Airline News Page 95
Etihad Reports July 2025 Traffic Statistics
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has released its traffic statistics for July 2025, reporting continued growth in passenger volumes and network expansion. In July, Etihad carried 2.0 million passengers, a 19 per cent increase compared to July 2024, when the airline flew 1.7 million guests. The passenger load factor rose to 90 per cent, up from 89 per cent in the same month last year, reflecting strong demand and efficient capacity management.
Emirates makes changes to safety rules for customer usage of power banks onboard
Using any kind of power bank is prohibited onboard Emirates’ flights, effective from 1 October 2025. A power bank is a portable, rechargeable device primarily designed to provide power to other electronic devices such smart phones, tablets, laptops and cameras. Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions listed below, but the power banks may not be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircrafts’ power source.
Severance at 30,000 Feet: Award-Winning Apple Originals Now Playing on United
United today announced that full seasons of select Apple TV+ global hits will now be available for free on the airline's 130,000+ seatback screens and in the United app, including award-winning shows such as Severance, Shrinking, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses and Silo and more.
Lufthansa Relaunches Riyadh–Munich Route with Three Weekly Airbus A350 Flights Starting October 2025
Lufthansa will launch a new year-round service from Riyadh to Munich starting 27 October 2025, operating three times a week. The route will use a modern Airbus A350-900 with 293 seats across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. This addition complements Lufthansa’s existing daily flights to Frankfurt, offering customers more travel options between Saudi Arabia and Germany.
Qatar Airways Renews Multi-Year Partnership with Al Sadd Sports Club as Official Jersey Partner
Qatar Airways announces the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Al Sadd Sports Club, one of Qatar’s most iconic and celebrated football teams. The renewed agreement between the two entities reinforces the airline’s commitment to advancing sports in Qatar, supporting homegrown talent, and contributing to the realisation of Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Through this collaboration, Qatar Airways will champion the power of sports as a unifying force to inspire communities, connect people, and showcase Qatar’s leadership on both local and regional stages. The airline has proudly supported Al Sadd SC since 2018 and plays an active role in enriching the sporting landscape by engaging with fans across Qatar and the Qatar Stars League.
Chooose Integrates IATA CO2 Connect Data into its Platform
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed an agreement with software company Chooose to expand market access to IATA CO2 Connect emissions data. Airlines managing their SAF programs via the Chooose platform will now be able to deliver IATA CO2 Connect’s trusted data—based on real operational inputs from over 70 airlines and aligned with IATA RP 1726 and ISO 14083—directly to their corporate and consumer traveler customers. IATA research conducted in April 2025 revealed that 40% of travelers—particularly business travelers—regularly check their flight-related carbon emissions. By delivering CO2 Connect data through its platform, Chooose helps airlines and corporate partners meet that demand for transparency, while enabling more informed decision-making.
American Airlines announces new international routes for next summer
Keep the bags packed for summer vacation as American Airlines announces six new routes to Europe and South America for travelers to experience in summer 2026. American will debut new service to Prague (PRG) and the only nonstop service from the U.S. to Budapest, Hungary (BUD). The airline will also add new routes to popular destinations including Athens, Greece (ATH); Milan (MXP); and Zurich (ZRH), while expanding service in summer to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE).
Cast Your Vote: The Ultimate Guide to the World Travel Awards Voting Portal
The World Travel Awards stands tall as the top honor in travel and tourism. It celebrates the best in airlines, hotels, destinations, and more. Each year, millions of votes help pick the winners of these great awards. This voting portal is your way to join this important process. It lets you share your thoughts and help shape the future of travel. Just register, log in, and you get into the official voting system. This lets you back your favorite travel brands and experiences. Voting in the World Travel Awards is more than just casting a ballot. It is a chance to join a worldwide talk that sets travel standards and sparks new ideas. Your vote helps find the best in the business. It guides other travelers to great experiences. Plus, it gives thanks to those who always offer amazing service. This guide will show you how to use the portal easily and make your vote count.
Southwest Airlines Takes Off with Priceline
Priceline, the OG of online travel deals, is adding even more reasons to go to your happy place with the arrival of Southwest Airlines®. Starting today, travelers can search and book Southwest's inventory directly on Priceline, unlocking more ways to compare, customize and save on flights. Customers booking their Southwest flights through Priceline are still eligible to earn Rapid Rewards.
Ladybird Jet Takes Flight: New Regional Shuttle Service Launches Labor Day Weekend
Ladybird Jet, a premium regional air shuttle service co-founded by Michele Wilkinson and Devon Perry, proudly announces its official launch, with first flights beginning Labor Day weekend. The service will offer scheduled semi-private flights between Fredericksburg and Dallas, with expansion to Houston and other key Texas markets on the horizon.
Eurowings continues to expand its medium-haul destinations
Germany's largest leisure airline is further expanding its range of direct flights to the Middle East in its 2025/26 winter flight schedule. Beginning on 13 December, Eurowings will connect Düsseldorf with Dubai three times a week. The flights, operated with an Airbus A320neo, will depart on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6:50 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. respectively, bound for Dubai World Central (DWC). The return flights will depart from Dubai at 6:05 p.m. local time. The starting price for a one-way ticket in the Basic fare is 139.99 euros. For the first time, travelers can fly directly from the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia to the popular desert metropolis with Eurowings. This means that Dubai is now directly connected to a total of five German airports with Eurowings.
Emirates embarks on major partnership with FC Bayern Munich
Emirates has entered a landmark seven-year partnership with FC Bayern Munchen, 34-time Bundesliga champions and six-time UEFA Champions League titleholders. The agreement positions Emirates as Platinum Partner of FC Bayern Munich’s first team from the 2025-26 season through to the 2031-32 season. The football powerhouse is one of the most widely supported and respected clubs worldwide, with a highly engaged global fanbase of more than 140 million people, enjoying strong brand recognition rooted in a unique Bavarian identity. FC Bayern also enjoys a robust club membership of 410,000, one of the largest in the football world, demonstrating deep community support and engagement. It also has fanclubs spanning more than 100 countries, reflecting its massive international appeal.