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AsiaOne
12-05-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Battle of Middle East budget airlines: Which ones are worth it?, Lifestyle News
PUBLISHED ON May 12, 2025 9:00 AM By Bryan Ilman Meet the contenders: a brief overview flynas: Saudi Arabia's leading low-cost airline, flynas, was founded in 2007. Based in Riyadh, it offers affordable travel across a growing international network. flyadeal: A Saudia Airlines subsidiary launched in 2017, flyadeal is based in Jeddah and serves domestic and short GCC routes with ultra-low fares. flydubai: Dubai's government-owned flydubai, launched in 2008, connects underserved destinations. In 2025, it won "Airline of the Year" and "Trailblazer Award" for service innovation. Air Arabia: The Middle East's first major budget airline, Air Arabia, was founded in 2003. It runs a multi-hub network from Sharjah, Casablanca, Alexandria, Abu Dhabi, and Karachi. Jazeera Airways: Kuwait's top budget carrier since 2004, Jazeera operates passenger and cargo services from its own terminal at Kuwait International Airport. Pegasus Airlines: Istanbul-based Pegasus, founded in 1990, offers efficient, low-cost flights across Turkey and beyond. Comparing the airlines: Factor by factor Airline networks and fleets flynas: With a fleet of 61 aircraft — including 53 Airbus A320neo, 4 A320ceo, and 4 wide-body A330s — flynas connects more than 70 destinations. Its network emphasizes domestic Saudi routes while extending internationally to the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Europe. flyadeal: Operating nearly 30 destinations, flyadeal focuses on domestic Saudi travel with growing international links to the UAE and Egypt. Its young fleet comprises 34 Airbus A320s (23 A320neos and 11 A320ceos), with additional A320neo and A321neo models on order to support rapid growth. flydubai: Serving over 130 destinations, flydubai has built a strong presence across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Europe, often targeting underserved routes. Its 88-aircraft fleet comprises Boeing 737 models, including the latest 737 MAX for greater fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Air Arabia: Leveraging hubs in the UAE, Morocco, and Egypt, Air Arabia serves more than 200 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe. The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet of 68 A320s and 9 A321 Neo LR aircraft, emphasizing reliability and efficiency. Jazeera Airways: Jazeera Airways connects 50 destinations spanning the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Africa, and Europe. Its fleet of 24 Airbus A320s is optimized for cost-effective regional travel without compromising on comfort. Pegasus Airlines: Pegasus flies to 146 international destinations across 53 countries, maintaining a strong presence in Europe and expanding in the Middle East and Asia. Its 112-aircraft fleet, primarily composed of Airbus A320neo and A321neo models, supports its growth with a focus on efficiency and modernization. Cabin experience & comfort flynas: Offers generous seat pitch and affordable extra-legroom options, ensuring a comfortable and budget-friendly travel experience for passengers. Premium class is offered on select routes with spacious seating, designed for a stylish, comfortable journey. flyadeal: A no-frills ultra-low-cost carrier offering basic slimline seating for short-haul efficiency. Upgrades are limited to front-row or extra legroom seats for a small fee; no business or premium class is available. flydubai: Economy features ergonomically designed seats with adjustable headrests and optional upgrades like extra legroom. Business class includes spacious seating, enhanced meal options, and priority services. Air Arabia: Standard economy seats are space-efficient, with extra legroom available at a price. While it lacks a full business class, "Premium" seats provide more space and priority boarding. Jazeera Airways: Economy includes comfortable seating, with the option to upgrade to "Extra Legroom Seat" for added space and priority services. A dedicated Extra Legroom class offers wider seats and additional perks, similar to a light premium experience. Pegasus Airlines: Economy is equipped with slimline seating, with extra legroom available for a fee. While there's no traditional business class, 'Saver Plus' offers comfort upgrades akin to a premium tier. Baggage allowance & fare types Please note: Baggage allowance varies by fare and cabin types. Additional charges may apply for baggage exceeding the permitted weight limit. Fare types flynas Light: Pure no-frills fare — allowing only a carry-on luggage. Value: Provides extra benefits like more baggage allowance and standard seat selection. Plus: Unlocks booking flexibility and in-advance seat selection. Premium: The only fare with free lounge access and a hot meal, aimed at travellers wanting premium comfort without a business-class ticket. flyadeal fly: Stripped down to just a seat — customise everything else. fly+: Offers online check-in starting two days before departure. flyMax: Offers the highest baggage capacity and premium seat selection option. flydubai Lite: Best for short trips — minimal cost, minimal frills. Value: Introduces upgrade options like seat selection at a charge. Flex: Designed for full booking flexibility — free rebooking and cancellations. Business: A true business-class experience with premium seats, lounge access, and full onboard service. Air Arabia Basic: Built for price-focused travellers and allows rebooking and cancellation at a charge. Value: This fare tier includes free standard seat selection. The refund is available via a credit voucher. Ultimate: Adds priority check-in in select airports and offers flexibility around booking. Jazeera Airways Light: Lowest fare with no extras — ideal for budget travellers. Value: Offers flight changes and cancellations at a fee. Extra: Includes free seat selection — adds efficiency without full luxury. Pegasus Airlines Light: Travelers can earn BolBol points to get discounts on subsequent flights.. Saver: The first fare tier to allow checked baggage. Saver Plus: Stands out with its snack and in-flight entertainment bundle. Comfort Flex: Offers free change/cancellation, full seat selection (including extra legroom), and has a flexible refund option. In-flight services & amenities flynas: The airline does not offer in-flight entertainment, but passengers can pre-order hot meals, snacks, and drinks. flyadeal: There is no onboard entertainment, so passengers are encouraged to bring their own devices. Light snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board. flydubai: Offers seatback touchscreens with access to movies, TV shows, music, and games. Meals and snacks are available for purchase. Air Arabia: Provides in-flight entertainment on select routes through personal devices. Its "SkyCafe" menu offers a variety of meals, which can be pre-ordered or purchased onboard. Jazeera Airways: Offers streaming to personal devices on all flights. Meals and beverages can be purchased from "J Cafe", with pre-ordering available 24 hours before departure. Pegasus Airlines: Entertainment is available via personal devices. Snacks and drinks can be bought onboard, and hot meals can be pre-ordered. On-time performance flynas: According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation, flynas recorded a 91 per cent punctuality rate for both arrivals and departures for March 2025. flyadeal: According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Arabia, flyadeal achieved a remarkable OTP of 91 per cent arrival rate and 94 per cent departure rate in March 2025. flydubai: According to Flightstats, the on-time performance of flydubai is around 84 per cent for 2025 for (FZ) Flydubai 524. Air Arabia: According to Flightstats, as of 2025, Air Arabia has an average on-time performance rate of 79 per cent for (G9) Air Arabia 101. Jazeera Airways: According to the annual report of Jazeera Airways, the airline improved its OTP from 74 per cent in 2023 to 86 per cent in 2024, showcasing significant operational enhancements. Pegasus Airlines: According to Statista, Pegasus Airlines had an on-time performance of 87per cent in March 2024. flyadeal leads in punctuality with a 94per cent departure and 91 per cent arrival rate, making it the best choice for on-time travel in March 2025. Who is the clear winner? For regional dominance & flexibility: Air Arabia clearly leads in network strength and flexibility with over 200 destinations and multiple hubs across the Middle East region. It is the most versatile choice for regional travel and beyond. For business travellers on a budget: flynas stands out as the ideal choice, offering a "Premium" fare with business-style perks, without the business-class price tag. For comfort without splurging: flydubai offers one of the best blends of comfort and affordability for travellers looking for an upgraded in-flight experience without the cost of a full-service carrier. For travellers connecting Europe & Middle East: Pegasus Airlines emerges as the top choice, thanks to its extensive route network between Europe and the Middle East. Its strong presence in both regions and affordable fares offer reliable, efficient connections. For ultra-low-cost domestic travel: flyadeal stands out for its ultra-low fares and strong punctuality record, making it a dependable and budget-conscious choice for short-haul domestic travel. Each airline has its strengths depending on what you prioritize — whether it's route variety, seat comfort, or fare flexibility. The Middle East budget airline battle is tight, but there's a winner for every type of traveller. [[nid:717206]] This article was first published in Wego. travelAirlinesTipstourists This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.
Mid East Info
30-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Unveils 15% Off Summer Travel Promotion - Middle East Business News and Information
UAE National airline kicks off the summer season with unbeatable savings on select flights Abu Dhabi, UAE: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is celebrating summer holidays with an exciting promotion of a 15 percent discount on selected flights to and from Abu Dhabi. The promotion applies to bookings for travel between 1 May and 30 June 2025, providing travellers with the opportunity to experience a variety of vibrant and culturally rich destinations at even more affordable rates. The discounted fares are now available for booking through and the Wizz Air mobile application. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, stated: 'At Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, we are committed to offering affordable, high-quality travel options that enable more people to explore new destinations and create lasting memories. Our 15 percent summer discount underscores our dedication to providing exceptional value to our customers while supporting the continued growth of Abu Dhabi as a leading travel hub. We look forward to welcoming more travellers on board and delivering outstanding experiences across our diverse network.' Travellers are encouraged to secure their bookings promptly to take advantage of this limited time offer and explore the world with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. About Wizz Air Abu Dhabi: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the national carrier of the UAE, is a joint venture by ADQ, one of the region's largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi's diversified economy, and Wizz Air Holdings Plc, the fastest growing European ultra-low-cost airline, operating a fleet of 230 –Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. Strategically located in the UAE, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is the ultra-low-cost carrier of the region, carrying the flag of affordable and safe travel for all passengers. As part of Wizz Air Holdings Plc, based in Europe and the UK, it contributes to the group's success of carrying 62.8 million passengers across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in Financial Year 2024, ending 31 March Air is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker WIZZ. The airline was recently named one of the world's ten safest airlines by the world's only safety and product rating agency, and named Airline of the Year by Air Transport Awards in 2019 and 2023. Wizz Air has also been recognised as 'Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline' within the World Finance Sustainability Awards in 2021-2024, as 'Airline Group of the Year for Global Environmental Sustainability' by CAPA-Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence in 2022-2023 and 'EMEA's most Environmental Sustainability Airline Group of the Year' by the CAPA-Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence 2024.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi unveils 15% off summer travel promotion
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is celebrating summer holidays with an exciting promotion of a 15 percent discount on selected flights to and from Abu Dhabi. The promotion applies to bookings for travel between 1 May and 30 June 2025, providing travellers with the opportunity to experience a variety of vibrant and culturally rich destinations at even more affordable rates. The discounted fares are now available for booking through and the Wizz Air mobile application. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, stated: "At Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, we are committed to offering affordable, high-quality travel options that enable more people to explore new destinations and create lasting memories. Our 15 percent summer discount underscores our dedication to providing exceptional value to our customers while supporting the continued growth of Abu Dhabi as a leading travel hub. We look forward to welcoming more travellers on board and delivering outstanding experiences across our diverse network." Travellers are encouraged to secure their bookings promptly to take advantage of this limited time offer and explore the world with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. * This promotion applies on bookings made from 1 May to 30 June 2025 from 00.00 till 23.59 CEST ('Promotional period'). The 15% discount applies to selected flights. The promotion applies only to bookings made on or on the WIZZ mobile app. * About Wizz Air Abu Dhabi: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the national carrier of the UAE, is a joint venture by ADQ, one of the region's largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi's diversified economy, and Wizz Air Holdings Plc, the fastest growing European ultra-low-cost airline, operating a fleet of 230 –Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. Strategically located in the UAE, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is the ultra-low-cost carrier of the region, carrying the flag of affordable and safe travel for all passengers. As part of Wizz Air Holdings Plc, based in Europe and the UK, it contributes to the group's success of carrying 62.8 million passengers across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in Financial Year 2024, ending 31 March Air is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker WIZZ. The airline was recently named one of the world's ten safest airlines by the world's only safety and product rating agency, and named Airline of the Year by Air Transport Awards in 2019 and 2023. Wizz Air has also been recognised as 'Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline' within the World Finance Sustainability Awards in 2021-2024, as 'Airline Group of the Year for Global Environmental Sustainability' by CAPA-Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence in 2022-2023 and "EMEA's most Environmental Sustainability Airline Group of the Year" by the CAPA-Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence 2024. For more information: Alexa Weber; Wizz Air Group; communications@ Follow us on Instagram: @wizzair Follow us on Facebook: @wizzair Follow us on Twitter: @wizzair Press Office: E-mail: wizzair@
USA Today
01-04-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Korean Air won airline of the year for 2025. Here's what it's like to travel with them.
Korean Air won airline of the year for 2025. Here's what it's like to travel with them. Show Caption Hide Caption What are airplane liveries and why are they important in aviation design? What are airplane liveries? Exploring the art and purpose of airline aircraft designs. Korean Air was named Airline of the Year for 2025 by receiving high praise for its economy class service. Korean Air is focused on evolving its customer experience, implementing a new corporate identity and prioritizing safety, service, and sustainability. The airline is also dedicated to continuous improvement, using customer feedback to refine aspects like seat comfort in economy class. SEOUL, South Korea ― Korean Airlines was named Airline of the Year for 2025 by earlier this year, and got top marks for its economy class service. A few weeks after the awards came out, I had a chance to fly Korean Air in business and first class as a guest of the airline, and explore its new award-winning economy class at its corporate headquarters. And while it can be difficult for airlines to distinguish themselves in economy, where most carriers have similar seats and onboard experiences, I can see why Korean Air got the nod. International airlines are often known for having higher quality inflight experiences than their American counterparts, and although Korean is going through a transition right now, the road ahead looks bright. What flying Korean Air is like Airlines will all get you from point A to point B, so at the very basic level, they all offer the same service. Still, they often set themselves apart with the little touches, and that was certainly true on Korean. My favorite thing about the experience, that let you know what airline you were flying on and set the tone for the whole cabin service experience, was that, just after the boarding door closed, the cabin crew lined up in the aisle and bowed to officially welcome us aboard. That warm, hospitable feeling extended throughout the cabin service where flight attendants in business and first class were extremely attentive, remembering my drink order and careful not to wake me up if I requested more time to sleep during upcoming meal services. Kenneth Chang, Korean Air's executive vice president and chief marketing officer, told me that Korean has always seen itself as a service-first airline. 'After we won, I did sit down and really thought about what changes being made in the past couple of years. I think it's paying attention to details,' he said, adding that all flight attendants go through the same training and start their careers serving the main cabin, which sets the foundation for the service across the plane. One example Chang mentioned is a sticker set Korean air offers on some flights in economy, with 'do not disturb' and 'wake for meals' options that passengers can affix to their seats 'The basis of our DNA in terms of service thinking, the mindset is always going to be the same for everyone,' Chang said. Of course, business and first class passengers benefit from even more elevated service, with more personal touches and nicer amenities. In fact, Korean Air recently overhauled its amenity kits and menus as part of its new corporate identity. On my flight home from Seoul in first class, which featured the new service, I dined on a multi-course feast that included so much food I had to skip the second meal altogether. Still, my octopus over rice was amazing and an open-face smoked salmon sandwich right before landing was a great way to start my day back in New York. How Korean is planning to evolve Korean isn't prepared to rest on its laurels, even with the new accolades. In addition to the new livery it unveiled in March, the airline rolled out a whole new corporate identity, 'the KE Way.' According to Chang, it's a value statement for the airline's future, as it prepares to merge with Asiana, another major Korean carrier. 'We're just very proud of what the future of Korean Air looks like,' he said. The airline plans to redouble its focuses on safety, customer service and sustainability. Cruising Altitude: What Korean Air's new livery says about the airline As one example, Chang said, the airline tweaked the meal service on some of its shorter flights, moving from hot food to pre-prepared meals on some inter-Asia services, so that passengers and crews wouldn't feel as rushed. While that may sound like a step back, Chang said customer satisfaction scores actually improved after the change, because flight attendants were able to interact with customers more personally when they had easier-to-serve meals. Korean Air economy class Although I didn't sit in economy class on either of my Korean Air flights, I did have a chance to test out the seats and cabin on one of the airline's newest planes, and I can see why it's award-winning. The seats themselves are spacious – Korean prides itself on having the most legroom among its competitors – and the service plan seemed on-par for other major international carriers. Chang said Korean put more thought than ever into its latest generation economy seats, and has been tweaking the design now that it's in service in response to customer feedback. 'I actually went and I took a trip to Vancouver sitting in 57D,' Chang said, to evaluate some comments about seat padding himself on the nearly 10-hour flight. The result: he agreed with customers that the economy seats on Korean's newest planes were too firm, and the airline re-engineered them to be more comfortable as more get added to the fleet. He acknowledged it will take time to retrofit seats that are already flying. 'It's everyone's job to come up with ways to improve,' he said. The reporter on this story received access from Korean Air. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@
28-02-2025
- Business
flydubai Shines at Aviation Achievement Awards with Two Major Honors
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has been recognized for its excellence in the aviation industry, winning two prestigious awards at the annual Aviation Achievement Awards. The airline secured the coveted 'Airline of the Year' title for the second consecutive year and also took home the 'Trailblazer Award for Outstanding New Service Launch.' Francois Oberholzer, CFO at flydubai, along with Rashid Albashri, Vice President of Cargo, and Diana Sinclair, Vice President of Inflight Experience, were present at the awards ceremony in Dubai to accept the accolades. The event brought together key figures from the travel and aviation sectors, celebrating the airline's remarkable growth and commitment to innovation. flydubai's success stems from its expanding global network and constant investment in improving the customer experience. Oberholzer expressed pride in the recognition, emphasizing the airline's dedication to customer-centric innovation. He highlighted the carrier's growth, which includes a fleet expansion and new service enhancements, reinforcing flydubai's mission to elevate the travel experience and solidify Dubai's role as a global aviation hub. As part of its ongoing commitment to service improvement, flydubai has made significant strides in 2024. The airline launched a multimillion-dollar retrofit program in January, aimed at refreshing the cabins of its 25 Next-Generation Boeing 737 aircraft. In October, the airline unveiled a new Business Class check-in area, and by December, a new Business Class Lounge at Dubai International's Terminal 2 will be available. flydubai also recently reported its strongest annual results to date, with a record-breaking AED 2.5 billion (USD 674 million) profit before tax for the year ending December 31, 2024. With over 130 destinations across 55 countries and a fleet of 88 Boeing 737s, the airline continues to set new industry benchmarks. News Source: Dubai Media Office
