In a significant move set to enhance air travel between Africa and the Middle East, Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership. The agreement, formalized in Doha by Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka, paves the way for a comprehensive codeshare arrangement and increased flight frequencies between Kenya and Qatar Airways’ award-winning hub at Hamad International Airport.

Central to the partnership is the introduction of a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi, operated in codeshare, with flights expected to be available for booking soon. The collaboration will also see the launch of Kenya Airways-operated, Qatar Airways-marketed flights between Mombasa and Doha during the upcoming winter season. Passengers will benefit from seamless connections and greater choice as the two airlines codeshare across their networks, offering improved connectivity for travelers worldwide.

Beyond passenger services, the partnership extends to exploring joint opportunities in cargo, airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programs, procurement, and maintenance. This broad-based cooperation aims to harness the strengths of both airlines, delivering operational efficiencies and enhanced service offerings.

“This partnership is yet another demonstration of our deepening ties with the African region. Today’s agreement – which comes as we celebrate 20 years of flying to Kenya – is coupled with our recognisable record of partnerships across the continent, most recently through our investment in Airlink,” said Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO. “Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem.”

Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka highlighted the strategic importance of the alliance, noting its alignment with the airline’s turnaround strategy, which recently saw the carrier return to profitability after more than a decade. “The collaboration will also help expedite Kenya Airways’ efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities, turning these and others into pivotal economic growth propellers for Kenya and the East Africa region,” he added.

The partnership brings together two highly decorated airlines: Kenya Airways, recognized as Africa's Leading Airline and Business Class by the World Travel Awards 2025, and Qatar Airways, the only five-star global airline based in the Middle East and the reigning World’s Best Airline as voted by Skytrax in 2025. Qatar Airways currently operates over 170 weekly flights to 30 cities across Africa and has optimized its schedules to enhance connectivity to major global destinations via its Doha hub.

Kenya Airways, known as The Pride of Africa, connects 45 destinations worldwide—37 within Africa—and annually serves over 5 million passengers and 70,000 tons of cargo through its Nairobi hub. As the only African member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Kenya Airways links travelers to over 1,060 destinations in 173 countries, earning accolades for its exceptional African hospitality and service excellence.

Through this partnership, travelers and businesses can look forward to expanded choice, improved connectivity, and innovative service offerings, reinforcing both airlines’ roles as leaders in the global aviation industry.

Sharjah Airport has announced its full readiness to accommodate the significant increase in passenger traffic expected during the peak summer travel season. From July 1 to 15, 2025, the airport anticipates welcoming over 800,000 travelers, reflecting a substantial rise compared to previous years. This surge is driven by increased tourism, holiday travel, and business activities in the region.

To manage this influx, the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) has implemented a comprehensive operational plan developed in collaboration with airlines, ground handling companies, security agencies, and health authorities. The plan focuses on enhancing passenger experience by streamlining check-in, security screening, and boarding processes. Additional counters and staff have been deployed to reduce wait times, while advanced biometric and automated systems are being utilized to expedite passenger flow.

Customer service teams are working tirelessly around the clock to provide assistance, answer inquiries, and guide passengers through the airport’s smart services and innovative technologies, such as contactless check-in kiosks and real-time flight information displays. The airport has also expanded its lounge capacities and improved amenities to ensure comfort during waiting periods.

In line with global health and safety standards, Sharjah Airport continues to enforce rigorous sanitation protocols, including frequent cleaning of high-touch areas and mandatory mask policies where applicable. Health screening procedures remain in place, and the airport has coordinated with local health authorities to facilitate COVID-19 testing and vaccination verification as required by destination countries.

Security measures have been upgraded to incorporate the latest technologies and intelligence-sharing practices, ensuring passenger safety without compromising efficiency. The airport’s infrastructure has been enhanced to support the increased traffic, including expanded parking facilities and improved ground transportation links to and from the airport.

Passengers are strongly advised to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures. It is also recommended that travelers verify their flight details and any travel advisories directly with their airlines prior to arriving at the airport, as schedules may be subject to change during this busy period.

The Sharjah Airport Authority remains committed to delivering the highest standards of service and safety, reinforcing Sharjah Airport’s status as a key regional and international travel hub. Continuous monitoring and adjustments will be made throughout the peak season to maintain operational excellence and ensure a smooth travel experience for all passengers. For further information and updates, travelers can visit the official Sharjah Airport website or contact their airline customer service centers.

A harrowing mid-air emergency unfolded on June 30, 2025, when Japan Airlines Flight JL8696, a Boeing 737-800 operating a codeshare route from Shanghai Pudong to Tokyo Narita, was forced into an emergency landing at Kansai International Airport after a sudden pressurization system malfunction.

At cruising altitude around 36,000 feet, the aircraft’s onboard systems detected abnormal cabin pressure, prompting the pilot to initiate a rapid controlled descent of nearly 26,000 feet within ten minutes to reach a safe altitude. Oxygen masks deployed automatically, triggering panic and fear among the 191 passengers and crew onboard. Many passengers described the experience as terrifying, with some reportedly writing farewell messages and wills amid the chaos.

Despite the dramatic plunge and emergency procedures, the flight crew maintained composure, declared an emergency, and safely diverted the flight to Kansai Airport near Osaka, where it landed without injury to anyone onboard at approximately 8:50 pm local time.

Japan Airlines confirmed that the aircraft belongs to its low-cost subsidiary Spring Airlines Japan, a company in which Japan Airlines holds majority ownership while Chinese Spring Airlines holds a minority stake. The incident has prompted Spring Japan to cancel several flights temporarily due to operational adjustments.

Passengers affected by the emergency landing were offered ¥15,000 (around $93) in transportation compensation and one night’s accommodation as the airline provided support following the incident. Meanwhile, Japanese aviation authorities, including the Osaka Civil Aviation Bureau, have launched a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the pressurization malfunction.

This incident has intensified scrutiny on Boeing aircraft safety, especially following recent high-profile crashes, although Japan Airlines emphasized that rapid decompression did not occur and the descent followed standard safety protocols to ensure passenger and crew safety.

The swift and professional response by the flight crew ensured that what could have been a tragedy ended with all passengers safe, underscoring the critical importance of rigorous emergency training and aircraft system monitoring in commercial aviation.

flydubai has officially begun construction on its new Aircraft Maintenance Centre at Dubai South, a major development that will significantly enhance the airline’s operational capabilities and support its expanding fleet. The facility will cover an extensive area of 32,600 square metres and is thoughtfully designed to include a large aircraft hangar, multiple support workshops, and modern office buildings.

This comprehensive setup will enable flydubai to perform a wide range of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities in-house, reducing reliance on third-party providers and improving overall efficiency.

Strategically located within Dubai South, near Al Maktoum International Airport, the new centre benefits from excellent connectivity to key aviation infrastructure, facilitating smoother logistics and faster turnaround times for aircraft servicing. The location also aligns with Dubai’s vision to develop Dubai South as a global aviation hub, integrating passenger, cargo, and maintenance operations in one cohesive ecosystem.

The aircraft hangar is being designed to accommodate flydubai’s current fleet, which primarily consists of Boeing 737 aircraft, as well as future fleet expansions. The support workshops will be equipped with advanced tools and technology to handle various maintenance tasks, including avionics, engines, and airframe repairs. The office buildings will provide workspace for technical teams, engineers, and administrative staff, fostering collaboration and streamlined communication.

Construction is underway with a planned completion date in the last quarter of 2026. Once operational, the centre will allow flydubai greater operational control over its maintenance schedules, enabling faster turnaround times and increased aircraft availability. This is particularly important as the airline continues to grow its network and fleet size, aiming to meet rising passenger demand and expand into new markets.

In addition to improving operational efficiency, the new maintenance centre will contribute to flydubai’s commitment to safety and quality standards. By bringing maintenance activities in-house, the airline can ensure stringent oversight and adherence to regulatory requirements, further enhancing the reliability and safety of its services.

This investment reflects flydubai’s broader strategy to strengthen its infrastructure and capabilities in line with its long-term growth objectives. The new Aircraft Maintenance Centre will not only support current operations but also position the airline to adapt to future technological advancements and evolving industry standards.

flydubai’s leadership has expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting its importance in supporting the airline’s vision to be a leading regional carrier. The facility is expected to create new job opportunities for skilled aviation professionals, contributing to the local economy and the development of Dubai’s aerospace sector.

As the project progresses, flydubai remains committed to transparency and will provide regular updates on construction milestones and operational readiness. The new Aircraft Maintenance Centre at Dubai South represents a significant step forward in the airline’s journey toward enhanced operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Dubai is gearing up to host the 19th edition of the Dubai Airshow from November 17 to 21, 2025, at Dubai World Central, with registration now officially open. This landmark event promises to be the most ambitious and future-focused yet, aiming to transform the aviation sector through enhanced engagement, connectivity, and innovation.

The Dubai Airshow has long been recognized as one of the world’s largest and most influential aerospace and defence gatherings. This year, it will bring together over 1,500 exhibitors and more than 148,000 professionals and innovators from 98 countries, offering a vital platform to accelerate cutting-edge technologies and foster cross-sector collaboration.

The event reflects the UAE’s bold vision and commitment to maintaining its rapid aviation sector growth, which currently contributes an impressive US$92 billion to the nation's GDP equivalent to 18.2 percent and is projected to expand further with the Middle East’s commercial aircraft fleet expected to grow at 5.1 percent annually over the next decade.

Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Executive Director of the Military Committee organizing the Airshow, emphasized the event’s role in showcasing the UAE’s leadership in aviation and defence. He highlighted the Ministry of Defence’s dedication to innovation and talent development, ensuring the UAE remains at the forefront of global military and aerospace progress.

 Notably, this edition will debut a unique runway networking event at SkyDive Dubai, featuring elite global aviation figures in an exclusive setting with drone shows, skydiving performances, renowned DJs, and premium hospitality.

Adding to the Airshow’s allure, 2025 will introduce its first-ever night-time programming on the second day, extending activities until 9 PM. Attendees can explore static aircraft displays, enjoy evening receptions, and witness spectacular drone shows under the stars, enhancing the overall experience.

Sustainability remains a key focus amid the industry’s push toward environmentally friendly solutions. The event will also spotlight innovation hubs such as VISTA, the premier start-up platform for aviation and space technologies, alongside the NextGen Leaders programme and the newly launched Academy, designed to equip emerging talent with essential skills and mentorship.

The Airshow will host the Aerospace Executive Club, facilitating high-level discussions among senior executives on industry trends and strategic partnerships. Moreover, a comprehensive delegation programme co-hosted by the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and the Government of Dubai will feature an AI-powered matchmaking system via the official event app, streamlining networking and business opportunities across civil, military, and commercial domains.

Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Informa Markets, the event organizer, described Dubai Airshow 2025 as the most comprehensive and future-forward edition to date. He underscored its pivotal role in shaping the aviation and defence sectors by fostering innovation, education, and regional growth strategies. The show is also expanding youth engagement initiatives to inspire the next generation of aviation leaders through education and real-world opportunities.

For the public, Skyview the UAE’s only platform of its kind will open its doors, expecting to welcome over 15,000 visitors across five days. This unique access offers live flying displays, interactive experiences, and family-friendly entertainment, making the Airshow an inclusive celebration of aerospace excellence.

As Dubai Airshow 2025 opens registration, it invites global aerospace stakeholders, innovators, and enthusiasts to join a transformative event that not only showcases pioneering technologies but also strengthens the UAE’s position as a global aviation and defence hub.

Emirates is significantly expanding its retrofit programme and flight schedules in response to growing demand and delays in new aircraft deliveries. The airline will add more retrofitted Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s to existing routes, introduce new frequencies to Milan, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires, and upgrade services to Shanghai and Singapore with A380 deployments. These enhancements will take effect from October 26, 2025, with some upgrades, such as the Shanghai A380 service, starting earlier in July 2025.

Key schedule updates include:

• Milan will see a third daily flight (EK 101/102) operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.
• Daily flights to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires (EK 247/248) will be introduced.
• Shanghai’s EK 302/303 will be upgraded to an Airbus A380 from July 20, with the second daily flight (EK 304/305) served by a retrofitted Boeing 777.
• Singapore’s third daily flight (EK 314/315) will be operated by an A380 starting this winter.
• Zurich’s second daily flight (EK 85/86) will be upgraded to an A380 from February 1, 2026, alongside the debut of Premium Economy on EK 87/88 with a retrofitted A380.

Emirates’ retrofit programme, the largest in aviation history, has been accelerated and expanded due to ongoing delays in new aircraft deliveries, particularly the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350. Originally planned to refurbish 120 aircraft, the programme now covers 191 aircraft, including 90 A380s and 101 Boeing 777s, with plans to extend to 220 aircraft. The investment has increased to approximately $5 billion, underscoring the airline’s commitment to maintaining a modern and consistent fleet.

The retrofit involves a comprehensive nose-to-tail refresh, including new cabin interiors with next-generation seats, updated finishes, and a contemporary color palette. Each A380 retrofit takes about 22 days, and 18 days for a Boeing 777, with two aircraft completing the process monthly. The upgrades will introduce over 8,500 Premium Economy seats, more than 2,000 refreshed First-Class suites, and nearly 13,000 Business Class seats with new configurations, enhancing passenger comfort across all cabins.

Emirates is also expanding the deployment of retrofitted aircraft to new cities, including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Nice, Perth, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Frankfurt, Dublin, Lisbon, Male, Kolkata, Colombo, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, aiming to serve over 70 cities with aircraft featuring the latest interiors by the end of 2025.

The retrofit programme is carefully coordinated with maintenance schedules, such as C checks and wing inspections, to minimize disruption to operations. Emirates expects to complete the first phase of upgrades by the end of 2026.

Financially, Emirates Group posted record results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, with a profit before tax of AED 22.7 billion (up 18%) and revenue of AED 145.4 billion (up 6%). Emirates airline itself reported a profit before tax of AED 21.2 billion (up 20%) and revenue of AED 127.9 billion (up 6%), providing a strong foundation for continued investment in fleet modernization and network expansion.

Emirates President Sir Tim Clark emphasized the necessity of the retrofit programme to “take control of our own destiny” amid industry-wide delivery delays and highlighted the airline’s focus on delivering a best-in-class passenger experience across its fleet. The airline is also evaluating the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 for long-haul missions, pending engine reliability assurances.

Overall, Emirates’ expanded retrofit and schedule enhancements position the airline to meet rising passenger demand with a refreshed, consistent fleet offering premium comfort and service on key international routes.