Etihad Airways has redefined narrowbody air travel with the launch of its all-new A321LR aircraft, featuring the airline’s signature widebody First Class experience for the first time on a single-aisle plane. The inaugural commercial flight EY414 departed Zayed International Airport for Phuket, marking a milestone in luxury short- and medium-haul travel.

This rollout introduces passengers to a cabin designed to mirror the award-winning service and craftsmanship normally found on Etihad’s widebody jets, now accessible on a next-generation narrowbody aircraft. The launch follows the delivery of the first of 30 A321LRs scheduled to join the fleet, each equipped to offer exceptional comfort, refined design, and high-speed connectivity across all classes.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said, “The A321LR symbolises our ambition to deliver extraordinary experiences on every route we serve. It allows us to bring the sophistication of our widebody cabins, including our renowned First experience, to more destinations, and to more travellers, than ever before.”

Widebody Luxury on a Narrowbody PlaneThe A321LR sets a new standard in narrowbody flying with a premium cabin layout that transforms passenger expectations:

• First Suites: Two fully enclosed private suites featuring sliding doors, lie-flat beds, and elegant design. Suites provide space for guests to dine or relax in privacy or with a companion. Amenities include a 20-inch 4K screen, wireless charging, and Bluetooth pairing, complemented by the full Etihad First Class service both onboard and on the ground.
• Business Class: Fourteen spacious seats arranged in a 1-1 herringbone configuration offering direct aisle access and window views. Each seat features 17.3-inch 4K displays, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, generous personal space, and intuitive storage.
• Economy Class: 144 ergonomically designed seats with generous legroom, each equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens, USB charging ports, and Bluetooth headphone pairing. Entertainment options include a rich library of premium films, series, and games.

All cabins are fitted with high-speed Wi-Fi capable of video conferencing, streaming, and gaming, currently rolling out on Asian routes. Enlarged overhead bins further enhance passenger convenience throughout the journey.

The inaugural flight saw strong demand, with all First, Business, and Economy seats sold out, underscoring passenger enthusiasm for this upgraded narrowbody experience.

With the A321LR introduction, Etihad continues to push the boundaries of design innovation and service excellence, expanding its luxury offerings to new markets and providing travelers with unparalleled comfort on shorter routes.

Qatar Airways will begin operating three weekly flights to The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, starting October 21, 2025, marking the airline’s 12th destination within the Kingdom. The new service strengthens Qatar Airways’ commitment to providing diverse and enriching travel experiences through its award-winning hub at Hamad International Airport.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO, stated, “Adding The Red Sea to our network exemplifies our dedication to meeting the demands of discerning global travelers. This unique destination offers a rich array of Middle Eastern experiences, now accessible with the World’s Best Airline.”

John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global Group, welcomed the new route, calling it a significant step toward establishing The Red Sea as a premier luxury destination. He highlighted ongoing developments including new hotels, resorts, an 18-hole championship golf course, and cultural programming aimed at showcasing Saudi Arabia’s heritage and pioneering regenerative tourism.

The Red Sea route will enhance regional travel options, connecting Asia and Europe to Saudi Arabia. Qatar Airways will operate flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, linking Doha (DOH) with The Red Sea International Airport (RSI)—an architecturally inspired airport aiming to serve over a million passengers annually by 2030.

Flight schedule from October 21, 2025:

• Doha to The Red Sea: Flight QR1226, 07:45 departure, 10:45 arrival
• The Red Sea to Doha: Flight QR1227, 11:45 departure, 14:15 arrival

Qatar Airways currently operates more than 130 weekly flights across Saudi Arabia, offering unrivaled connectivity to over 170 global destinations. The airline’s Privilege Club members can earn Avios points on flights, shopping, and dining at Hamad International Airport, redeemable for exclusive travel and lifestyle rewards.

About The Red Sea Global (RSG)

Red Sea Global is a Saudi-based developer specializing in luxury regenerative tourism, real estate, infrastructure, and services. It manages The Red Sea and AMAALA destinations and is advancing sustainable economic diversification for the Kingdom. RSG is also upgrading Al Wajh Airport and supports responsible development aimed at fostering community upliftment and environmental stewardship.

About Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways, named the World’s Best Airline nine times by Skytrax, continues to set global standards for excellence. Recognized for its award-winning business class, lounges, and airport experience, the airline connects passengers worldwide through its home hub, Hamad International Airport—voted the Best Airport in the Middle East for 11 consecutive years. Qatar Airways leads sustainability efforts in aviation, being the first Middle Eastern carrier certified under IATA’s highest environmental standards and committed to combating illegal wildlife trafficking.

Bookings for The Red Sea flights are open via qatarairways.com and the airline’s mobile app, offering travelers seamless access to one of the most breathtaking and luxurious destinations in the Middle East.

Kuwait Airways has announced the relaunch of flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka, beginning October 26, 2025. The national carrier will operate four weekly flights to Colombo on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, reaffirming Colombo’s importance as a key destination for its passengers.

In a press release, Kuwait Airways emphasized that restoring this route reflects the city’s significance to their travel network and their ongoing commitment to expanding global destinations. The airline aims to provide passengers with diverse travel options that fulfill their aspirations while flying with their preferred carrier.

Founded in 1954, Kuwait Airways operates a modern fleet featuring the latest Airbus and Boeing aircraft, equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The airline’s planes offer advanced inflight entertainment systems and seating designed for passenger comfort, aligning with international aviation standards. Kuwait Airways prides itself on employing highly skilled professionals across technical fields, underscoring its dedication to operational excellence.

The carrier continues striving to enhance customer service quality and evolve its operations in line with global commercial aviation developments, positioning itself as a leading airline in the region.

Etihad Airways has redefined narrowbody air travel with the launch of its all-new A321LR aircraft, featuring the airline’s signature widebody First Class experience for the first time on a single-aisle plane. The inaugural commercial flight EY414 departed Zayed International Airport for Phuket, marking a milestone in luxury short- and medium-haul travel.

This rollout introduces passengers to a cabin designed to mirror the award-winning service and craftsmanship normally found on Etihad’s widebody jets, now accessible on a next-generation narrowbody aircraft. The launch follows the delivery of the first of 30 A321LRs scheduled to join the fleet, each equipped to offer exceptional comfort, refined design, and high-speed connectivity across all classes.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said, “The A321LR symbolises our ambition to deliver extraordinary experiences on every route we serve. It allows us to bring the sophistication of our widebody cabins, including our renowned First experience, to more destinations, and to more travellers, than ever before.”

Widebody Luxury on a Narrowbody PlaneThe A321LR sets a new standard in narrowbody flying with a premium cabin layout that transforms passenger expectations:

• First Suites: Two fully enclosed private suites featuring sliding doors, lie-flat beds, and elegant design. Suites provide space for guests to dine or relax in privacy or with a companion. Amenities include a 20-inch 4K screen, wireless charging, and Bluetooth pairing, complemented by the full Etihad First Class service both onboard and on the ground.
• Business Class: Fourteen spacious seats arranged in a 1-1 herringbone configuration offering direct aisle access and window views. Each seat features 17.3-inch 4K displays, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity, generous personal space, and intuitive storage.
• Economy Class: 144 ergonomically designed seats with generous legroom, each equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens, USB charging ports, and Bluetooth headphone pairing. Entertainment options include a rich library of premium films, series, and games.

All cabins are fitted with high-speed Wi-Fi capable of video conferencing, streaming, and gaming, currently rolling out on Asian routes. Enlarged overhead bins further enhance passenger convenience throughout the journey.

The inaugural flight saw strong demand, with all First, Business, and Economy seats sold out, underscoring passenger enthusiasm for this upgraded narrowbody experience.

With the A321LR introduction, Etihad continues to push the boundaries of design innovation and service excellence, expanding its luxury offerings to new markets and providing travelers with unparalleled comfort on shorter routes.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the visionary developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, has announced a major step in expanding global access to its luxury regenerative tourism destinations. Starting October 21, 2025, Qatar Airways will begin operating direct flights to the Red Sea International Airport (RSI) from Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH). Tickets are now available through the airline’s website and mobile app.

The new route will run three times a week — on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays — linking travelers from around the world to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast through Qatar Airways’ vast network of over 170 destinations across six continents.

Flight schedule:

• Doha (DOH) → Red Sea (RSI): Flight QR1226 departs 07:45, arrives 10:45

• Red Sea (RSI) → Doha (DOH): Flight QR1227 departs 11:45, arrives 14:15

Boosting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Tourism Goals

John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, highlighted the significance of this partnership:

“The launch of these new flights with Qatar Airways marks a pivotal moment in positioning The Red Sea as a premier luxury destination on the global tourism map. As we continue to open more hotels and attractions, this route provides seamless access for travelers to experience unparalleled luxury, explore the rich Saudi culture, and engage with our pioneering regenerative tourism model.”

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, emphasized the airline’s commitment to expanding connectivity:

“Adding The Red Sea to our network reflects our dedication to offering diverse and enriching destinations for global travelers. This marks our 12th destination within the Kingdom, opening doors to a new level of luxury travel in the Middle East through our award-winning hub at Hamad International Airport.”

Sustainable Tourism at Its Core

Operated by daa International since its opening in 2023, RSI is designed to be one of the world’s most sustainable airports. Once fully operational later this year, the airport will be powered entirely by renewable energy, utilizing over 760,000 solar panels and one of the largest battery storage systems worldwide.

Currently, five luxury resorts are welcoming guests at The Red Sea, including: Six Senses Southern Dunes, St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Shebara (RSG-operated), Desert Rock (RSG-operated).

Additionally, Shura Island, the central hub of the Red Sea destination, is set to open later this year with 11 luxury resorts, an 18-hole championship golf course (Shura Links), premium dining and retail, cultural programs, and signature experiences.

This collaboration between RSG and Qatar Airways represents a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a leading global tourism hub.

For booking and more details, visit qatarairways.com.