Total revenue reached USD858 million, representing an 11% increase in Q2 2026 compared to the same period last year. Total revenue in H1 from the alliance’s portfolio increased by 17% year-on-year to USD1.8 billion, reflecting sustained demand across all regions. This performance was underpinned by a 21% increase in room nights in Q2 and a 27% year-on-year increase in H1, highlighting increased guest loyalty and longer stays.

The power of the GHA Discovery loyalty programme was evident in Q2, with cross-brand revenue — generated by members booking stays at a GHA brand other than the one where they enrolled — surging 32% year-on-year to USD132 million. This cross-brand activity represents highly incremental revenue for hotel owners, proving the value of the alliance’s shared loyalty ecosystem.

This engagement was mirrored by a 41% year-on-year increase in total D$ redemptions in Q2, as members actively used their digital rewards currency to offset stay costs and experiential purchases.

Global revenue mix

International travel remained the primary engine of growth for GHA in Q2 2026, accounting for USD476 million in total room revenue, a 12% increase year-on-year, representing 68% of total room revenue. International room nights and stays both posted strong gains, rising 21% and 22%, respectively, as long-haul journeys were particularly popular. Domestic travel also showed robust momentum, with room revenue rising 16% to US$220 million.

Members’ favourite destinations

Destinations generating the most revenue from members’ international stays in the Q2 2026 rankings were as follows: Italy took the top spot (+21% compared to Q2 2025), followed by Spain (35%), Thailand (+22%), the Netherlands (+9%), and the United Kingdom (79%).

US and the UK are top feeder markets

The US remained the largest international feeder market for GHA in Q2, generating USD86 million and accounting for 18% of international room revenue. The UK was the second-largest source market, followed by China, Germany and Australia.

Distinct travel flows

US outbound travel was diverse, with particularly strong demand for the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. UK travellers favoured European sun and culture, especially Spain and Portugal, alongside Italy, while Thailand dominated for their long-haul travel. German travellers preferred the Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, and Italy, while Australian members preferred Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Fiji. Chinese travellers enjoyed trips to Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia among their main international destinations.

Growing membership and portfolio

Looking ahead to the second half of the year, GHA is well-positioned to maintain its growth trajectory. The 36% year-on-year increase in new member enrolments during Q2 2026 ensures a rapidly expanding audience of highly engaged travellers who will continue to fuel the alliance’s performance.

GHA continued to strengthen its global footprint during the second quarter, adding 31 new properties and surpassing the 1,000-hotel milestone in the first half of 2026. This growth was supplemented by the addition of four new member brands: Almanack Hotels, Regal Hotels, STORY Hotels, and TemptingPlaces Collection.

(Source: GHA).

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Scheduled to commence on 20 July 2026, Aleppo becomes flydubai’s second destination in Syria, joining the capital city, Damascus. This reinforces the airline’s commitment to opening up previously underserved markets.

Flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We resume operations to Aleppo after nearly 14 years. The introduction of our daily service to Aleppo marks an important milestone in our network expansion strategy. Our primary mandate has always been to support Dubai’s aviation hub by creating direct air links to previously underserved markets. By providing reliable, daily operations to Aleppo, we are not only catering to a strong existing demand for direct travel, but we are also fostering closer economic, cultural and familial ties between the UAE and Syria.”

Historically renowned as a commercial crossroads and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Aleppo is a significant market with high demand for regional business travel, visiting friends and relatives (VFR), and cargo transport. The resumption of direct flights provides a vital link for the Syrian diaspora residing in the UAE and wider Gulf region, significantly reducing travel times compared to indirect routing options.

Flydubai Chief Commercial Officer Hamad Obaidalla added: “Since resuming our flights to Damascus last summer, we have been encouraged by the strong demand for travel on this route. The resumption of our non-stop service to Aleppo builds on this momentum, providing our customers with greater choice and more convenient travel options between Dubai and Syria. The launch of our new daily service also comes at an ideal time to support increased travel demand during the peak summer period, and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board soon.”

Flights on a 170-seat 737-8 feature lie-flat seats in business class and ergonomically designed seats in economy class.

On 1 June 2025, flydubai became the first carrier from the United Arab Emirates to operate a daily service between Dubai and Damascus. Due to growing demand for travel on this route, the carrier has increased the frequency of its flights, now serving the Syrian capital with three daily flights.

The carrier recently added Benghazi, Libya, and Bangkok, Thailand, to its growing network and is set to welcome Pokhara, Nepal, from 23 September 2026.

Flight details

The new direct service is included in the flydubai and Emirates codeshare partnership, enabling passengers to benefit from smoother itineraries, a single ticket, baggage check-in, and access to an extensive combined network.

Flights will operate daily to Aleppo International Airport (ALP) from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Return Business Class fares from DXB to ALP start from AED8,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED1,800. Return Business Class fares from ALP to DXB start from USD2,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from USD470.

(Source: Flydubai)

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The A380 will operate on flights EK512/513 in a four-class configuration, complementing the deployment of Emirates’ retrofitted B777 aircraft, also in a four-class layout featuring Premium Economy, across its three other daily flights.

From October, Premium Economy will be offered on flights to six Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi, giving customers travelling to and from India greater choice when planning their travel.

Delhi-Dubai

Passengers on the Delhi–Dubai route will now enjoy expanded options, with four cabin classes on all daily services. Premium Economy will feature on EK513, operated by the A380, as well as on the Boeing 777-operated EK511, EK515 and EK517.

Kolkata-Dubai

From 25 October, Emirates’ daily Kolkata–Dubai service, EK570/571, currently operated with a Boeing 777, will be served by the airline’s next-generation A350. With flights EK572/573 operating five times weekly on a four-class retrofitted B777, Premium Economy will be available across all 12 weekly flights between Kolkata and Dubai.

Emirates serves nine gateways across India — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram — operating 167 weekly flights to Dubai and onward to its global network, spanning almost 140 destinations. 

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

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The collaboration will improve connections for guests, allowing them to book destinations currently flown by both airlines on a single ticket. 

The agreement was signed in Harare on 7 July 2026, with sales opening on 24 August 2026.

Under the partnership, guests travelling on Etihad can connect onward on Fastjet Zimbabwe to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg, combining travel on both airlines.

The partnership builds on Etihad’s upcoming direct service between Abu Dhabi and Harare, launching on 24 March 2027, extending the airline’s reach beyond the Zimbabwean capital to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, and giving guests across Etihad’s network a simple way to reach them.

For Fastjet Zimbabwe, the partnership also opens the door to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s wider global network. Those staying in the UAE capital will find a city that rewards slowing down, from the Corniche and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat to the quiet of the desert beyond the city, with up to two complimentary hotel nights through the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme.

Fastjet Zimbabwe will become Etihad’s 32nd airline partner, with guests in the future enjoying frequent flyer benefits across both airlines.

Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer, Arik De, said: “Africa is an important part of Etihad’s growth, and partnerships like this one with Fastjet Zimbabwe are how we extend our reach and open up more of the continent for our guests. From Harare to Victoria Falls, travellers can now plan their journey across Zimbabwe on a single ticket, and we look forward to building on this cooperation.”

Fastjet Chief Commercial Officer, Vivian Ruwuya, added: “This partnership opens up the world for our customers in Zimbabwe. From Harare, travellers can now connect onto Etihad’s global network and reach Abu Dhabi and destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and beyond, all on a single ticket. We are proud to give the people of Zimbabwe easier access to so many more places.”

Travel under the partnership is available from 24 August 2026.

(Source: Etihad)

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The launch is currently underway through qualified travel and tourism service providers across selected international markets ahead of a broader rollout.

The initiative builds on Saudi’s broader efforts to simplify the process of visiting the country. Since launching the tourist e-Visa, Saudi Arabia has introduced several new ways to visit, including visa-on-arrival and the Stopover Transit Visa. 

Together, these initiatives have supported the country’s rapid tourism growth, with Saudi Arabia welcoming more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025.

Commenting on the initiative, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said: “As Saudi tourism continues to grow at pace, the Package Visa reflects our commitment to making travel to Saudi more seamless for visitors.” By integrating visa issuance with travel bookings, we are simplifying the visitor journey and creating a more connected travel experience. This initiative also strengthens collaboration across the tourism ecosystem and supports Saudi’s position as an increasingly accessible global destination.”

For visitors, Package Visa means fewer steps between planning a trip and experiencing Saudi Arabia. Instead of arranging flights, accommodation, and a visa separately, eligible travellers can book everything through a single integrated travel process, with the option to add events, activities, and tourism experiences. The result is a simpler, more connected journey from booking to arrival.

For qualified travel and tourism service providers, the initiative creates an opportunity to offer more attractive travel packages, streamline the traveller journey, and encourage longer stays and richer travel experiences.

To ensure a smooth and reliable travel experience, Package Visa is available only through qualified travel and tourism service providers that meet clear service standards and offer 24/7 customer support.

As Saudi Arabia continues to grow its tourism sector, Package Visa marks another step toward making travel easier, more connected, and more seamless for visitors discovering the country.

For more information: visitsaudi.com/PackageVisa 

About Saudi Tourism Authority (STA)
 Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi’s tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destinations’ offerings through programs, packages, and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country’s unique assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi’s destination brand locally and overseas. STA operates 16 representative offices worldwide, serving 38 countries. To learn more, visit www.VisitSaudi.com.

(Source: The Saudi Tourism Authority).

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The celebration marked the arrival of the airline’s first flight operated on one of its brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with a second daily service at the end of June.

Twice-daily flights between Cairo and Riyadh address the significant demand on one of the busiest regional routes, connecting the capitals of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. 

Cairo offers unparalleled historical depth, iconic attractions, and a thriving business environment. Home base to EgyptAir, who have signed an MoU with Riyadh Air in 2024 during the Dubai Airshow, the enhanced connectivity will also allow travellers to easily access the rapidly growing business landscape, modern entertainment, and cultural experiences, allowing them to explore the distinct appeal and abundant opportunities of both capital cities,

(Source: Riyadh Air)

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The temporary visa-free arrangement now runs until 1 July 2027.

The extension keeps Armenia among the most accessible destinations in the South Caucasus for visitors from the region. Eligible citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, as well as qualifying GCC residents, can continue to travel to Armenia without a visa, subject to the relevant nationality and residency requirements.

Under the arrangement, nationals of eligible countries who hold a valid residence permit issued by the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Oman, or by the United States, European Union member states or Schengen Area states, are exempt from the visa requirement from 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2027, provided their residence permit is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Armenia. 

Eligible travellers may stay without a visa for up to 180 days within 12 months. The residence permit must be presented either as a physical card or as a sticker placed in the passport. The full list of eligible countries is available here.

The concession will cut embassy queues and reduce paperwork before departure. 

The timing also suits the season. As the Gulf moves through its hottest months, Armenia offers cool mountain air, green valleys, historic towns, an ancient capital and a completely different climate within a short flight. Close enough for a long weekend and rich enough for a longer holiday, the country continues to grow as a destination for families, couples, culture seekers and travellers looking for nature, food and history in one journey.

“Over the past years, visitors from across the Gulf have come to experience Armenia, its history, culture, landscapes and traditions, and have left with a deeper appreciation of our country. By continuing this arrangement, we remain open to more visitors and greater exchange. We look forward to welcoming even more guests from across the Gulf to discover Armenia and the experiences it offers,” said Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairperson of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia.

Travellers are advised to check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia’s website for the latest updates and the full list of countries eligible for visa-free entry before booking.

The full list of eligible countries is available here.

For more information on tourism in Armenia, visit https://armenia.travel/

(Source: Armenia.travel)

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The inaugural flight departed from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) on 1 July, offering passengers more options to connect to one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations.

The launch of operations to Bangkok not only complements the carrier’s direct service to Krabi but also marks another milestone in flydubai’s network expansion, as the airline continues to respond to strong demand for travel between the UAE and Thailand. Due to its proximity to downtown Bangkok, Don Mueang International Airport offers passengers travelling from Dubai convenient access to the city’s vibrant attractions. ​

Flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “Thailand remains a key destination for both leisure and business travel and our direct service to Don Mueang International Airport, which offers convenient access to central Bangkok, introduces a new gateway to the Thai capital that our customers will benefit from, supporting the growth of trade and tourism flows while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub.”

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, who attended the welcome reception, said: “The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is one of Thailand’s most important long-haul markets, bringing high-quality, high-spending travellers, with 188,447 visitors arriving from the region between 1 January and 21 June 2026 alone. Starting with one daily flight and operated with Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, this route will add much-needed capacity to Thailand this summer, building momentum through to our year-end peak season and reinforcing Thailand’s position as a leading destination for Middle Eastern travellers.

Bangkok marks the latest addition to flydubai’s growing network, following the recent launch of flights to Benghazi in Libya and the planned flights to Pokhara in Nepal scheduled from September, reflecting the airline’s commitment to opening up underserved markets.

Flight details

The Bangkok service is offered as part of the flydubai and Emirates codeshare partnership, enabling passengers to benefit from seamless connections through Dubai on a single ticket, with checked baggage through to their final destination and access to an extensive combined network.

Flights will operate daily from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB), with return business class fares from DXB to DMK starting at AED11,100 and economy class Lite fares starting at AED3,000.

Return business class fares from DMK to DXB start from THB83,900, and economy class fares start from THB22,100.

(Source: Flydubai)

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The award was presented during the APEX Awards ceremony held in Dublin, Ireland, last week, as part of the Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event, a leading aviation industry platform focused on innovation and the future of the guest journey.

APEX’s global airline ratings programme is built on independent, verified passenger feedback, placing the voice of travellers at the centre of the awards process. 

For the 2026 awards, more than 1 million flights from over 600 airlines worldwide were evaluated, with assessment categories covering cabin service, seat comfort, food and beverage quality, entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Saudia Chief Guest Experience Officer Rossen Dimitrov said: “This award is a tribute to Saudia’s cabin crew, whose professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail define the onboard experience for our guests every day. It reflects the strength of our service culture and the progress we are making in bringing Saudi hospitality to life with greater consistency across our global network. As we continue to invest in the guest journey, our focus remains on delivering an experience that is thoughtful, reliable, and distinctly Saudia.”

 (Source: Saudia)

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The new route strengthens the growing economic, tourism and cultural ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Indonesia while providing travellers with an affordable and convenient direct connection between the two countries. 

The inaugural flight departed Muscat on 3 July, introducing a twice-weekly service using an Airbus A321neo with 217 seats. 

The new route is expected to play an important role in supporting the growing demand for Umrah travel, offering passengers from Medan seamless one-stop connections via Muscat to Jeddah and Madinah, while also strengthening tourism and business links between Oman and Indonesia.  

Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourism and aviation markets, with Medan serving as the commercial and cultural gateway to North Sumatra. The city provides access to internationally renowned attractions, including Lake Toba, one of the world’s largest volcanic lakes and a UNESCO Global Geopark, making it an attractive destination for leisure travellers from Oman and the wider GCC. 

Commenting on the launch, SalamAir Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns said: “Our first scheduled service to Indonesia marks another important milestone in SalamAir’s growth journey and reflects our commitment to connecting Oman with underserved markets across Asia. 

“Indonesia is a strategically important market with strong tourism, business and cultural links to the Sultanate, and we are delighted to offer travellers an affordable and convenient direct connection to Medan. We sincerely thank the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and all our government and industry partners whose collaboration has made this milestone possible. We are confident this new route will contribute to increased tourism, stronger trade relations and deeper people-to-people connections between our two countries.

The launch of the Medan service forms part of SalamAir’s continued network expansion strategy, with the airline now serving more than 40 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. 

Flight schedule

OV901 departs Muscat (MCT) at 1725 and arrives in Medan (KNO) at 0255 plus day. Flights depart MCT on Tuesday and Friday.
OV902 departs Medan (KNO) at 0340 and arrives in Muscat (MCT) at 0730. Flights depart from KNO on Wednesday and Saturday.

About SalamAir 
SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, commenced operations in 2017 and currently operates a fleet of 17 Airbus A320/A321 aircraft, with over 90 daily flights to 42 destinations. In February 2026, SalamAir announced that the Government of Om held a majority stake in the airline.

SalamAir has taken delivery of two A320 aircraft from its order for 10 additional aircraft. With deliveries continuing in Q3 2026, SalamAir is on target to grow its fleet to 25 aircraft by 2028. 

(Source: SalamAir)

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