Latest news with #UAEairlines
Arabian Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE airlines add 15 new destinations as passenger numbers hit 75.4m
UAE airlines have expanded their global footprint with 15 new destinations in the first half of 2025, helping drive passenger numbers at the nation's airports to 75.4 million. The growth cements the country's position as one of the world's leading aviation hubs, with both passenger traffic and air cargo volumes climbing. The UAE's civil aviation sector continued its strong growth trajectory in the first half of 2025, according to the latest performance indicators from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). UAE airports and airlines Airports across the country handled 75.4m passengers between January and June, up 5 per cent from 71.7m in the same period of 2024. January was the busiest month, with more than 13.7m travellers passing through UAE terminals. UAE national airlines strengthened the country's status as a leading global aviation hub, adding 15 new destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East during the first half of the year. New routes included cities in: Russia Czech Republic Poland Armenia Kazakhstan Vietnam Cambodia Turkey Iran Egypt Croatia Ethiopia Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said: 'Thanks to the directives of our wise leadership, the UAE continues to enhance its global and regional standing as an international aviation hub, posting unprecedented growth rates driven by innovative national initiatives and strategies. 'This has significantly strengthened the country's competitiveness and leadership in this vital sector, which today represents a key pillar for driving economic growth, diversifying income sources, and supporting trade, tourism, investment, and job creation across all aviation-linked sectors. 'The performance indicators for the first half of 2025 reflect the resilience and sustainability of the aviation sector, as well as the competitiveness of the UAE's airports, national carriers, and air navigation services. 'We see aviation as a bridge connecting the UAE to the world and a key enabler for achieving our long-term economic objectives. 'We will continue working to expand the country's air connectivity with global markets, supported by a flexible and advanced regulatory framework, ambitious open skies policies, and ongoing infrastructure development plans.' Air traffic movements totalled 531,000 in H1 2025, up 6.2 per cent from nearly 500,000 in the same period last year. Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Mumbai, and Bahrain were the busiest destinations for weekly flights to and from the UAE. The country's airports handled more than 2.2m tonnes of air cargo, an increase of 4.74 per cent year-on-year, with national carriers responsible for 67 per cent of the total freight volume. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, said: 'Thanks to the guidance and unwavering support of our wise leadership, the aviation sector is advancing steadily towards greater growth and prosperity. 'These positive indicators highlight the strength of our aviation infrastructure and the effectiveness of integrated efforts by all our partners — including airports, airlines, and air navigation service providers. 'We are proud to continue achieving stable growth rates in both passenger and cargo traffic, supported by ambitious development projects to keep pace with this expansion. 'The total passenger handling capacity of the country's airports now exceeds 160 million, and we are confident that the aviation sector will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the national economy, boosting tourism and trade, and reinforcing the UAE's position as a leading air transport hub regionally and globally.' UAE aviation performance – H1 2025 Indicator H1 2025 H1 2024 Per cent change Passenger traffic 75.4m 71.7m +5% Busiest month January – 13.7m passengers – – Air traffic movements 531,000 ~500,000 +6.2% New destinations added 15 – – Air cargo volume 2.2m tonnes 2.1m tonnes +4.74% Cargo share by national carriers 67% – – Top destinations (weekly flights) Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Mumbai, Bahrain – – Total airport passenger handling capacity 160m – –
Arabian Business
23-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
MORE UAE airline flight suspensions: Emirates, flydubai, Etihad and Air Arabia travel latest
UAE airlines, including Emirates and Etihad have announced extensions to suspensions and cancellations of flights as conflict between Israel and Iran impacts airspace and travel. UAE carriers Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia and Emirates have seen more than a week of disruption to services in the region and have issued travel advisories warning of cancelled flights. With flights from UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq still suspended and facing longer disruptions, get the lates travel updates below and check with airlines and updates for live schedules. Emirates suspends some UAE flights Emirates shared an updated list of suspended flights on its website on Monday, June 23. In an official statement, it said: 'Due to the regional situation, Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to: Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until and including Monday 30 June 2025 'We are operating as scheduled to all other destinations. Please check flight status before proceeding to the airport. Customers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq and Iran will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers. We continue to closely monitor developments. The safety of our passengers, employees and operations will always be our top priority'. Etihad suspends some UAE flights Etihad has suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Israel until July 15. In a statement, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier said: 'Etihad has suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) until and including 15 July. 'Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin. Impacted guests are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements. 'This remains a highly dynamic situation, and further changes or disruption, including sudden airspace closures or operational impact, may occur at short notice. Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities and is taking all necessary precautions. 'The safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority, and we regret any inconvenience caused'. Air Arabia suspends some UAE flights Air Arabia has seen major disruption to flights to and from Sharjah. The airline's latest advisory said: 'Due to the current situation and airspace closures, Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the following countries, as follows: Iran: Until and including Monday, June 30 Iraq: Until and including Monday, June 30 Russia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Armenia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Georgia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Azerbaijan: Until and including Monday, June 30 Jordan: Until and including Thursday, June 26 'Several other flights are experiencing delays or rerouting as a result. Passengers connecting through Sharjah or Abu Dhabi with final destinations in any of the above flights will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further update'. flydubai suspends some UAE flights UAE-carrier flydubai shared an updated list of suspended flights. As of July 23, flydubai said: 'Due to the current situation and the closure of certain airspace corridors, flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from the following countries and airports until June 30: Iran Iraq Israel Syria St. Petersburg 'Passengers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in any of the above countries or airports will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. 'Passengers departing from or arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB) are encouraged to check their flight status on for the latest updates. Please note that some other flights may be subject to delays or rerouting. 'We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. flydubai continues to monitor the situation closely, the safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority'.
Arabian Business
19-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE airline flight suspensions: flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates travel update
UAE airlines continue to report suspensions and cancellations of flights as conflict between Israel and Iran impacts airspace and travel. UAE carriers Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates have all announced suspended flights and airports have issued travel advisories amid closed air space and disrupted travel routes in the region. Flights from the UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq have been suspended. See the latest travel news below and check with airlines and updates for live updates. Etihad suspends some UAE flights In its most recent travel update Etihad shared details of extended flight suspensions on key routes. It said: 'Due to the ongoing airspace closures and the regional situation, Etihad has suspended all flights between: Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) until and including June 30 Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Amman (AMM) until and including June 20 'Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin. 'Impacted guests are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements. 'This remains an evolving situation, and further changes or disruptions may occur. Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities. 'The safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority, and we regret any inconvenience caused'. Etihad also stated that flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Beirut, (BEY) will be operating on June 21 with the following flights on a revised flight schedule for operational reasons: EY581: Departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 10am, arrives Beirut (BEY) at 1.10pm EY582: Departs Beirut (BEY) at 2.05pm, arrives Abu Dhabi (AUH) at EY583: Departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 2pm, arrives Beirut (BEY) at 5.05pm EY584: Departs Beirut (BEY) at 6pm, arrives Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 10.55pm Air Arabia suspends some UAE flights Air Arabia extended the suspension of flights to various locations until up to June 30. The prolonged suspension applies to flights from the UAE to at least seven countries. Air Arabia said: 'Due to the current situation and airspace closures, Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the following countries, as follows: Iran: Until and including Monday, June 30 Iraq: Until and including Monday, June 30 Russia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Armenia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Georgia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Azerbaijan: Until and including Monday, June 30 Jordan: Until and including Friday, June 20 'Several other flights are experiencing delays or rerouting as a result. Passengers connecting through Sharjah or Abu Dhabi with final destinations in any of the above flights will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further update. flydubai suspends some UAE flights Dubai's flydubai joined other airlines in extending flight suspensions. A statement from the carrier revealed an adjusted suspension timetable. Flydubai said: 'Due to the current situation and the closure of certain airspace corridors, flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from the following countries and airports until June 30: Iran Iraq Israel Syria 'Passengers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in any of the above countries or airports will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. 'Passengers departing from or arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB) are encouraged to check their flight status on for the latest updates. 'Please note that some other flights may be subject to delays or rerouting. 'We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. flydubai continues to monitor the situation closely, the safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority. Emirates suspends some UAE flights Emirates is still listing suspended flights on its website, with continued disruption to Jordan, Lebanon, Iran and Iraq journeys. The travel update from the Dubai carrier said: 'Due to the regional situation, Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to: Jordan (Amman) and Lebanon (Beirut), until and including Sunday, June 22 Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until and including Monday, June 30 'Customers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon; and customers with onwards flydubai connections to suspended destinations will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice'. The airline added that customers impacted by flight cancellations should contact their travel agency for rebooking. Customers departing or arriving at Dubai International Airport were advised to check their flight status on for the latest information. Emirates said: 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers. We continue to closely monitor developments. The safety of our passengers, employees and operations will always be our top priority'.
Gulf Business
18-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Flying to or from UAE airports? What travellers should know amid regional airspace closures
Image: Dubai Airports/ For illustrative purposes Travelling to or through the UAE anytime soon? Despite recent regional tensions and resulting airspace The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has confirmed it is in full control of the situation. From the moment disruptions unfolded, the authority activated a comprehensive emergency business continuity plan — designed specifically to ensure round-the-clock operations at all UAE airports. That means minimal delays and no compromise on service quality. Travellers will benefit from a robust support system that includes closely coordinated efforts between the ICP and all airport operational entities. So whether you're departing, transiting, or arriving in the country, expect smooth passenger movement, constant communication, and teams on standby 24/7 to assist. ICP has partnered with UAE airlines to ensure timely updates Even in the case of flight disruptions or delays, For those affected by diversions or extended stays, the authority has rolled out support services such as temporary accommodation and logistical assistance, all coordinated with strategic partners. At the airport, travellers will also notice the presence of specialised field teams. These qualified personnel have been deployed to ensure seamless immigration processes, help direct passengers, and maintain operational readiness at all hours. Importantly, a new streamlined system for passenger entry into the country's airports is now live — designed to match evolving conditions on the ground while keeping things efficient and stress-free for travellers. According to a WAM report, the ICP thanked passengers for their patience and understanding, and reiterated its dedication to their security. 'These actions reflect the UAE's authentic values, proactive service standards, and world-class crisis and emergency management plans,' it said, reaffirming that safety and service will always remain top priorities.
Arabian Business
17-06-2025
- Arabian Business
UAE airline flight suspension update: Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates travel latest
UAE airlines are seeing ongoing suspensions and cancellations of flights amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Closures to air space have seen airlines including Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates suspend flights and airports issue travel advisories. Selected flights from UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq have been suspended. See the latest travel news below and check with airlines and updates for live updates. Etihad suspends some UAE flights Etihad shared a travel update with details of further flight suspensions. In a statement on its website, the UAE national carrier carrier said: 'Flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV) have been cancelled until June 22. 'Etihad continues to experience disruption to several services due to airspace closures and the ongoing regional situation. 'Additionally, Etihad continues to re-route several flights in response to restricted airspace in parts of the Middle East. Etihad is closely monitoring airspace and security updates in coordination with the relevant authorities. 'This remains a developing situation, and some disruption and delays may be expected in the coming days. 'Travellers are advised to check the latest flight status at via the mobile app, or by contacting the Etihad Airways Contact Centre at +971 600 555 666 (UAE). 'Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin. Impacted guests are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements. 'The safety of our guests and crew remains our highest priority, and we regret any inconvenience caused'. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport advised passengers to expect disruption through to Friday, June 20. In a statement, the airport said: 'Flight services are being gradually restored, however some disruptions are expected to continue through to Friday, 20 June. 'Passengers are advised to continue checking with their airlines for the latest information before travelling to the airport. We appreciate your patience and understanding'. Air Arabia suspends some UAE flights Air Arabia said it would suspend flights in various locations until up to June 30. In a travel advisory it said: 'Due to the current situation and airspace closures, Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the following countries, as follows: Iran: Until and including Monday, June 30, 2025 Iraq: Until and including Monday, June 30, 2025 Jordan: Until and including Friday, June 20, 2025 Russia: Until and including Friday, June 20, 2025 Lebanon: Until and including Tuesday, June 17, 2025 'Several other flights are experiencing delays or rerouting as a result. 'Passengers connecting through Sharjah or Abu Dhabi with final destinations in any of the above flights will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further update.' flydubai suspends some UAE flights Dubai's flydubai issued an updated travel advisory with adjusted suspension timetables on Monday. In a statement on its website, the carrier said: 'Due to the current situation and the closure of certain airspace corridors, flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from the following countries and airports: Until June 16: Jordan, Lebanon Until June 17: Minsk, St. Petersburg Until June 20: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria 'Passengers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in any of the above countries or airports will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. 'Passengers departing from or arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB) are encouraged to check their flight status on for the latest updates. Please note that some other flights may be subject to delays or rerouting. 'We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. flydubai continues to monitor the situation closely, the safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority'. Meanwhile, Dubai Airports shared a travel warning on social media. It said: 'UPDATE: Due to recent airspace closures, flights operating out of #DXB and #DWC – Al Maktoum International may experience disruptions. 'Please check with your airline for the latest flight status before heading to the airport'. Emirates suspends some UAE flights Emirates flight suspensions are ongoing, with flights to Jordan, Lebanon, Iran and Iraq remaining in place. The UAE carrier's most recent travel update said: 'Due to the regional situation, Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to: Jordan (Amman) and Lebanon (Beirut), until and including Sunday, June 22 Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until and including Monday, June 30 'Customers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon; and customers with onwards flydubai connections to suspended destinations will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice'. The airline added that customers impacted by flight cancellations should contact their travel agency for rebooking. Customers departing or arriving at Dubai International Airport were advised to check their flight status on for the latest information. Emirates said: 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers. We continue to closely monitor developments. The safety of our passengers, employees and operations will always be our top priority'.
