Airline News Page 4
United Accelerates Starlink Wi-Fi Rollout with First Widebody Transatlantic Flight
United is accelerating the rollout of fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members as United flight 14 is set to depart Newark/New York for London this evening aboard a Boeing 777-200, marking the airline's first transatlantic widebody customer flight equipped with Starlink and the first of nearly 60 United widebody aircraft expected to have Starlink this year. United expects to have its entire widebody fleet outfitted by next summer as the airline expands Starlink's high-speed, reliable internet across its fleet.
UK lifts travel advisory for Dubai
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) welcomes the decision by the United Kingdom to lift the travel advisory. Dubai is open, with hotels, attractions, restaurants, retail destinations and other destination experiences ready to welcome back UK visitors to the city. Dubai International (DXB) has remained operational. Emirates is currently operating 97% of its global network, serving 138 destinations across 73 countries. Dubai Airports and airline partners continue to work to restore capacity and connectivity.
It’s raining recognition for Etihad this award season
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, collected awards for the Airline with the Best Economy Class and Airline with the Best Cabin Crew for the sixth year in a row, at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East Awards in Dubai on 18 June 2026. The accolades follow a string of wins for the airline this award season, with recognition also coming from the MENA Stevie Awards, the Business Traveller Cellars in the Sky Awards, the Aviation Achievement Awards, and the APEX Best Awards, bringing the airline’s tally to over 30 individual awards from international and regional industry bodies over the past 12 months.
A new era of luxury: Etihad’s celebrated A380 debuts in Tokyo
Etihad Airways has celebrated the inaugural flight of its iconic Airbus A380 to Japan, which touched down at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport on 18 June. The arrival marks a landmark moment for the airline, with the renowned double-decker now operating daily between the two capitals. The aircraft brings expanded capacity on the route alongside an elevated premium offering. Featuring four distinct cabins, the A380 introduces The Residence to the Japanese market for the first time, allowing travellers flying to and from Tokyo to experience the pinnacle of luxury commercial aviation.
Make more of your summer with Emirates
Emirates is kickstarting the summer holidays with exclusive offers for passengers travelling to or through Dubai. From complimentary stays at the iconic JW Marriott Marquis*, to hundreds of discounts through the popular My Emirates Pass, travellers can enjoy even more value while exploring the city, whether visiting for a longer getaway or a short stopover. Built for all seasons, Dubai offers an unrivalled variety of experiences in one destination, making it easy to tailor a summer escape to any travel style or length of stay. Travellers can explore both in- and outdoor activities that entertain, inspire or educate; visit world-famous attractions like the Burj Khalifa; enjoy immersive, thrilling experiences at theme parks; or beat the heat entirely by spending a day at Dubai's museums and interactive art galleries. As one of the world's most visited cities, Dubai is ready to welcome travellers with the warmth, hospitality and safety the destination is renowned for.
British Airways ARC opens its doors at Olympia
British Airways today celebrates the opening of British Airways ARC at Olympia, welcoming customers to London’s newest entertainment and music venue. The 3,800-capacity venue is set to become a major new cultural hub for the capital and forms part of the £1.3 billion transformation of Olympia. The state-of-the-art venue will bring together live music and entertainment delivering a world-class experience for both fans and artists.
AIR INDIA EXPRESS LAUNCHES DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM NAVI MUMBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO ABUDHABI
Air India Express today announced the launch of direct flights between Navi Mumbai International Airport and Abu Dhabi, becoming the first airline to operate international services from Maharashtra’s newest airport. The new route provides travellers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region with a second gateway to the UAE, enhancing accessibility, convenience, and travel choice. Flights will operate from 15 July 2026, with an initial frequency of two weekly services, scaling to three weekly flights from 29 July 2026. Bookings for these flights are now open on the airline’s website, airindiaexpress.com, mobile app, and other major booking channels.
EL AL Launches EL AL Travel – A New Travel Platform
Through the new travel platform, EL AL customers can book hotels outside of Israel, redeem Points for hotel bookings, and earn Matmid Points and Diamonds with every purchase. The new platform is part of a broader initiative designed to support EL AL customers throughout their entire journey – from the flight, to accommodation, and soon, to attractions around the world. EL AL is launching EL AL Travel – a new digital platform on the EL AL website for booking hotels outside of Israel. This marks the first step in a comprehensive strategic initiative to develop new growth engines and accompany customers throughout every stage of their vacation. The new platform enhances the travel experience beyond the flight itself, offering a full range of services, including hotel bookings at attractive prices, with the option to redeem Matmid Points, alongside earning Matmid Points and Diamonds on every booking.
EASA APPROVES TAAG’S BOEING 787 OPERATIONS TO EUROPE
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has authorised the operation of TAAG – Angola Airlines’ new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on commercial services to the European airspace, as part of the standard certification and technical oversight process applicable to airlines operating flights to destinations within the European Union.
AVIAREPS to represent Jazeera Airways across Europe
AVIAREPS, the global leader in aviation, tourism and hospitality representation with 77 offices in 71 countries around the world, has been appointed as General Sales Agent (GSA) for Jazeera Airways in the UK, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. The appointment marks a significant step in strengthening the airline’s commercial footprint across Europe and supporting the continued growth of its international network.
Arajet and Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Continue Efforts to Promote the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) and Arajet hosted a new destination marketing activation at Miami’s LoanDepot Park during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Miami Marlins, featuring Dominican baseball legend Juan Marichal as the event’s guest of honor. The initiative showcased the Dominican Republic’s premier tourism offerings to thousands of baseball fans attending the game. Visitors engaged with themed activations throughout the stadium and participated in promotions and giveaways for airline tickets and complimentary vacation stays at destinations across the country.
Saudia Ranked First Globally for On-Time Performance in May 2026
Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has achieved a new global milestone in operational excellence. The airline ranked first among airlines worldwide for on-time performance in both departure and arrival rates in May 2026, according to the latest report by Cirium, the leading global aviation analytics provider. The airline recorded an on-time departure rate of 92.30% and an on-time arrival rate of 90.12%, operating 13,669 flights across its network of over 100 destinations across four continents.