and fan engagement through luxury travel experiences.

For more information and to book packages for the FIFA World Cup 2026, fans can visit the Qatar Airways Holidays website or contact the airline’s dedicated World Cup travel desk.

Saudia Airlines and the Saudi Tourism Authority have signed a landmark agreement to launch and promote exclusive “Holidays Saudia” travel packages during the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 in London, running from November 4 to 6. The strategic alliance aims to elevate visitor experiences and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a premier global tourism destination.

Announced at the high-profile global travel event, the partnership marks a significant milestone for the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions. The “Holidays Saudia” initiative will offer travelers premium, curated packages featuring tours, accommodations, and travel amenities that highlight Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural diversity.

The collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which target a major increase in international visitors and a greater contribution of tourism to the national economy. Saudia Airlines will play a pivotal role in this vision by expanding its international routes and offering integrated travel solutions tailored to global travelers.

“This partnership underscores our shared commitment to making travel to and within Saudi Arabia seamless, enriching, and world-class,” a Saudia spokesperson said.

The World Travel Market provided a global platform for both Saudia and the Saudi Tourism Authority to showcase their unified efforts in connecting the world to the Kingdom. The presentation highlighted emerging opportunities across tourism, hospitality, and aviation.

The “Holidays Saudia” packages feature customized itineraries across key destinations including Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Asir region. These experiences blend luxury, adventure, and heritage, catering to both leisure and business travelers through comprehensive offerings that include direct flights, accommodation, and ground transport.

This latest partnership complements Saudia’s ongoing initiatives to promote regional tourism and enhance passenger experiences. The national carrier aims to triple passenger traffic by 2030 through expanded connectivity and world-class service.

Industry observers view the agreement as a major step toward building a vibrant, sustainable tourism ecosystem in Saudi Arabia—one that puts the Kingdom firmly on the global travel map.

For further updates, the official channels of Saudia Airlines #الخطوط_السعودية and Saudi Tourism @SaudiTourism provide ongoing news on this exclusive collaborationion.