In 2025, the UAE aviation sector hit record milestones, with DXB handling 95.2 million passengers, Abu Dhabi Airports over 33 million, and Sharjah 19.48 million. Ras Al Khaimah surpassed one million passengers. Expanded connectivity, cargo growth, and technological upgrades reinforced the UAE’s global aviation and logistics leadership.
Emirates and Loong Air have signed an interline agreement, increasing Emirates’ footprint in China and offering the airline’s customers access to additional cities beyond its own gateways. Starting immediately, Emirates customers will have access to 22 points across China operated by Loong Air via Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Disney Cruise Line has unveiled an expansive lineup of summer 2027 itineraries, offering families new opportunities to explore Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Southeast Asia.
Dukes The Palm Dubai Hotel and NH Collection Dubai The Palm have launched a heartfelt Ramadan Iftar on Palm Jumeirah, inspired by mothers’ homemade recipes. Collaborating with women from Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and Egypt, the initiative recreates authentic family dishes, bringing comfort and nostalgia to residents far from home.
Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) said it has executed a voluntary acquisition offer worth KD64.12 million ($208.6 million) on behalf of Boodai Reliance Real Estate to boost its stake in Jazeera Airways. Following this, Boodai Reliance’s total ownership in the Kuwaiti airline has risen to 72.26%.
UAE's national carrier Etihad Airways has reported a 29% rise in passenger traffic in January, extending the growth momentum that followed a record 2025. The passenger load factor hit 89.9% for the month, up from 89.1% a year earlier when 1.7 million guests flew with Etihad..
Turkish Airlines, operating one of Europe's youngest fleets, has reached another significant milestone with the unveiling of its 500th aircraft named ‘TK Family’.
UAE’s civil aviation and defence ministries have signed an agreement for the implementation of Phase IV of the country’s Airspace Restructuring Project, that will focus on upgrading air traffic management systems and boosting air route capacity while supporting planned expansions by airports and national carriers.
The General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted AirX Charter the licence to operate private charter flights within Saudi Arabia after the company met all regulatory standards and aviation safety requirements. With this GACA nod, AirX will be able to launch operations to all airports in the kingdom.
Sharjah-based budget carrier Air Arabia has reported its strongest annual performance on record for FY 2025 with a pre-tax net profit of AED1.8 billion ($490 million), up 14% over the previous year and a total turnover of over AED7.8 billion ($2.12 billion) mainly driven by higher passenger numbers and network expansion.
