Basel Aer, a part of Russia’s largest industrial diversified group Basic Element, has said Sochi International Airport, a main gateway to the upcoming Formula One Russian Grand Prix, is planning to serve over 100,000 arriving and departing passengers before October 12th. Sochi International Airport is expecting to serve over 100,000 arriving and departing passengers from 30 countries on board over 650 flights including more than 70 charter flights from Great Britain, Italy, UAE, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Slovakia, Thailand, Bahrain and Turkey.

Emirates and the Formula One group have announced a five year agreement appointing Emirates as a global partner of Formula 1 starting with the imminent 2013 season. The announcement was made by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline & Group and Bernie Ecclestone, chief executive of the Formula One group.

Abu Dhabi has been named as the host destination for the 13th WTTC Global Summit, which will bring hundreds of international travel and tourism leaders to the UAE capital next year. This is the latest coup for the emirate, which beat all records and targets for guest arrivals in 2011. Breaking Travel News takes a look at some of the exciting developments on the horizon as Abu Dhabi moves into the spotlight.

MCLAREN’S Lewis Hamilton has triumphed in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as thousands of sporting enthusiasts gathered in the emirate to witness the sporting spectacle.

Etihad Airways the Formula 1 Group have signed an agreement extending the airline’s title sponsorship of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for a further four years. Etihad Airways was recognised by the World Travel Award as the World’s Leading Airline in 2011 for the second consecutive year.

Sebastian Vettel has notched up another victory by taking the European Grand Prix comfortably in front of the luxury yachts of Valencia’s harbour. The German became the first driver in F1 history to finish in the top two in the opening eight races of the season.