A Vietnam Airlines flight traveling from London Heathrow Airport to Hanoi was forced to make an emergency landing at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport after a Danish passenger experienced a serious medical emergency approximately nine hours into the flight. The flight, designated VN56, departed London on Sunday night local time and was en route to Hanoi when the passenger’s health suddenly deteriorated.

The cabin crew promptly administered first aid onboard, but the passenger’s condition did not improve, prompting the captain to make the critical decision to divert the flight. Prior to landing, the flight crew coordinated with Kolkata airport authorities to ensure medical teams were ready to provide immediate assistance upon arrival.

Once on the ground, the passenger was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital accompanied by two family members for further medical evaluation and treatment. The airline confirmed that the passenger’s condition was stable after transfer. After completing the necessary procedures and ensuring the passenger was in safe hands, flight VN56 resumed its journey to Hanoi at 3:43 p.m. local time on Monday, arriving approximately three hours behind schedule.

This incident is part of a recent pattern of Vietnam Airlines flights being diverted due to passenger health emergencies. Just days earlier, on June 30, flight VN7569 from Hanoi to Nha Trang was diverted to Da Nang due to a medical issue onboard. Earlier in June, on the 16th, flight VN158 from Da Nang to Hanoi made an emergency landing at Phu Bai Airport in Hue for similar reasons. Additionally, on May 5, 2025, flight VN35 from Hanoi to Frankfurt was diverted to Erzurum Airport in Turkey after a passenger required urgent medical attention.

Vietnam Airlines has reiterated the importance of passenger health awareness, advising travelers to consult with medical professionals before flying if they experience any unusual symptoms or have pre-existing health conditions that may be exacerbated by air travel. The airline also emphasized that flight crews are trained to handle medical emergencies and that safety remains their highest priority.

Medical emergencies in-flight pose significant challenges due to limited resources and the need for quick decision-making. Airlines worldwide have protocols in place to manage such situations, including coordinating with ground medical services and, when necessary, diverting flights to the nearest suitable airport. The recent series of diversions by Vietnam Airlines highlights both the unpredictability of medical emergencies and the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.

Passengers planning to travel long-haul or with known health issues are encouraged to carry relevant medical documentation, medications, and to inform airline staff of any special needs prior to boarding. This ensures timely and appropriate care can be provided if emergencies arise during the flight.

Riyadh Air is ramping up preparations to finally launch its long-awaited Boeing 787 flights, following an extended period on the sidelines. As the calendar moves past the midpoint of 2025, the new Saudi Arabian carrier remains optimistic that it will take to the skies before the year concludes.

If current plans hold, Riyadh Air aims to inaugurate service to two European cities by the end of 2025. This marks the start of a broader expansion strategy, with more global destinations expected to be added as additional 787s and other aircraft join the fleet.

The journey to launch has been anything but smooth for Riyadh Air. Securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation in April 2025 was a major milestone, following a rigorous six-month testing campaign. However, the celebration was short-lived: just days after receiving the AOC, the airline announced another postponement, pushing the anticipated first flight to the fourth quarter of 2025.

This latest delay scrapped earlier plans for a Q3 debut. In fact, Riyadh Air’s inaugural flight was originally expected much sooner, but a series of setbacks have kept the airline grounded.

A significant factor behind the repeated delays has been Boeing’s well-publicized delivery challenges. Riyadh Air, like many other airlines worldwide, has struggled to receive new aircraft on schedule. These industry-wide setbacks have forced airlines to reconsider fleet plans, delay retirements of older jets, and, in Riyadh Air’s case, postpone the launch of scheduled passenger operations.

Despite the hurdles, Riyadh Air remains committed to its vision of becoming a major player in international aviation. With regulatory approval secured and preparations underway, the airline is poised to make its long-anticipated debut—pending timely aircraft deliveries and the resolution of industry supply chain issues.
As the end of 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Riyadh Air to see if it can finally turn plans into reality and begin connecting Saudi Arabia to the world.

Qatar Airways has officially resumed direct flights between Doha and Malta, with four non-stop services each week starting July 2, 2025, further strengthening its extensive global network and enhancing international connectivity.

The flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, departing Doha at either 08:45 or 14:05 and arriving in Malta later the same day or the following morning, depending on the schedule. Return flights from Malta to Doha are similarly structured, with departures at 10:15 or 17:05 and an average flight time of just over five hours.

This route re-establishes Malta as the 50th European destination in Qatar Airways’ network for the northern summer of 2025, providing travelers from Asia-Pacific markets—including China, India, Japan, and the Philippines—greater access to the Mediterranean. The service is expected to boost tourism to Malta’s capital Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the islands of Gozo and Comino.

Travelers from Malta will benefit from seamless connections to Qatar Airways’ network of over 170 destinations worldwide, including 42 weekly flights to Australia. The airline’s proposed partnership with Virgin Australia, pending regulatory approval, is set to further expand connectivity options for passengers.

Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized the importance of the Malta route in reinforcing economic ties and supporting tourism, highlighting Malta’s appeal with its rich history, cultural sites, and sun-soaked coastline. Malta International Airport and the Malta Tourism Authority have both welcomed the airline’s return, citing the positive impact on regional connectivity and tourism potential.

Qatar Airways remains the only Middle Eastern carrier offering non-stop flights between Doha and Malta, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft with both Economy and Business Class options. Bookings for the new service are now open.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has officially commenced its daily passenger service to Shenzhen, China, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s strategic expansion across East Asia. The inaugural flight, EK328, touched down at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on July 1, 2025, where it was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute and a special ceremony attended by local dignitaries, Emirates executives, and media representatives.

A New Gateway for Emirates in Mainland China

Shenzhen becomes Emirates’ fourth gateway in mainland China, joining Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The new route is operated by the airline’s newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, which features Emirates’ latest four-class configuration: eight private suites in First Class, 40 new-generation lie-flat seats in Business Class, 24 seats in Premium Economy, and 260 seats in Economy Class.

Shenzhen is the first city in mainland China to receive Emirates’ upgraded aircraft with the Premium Economy product, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering a superior travel experience for both business and leisure travelers.

Flight Schedule and Connectivity

Flight EK328 departs Dubai International Airport (DXB) daily at 10:05 am, arriving in Shenzhen (SZX) at 10:00 pm local time. The return flight, EK329, leaves Shenzhen at 11:55 pm, arriving back in Dubai at 3:40 am the next day.

These timings are designed to optimize connections to and from Emirates’ extensive global network, including key cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Boosting Trade, Tourism, and Cargo

The launch of the Dubai-Shenzhen route is expected to significantly enhance trade, tourism, and business ties between the UAE and southern China. Shenzhen, often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of China,” is a major technology, innovation, and manufacturing hub within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, home to over 86 million people and a GDP exceeding US$1.9 trillion.

Each Emirates flight to Shenzhen offers up to 16 tonnes of cargo capacity in the bellyhold, supporting the city’s thriving export-oriented industries, including electronics, e-commerce, and high-tech manufacturing. This will facilitate the movement of goods between China and over 140 destinations across Emirates’ network, reinforcing Shenzhen’s role in global supply chains.

Strategic Importance and Bilateral Relations

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, highlighted the significance of the new service: “The launch of our Shenzhen route is a testament to Emirates’ long-term commitment to China and to supporting the country’s trade and tourism ambitions. This new link will not only provide travelers with more choice and convenience but will also strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the UAE and China.”

The expansion comes at a time of deepening bilateral relations between China and the UAE, with both countries seeking to enhance cooperation under initiatives such as the Belt and Road. Emirates has been serving China since 2004 and now operates 42 weekly flights to four major Chinese cities, offering travelers and businesses unprecedented connectivity.

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines have launched daily nonstop flights between Manila and Doha as part of a new strategic partnership, with the inaugural codeshare flight celebrated at Hamad International Airport on June 30, 2025. The collaboration officially began on June 16, 2025, with Philippine Airlines operating the service using its long-range Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering 18 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 341 seats in Economy Class.

Flights depart Manila at 18:50, arriving in Doha at 23:40, while the return leg leaves Doha at 01:30, reaching Manila at 16:15, enabling smooth connections to Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations across Africa, the Americas, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East via Hamad International Airport, which was named the Middle East’s Best Airport by Skytrax in 2025.

The partnership also enhances connectivity for travelers from key markets such as Brazil, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, offering greater flexibility and seamless travel options.

The launch event was attended by senior executives from both airlines, including Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall and Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori, who highlighted the partnership’s role in strengthening economic, tourism, and cultural ties between the Philippines and Qatar, as well as providing improved travel options for overseas Filipino workers and their families.

Both airlines plan to explore further collaboration, including expanded codeshare destinations and frequent flyer cooperation, aiming to maximize fleet efficiency and enhance passenger convenience through integrated schedules and check-ins.

Qatar Airways already serves four cities in the Philippines—Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao—while Philippine Airlines connects to 31 domestic and 38 international destinations, making this partnership a significant step in boosting access and connectivity for travelers in both regions.

Qatar Airways has taken a significant step in revitalizing air travel across the Middle East by fully resuming its operations to Iraq and Syria while restoring its complete flight schedule to Lebanon and Jordan. This extensive network reinstatement comes amid improving geopolitical stability and easing of airspace restrictions that had previously forced the airline to suspend or reduce services to these key destinations.

The move not only reflects Qatar Airways’ confidence in the region’s security environment but also underscores its commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting economic recovery, and facilitating cultural exchange throughout the Levant and Mesopotamian corridors. With the summer travel season underway, the airline aims to meet rising passenger demand by offering increased frequencies, modern aircraft, and flexible schedules that cater to both business and leisure travelers.

This development is also aligned with Qatar’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub through Hamad International Airport, which serves as a vital gateway linking Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Iraq:
The airline has relaunched service to five Iraqi cities:

• Baghdad International Airport (BGW):

  • 13 weekly flights from June 30, increasing to 16 from July 8.

  • Two daily flights:

    • QR442 departs Doha at 18:40, arrives Baghdad at 20:45; return QR443 departs Baghdad at 21:55, arrives Doha at 00:05.

    • QR444 departs Doha at 08:10 (except Saturdays), arrives Baghdad at 10:15; return QR445 departs Baghdad at 11:45, arrives Doha at 13:55.

  • Additional flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (QR458/QR459) from July 8123.

• Erbil International Airport (EBL):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 1, with three extra weekly flights beginning July 9.

  • QR450 departs Doha at 18:35, arrives Erbil at 21:00; return QR451 departs Erbil at 22:00, arrives Doha at 00:25.

  • Additional flights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (QR454/QR455) from July 912.

• Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 2.

  • QR436 departs Doha at 00:55, arrives Sulaymaniyah at 03:25; return QR437 departs Sulaymaniyah at 04:25, arrives Doha at 06:40123.

• Al Najaf International Airport (NJF):

  • Five weekly flights from July 2 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).

  • QR460 departs Doha at 19:10, arrives Najaf at 21:05; return QR461 departs Najaf at 22:10, arrives Doha at 00:1013.

• Basra International Airport (BSR):

  • Seven weekly flights from July 3.

  • QR448 departs Doha at 08:20, arrives Basra at 09:50; return QR449 departs Basra at 11:20, arrives Doha at 12:4513.

Syria:

• Damascus International Airport (DAM):

  • Daily flights resume July 6 (QR410 departs Doha at 09:05, arrives Damascus at 12:00; return QR411 departs Damascus at 14:00, arrives Doha at 16:50).

  • From July 15, service increases to 14 weekly flights with an additional daily rotation (QR412/QR413)13.

Lebanon:

• Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY):

  • Service increases from 14 to 21 weekly flights starting July 1, with three daily departures.

  • Example: QR418 departs Doha at 21:00, arrives Beirut at 00:10; return QR419 departs Beirut at 01:40, arrives Doha at 04:4513.

Jordan:

• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM):

  • Service also increases to 21 weekly flights from July 1, with three daily departures

Qatar Airways has advised passengers to check the latest flight schedules and travel alerts on its website, as some departure times may have changed to ensure operational reliability and passenger safety. The airline’s resumption of these routes is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and support economic, cultural, and humanitarian links across the region. Flights to Iran remain suspended, with updates to be provided as the situation evolves