Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Best in Class for Service-Guest Experience’ award for 2025 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). This accolade marks the highest score in service and guest experience among all airlines recognized as APEX World Class in 2025, solidifying Saudia’s status as a global leader in hospitality and passenger care.

The award is part of the APEX World Class status evaluation, which also considers safety and well-being, and sustainability. It recognizes Saudia’s exceptional ability to deliver a seamless and memorable guest journey, characterized by meticulous attention to detail, warm and authentic Saudi hospitality, and personalized service.

Mr. Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, remarked, “This achievement is a testament to the passion, care, and dedication of every member of the Saudia team. We are committed to redefining the guest journey and delivering personalized, memorable experiences that embody Saudi hospitality—warmth, generosity, and pride.” He further emphasized that this recognition aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of elevating guest experiences and setting new global benchmarks in the aviation industry.

Dr. Joe Leader, Group CEO of APEX, shared his firsthand experience of Saudia’s hospitality, saying, “Saudia represents the pinnacle of guest experience through authentic warmth, seamless service, and exceptional attention to detail.” He praised the Saudia team for their continuous investment in enhancing every aspect of the guest journey, setting new standards for global airline service excellence.

Saudia’s improvements span across all facets of the passenger journey, including cabin upgrades, high-speed inflight connectivity, curated entertainment, and elevated onboard dining. These enhancements form part of a comprehensive transformation strategy to deliver world-class hospitality while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s culture and values to international travelers.

This award strengthens Saudia’s leadership in the global aviation market as it continues to provide distinguished service that reflects the Kingdom’s vision and commitment to excellence

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been honored with the prestigious ‘Best in Class for Service-Guest Experience’ award for 2025 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). This accolade marks the highest score in service and guest experience among all airlines recognized as APEX World Class in 2025, solidifying Saudia’s status as a global leader in hospitality and passenger care.

The award is part of the APEX World Class status evaluation, which also considers safety and well-being, and sustainability. It recognizes Saudia’s exceptional ability to deliver a seamless and memorable guest journey, characterized by meticulous attention to detail, warm and authentic Saudi hospitality, and personalized service.

Mr. Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, remarked, “This achievement is a testament to the passion, care, and dedication of every member of the Saudia team. We are committed to redefining the guest journey and delivering personalized, memorable experiences that embody Saudi hospitality—warmth, generosity, and pride.” He further emphasized that this recognition aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of elevating guest experiences and setting new global benchmarks in the aviation industry.

Dr. Joe Leader, Group CEO of APEX, shared his firsthand experience of Saudia’s hospitality, saying, “Saudia represents the pinnacle of guest experience through authentic warmth, seamless service, and exceptional attention to detail.” He praised the Saudia team for their continuous investment in enhancing every aspect of the guest journey, setting new standards for global airline service excellence.

Saudia’s improvements span across all facets of the passenger journey, including cabin upgrades, high-speed inflight connectivity, curated entertainment, and elevated onboard dining. These enhancements form part of a comprehensive transformation strategy to deliver world-class hospitality while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s culture and values to international travelers.

This award strengthens Saudia’s leadership in the global aviation market as it continues to provide distinguished service that reflects the Kingdom’s vision and commitment to excellence

Türkiye's Istanbul Airport emerged as the busiest airport in Europe during the week of August 18-24, 2025, recording an average of 1,635 daily flights, according to data from the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol). This marks a notable increase compared to its 2024 average of about 1,401 daily flights and reflects Istanbul Airport's continued dominance as a major aviation hub.

Following Istanbul in the ranking were Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with 1,450 daily flights, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport with 1,432 flights, Frankfurt Airport with 1,384 flights, and London Heathrow with 1,346 flights. Additionally, Antalya Airport, serving the Turkish Riviera, ranked eighth with 1,055 daily flights, highlighting Türkiye's growing stature in European and global air traffic.

Istanbul Airport's strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, combined with the expansion of Turkish Airlines’ network and Türkiye’s supportive aviation policies, has cemented its position as a leading gateway. The airport handled over 80 million passengers in 2024, making it not only Europe's busiest in flight movements but also the largest in passenger numbers. It also maintains Europe's top spot for air cargo traffic.

The airport recently became the first in Europe (and second worldwide) to operate three simultaneous runways, boosting its capacity to manage increasing flight volumes. Turkish Airlines, Istanbul's dominant carrier, continues to expand, reporting significant financial growth and plans to nearly double its fleet within a decade, further promising robust traffic through Istanbul Airport.

This leadership in flight movements and connectivity is accompanied by Istanbul Airport being ranked the world's most connected airport for 2025 by Airports Council International Europe, a testament to its pivotal role in global aviation networks.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej signed a significant air transport services agreement with Pakistan, represented by Secretary of Defense Muhammad Ali, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. The agreement aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in air transport services based on mutual respect and benefit, updating the regulatory framework governing air traffic between the two countries.

This agreement forms part of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Program, which seeks to build international partnerships and expand the Kingdom’s global civil aviation relations. By modernizing the regulatory framework to align with current developments in the aviation sector, the deal ensures regular, safe, and smooth air operations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

The new arrangement supports expanded connectivity and facilitates cooperation following applicable laws, regulations, and procedures, boosting trade and economic ties through improved air transport links.

The signing ceremony marks a step forward in strengthening civil aviation ties, contributing to the objectives of international collaboration and economic development for both nations.

Kuwait Airways has introduced a new fare category called “Economy Class – Zero Bag,” enabling passengers to fly with only hand luggage weighing up to 7 kilograms. This new service is tailored especially for travelers on short, quick, or business trips who prefer to avoid checked baggage and opt for a more flexible, cost-effective travel experience.

Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, Chairman of Kuwait Airways, highlighted that this offering aligns with this diverse and evolving buyer preference. “The launch provides new options for passengers seeking affordable travel without compromising on the quality and distinguished service Kuwait Airways is known for,” he said. Passengers can conveniently issue their boarding passes through self-service kiosks at Terminal 4 or through assistance at the baggage weighing area, saving time at the airport.

Al-Fagaan also reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to enhancing the overall travel experience, from smooth check-in processes to comfortable onboard services featuring modern entertainment and attentive cabin crew.

Kuwait Airways’ Economy Class now comprises four categories to suit different travel needs:

• Economy Class – Zero Bag: Hand baggage only (7 kg), with Oasis Club members earning 50% of basic miles.
• Economy Class Saver: Includes one checked bag up to 32 kg and 50% mileage accrual.
• Economy Class Regular: Two checked bags up to 23 kg each, with 100% mileage accrual.
• Economy Class Flexible: Two checked bags up to 23 kg each, with 125% mileage accrual.

This diverse structure offers passengers flexibility to choose fare options that fit their travel patterns and baggage needs while still enjoying Kuwait Airways’ high standards of service and comfort.

The “Zero Bag” option is especially attractive to frequent fliers, budget-conscious travelers, and business professionals who prefer to minimize time at the airport and travel light without sacrificing the premium experience Kuwait Airways offers.

By adapting to changing travel behaviors and preferences, Kuwait Airways aims to stay competitive in the evolving aviation market and continue delivering exceptional value and service to its customers.

Jazeera Airways, the Kuwaiti low-cost carrier, is making a highly anticipated return to the UAE capital with direct flights to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain resuming on Thursday, October 2, 2025. This marks a significant expansion of Jazeera’s presence in the UAE, where the airline already operates flights to Dubai, reinforcing stronger regional connectivity.

Passengers can now enjoy wallet-friendly fares starting as low as KD9 (approximately AED 110) for one-way tickets to Al Ain and KD14 (around AED 170) to Abu Dhabi, providing affordable travel options between Kuwait and the UAE’s key cities. Tickets are available for booking on the Jazeera Airways website and mobile app.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, welcomed the airline’s comeback, stating, “We look forward to welcoming Jazeera Airways back to both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain this October. This expansion offers travellers more affordable and convenient connections between the UAE and Kuwait, supporting the growing demand for regional mobility.It also reflects the strength of our partnership with Jazeera Airways and our shared commitment to enhancing air connectivity across the Gulf.”

The reinstated routes are expected to stimulate business, tourism, and familial travel as demand for regional air travel continues to rise. Jazeera Airways’ competitive pricing and convenient schedules will make it easier for travelers to access the UAE capital and beyond.

With Abu Dhabi Airports preparing to welcome increased passenger volumes, this return aligns with regional efforts to strengthen economic ties and boost the Gulf’s position as a thriving aviation and cultural hub.

For travelers looking to explore the UAE or connect onward, Jazeera Airways’ return to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain adds valuable options with seamless booking and service tailored to cost-conscious passengers.

Booking is available at jazeeraairways.com or through the airline’s mobile app, allowing passengers to secure seats conveniently ahead of the October 2 service launch.

This announcement strengthens Jazeera Airways' footprint in the Gulf region, complementing its existing Dubai operations and supporting greater intra-Gulf connectivity.

Jazeera Airways, the Kuwaiti low-cost carrier, is officially returning to the UAE capital with direct flights to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain starting Thursday, October 2, 2025. This return marks an expansion of their UAE network, with Jazeera now flying to three UAE destinations: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai.

Passengers can look forward to affordable one-way fares starting at KD9 (around AED 110) to Al Ain and KD14 (around AED 170) to Abu Dhabi. Tickets are available for booking on the Jazeera Airways website and mobile app.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed enthusiasm: “We look forward to welcoming Jazeera Airways back to both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain this October. This expansion offers travellers more affordable and convenient connections between the UAE and Kuwait, supporting the growing demand for regional mobility. It also reflects the strength of our partnership with Jazeera Airways and our shared commitment to enhancing air connectivity across the Gulf.”

The move is expected to boost regional connectivity, making travel between Kuwait and the UAE more accessible and convenient while supporting economic and social ties. Abu Dhabi Airports is preparing for increased passenger traffic as the UAE capital gears up to welcome more regional travelers this autumn.

This development strengthens Jazeera Airways' presence in the Gulf and provides travelers with more competitive and accessible options to travel within the region.