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

Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport intercepted an Indian passenger arriving from Sharjah on July 3, 2025, and seized gold worth over ₹1.34 crore. The passenger was stopped based on profiling by the Air Intelligence Unit at Terminal 3, leading to a thorough search of his baggage and person.

During the search, officers discovered two plastic pouches containing a yellow-coloured paste. Upon further examination, three gold bars weighing a total of 1,484.5 grams were extracted from the paste, valued at ₹1,34,87,395. The gold was cleverly concealed in paste form, a growing smuggling technique where gold is melted and mixed with other substances to avoid detection by scanners and physical inspection.

A case has been registered against the passenger under the Customs Act, 1962. Following interrogation, customs officials identified and intercepted another individual believed to be the intended receiver of the smuggled gold. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed the identities of those involved.

Smugglers often use innovative methods to transport gold, including hiding it in clothing linings, food items, electronic devices, and even aircraft structures. Multiple carriers are frequently employed to minimize risk. Most gold smuggling into India originates from the Middle East and Southeast Asia, with major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai being common entry points.

Customs officials rely on advanced screening technologies, behavioral profiling, and random checks to combat these sophisticated smuggling attempts. Despite stricter regulations and increased enforcement, gold smuggling remains a significant challenge due to high import duties and price disparities.

This recent seizure highlights the ongoing vigilance of customs authorities in protecting the country’s economic interests and curbing illegal trade. The case also emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation of detection methods to keep pace with evolving smuggling tactics.

Emirates officially inaugurated its first dedicated travel store in Japan on July 8, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion within the Kansai region. The new store, located in Osaka’s bustling commercial district, is designed to bring Emirates’ world-renowned hospitality and personalized service closer to customers, enhancing their travel planning experience.

The opening ceremony was graced by Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President – Passenger Sales and Country Management at Emirates, alongside Mr. Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture, and H.E. Shihab Alfaheem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Japan. Emirates’ senior management, distinguished guests, and media representatives also attended the event, underscoring the importance of this new venture.

Spanning 110 square meters, the Emirates Travel Store offers a comprehensive, customer-centric environment where travelers can receive expert assistance from a multilingual team. The staff is equipped to support both Japanese and international customers with flight bookings, travel-related information, and bespoke itinerary planning. This personalized service aims to address the diverse needs of travelers, from leisure tourists to business professionals.

The store’s interior has been thoughtfully designed to reflect modern luxury and comfort. Soft beige lounge chairs and sleek contemporary furnishings create a warm and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging customers to take their time while planning their journeys. To enhance convenience, the store features a self-service kiosk and an innovative personalized Queue Management system, streamlining customer flow and reducing wait times. Additionally, a selfie mirror with unique backgrounds showcasing popular Emirates destinations adds an interactive and engaging element to the customer experience.

During the opening remarks, Mr. Nabil Sultan emphasized the strategic importance of the Japanese market for Emirates. He stated, “Japan is a vital market for Emirates, and today’s opening reflects our commitment to building even deeper connections with our valued customers and partners here in the Kansai region by bringing our products and services even closer to them. The opening of our first retail store in Osaka is a reflection of our customer-first philosophy and we’re confident that this space will enable us to engage in more meaningful ways with the Japanese community.”

Emirates continues to strengthen its presence in Japan with daily flights to Osaka Kansai, Tokyo Narita, and Tokyo Haneda airports. The airline’s fleet serving Japan has been retrofitted with enhanced products, including upgraded seating, improved in-flight entertainment systems, and premium dining options, ensuring a superior travel experience for passengers.

The Emirates Osaka Travel Store is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a break between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. The store remains closed on weekends and public holidays to maintain optimal service quality during operational hours.

This new retail space not only serves as a booking and information center but also acts as a cultural bridge, promoting greater understanding and exchange between Japan and the UAE. Through this initiative, Emirates aims to foster stronger community ties and encourage more travelers from the Kansai region to explore the world with the airline’s extensive global network.

With this innovative travel store, Emirates is setting a new standard for customer engagement in Japan, combining state-of-the-art technology, personalized service, and elegant design to create a unique and memorable travel planning experience.

Etihad Airways is set to transform the Abu Dhabi–Kolkata route by introducing its cutting-edge Airbus A321LR aircraft starting September 26, 2025. This marks a significant milestone as Etihad brings its renowned wide-body luxury experience to a single-aisle aircraft for the first time on this busy medium-haul corridor, enhancing comfort and premium service across all cabins.

The A321LR is designed to deliver wide-body comfort with fuel-efficient technology, making it ideal for regional routes with increasing demand for premium travel. It features two exclusive First Class suites, 14 lie-flat Business Class seats, and a spacious Economy cabin accommodating 144 passengers, all equipped with next-generation amenities.

In First Class, passengers will enjoy fully enclosed suites with sliding doors, offering complete privacy, a fully lie-flat bed, and a companion seat for shared dining. Each suite is equipped with a large 20-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment system with Bluetooth audio pairing and Qi wireless charging. The suite also includes a cocktail table with wireless charging and custom headrest covers, creating a personalized luxury environment akin to Etihad’s flagship wide-body aircraft.

Business Class features 14 lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-1 herringbone layout, providing direct aisle access and window-facing orientation for enhanced privacy. These 78-inch beds come with 17.3-inch 4K entertainment screens, wireless charging, Bluetooth headphone pairing, and ample storage. The design balances passenger comfort with operational efficiency, as the seats do not have sliding doors to keep the aircraft’s range optimal in high-temperature environments.

The Economy cabin offers some of the widest seats in the industry for a narrow-body aircraft, measuring 18.4 inches in width with up to a five-inch recline and ergonomic support. Each of the 144 seats features a 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, and access to Etihad’s state-of-the-art entertainment system. Thirty-six seats provide extra legroom, enhancing comfort on this medium-haul route.

Connectivity is a standout feature across all cabins. The A321LR is equipped with Viasat’s advanced multi-orbit satellite system, delivering high-speed Wi-Fi with speeds up to 1 Gbps, enabling seamless streaming, browsing, gaming, and live TV from gate to gate where permitted. Complimentary messaging is included for all passengers, with full connectivity available for premium customers.

This aircraft will serve not only the Abu Dhabi–Kolkata route but also other destinations including Chennai, Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, Riyadh, Zurich, Tunis, and various Southeast Asian cities, expanding Etihad’s regional network with enhanced comfort and connectivity.

Etihad is also enhancing the end-to-end First Class experience with premium services such as 24/7 personal travel planning through Etihad Concierge, private chauffeur transfers, dedicated check-in counters, exclusive lounge access, porter services, personal escorts on arrival, and soon, home check-in and “Land & Leave” services in Abu Dhabi. First Class passengers at Zayed International Airport may even be chauffeured directly to the aircraft door in a private limousine.

This upgrade aligns with Etihad’s “Journey 2030” vision, aiming to double its fleet size, triple passenger numbers, and open 16 new destinations in 2025 alone. The introduction of the A321LR symbolizes a transformational moment for the airline, blending luxury, efficiency, and connectivity on short and medium-haul flights, and reinforcing its strategic commitment to the Indian market and beyond.

Passengers traveling between the UAE and India can expect a seamless, luxurious journey with the latest in comfort, entertainment, and connectivity, making Etihad a highly competitive choice for premium regional travel.

Dubai’s skies welcome a new era of luxury and innovation as Emirates officially launches its next-generation Airbus A350 service to Dammam, marking the Saudi city as the airline’s first destination in the Kingdom to receive this cutting-edge aircraft. This milestone underscores Emirates’ deepening commitment to Saudi Arabia and its ongoing investment in enhancing regional connectivity and passenger experience.

The daily A350 flight EK827 departs Dubai at 7:30 am, arriving in Dammam at 7:50 am, with the return flight EK828 leaving Dammam at 9:20 am and touching down in Dubai at 11:45 am (all local times). This schedule offers convenient morning travel for business and leisure passengers alike.

Designed to elevate comfort on short and medium-haul routes, the Emirates A350 boasts a sophisticated three-class cabin layout with a total of 312 seats:

• 32 lie-flat Business Class seats arranged in a spacious 1-2-1 configuration
• 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout
• 259 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout

Every passenger can indulge in Emirates’ signature in-flight innovations, including the award-winning ice entertainment system with thousands of channels, enhanced seat ergonomics, advanced ambient lighting, quieter cabins, and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the aircraft.

Emirates’ presence in Saudi Arabia spans over 30 years, currently serving Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, and now Dammam with multiple daily flights operated by a modern mix of A380s, Boeing 777s, and the new A350s. The introduction of the A350 to Dammam not only enriches the travel experience but also strengthens seamless connectivity via Dubai to more than 140 global destinations within Emirates’ extensive network.

Dammam joins a growing roster of cities benefiting from Emirates’ A350 service, including Mumbai, Edinburgh, Bahrain, Colombo, Kuwait, Muscat, Tunis, Amman, and Ahmedabad. To date, Emirates has inducted eight A350 aircraft into its fleet, with plans to extend this service to 17 destinations by the end of 2025. The A350’s advanced fuel efficiency and environmental performance align with Emirates’ future-focused fleet strategy, promising a sustainable and elevated journey for travelers across all cabin classes.

This launch reflects Emirates’ vision of delivering world-class travel experiences while reinforcing its strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region, heralding a new chapter in aviation excellence and regional integration.

In a landmark move to protect air travelers, Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has slapped a hefty €179 million fine on five major low-cost European airlines for imposing unfair fees on services traditionally included in ticket prices. The penalties target Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, Norwegian, and Volotea, accusing them of abusive commercial practices such as charging for carry-on luggage, seat selection, and printing boarding passes services once considered standard.

The largest burden falls on Ryanair, fined approximately €107 million, reflecting its dominant role in the Spanish market. Vueling, the Barcelona-based carrier under IAG, faces a €39 million penalty, while EasyJet was fined €29 million. Smaller fines were imposed on Volotea (€1.9 million) and Norwegian (€1.6 million), marking one of the EU’s most forceful crackdowns on ancillary airline fees to date.

Spanish authorities argue these fees violate EU consumer protection laws by creating misleading fare structures and unfairly burdening travelers especially families, those less comfortable with digital check-in, and passengers with dependents. The ministry highlighted the discriminatory practice of separating families unless extra fees are paid for adjacent seating.

This enforcement aligns with broader EU efforts to regulate airline fees. The European Parliament is advancing legislation to standardize carry-on baggage allowances as part of the base fare, aiming to eliminate hidden charges by late 2025 or early 2026. Consumer groups like the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) have backed these moves, filing complaints against airlines for opaque pricing practices.

However, the airline industry is resisting. Spain’s airline association (ALA) criticized the fines as “nonsense” and warned that banning such fees could raise base ticket prices and undermine the low-cost model. Ryanair and Vueling plan to challenge the rulings in court, while legal proceedings have already temporarily suspended fines for some carriers.

For travelers, these developments promise greater transparency and fewer surprise fees at airports. The Spanish ministry insists that charges for services like carry-on bags, seat assignments, and boarding passes must be clearly disclosed and justified, reinforcing the principle that basic travel amenities should not come with hidden costs.

Spain’s decisive action sends a strong message across Europe: airlines must respect consumer rights and ensure fair, honest pricing in an industry long criticized for fragmented fees and confusing fare structures.