British Airways (BA) has announced its expansive 2026 summer schedule, signaling a major boost in capacity across its long-haul network. Key destinations such as Bangkok (BKK), Miami (MIA), and Kingston (KIN) will see additional flights, enhancing travel flexibility for both leisure and business passengers during the next travel season.

Operating from London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW), BA plans to increase frequencies across North America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, responding to heightened traveller demand.

The standout addition is the reinstatement of year-round flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok. Previously limited to winter operations, the route will now run three times weekly throughout summer and ramp up to six times weekly in winter. This expansion adds nearly 60,000 seats annually and taps into growing interest in Southeast Asia. Thanks to an expanded codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways (PG), passengers can easily connect onward to popular destinations like Phuket (HKT) and Phnom Penh (PNH).

In the Caribbean, British Airways is enhancing its connection to Jamaica, increasing flights from London Gatwick to Kingston by one weekly service — now totaling four flights per week. This expansion supports the Jamaica Tourist Board’s forecast of five million arrivals by March 2026 and adds over 300 seats weekly, solidifying BA’s role as the UK’s longest-serving carrier in the region.

U.S. destinations will also benefit from BA’s network growth. Miami will return to double-daily flights from Heathrow, while Dallas/Fort Worth regains a daily service. Las Vegas frequencies will jump from 10 to 13 weekly flights, and flights to San Diego and Austin will double to 14 weekly, further strengthening comprehensive U.S. coverage.

A key strategic move involves concentrating all New York John F. Kennedy (JFK) flights at Heathrow, with nine daily services planned. Passengers on the newest route variant will enjoy travel aboard a Boeing 777-200 equipped with premium First and Club Suite cabins, underscoring BA’s commitment to luxury and comfort on its flagship transatlantic corridors. Centralizing JFK flights at Heathrow also facilitates smoother connections onward to Europe and Asia.

British Airways is also scaling up its Middle East presence. Flights to Bahrain will increase to daily from Heathrow, more than doubling frequency. Saudi Arabian routes will see growth, with Jeddah expanding to five weekly flights and Riyadh rising to 14 per week. Doha services will likewise increase to 14 weekly flights, improving travel options for passengers traveling for both business and leisure in Qatar.

Beyond long-haul markets, BA Euroflyer, British Airways’ Gatwick-based short-haul subsidiary, continues to expand its footprint. Since 2025, year-round services to Rabat (RBA) in Morocco and Graz (GRZ) in Austria have been introduced, offering travelers more city break and cultural destination choices across Europe. These additions align with the broader BA strategy to enhance regional connectivity.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, highlighted that the 2026 summer expansion demonstrates the airline’s dedication to responding to evolving passenger needs. He noted that the increased schedule “provides greater choice and convenience for all travelers, whether for business, leisure, or family visits.”

Serving more than 200 destinations in over 65 countries, British Airways continues to operate one of the world’s largest and most connected networks from its London hubs including Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City. Recent network additions in 2025, such as Tbilisi in Georgia and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, further solidify its global reach.

With this robust summer schedule, British Airways aims to meet rising travel demand while reinforcing its position as the leading UK flag carrier offering unparalleled connectivity around the world.

Operating from London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW), BA plans to increase frequencies across North America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, responding to heightened traveller demand.

The standout addition is the reinstatement of year-round flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok. Previously limited to winter operations, the route will now run three times weekly throughout summer and ramp up to six times weekly in winter. This expansion adds nearly 60,000 seats annually and taps into growing interest in Southeast Asia. Thanks to an expanded codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways (PG), passengers can easily connect onward to popular destinations like Phuket (HKT) and Phnom Penh (PNH).

In the Caribbean, British Airways is enhancing its connection to Jamaica, increasing flights from London Gatwick to Kingston by one weekly service — now totaling four flights per week. This expansion supports the Jamaica Tourist Board’s forecast of five million arrivals by March 2026 and adds over 300 seats weekly, solidifying BA’s role as the UK’s longest-serving carrier in the region.

U.S. destinations will also benefit from BA’s network growth. Miami will return to double-daily flights from Heathrow, while Dallas/Fort Worth regains a daily service. Las Vegas frequencies will jump from 10 to 13 weekly flights, and flights to San Diego and Austin will double to 14 weekly, further strengthening comprehensive U.S. coverage.

A key strategic move involves concentrating all New York John F. Kennedy (JFK) flights at Heathrow, with nine daily services planned. Passengers on the newest route variant will enjoy travel aboard a Boeing 777-200 equipped with premium First and Club Suite cabins, underscoring BA’s commitment to luxury and comfort on its flagship transatlantic corridors. Centralizing JFK flights at Heathrow also facilitates smoother connections onward to Europe and Asia.

British Airways is also scaling up its Middle East presence. Flights to Bahrain will increase to daily from Heathrow, more than doubling frequency. Saudi Arabian routes will see growth, with Jeddah expanding to five weekly flights and Riyadh rising to 14 per week. Doha services will likewise increase to 14 weekly flights, improving travel options for passengers traveling for both business and leisure in Qatar.

Beyond long-haul markets, BA Euroflyer, British Airways’ Gatwick-based short-haul subsidiary, continues to expand its footprint. Since 2025, year-round services to Rabat (RBA) in Morocco and Graz (GRZ) in Austria have been introduced, offering travelers more city break and cultural destination choices across Europe. These additions align with the broader BA strategy to enhance regional connectivity.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, highlighted that the 2026 summer expansion demonstrates the airline’s dedication to responding to evolving passenger needs. He noted that the increased schedule “provides greater choice and convenience for all travelers, whether for business, leisure, or family visits.”

Serving more than 200 destinations in over 65 countries, British Airways continues to operate one of the world’s largest and most connected networks from its London hubs including Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City. Recent network additions in 2025, such as Tbilisi in Georgia and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, further solidify its global reach.

With this robust summer schedule, British Airways aims to meet rising travel demand while reinforcing its position as the leading UK flag carrier offering unparalleled connectivity around the world.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the visionary developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, has announced a major step in expanding global access to its luxury regenerative tourism destinations. Starting October 21, 2025, Qatar Airways will begin operating direct flights to the Red Sea International Airport (RSI) from Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH). Tickets are now available through the airline’s website and mobile app.

The new route will run three times a week — on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays — linking travelers from around the world to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast through Qatar Airways’ vast network of over 170 destinations across six continents.

Flight schedule:

• Doha (DOH) → Red Sea (RSI): Flight QR1226 departs 07:45, arrives 10:45

• Red Sea (RSI) → Doha (DOH): Flight QR1227 departs 11:45, arrives 14:15

Boosting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Tourism Goals

John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, highlighted the significance of this partnership:

“The launch of these new flights with Qatar Airways marks a pivotal moment in positioning The Red Sea as a premier luxury destination on the global tourism map. As we continue to open more hotels and attractions, this route provides seamless access for travelers to experience unparalleled luxury, explore the rich Saudi culture, and engage with our pioneering regenerative tourism model.”

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, emphasized the airline’s commitment to expanding connectivity:

“Adding The Red Sea to our network reflects our dedication to offering diverse and enriching destinations for global travelers. This marks our 12th destination within the Kingdom, opening doors to a new level of luxury travel in the Middle East through our award-winning hub at Hamad International Airport.”

Sustainable Tourism at Its Core

Operated by daa International since its opening in 2023, RSI is designed to be one of the world’s most sustainable airports. Once fully operational later this year, the airport will be powered entirely by renewable energy, utilizing over 760,000 solar panels and one of the largest battery storage systems worldwide.

Currently, five luxury resorts are welcoming guests at The Red Sea, including: Six Senses Southern Dunes, St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Shebara (RSG-operated), Desert Rock (RSG-operated).

Additionally, Shura Island, the central hub of the Red Sea destination, is set to open later this year with 11 luxury resorts, an 18-hole championship golf course (Shura Links), premium dining and retail, cultural programs, and signature experiences.

This collaboration between RSG and Qatar Airways represents a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a leading global tourism hub.

For booking and more details, visit qatarairways.com.

Philippine Airlines is ramping up its service on the Manila to Melbourne route for the upcoming 2025/26 holiday season to meet growing traveler demand. From December 17, 2025, through January 19, 2026, the airline will increase its weekly flights from five to seven, except during the peak period between December 26, 2025, and January 3, 2026, when the regular schedule applies.

The enhanced schedule features daily flights, offering passengers greater flexibility and convenience for their holiday travel plans. Operating on the reliable Airbus A330-300 aircraft, the route maintains high standards of comfort and service.

Flight details include:

• PR209 departing Manila at 5:00 PM, arriving Melbourne at 4:10 AM the next day (aircraft configuration 3-3-3 with 246 seats).
• A second PR209 flight leaves Manila at 9:25 PM, landing in Melbourne at 8:35 AM the following day (246 seats).

Return flights from Melbourne:

• PR210 departs at 5:55 AM, arriving Manila at 11:20 AM (3-3-3 layout with 357 seats).
• The second PR210 flight takes off at 10:20 AM, reaching Manila by 3:35 PM (357 seats).

This seasonal increase underscores Philippine Airlines’ commitment to enhancing connectivity between the Philippines and Australia, supporting both leisure and business travelers during the busy holiday period.

In a landmark achievement for sustainable aviation, Air France’s Airbus A220-300 has successfully completed its inaugural ferry flight from Mirabel Airport (YMX) in Canada to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) powered by a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This historic delivery not only marks a milestone for Air France but also represents the first time Airbus has issued official sustainability credentials for SAF directly to an airline customer, signaling a significant step forward in the industry’s decarbonization journey.

The newly delivered Air France A220-300, christened VAISON-LA-ROMAINE and the airline’s 46th in this fleet, demonstrated remarkable environmental benefits. Over the course of its ferry flight, the use of SAF reduced lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25 tonnes compared to traditional fossil fuels. This achievement reflects Airbus’ ability to provide Proof of Sustainability (PoS) through the CORSIA Sustainability Certification Scheme, ensuring verified emission reductions linked to SAF consumption.

For Air France-KLM, one of the world’s largest buyers of sustainable aviation fuel, the integration of SAF at the point of aircraft delivery represents a key transparency enhancement, accelerating SAF adoption across the aviation sector. The airline group stresses that combining new, more efficient aircraft with SAF is central to meeting its decarbonization targets for medium-haul operations.

Since introducing SAF deliveries at its Mirabel manufacturing facility, Airbus has progressively integrated sustainable fuels into A220 production, acceptance tests, and now delivery flights. In 2025 alone, the Mirabel site anticipates saving around 400 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions through the use of approximately 170,000 liters of pure SAF.

This local effort complements Airbus’ worldwide sustainability commitment, where 78% of all aircraft delivered in the first half of the year featured SAF blends. Airbus aims for full SAF compatibility across its entire fleet by 2030. Currently, A220 aircraft are certified to operate with up to 50% SAF blends, showcasing both advanced technical readiness and adherence to evolving regulations.

The sustainable aviation fuel used on this flight is certified to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional jet fuel. This reduction is accounted for using a mass balance system that tracks certified SAF volumes alongside regular Jet A-1 fuel, ensuring a transparent and auditable chain of custody. Airbus emphasizes this approach as vital for maintaining operational feasibility while driving greater SAF transparency.

Since introducing its first A220 in 2021 as part of a 60-aircraft order, Air France has leveraged the model’s efficiency to reduce per-seat fuel burn and CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to older aircraft generations. The A220 family remains a cornerstone in both Airbus’ and Air France’s sustainability strategies, combining advancing aircraft efficiency with the accelerating adoption of sustainable fuels.

As the aviation industry charts its path to a low-carbon future, Air France and Airbus’ collaboration on SAF delivery flights underscores the tangible progress being made toward cleaner skies—one sustainably fueled journey at a time.

Emirates Airline (EK) has taken its First Class experience to new heights by introducing an enhanced caviar service, offering unlimited servings of premium Ossetra caviar on all routes. Reflecting a growing appetite among discerning travelers, Emirates has witnessed a more than 30% increase in caviar consumption year over year, with top routes including Dubai to London, Paris, Sydney, Moscow, and Bangkok emerging as the biggest consumers of the delicacy.

The airline’s commitment to sophistication is embodied in a meticulously crafted caviar ritual, which guarantees the freshest and most elegant presentation from start to finish. Each tin of caviar is chauffeur-delivered to the aircraft, handled with utmost care, and presented onboard by cabin crew dressed impeccably in white gloves.

Passengers are treated to a ceremonial service where a crisp linen tablecloth is laid out, and classic accompaniments such as melba toast, blinis, egg yolk, egg white, chives, white onions, sour cream, and lemon are thoughtfully arranged to enhance the tasting experience.

The caviar itself, served in a striking Emirates-engraved bowl, is a sensory highlight an offering that delights the palate with its delicate briny notes, buttery undertones, and smooth texture. To further elevate the indulgence, Emirates pairs the caviar with Dom Pérignon champagne, whose toasted brioche and almond flavors perfectly complement the caviar’s nutty saltiness while its crisp acidity refreshes the palate.

A thoughtful touch of luxury is the use of mother-of-pearl spoons a subtle but important detail that preserves the purity of flavor by preventing the oxidation that metal spoons can cause.

Sourced from the sustainable Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii), the Ossetra caviar served onboard comes from fish native to Siberia’s pristine river systems. This species matures faster than other sturgeon varieties, making it a preferred choice for eco-conscious aquaculture without compromising the rich, clean flavor that caviar connoisseurs cherish.

With over 26,800 premium First Class seats available weekly, Emirates’ operational scale demands precision in every step of the caviar preparation process. From rinsing and lightly salting the roe to pasteurizing, sealing in ring-pull tins, and chilling in Dubai under strict conditions, the airline ensures consistent quality no matter the destination.

By blending tradition, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Emirates continues to redefine luxury air travel dining inviting First Class passengers to savor one of the world’s most exquisite culinary treasures high above the clouds.