COVID-19: Middle East and Africa market update (w/e April 26)

By David Casey Apr 28, 2020
Routes' latest update on how airlines and airports across the Middle East and Africa are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Airports & Networks

Where does the Airbus A380 fly? Latest network update

By David Casey Dec 31, 2019
Routesonline provides an update on the operations of the Airbus A380. We also reveal the network size of each operator and the top destinations served by the aircraft type.
Airports & Networks

Diplomatic crisis 'will not block Qatar Airways' growth'

Jul 26, 2018
Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar al Baker lifts the lid on the impact of the year-long blockade by four neighbouring states, saying the International Civil Aviation Organisation must do more to reopen the skies. But he remains hopeful the airline will hit its target of operating 250 routes by 2022.
Airports & Networks

Aviation to play a major role in Middle East diversification

Jun 20, 2018
Investment in infrastructure and tourism offerings continues at pace across the Middle East, from major airport projects to new coastal resorts – and there is huge potential for the aviation industry.
Airports & Networks

Gulf Air to drive a winning formula

Jun 07, 2018
After a long period with a declining presence in the region, Gulf Air is spoiling for a comeback. Chief executive Krešimir Kučko explains more about the European and North American ambitions of Bahrain’s state-owned carrier.
Airports & Networks

Ryanair targets Jordan in Middle East expansion

By David Casey Feb 05, 2018
Ryanair is set to enter the Jordanian market from next month as the Irish low-cost carrier further expands its operations in the Middle East.
Airports & Networks

Upcoming route development courses with ASM

Dec 21, 2017
ASM is hosting two of its flagship courses, The Fundamentals of Route Development and Route Traffic Forecasting Data Tools & Techniques in London this spring.
Airports & Networks

2018 route development courses with ASM

Dec 14, 2017
ASM offers the world’s most comprehensive route development training program, specifically tailored for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Airports & Networks

Route rundown: LTN-LWO, DOH-SKG, LKO-SHJ

Nov 24, 2017
This week: Qatar Airways bolsters presence in the Greek market and low-cost Indian carrier Indigo adds Middle East flights.
Airports & Networks

Boeing strikes back at Airbus’ record $50bn order

By David Casey Nov 15, 2017
Airbus has sealed a record $50bn order at the Dubai Air Show, one of the largest commercial plane deals in history, but Boeing has hit back with a $27bn agreement of its own.
Airports & Networks

Emirates places huge Boeing order but keeps Airbus waiting

By David Casey Nov 13, 2017
Emirates has agreed to buy 40 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners at the start of the biennial Dubai Air Show as the wait for new Airbus A380 orders goes on.
Airports & Networks

Upcoming route development courses with ASM

Nov 09, 2017
ASM is hosting two of its flagship courses in December, set against the backdrop of the world-famous Manchester Christmas markets.
Airports & Networks

ASM launches 2018 EMEA training programme

Oct 19, 2017
Introducing the world’s most comprehensive air service development training programme, specifically tailored for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Airports & Networks

Qatar Airways expands Vietnam focus as Vietjet eyes long-haul

By David Casey Oct 10, 2017
Qatar Airways and Vietjet have entered an interline partnership, while the latter is hoping to expand into long-haul low-cost.
Airports & Networks

Qatar seeks to stimulate air traffic amid Gulf boycott

By David Casey Aug 10, 2017
Sanctions-hit Qatar has announced a programme to allow visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries as it seeks to encourage air transport.
Airports & Networks

Low-cost appeal remains strong for Air Arabia

By David Casey Aug 08, 2017
Fourteen years after first taking to the skies, there appears to be no slowdown in demand for Air Arabia’s low-cost model across the Middle East and North Africa.
Airports & Networks

Iran orders rising despite backdrop of increased tension with Trump’s USA

Jun 13, 2017
Rising political tensions between the US and Iran threaten to the growing relationships which were promising to bring Iranian aviation into the global community
Airports & Networks

Qatar Airways slams diplomatic situation and declares itself “aviation powerhouse” with impressive results

By Wesley Charnock Jun 12, 2017
Huge profit and revenue rises at carrier, while CEO gives robust response to neighbours
Airports & Networks

Diplomatic row hits Qatar connectivity

By Wesley Charnock Jun 05, 2017
Qatar and its national carrier face airspace and route closures
Airports & Networks

SaudiGulf agrees potential deal for to 16 widebody Boeing aircraft

By Wesley Charnock May 22, 2017
President Trump's visit to Kingdom triggers contract announcement
Airports & Networks

New routes, Asian growth and financial challenges - Etihad's Peter Baumgartner discusses the airline's future

By Wesley Charnock May 17, 2017
Etihad CEO outlines what lies in store for the airline
Airports & Networks

From Cardiff to California… Qatar Airways outlines more new routes for 2018

By Richard Maslen Apr 27, 2017
While its rivals Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways are looking closely at the sustainability of their business models, Qatar Airways shows no signs of slowing its incredible network growth and surprised guests at this year’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai this week by revealing an additional 12 new markets that should see the airline service in 2018.
Airports & Networks

Air travel continues to defy global challenges

By Richard Maslen Apr 27, 2017
Long-haul arrivals in Western Europe are on the increase – showing its resilience in the face of last year’s terror attacks. It has taken over a year to recover, but long-haul arrivals are starting to surge again, reaching visitor numbers higher than those seen before the Paris attack in November 2015, reports ForwardKeys.
Airports & Networks

Emirates cuts USA capacity as Trump tactics exacerbate already softening demand

By Richard Maslen Apr 19, 2017
Gulf carrier Emirates Airline is cutting back on its schedules to the United States of America, blaming policies introduced by President Trump's administration for hurting bookings. Daily flights from Dubai to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando will be cut to five a week. Flights to Seattle, Boston and Los Angeles will now be once a day, instead of twice.
Airports & Networks

A crystal clear opportunity for luxury charters

By Richard Maslen Apr 13, 2017
In one of the most significant brand expansion in the history of luxury travel and hospitality, Crystal Cruises is not only introducing new ships to its fleet effectively establishing three brand new classes of cruising, but also inducting two commercial airliners to launch Crystal Luxury Air in 2017.
Airports & Networks