Qatar Airways has taken a significant step in revitalizing air travel across the Middle East by fully resuming its operations to Iraq and Syria while restoring its complete flight schedule to Lebanon and Jordan. This extensive network reinstatement comes amid improving geopolitical stability and easing of airspace restrictions that had previously forced the airline to suspend or reduce services to these key destinations.

The move not only reflects Qatar Airways’ confidence in the region’s security environment but also underscores its commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting economic recovery, and facilitating cultural exchange throughout the Levant and Mesopotamian corridors. With the summer travel season underway, the airline aims to meet rising passenger demand by offering increased frequencies, modern aircraft, and flexible schedules that cater to both business and leisure travelers.

This development is also aligned with Qatar’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub through Hamad International Airport, which serves as a vital gateway linking Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Iraq:
The airline has relaunched service to five Iraqi cities:

• Baghdad International Airport (BGW):

  • 13 weekly flights from June 30, increasing to 16 from July 8.

  • Two daily flights:

    • QR442 departs Doha at 18:40, arrives Baghdad at 20:45; return QR443 departs Baghdad at 21:55, arrives Doha at 00:05.

    • QR444 departs Doha at 08:10 (except Saturdays), arrives Baghdad at 10:15; return QR445 departs Baghdad at 11:45, arrives Doha at 13:55.

  • Additional flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (QR458/QR459) from July 8123.

• Erbil International Airport (EBL):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 1, with three extra weekly flights beginning July 9.

  • QR450 departs Doha at 18:35, arrives Erbil at 21:00; return QR451 departs Erbil at 22:00, arrives Doha at 00:25.

  • Additional flights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (QR454/QR455) from July 912.

• Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 2.

  • QR436 departs Doha at 00:55, arrives Sulaymaniyah at 03:25; return QR437 departs Sulaymaniyah at 04:25, arrives Doha at 06:40123.

• Al Najaf International Airport (NJF):

  • Five weekly flights from July 2 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).

  • QR460 departs Doha at 19:10, arrives Najaf at 21:05; return QR461 departs Najaf at 22:10, arrives Doha at 00:1013.

• Basra International Airport (BSR):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 3.

  • QR448 departs Doha at 08:20, arrives Basra at 09:50; return QR449 departs Basra at 11:20, arrives Doha at 12:4513.

Syria:

• Damascus International Airport (DAM):

  • Daily flights resume July 6 (QR410 departs Doha at 09:05, arrives Damascus at 12:00; return QR411 departs Damascus at 14:00, arrives Doha at 16:50).

  • From July 15, service increases to 14 weekly flights with an additional daily rotation (QR412/QR413)13.

Lebanon:

• Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY):

  • Service increases from 14 to 21 weekly flights starting July 1, with three daily departures.

  • Example: QR418 departs Doha at 21:00, arrives Beirut at 00:10; return QR419 departs Beirut at 01:40, arrives Doha at 04:4513.

Jordan:

• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM):

  • Service also increases to 21 weekly flights from July 1, with three daily departures

Qatar Airways has advised passengers to check the latest flight schedules and travel alerts on its website, as some departure times may have changed to ensure operational reliability and passenger safety. The airline’s resumption of these routes is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and support economic, cultural, and humanitarian links across the region. Flights to Iran remain suspended, with updates to be provided as the situation evolves

Oman Air has officially joined the oneworld alliance as its 15th member, effective July 1, 2025, significantly expanding the alliance’s footprint in the Middle East and providing travelers with enhanced connectivity and premium benefits. With its hub at Muscat International Airport, Oman Air connects 42 destinations across 22 countries, including key routes in the Middle East, Far East, Africa, and Europe.

The airline’s recent launch of a nonstop Muscat–Amsterdam service exemplifies its commitment to growing its international network and offering more gateways for travelers to and from Europe.

As a full oneworld member, Oman Air now provides reciprocal benefits to frequent flyers across the alliance. Oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby status holders can earn and redeem miles, enjoy priority check-in and boarding, and access nearly 700 airport lounges worldwide, including newly opened oneworld-branded lounges at Amsterdam Schiphol and Seoul Incheon.

Oman Air’s own Sindbad loyalty program members will similarly benefit from alliance-wide privileges, with the ability to accrue and spend miles on all oneworld carriers and enjoy tier-based perks when flying with partner airlines.

Oman Air stands out for its premium service, operating a modern fleet of Boeing 737s and 787 Dreamliners configured in two or three classes, including its acclaimed Business Studio private suites on long-haul flights. The airline has received multiple accolades, such as Best Food & Beverage and Best Cabin Service in the Middle East at the 2025 APEX Awards, and was recognized as one of only ten airlines globally to achieve the APEX WORLD CLASS by YATES+ status, including for its Business Class Lounge at Muscat.

CEO Con Korfiatis emphasized that joining oneworld aligns with Oman Air’s vision to offer world-class hospitality and seamless travel experiences, inviting global travelers to discover Oman’s rich culture, landscapes, and hospitality. For the alliance, Oman Air’s membership not only strengthens its premium positioning but also provides strategic reach across the Gulf and South Asia, complementing the existing network of major carriers like Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian.

Despite the expanded benefits, some limitations remain: Oman Air’s First Lounge is currently closed, and certain Economy Saver fares may not qualify for additional baggage allowance, mirroring the rules in Oman Air’s own Sindbad program. Nevertheless, the integration is expected to deliver substantial value to both Oman Air and oneworld customers, making Oman and its national carrier more accessible and attractive for international travelers.

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines have launched daily nonstop flights between Manila and Doha as part of a new strategic partnership, with the inaugural codeshare flight celebrated at Hamad International Airport on June 30, 2025. The collaboration officially began on June 16, 2025, with Philippine Airlines operating the service using its long-range Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering 18 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 341 seats in Economy Class.

Flights depart Manila at 18:50, arriving in Doha at 23:40, while the return leg leaves Doha at 01:30, reaching Manila at 16:15, enabling smooth connections to Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations across Africa, the Americas, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East via Hamad International Airport, which was named the Middle East’s Best Airport by Skytrax in 2025.

The partnership also enhances connectivity for travelers from key markets such as Brazil, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, offering greater flexibility and seamless travel options.

The launch event was attended by senior executives from both airlines, including Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall and Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori, who highlighted the partnership’s role in strengthening economic, tourism, and cultural ties between the Philippines and Qatar, as well as providing improved travel options for overseas Filipino workers and their families.

Both airlines plan to explore further collaboration, including expanded codeshare destinations and frequent flyer cooperation, aiming to maximize fleet efficiency and enhance passenger convenience through integrated schedules and check-ins.

Qatar Airways already serves four cities in the Philippines—Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao—while Philippine Airlines connects to 31 domestic and 38 international destinations, making this partnership a significant step in boosting access and connectivity for travelers in both regions.

Qatar Airways has taken a significant step in revitalizing air travel across the Middle East by fully resuming its operations to Iraq and Syria while restoring its complete flight schedule to Lebanon and Jordan. This extensive network reinstatement comes amid improving geopolitical stability and easing of airspace restrictions that had previously forced the airline to suspend or reduce services to these key destinations.

The move not only reflects Qatar Airways’ confidence in the region’s security environment but also underscores its commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting economic recovery, and facilitating cultural exchange throughout the Levant and Mesopotamian corridors. With the summer travel season underway, the airline aims to meet rising passenger demand by offering increased frequencies, modern aircraft, and flexible schedules that cater to both business and leisure travelers.

This development is also aligned with Qatar’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub through Hamad International Airport, which serves as a vital gateway linking Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Iraq:
The airline has relaunched service to five Iraqi cities:

• Baghdad International Airport (BGW):

  • 13 weekly flights from June 30, increasing to 16 from July 8.

  • Two daily flights:

    • QR442 departs Doha at 18:40, arrives Baghdad at 20:45; return QR443 departs Baghdad at 21:55, arrives Doha at 00:05.

    • QR444 departs Doha at 08:10 (except Saturdays), arrives Baghdad at 10:15; return QR445 departs Baghdad at 11:45, arrives Doha at 13:55.

  • Additional flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (QR458/QR459) from July 8123.

• Erbil International Airport (EBL):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 1, with three extra weekly flights beginning July 9.

  • QR450 departs Doha at 18:35, arrives Erbil at 21:00; return QR451 departs Erbil at 22:00, arrives Doha at 00:25.

  • Additional flights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (QR454/QR455) from July 912.

• Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 2.

  • QR436 departs Doha at 00:55, arrives Sulaymaniyah at 03:25; return QR437 departs Sulaymaniyah at 04:25, arrives Doha at 06:40123.

• Al Najaf International Airport (NJF):

  • Five weekly flights from July 2 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).

  • QR460 departs Doha at 19:10, arrives Najaf at 21:05; return QR461 departs Najaf at 22:10, arrives Doha at 00:1013.

• Basra International Airport (BSR):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 3.

  • QR448 departs Doha at 08:20, arrives Basra at 09:50; return QR449 departs Basra at 11:20, arrives Doha at 12:4513.

Syria:

• Damascus International Airport (DAM):

  • Daily flights resume July 6 (QR410 departs Doha at 09:05, arrives Damascus at 12:00; return QR411 departs Damascus at 14:00, arrives Doha at 16:50).

  • From July 15, service increases to 14 weekly flights with an additional daily rotation (QR412/QR413)13.

Lebanon:

• Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY):

  • Service increases from 14 to 21 weekly flights starting July 1, with three daily departures.

  • Example: QR418 departs Doha at 21:00, arrives Beirut at 00:10; return QR419 departs Beirut at 01:40, arrives Doha at 04:4513.

Jordan:

• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM):

  • Service also increases to 21 weekly flights from July 1, with three daily departures

Qatar Airways has advised passengers to check the latest flight schedules and travel alerts on its website, as some departure times may have changed to ensure operational reliability and passenger safety. The airline’s resumption of these routes is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and support economic, cultural, and humanitarian links across the region. Flights to Iran remain suspended, with updates to be provided as the situation evolves

Etihad Airways is preparing for a record-breaking summer, expecting to welcome over seven million travelers through Zayed International Airport. This surge is part of a broader trend, as the airline carried 8.4 million passengers in the first five months of 2025, marking a 17% increase compared to the same period last year.

In May alone, Etihad transported 1.7 million passengers—a 19% year-on-year rise—while maintaining a high passenger load factor of 87%, demonstrating its ability to efficiently manage increased demand without sacrificing service quality.

To accommodate this growth, Etihad has expanded its operating fleet to 100 aircraft and increased the number of destinations served to 72, up from 68 in the previous year. The airline has also introduced an enhanced summer schedule, featuring double-daily flights to major European cities such as Paris, Milan, Rome, Manchester, and Frankfurt, as well as increased frequencies to other popular destinations like Bali and Sydney.

These schedule enhancements are designed to offer travelers greater flexibility, with conveniently timed departures and arrivals that cater to both leisure and business passengers.

Etihad’s strategic expansion is further supported by its commitment to customer experience, including seamless connections through Abu Dhabi and value-added services like a complimentary stopover program, allowing travelers to enjoy up to two free nights at premium hotels in the city.

According to CEO Antonoaldo Neves, these efforts underscore Etihad’s position as the fastest-growing airline in the Middle East and reflect the trust placed in its service by millions of travelers worldwide.

Essential Travel Tips for Guests

To assist travellers, Etihad has outlined a series of essential tips for a hassle-free journey:

1. Stay Informed with Flight Updates

Guests can access real-time flight information via the "Manage My Booking" section on etihad.com or through the Etihad mobile app. This feature allows passengers to view, modify flight details, select seats, and utilize various other services.

2. Early Check-in Recommendations

To minimize wait times, Etihad advises guests to arrive at the airport at least four hours prior to departure during peak periods. The airline offers multiple early check-in options:

• Online Check-in: Opens 30 hours before departure via the website or app, allowing guests to use automated self-service bag drops in the terminal.
• Off-Airport Check-in: Available at several locations, including:
  • Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (24/7)
  • The Fountains, YAS Mall (10 AM - 10 PM)
  • Mussafah (10 AM - 10 PM)
  • Al Ain at Lulu Hypermarket (10 AM - 10 PM)

3. Convenience with Home Check-in

For ultimate convenience, guests can utilize the home check-in service through MORAFIQ, available up to five hours before departure. This service, starting at AED 185, includes baggage check-in, seat selection, and delivery of boarding passes to the guest’s doorstep.

Upon returning to Abu Dhabi, the Land & Leave service allows guests to head straight to their destination while their bags are delivered within three hours.

4. Enhance Pre-Flight Experience

Travellers can enhance their journey by purchasing additional comfort options on the Etihad website. Options include:

• Economy Extra Legroom for more space.
• Neighbour-free Seats available for selection at least 72 hours before departure.
• Lounge Access for First and Business Class guests, purchasable up to 90 minutes before departure.

5. Baggage Allowance

Economy Class passengers are allowed 7kg of carry-on baggage, while First and Business Class guests may carry up to 12kg. Cabin baggage must adhere to size restrictions of 56cm height, 36cm depth, and 23cm width. Additional checked baggage can be purchased at special rates online.

6. US Pre-clearance Facility

Travellers heading to the US must check in at Terminal A at least four hours before their flight. First, Business, and The Residence guests are advised to arrive at the US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility 90 minutes prior, while all other guests should arrive two hours before departure. The facility closes one hour before flight time.

For More Information

For further details and to book your next journey, visit click here or download the Etihad Airways mobile app. As travel demand surges, Etihad Airways is dedicated to providing a superior travel experience for all guests this summer.

In a recent interview with The Australian, Emirates CEO Tim Clark shared insights about the airline's upcoming economy seat design, although he remained tight-lipped about specific features. When asked about the details, Clark humorously declined to elaborate, stating, “I’m not saying how we’re going to do it.”

One concept he mentioned is a "pre-recline" feature, where seats would start off at a slightly reclined angle, providing a more relaxed seating position. However, he acknowledged the challenges this idea presents, calling it "difficult."

Clark also dismissed the notion that wider seats could be the solution to accommodate the growing trend of larger passengers, emphasizing that such changes would not be feasible within current design frameworks. Instead, he indicated that increasing legroom by spacing rows farther apart is not on the table, as this is a design change that any airline could implement with today's technology.

Looking ahead, Clark sees promise in developing taller seats. He suggested that a height increase of four or five inches could lead to significant improvements in passenger comfort, allowing for better positioning of the legs and more effective support. “If you put four or five inches on the height of the seats, what could you play with if you did that?” he pondered.

Furthermore, Clark highlighted the importance of how seats mold to the body, particularly focusing on the comfort of the feet and legs during long-haul flights. He noted that many passengers experience discomfort due to inadequate support, and Emirates is keen to address this issue.

While he acknowledged the constraints posed by financial metrics, Clark expressed optimism that Emirates can enhance the economy class experience. He stated, “We’ve got the usual financial economic metrics to work with, but I still think we can do a lot better in the way we present the comfort of the seat.”

In terms of operational efficiency, Clark pointed out that modern aircraft, such as the A380, are equipped with cameras that could help cabin crew monitor the cabin better, alleviating concerns about visibility when serving passengers seated in the rear.

As Emirates continues to innovate, passengers can expect a thoughtful approach to economy seating that prioritizes comfort and functionality. The airline is committed to enhancing the flying experience, making it more enjoyable for travelers around the world. With these developments on the horizon, Emirates aims to set a new standard in economy travel, blending cutting-edge design with passenger comfort