Middle East & North Africa

UAE-based LCC Air Arabia was able to remain profitable during the first half of the year, which was largely impacted by the regional conflict in the Middle East.

The U.S. Army is taking steps to better protect the air defense soldiers and systems that have come under attack in the Middle East.

Jazeera Airways reports a 10.3% drop in first half profit due to Kuwait airport closure but sees 13.4% revenue growth from strong demand and Hajj traffic.

Fly Baghdad resumes operations after U.S. lifts sanctions, ending a two-year grounding and allowing the airline to rebuild its network and partnerships.

Ryanair is expanding its presence in Morocco during the northern winter 2026-27 season.

Ahmed Mohamed Janahi becomes CEO of Bahrain Airport Company as BIA recovers capacity, with Gulf Air dominating the market at 75.1% share.

Oman Air Cargo expands its network with five new routes, boosting connectivity to Singapore, Tashkent, Sochi, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Emirates and SAA expand codeshare deal, adding nine new African routes and enhancing connectivity across South Africa and neighboring countries.

Royal Jordanian Airlines remained profitable in the first half of 2026 despite mounting cost pressures and regional instability, with government support for rising fuel prices.

Etihad Airways and Nigeria's Air Peace have signed an interline agreement expanding travel options across Nigeria, West Africa and Central Africa, deepening links between the UAE and the continent.

Emirates Airline President Tim Clark says the airline’s owners are “absolutely determined” to continue as normal despite the restart of the Iran war.

Beond and Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program agree to explore nonstop premium flights to Red Sea International Airport from five European cities.

SolitAir secures UK TCO certification, expanding its cargo network to the UK and beyond with plans to grow its fleet to 20 aircraft by 2027.

The Helicopter Company is moving into fixed-wing business aviation after signing a pact with Bombardier for up to 60 jets, marking the Canadian manufacturer's entry into Saudi Arabia and a strategic shift for the local operator.

Airbus anticipates more Gulf or Middle East airlines opting for long-range versions of its A321 as the variants become established in the region.

Saudi developer Red Sea Global expands AlWajh Airport, boosting capacity and integrating advanced systems to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aviation goals.

Middle East airlines recover capacity after airspace closures but renewed military tensions and restrictions threaten the region’s fragile rebound.

Dubai has certified the world’s first commercial vertiport for electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft, paving the way for Joby to launch operations.

K2 Airways 737 freighter crashes in Arabian Sea after navigation issue, with wreckage found and search ongoing for missing crew members.

Fastjet has strengthened its regional and international network through two new strategic partnerships with Euroairlines and Etihad Airways.

The Dammam route is the latest step in FlyAden’s growth since launching operations in November 2025 with a wet-leased Boeing 737-800.

Saudia Cargo is expanding its dedicated freighter fleet with four Boeing 777-200 aircraft as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Saudi researchers develop a laser sensor to detect early lithium-ion battery overheating, offering potential safety applications in air cargo and aviation.

Air Arabia has begun twice-daily nonstop flights between Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates and London Gatwick Airport.

DAE and Neuberger Specialty Finance launch Mustang Aerospace to invest $6 billion in aircraft assets, aiming to build a major leasing franchise.