Salalah Airport has reported significant growth in both aircraft movements and passenger numbers throughout the Khareef Dhofar (monsoon) season 2025, marking a positive trend compared to the same period last year. The data, covering June 21 to August 3, 2025, highlights the rising popularity of the Dhofar region as a prime tourist destination during its unique monsoon season.

According to figures released by Oman Airports, total aircraft movements surged by 16 percent, reaching 1,849 flights this season, up from 1,592 flights in 2024. Passenger traffic also saw a healthy increase of 5 percent, with 288,110 travelers passing through Salalah Airport compared to 274,030 during the previous season.

The boost was evident on both arrival and departure fronts. Arriving flights rose from 795 to 925, a jump of 16 percent, while the number of arriving passengers grew by 3 percent to 158,301. Similarly, departure flights increased from 797 to 924, reflecting the same 16 percent rise, and departing passengers grew by 8 percent to reach 129,809.

Oman Airports has played a pivotal role in enhancing the travel experience amid this growth by introducing cutting-edge technologies that streamline passenger procedures. The airport has expanded lounge capacities and diversified its hospitality and commercial offerings, catering to the needs of the increasing number of travelers.

 Notably, the launch of the "Safar Ashal" (Easier Travel) initiative allows passengers to complete their travel formalities conveniently from their vehicles, saving time and enhancing overall comfort.

The rise in passenger and flight traffic mirrors the growing appeal of Dhofar Governorate during the Khareef season, famed for its mild climate, seasonal rains, and rich cultural heritage. Alongside various heritage and recreational events, these factors are strengthening Dhofar’s status as a comprehensive and year-round tourist hotspot.

With ongoing events and an increasing influx of visitors, this upward trend in air traffic is expected to continue, cementing Salalah’s role as a gateway for tourists eager to experience the unique charm of Oman’s southern region.

Qatar Airways (QR), recently named the World’s Best Airline 2025 by Skytrax for an unprecedented ninth time, is set to redefine luxury air travel in New York by relocating its operations to the brand-new Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) starting in 2026. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the Doha-based carrier, bringing its first dedicated facility to the city and the entire United States.

Spanning 15,000 square feet, the upcoming Qatar Airways premium lounge promises an exclusive haven for Business Class travelers, designed to mirror the airline’s acclaimed onboard service with a focus on comfort, luxury, and convenience. Passengers can expect an array of upscale amenities including VIP check-in counters, private relaxation zones, prayer rooms, children’s play areas, and gourmet dining options complemented by duty-free shopping and exclusive retail experiences. Crucially, the lounge will offer direct access to boarding gates, enhancing privacy and streamlining the journey through JFK.

The decision to transition from Terminal 8 — currently shared with American Airlines — to Terminal One underscores Qatar Airways’ long-term commitment to growth in the US market and the strategic importance of New York City within its expansive global network of over 170 destinations via Hamad International Airport in Doha. Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, highlighted that this upgrade reflects the airline’s promise to elevate the airport experience, matching the excellence of its award-winning Business Class product.

Terminal One represents the future of international travel infrastructure at JFK, featuring open, light-filled architecture and cutting-edge technology designed to simplify passenger flow. Jennifer Aument, CEO of The New Terminal One, welcomed Qatar Airways as a fundamental partner whose reputation for excellence aligns perfectly with the terminal’s vision to set new standards in passenger service.

Since launching services at JFK in 2008, Qatar Airways has grown to serve 11 US cities, moving over 3 million passengers annually. With 18 weekly flights to New York alone, the airline remains a key connector between the United States and the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Passengers should note the shift will bring both enhancements and new considerations. While the current Terminal 8 offers modern facilities and lounge access shared with American Airlines — enabling easier connections between oneworld partners — the move to Terminal One will require connections with American flights to be made via the AirTrain, potentially adding transit time. Despite this, for those starting or ending their journeys, Terminal One’s state-of-the-art design and dedicated Qatar Airways lounge will usher in a new era of comfort, service, and style.

With JFK undergoing a massive reshuffle involving nearly 50 airlines moving terminals in the coming year, Qatar Airways’ relocation to Terminal One signals a trend of airlines embracing cutting-edge facilities to elevate passenger experiences in a highly competitive market.

As Qatar Airways settles into its new home, passengers flying through New York can look forward to a seamless fusion of world-class hospitality and innovative airport infrastructure — living up to the airline’s prestigious status as the world’s best.

China’s civil aviation sector is demonstrating strong momentum this year, with air passenger trips reaching an impressive 440 million in the first seven months of 2025. According to the latest figures released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on Friday, this marks a 5.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting a steady rebound and growing demand for air travel across the country.

The sector’s transportation turnover—the total volume of goods and passengers moved over distance—also surged by 11 percent, climbing to 93.15 billion tonne-kilometers from January through July. This growth is mirrored in air cargo and mail shipments, which saw a significant 14.7 percent rise to over 5.65 million tonnes, underscoring the expanding role of air freight in China’s logistics network.

July 2025 alone showcased even sharper gains. Air transportation turnover jumped 8.6 percent year-on-year to 14.8 billion tonne-kilometers. Passenger trips increased by nearly 4 percent, reaching 71.82 million for the month, while cargo and mail volumes soared 15.3 percent to 867,000 tonnes. These figures reflect not only seasonal travel peaks but also the steady recovery of both business and leisure air travel following global disruptions.

International routes are also thriving, with Chinese airlines handling a record 7.09 million passenger trips in July—a remarkable 15.7 percent increase from the previous year. This surge illustrates China’s expanding connectivity with the global market and growing confidence in cross-border travel and commerce.

The robust data from the CAAC signals a vibrant year for China’s aviation sector, driven by rising passenger demand, a booming cargo market, and increasing international travel. As air travel continues to rebound and expand, the industry is set to play a pivotal role in supporting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and linking China more closely with the world.

Flydubai has taken a significant step forward in its strategic expansion this year, receiving seven new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft between April and August 2025. This fleet boost is part of the airline’s broader growth plan, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, increase capacity, and expand its network reach.

With these additions, flydubai’s fleet now numbers 93 aircraft. The airline expects another five Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets to join before the end of the year, bringing the total deliveries for 2025 to 12. Once all are in service, the fleet will exceed 95 aircraft, supporting flydubai’s rapidly growing network that covers more than 135 destinations across 57 countries.

This expansion is opening new doorways into underserved markets, providing travelers with more options while solidifying Dubai’s status as a global aviation hub. By increasing connectivity, flydubai is helping to drive the city’s ambition of becoming a premier international gateway.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, emphasized the significance of these deliveries: “The arrival of these new aircraft is a testament to our long-term strategic vision and our confidence in the future of air travel. Our fleet investment supports our mission to offer greater choice, enhanced convenience, and improved connectivity for our passengers.”

He also noted the challenges faced: “These deliveries are part of a backlog extensively delayed in recent years. Despite receiving 12 aircraft this year, we remain 20 aircraft behind our original projections.”
Al Ghaith highlighted the robust support from financing partners as a vote of confidence in flydubai’s business model and commitment to advancing the UAE’s leadership in aviation. “Looking ahead, these aircraft will enable us to unlock new destinations, optimise our operations, and play an even greater role in supporting Dubai’s growth as an international aviation hub,” he added.

As flydubai’s fleet expands and its network widens, the airline is set to offer travelers more opportunities than ever, reinforcing its position as a dynamic player in global air travel.

After nearly a full weekend of disruption, Air Canada is preparing to take to the skies once again following a major strike by 10,000 flight attendants that brought the nation’s flagship carrier to a virtual standstill. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ordered an immediate end to the walkout, mandating that all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants return to work by 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

The strike had grounded over 700 flights, causing widespread travel delays and frustration for summer vacationers across the country. The walkout, triggered by a wage dispute, began early Saturday morning, effectively halting travel plans for thousands of passengers during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

In response, Canada’s Labour Minister Patty Hajdu invoked a rarely used legal measure under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to end the strike and push the airline and its workers into binding arbitration. This decisive government intervention was welcomed by travelers eager for resolution and signs of normalcy.

While Air Canada plans to resume flights on Sunday evening, the airline cautioned that it will take several days to fully restore operations to pre-strike levels. Some flight cancellations are expected to continue for the next seven to ten days as the company navigates the complex logistics of restarting service and accommodating backlogged passengers.

As Canada’s leading airline faces the challenges of recovery, industry watchers and travelers alike will be closely watching how swiftly Air Canada can regain its footing and reassure customers after a summer weekend marked by labor unrest and disruption.

Royal Jordanian Airlines has earned the top global ranking for on-time performance in July 2025, according to the latest report from OAG, a leading international aviation data analytics firm. The airline achieved an impressive 95.21% punctuality rate for both departures and arrivals during the month.

Samer Majali, Vice Chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian, expressed great pride in the airline’s prestigious recognition, highlighting its continued excellence in flight punctuality on the world stage. He noted that this achievement builds on the airline’s longstanding track record of reliability, supported by well-trained ground handling teams and a strong commitment to meeting passenger expectations through timely arrivals.

Majali also pointed to the modern fleet as a key factor in their success, especially with the addition of the Airbus A320neo, renowned for its advanced technology and fuel efficiency. These aircraft not only enhance operational performance but also provide passengers with WiFi and personal entertainment systems for a comfortable travel experience. Furthermore, Royal Jordanian recently expanded its fleet with next-generation Embraer E2 jets, enhancing its regional service capabilities.

OAG’s rankings are based on the percentage of flights that depart or arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. The organisation is highly respected for its comprehensive data collection and analysis across the global air transport and tourism sectors, making its performance reports a trusted industry benchmark.