Friday, 19 September 2025

Emirates Foundation to Match Donations for Children in Need

Published: Monday, April 21, 2025
Emirates Foundation to Match Donations for Children in Need

The Emirates Airline Foundation, a humanitarian arm of the Emirates Group, has launched an urgent appeal for donations, offering contributors the unprecedented opportunity to double their impact in transforming the lives of vulnerable children worldwide.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the Foundation operates as a non-profit dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty by addressing critical needs such as education, healthcare, nutrition, and safe housing for children across continents.

Since its establishment in 2003, the Foundation has strategically partnered with over 50 NGOs and grassroots organizations to implement life-changing projects in some of the world’s most underserved regions. In Bangladesh, the Foundation funds the “Jibon Tari” floating hospital, a fully equipped medical vessel that has provided free surgeries, vaccinations, and maternal care to over 700,000 patients in riverine communities since 2013.

In India, its network of 35 Learning Centres in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata offers free primary education, vocational training, and digital literacy programs to more than 1,000 girls annually, many of whom are first-generation learners from migrant families.

Meanwhile, in Kenya’s Kibera slum—one of Africa’s largest informal settlements—the Foundation supports the Spurgeons Academy, providing 500 children with daily meals, school uniforms, and psychosocial support to overcome the trauma of extreme poverty.

The Foundation’s innovative “Aircrafted KIDS” initiative exemplifies its commitment to sustainability and education. Using decommissioned aircraft materials like seat fabrics and leather, Emirates employees handcrafted 1,200 durable schoolbags filled with notebooks, pencils, and hygiene kits.

These were distributed to students in India (via Smile Foundation), Bangladesh (through Ahsania Mission), and Pakistan (with SOS Children’s Villages), ensuring children from low-income families can attend school with dignity. The project also reduces waste by upcycling 600 kg of aircraft materials annually.

Transparency remains a cornerstone of the Foundation’s operations, with 95% of every donation directly funding projects. Donors can contribute through multiple channels: online via credit card (AED, USD, EUR, GBP), inflight donations (cash/card on any Emirates flight), Emirates Skywards Miles (to cover volunteer travel costs), bank transfers (to UAE or UK accounts), or cheques.

Corporate partners and Emirates employees play a pivotal role, with staff volunteering over 10,000 hours annually to monitor projects, distribute supplies, and mentor beneficiaries.

The current matching campaign aims to amplify support for high-priority initiatives, including the construction of a new children’s home in the Philippines, the expansion of Brazil’s “Casa do Zezinho” educational hub serving 1,200 at-risk youth, and emergency nutrition programs in Zambia’s drought-affected regions.

With every contribution matched dirham-for-dirham, the Foundation emphasizes that even a $50 donation can provide a month’s worth of meals for a child, while $1,000 could fund life-saving heart surgery through their medical missions.

Emirates’ global reach—connecting 140+ destinations—enables the Foundation to respond swiftly to crises, such as delivering 5-ton shipments of therapeutic food to malnutrition hotspots or airlifting medical equipment to partner hospitals.

As the campaign gains momentum, the Foundation reiterates its vision: to ensure every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to the tools needed to thrive—be it a classroom, a clinic, or simply a safe place to sleep. Donors are invited to join this mission, turning the simple act of giving into a legacy of hope for generations to come.

This version provides granular details about specific projects, donation mechanisms, volunteer efforts, and the tangible impact of contributions.

Two International Airlines to Resume Operations at Shah Amanat Airport in Chattogram, Bangladesh

Published: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Two International Airlines to Resume Operations at Shah Amanat Airport in Chattogram, Bangladesh

SalamAir and flydubai are set to resume international flights from Shah Amanat International Airport, Chattogram, signaling renewed confidence in the airport after years of service reductions and foreign airline departures.

This comeback is driven by increased passenger demand and record-breaking revenue in the latest fiscal year, positioning the airport once again as a crucial gateway for Bangladesh’s southeastern region.

Airline Resumptions and Schedules

SalamAir, based in Oman, will relaunch its Chattogram–Muscat direct flights on September 18, 2025. This route will see three flights weekly, up from two previously, enhancing options for travelers and supporting increased regional connectivity.

Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, will restart flights on October 26, 2025, after ceasing operations in late 2024 due to logistical and commercial challenges. Both carriers plan to expand services to additional Middle Eastern destinations, reflecting strong demand from Bangladeshi travelers and guest workers.

This marks a turn in fortunes for Shah Amanat Airport. Over the past decade, airlines like Thai Airways, Thai Smile, Oman Air, Spice Jet, Jazeera Airways, Malindo Air, Rotana Air, Himalayan Airlines, Ras Al Khaimah Airways, and Tiger Airways exited Chattogram, citing insufficient infrastructure, limited passenger flows, and operational losses.

Passenger and Revenue Growth

Shah Amanat Airport posted its highest ever revenue for the 2024–25 fiscal year, earning 270.49 crore taka—33 crore higher than the previous year. This jump stems from effective management, overdue revenue collection, and a rise in international travel numbers.

The airport handled about 392,456 international passengers up to June 2025, a reduction from the previous year’s near one million, but still indicating robust demand. Domestic passenger numbers remained low, with only 6,690 travelers recorded during the same period, continuing a multi-year decline.

Airport Development and Changing Prospects

Shah Amanat International Airport has undergone significant upgrades, including a new apron area that can serve more than 20 aircraft at once, and infrastructure improvements funded partly by international donors. These improvements have made Chattogram a more attractive destination for foreign airlines seeking to capitalize on the region’s economic growth and increased travel demand.

The airport, which was elevated to international status in 2000, now stands at a strategic crossroads. Recent profitability and passenger increases demonstrate its resurgence, with local officials and aviation analysts projecting that the resurgence of SalamAir and flydubai could encourage other carriers to follow suit.

Outlook for Travelers and Aviation

Travelers from southeastern Bangladesh will benefit from more options and greater connectivity, especially for travel to the Middle East—critical for business, labor mobility, and family reunification. Airport authorities remain optimistic, forecasting further revenue increases and positioning Shah Amanat as an indispensable hub in the region’s aviation network.

The renewed flight operations signal a turning point for Chattogram, reflecting both infrastructural progress and revitalized demand for international air travel from the region. 

SalamAir Launches Record-Low Fares from Doha to Dhaka and Chattogram

Published: Monday, September 15, 2025
SalamAir Launches Record-Low Fares from Doha to Dhaka and Chattogram

SalamAir, Oman’s leading low-cost carrier, has introduced a special promotional offer for passengers flying from Doha to Bangladesh. Travelers can now book flights to Dhaka starting at just 400 QAR and to Chattogram from 377 QAR, marking some of the lowest fares of the season.

This exclusive promotion is valid for travel through September 2025, making it a perfect opportunity for the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Qatar and budget-conscious leisure travelers.

As part of its strategy to expand affordable travel options to South Asia, SalamAir also offers customizable add-ons, including flexible baggage options and pre-selected seats, allowing passengers to tailor their journey while keeping costs low.

With these unbeatable fares, SalamAir continues to strengthen its network and provide seamless, cost-effective travel between Qatar and Bangladesh.

Qatar Airways Unveils Limited-Time Global Fare Offer for Travel Until March 2026

Published: Sunday, September 14, 2025
Qatar Airways Unveils Limited-Time Global Fare Offer for Travel Until March 2026

Qatar Airways has announced a limited-time global fare promotion, offering travelers discounted return tickets across its extensive network. The promotion runs from 7 to 14 September 2025, with travel valid between 7 September 2025 and 10 March 2026.

Wide Range of Fare Options

The offer applies to flights originating from Doha in Economy, Business, and First Class, excluding First Class on select three-cabin routes.
Discounted fares will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis under the following booking classes:

  • First Class: A

  • Business Class: R

  • Economy Class: O, T, Q

Seats are limited and subject to availability.

Blackout Dates and Exclusions

Certain blackout periods apply to high-demand travel dates:

  • Departures from Doha: 16–21 December 2025

  • Returns to Doha: 2–5 January 2026

The promotion does not apply to Middle East Airlines codeshare flights to Beirut or Royal Jordanian-operated flights to Amman. It also cannot be combined with other public offers, and retiree discounts do not apply.

Conditions and Limitations

  • Maximum stay: 6 months

  • Standard child and infant discounts apply

  • Discounts apply only to the base fare; taxes and fees remain unchanged

  • Tickets are non-transferable and non-endorsable

  • Cancellations or changes made less than three hours before departure will be treated as no-shows, with penalties enforced.

Qatar Airways has stated that the promotion may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Passengers are urged to review the airline’s fare rules and Conditions of Carriage before finalizing bookings.

If you’re interested in booking this offer, click here now.

Important Details:

  • This offer is only for Privilege Club main members residing in Qatar as per their Privilege Club account.

  • Booking Period: 7 – 14 September 2025

  • Travel Period: 7 September 2025 – 10 March 2026

  • Members must quote their Privilege Club membership number at the time of booking or check-in to be eligible.

  • Not a member? Join for free at qatarairways.com or through the Qatar Airways mobile app, then update your booking with your membership number to earn bonus Avios.

  • Existing tickets issued before the booking period are not eligible for this promotion, even if reissued during the offer dates.

  • Members will earn bonus Avios in addition to base Avios earned on Qatar Airways flights during the offer period.

    • Note: Tier bonuses, family accrued Avios, and other promotional bonuses will not be included in this calculation.

  • Bonus Avios are based on booking date, flight date, cabin, and fare family purchased.

  • The offer is valid only for flights marketed and operated by Qatar Airways.

  • In case of overlapping promotions, the highest bonus will be awarded.

  • Members can use this offer multiple times within the offer period.

  • Tickets booked before 7 September 2025 or after 14 September 2025 will not qualify.

  • For assistance or inquiries, quote the offer code: 2508QA070 when contacting the Qatar Airways Member Service Centre or Contact Center.

 

Flynas Launches Special Offers for Saudi National Day Travel

Published: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Flynas Launches Special Offers for Saudi National Day Travel

In celebration of Saudi National Day, Flynas has announced a limited-time promotion through its travel platform, nasholidays. Travelers can now save up to 50% when booking flight and hotel packages together.

As part of the deal, customers will also receive a 100% bonus in nasmiles, Flynas' loyalty program, making it an attractive option for frequent flyers.

The promotion covers a wide range of both domestic and international destinations, encouraging travelers to explore new cities during the holiday period.

Flynas confirmed that the special sale will run until September 23, 2025, urging customers to book early to take advantage of the discounts before the offer ends.

Click here to Book Now

British Airways Launches ‘The Original Sale’ with Discounted Flights and Holiday Packages for 2025–26

Published: Thursday, September 11, 2025
British Airways Launches ‘The Original Sale’ with Discounted Flights and Holiday Packages for 2025–26

British Airways has launched "The Original Sale," offering significant savings on flights and holiday packages for travel in 2025 and 2026, with bookings available until May 20, 2025. Popular destinations with discounted return flights include Antigua from £419, Dubai from £455, and the Maldives starting at £599. For travelers heading to the US, flights to New York and Orlando start from £389, while flights to Las Vegas begin at £549.

The sale also extends to premium travel, with up to £600 off return Club World (long-haul business class) flights across the US and other destinations during the summer. Club World passengers enjoy perks such as lounge access, lie-flat beds, a three-course dining experience, and priority check-in and boarding. Business travelers can also benefit from deals on Club Europe (short-haul business class) flights, including lounge access and full meal and bar service, with prices to Ibiza from £368, Tenerife from £501, and Venice from £295.

British Airways Holidays is offering attractive holiday packages combining flights with hotels or car rentals. For instance, week-long trips to St Lucia are available from £779 per person, and Orlando holidays start from £569 per person. Short-haul holiday deals include Tenerife from £359 and European city breaks like Riga from £149 for a two-night stay including flights and hotel. Customers can secure their bookings with deposits as low as £60 per person and flexible installment payment plans.

Additionally, British Airways Holidays customers have the opportunity to unlock benefits like priority check-in and lounge access as they earn tier points through the British Airways Club loyalty program.

Andrew Flintham, Managing Director of British Airways Holidays, emphasized the sale’s appeal, noting, "From the bright lights of New York to the tranquility of Mauritius, our exclusive sale has made it easier than ever to plan your ultimate getaway—whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or something in between."

Furthermore, customers who book through British Airways Holidays between May 1 and May 6, 2025, can save up to an additional £300 depending on their booking amount:

  • £300 off for bookings over £10,000 (flight and hotel)
  • £200 off with a minimum spend of £5,000 (flight and hotel)
  • £100 off over £2,500
  • £50 off over £1,250
  • £25 off for bookings over £625 (flight and car rental)

This sale presents an excellent opportunity for travelers to access competitive fares and tailored holiday packages to a wide range of sought-after global destinations.