Middle East & North Africa

The Saudi International Airshow is set to go ahead on February 16-18, 2021, despite Covid-19 and several months of slow business.

Saudi Arabia is to resume some domestic flights from Sunday as it eases restriction measures.

A project to convert an Airbus A220 into a VVIP or head of state aircraft, targeted for the Middle East market has been announced by a partnership of leading aviation management and design businesses.

CAE, the Canadian simulator manufacturer and training specialist says its defence business has seen delays in contract awards due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the drop in oil prices which has affected sales prospects in the Middle East.

Tom Peaford, an A320 senior first officer, looks at the issues affecting flight crews as airlines begin the return to service.

Gulf Air has successfully imported 82 tons of medical supplies from India with partner medical suppliers.

The region’s largest airline, Emirates, is underway with its staff cuts as employees were called into the Dubai head office and training centre today to be issued with formal dismissal letters.

Some 1500 ‘foreign staff’ are to lose their jobs with Kuwait Airways. The airline has not yet said which departments will be affected.

Emirates has received approvals to carry passengers on flights to Kabul in Afghanistan, starting from 25 June.

Etihad Guest has launched a new mobile application which allows UAE-based members to spend their miles seamlessly at selected malls in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Lebanon's Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport will reopen to international movements, the transport minister announced today.

Dubai-based A320 pilot Tom Peaford looks at the changing world for airline pilots and manages expectations.

Etihad Airways has operated its first ever flight from Abu Dhabi to San Jose, capital of Costa Rica.

Global technology giant Honeywell has taken a step into the future with the formation of a new business unit dedicated to the growing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and urban air mobility (UAM) industries.

Strata Manufacturing (Strata) has completed works on the Strata Solvay Advanced Materials (SSAM) high-tech facility in Al Ain, a joint venture with Solvay, Belgium’s materials and chemicals company.

Etihad Airways, together with its partner Manchester City, have unveiled a bespoke match-day jersey in recognition of the global efforts to begin recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.

Baghdad Airport came under rocket attack early this morning. According to a statement from the Iraq military there were no casualties.

Flydubai’s has been making preparations for the airline’s commercial return to service following the coronavirus pandemic.

Turkey’s indigenous medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV, Bayraktar, has hit a major milestone as the country’s defence industry announced achieving 200,000 hours of operation.

Business and private aviation is back for the UAE. After a 12-week ban on the sector across the emirates, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has lifted the restrictions.

Emirates has resumed flights for passengers between Manchester Airport and Dubai International Airport.

Effective 20 June, Etihad Airways will operate twice-weekly scheduled services for outbound passengers from Colombo to key destinations on its global network via Abu Dhabi.

IATA and the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific are joining the International Civil Aviation Organization Middle East (ICAO MID) in urging governments of the Middle East to implement ICAO’s global guidelines for restoring safe air connectivity.

Sabeti Wain Aerospace, which dominates the Middle East region with its aircraft seating covers, has developed a seat safety product for airlines to consider.

Marhaba, Dnata's airport hospitality brand, has enhanced its offering to help Dubai passengers enjoy a safe, seamless and worry-free travel experience throughout their journey.