Cargo volume increased to 423,000 tonnes with a 4.9% year-on-year growth during the month.

Overall passenger growth in April was supported by the Easter holiday, with daily passenger traffic peaking on 3 April at over 210,000 passengers. By passenger segment, transfer/transit passengers continued to lead in growth, followed by visitors entering the territory. 

By region, most markets expanded in April, led by the Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia, while the Middle East was the only region to contract amid ongoing conflicts.

Overall cargo growth was mainly driven by transhipment, followed by imports, which recorded year‑on‑year increases of 20.2% and 6.5%, respectively, as the decline in exports narrowed to 0.3% year-on-year. By region, cargo performance was mixed. Growth in Europe and Southeast Asia continued to offset declines in markets such as North America and the Middle East.

For the first four months of the year, passenger volume rose by 13.0% year on year to 22.3 million, while flight movements increased by 5.1% year on year to 135,090. Cargo throughput recorded a 3.7% increase to 1.63 million tonnes compared to the same period of last year. 

On a 12-month rolling basis, HKIA handled 63.54 million passengers and 401,240 flight movements, experiencing year-on-year increases of 13.7% and 6.6% respectively. Cargo volume grew by 2.9% year on year to 5.12 million tonnes.

In the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Green Airports Recognition 2026, HKIA’s “HKIA Flood Resilience Studies” project clinched the Platinum Award in the category of over 40 million passengers per annum.

Organised by ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, the Green Airports Recognition aims to promote the best environmental practices to minimise aviation’s environmental impact. The theme of this year’s award is “Climate Change Adaptation”, recognising airports for their outstanding performance in adapting to climate change.

(Source: HKIA)

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Based on over 700,000 member ratings and reviews, the Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport was named Global Lounge of the Year. 

Regional Lounge of the Year winners included Lounge Fukuoka in Japan (APAC), Vienna Lounge in Austria (Europe), Club Kingston in Jamaica (Latin America and the Caribbean), and Bidvest Premier Lounge in Johannesburg, South Africa (Middle East and Africa).

The Lounge of the Year award celebrates the highest-rated lounges across the global Priority Pass network, as rated by Priority Pass members. Member ratings and reviews across a range of criteria are assessed, including the quality of facilities, the standard of customer service, the food and beverage selection, comfort, ambience, and overall member satisfaction.

Overall Global Winner: Escape Lounges, Portland International Airport, US

Blending contemporary design with a strong sense of local identity, the Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport stood out for delivering an experience that feels distinctly rooted in its surroundings. Set within one of North America’s most design-led airport environments, the lounge reflects a broader shift towards more thoughtful, place-driven experiences that resonate with travellers.

Regional Winner (APAC): Lounge Fukuoka, Fukuoka International Airport, Japan

In APAC, Lounge of the Year was awarded to Lounge Fukuoka at Fukuoka International Airport, in recognition of delivering an elevated experience that makes the lounge a destination in its own right. Designed with a bright and open layout, the space offers close-up views of the runway and parked aircraft, complemented by a serene, wood-toned aesthetic that promotes comfort and relaxation. This is enhanced by authentic dining experiences featuring local specialities such as Tonkotsu Ramen and Kashiwa Rice, alongside seasonal local sake and Costa Coffee, thereby celebrating the region’s distinct culinary identity. 

APAC winners 

Winner: Lounge Fukuoka – Japan

Highly Commended: Kyra Lounge (near Gate 23) – Hong Kong 

One to watch 

New for 2026, the One to Watch category shines a spotlight on the lounges that have significantly raised their game over the past 12 months, as reflected in Priority Pass member ratings and reviews. These standout spaces show a clear, ongoing commitment to enhancing the overall experience and quickly establishing themselves as future leaders within the category. In APAC, the refreshed KoCoo Lounge at Tokyo Narita International Airport was crowned One to Watch. 

This year’s awards reflect a clear shift in what defines excellence in the airport experience. In 2026, travellers are placing greater value on experiences that feel genuinely considered rather than simply convenient. 

“Now in its 18th year, the Priority Pass Excellence Awards continue to showcase the very best of our global network, and each year, our partners raise the bar even higher,” said Collinson International CEO Christopher Evans. “With demand for premium travel experiences at an all-time high, travellers are increasingly looking to make every moment of their journey more meaningful and memorable. Travellers today expect versatility, quality, and genuine local experience, and our partners are delivering on all three. The Lounge of the Year and One to Watch categories recognise the partners who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional moments that truly enhance the journey for our members.”

(Source: Priority Pass)

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Sun Group, one of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerates, has partnered with SITA to lead this transformation. To support Vietnam’s rapidly growing air travel demand, the parties have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for broader collaboration across Sun Group’s future airport developments in Vietnam.

Phu Quoc International Airport is projected to handle 24 million passengers annually once the new Terminal 2 opens, with long-term capacity designed to scale to 50 million. The development comes at a pivotal moment and will place Phu Quoc in the global spotlight as a rising destination in the Asia Pacific region.

Under the Phu Quoc project, SITA will deploy an end-to-end suite of airport technologies across the new terminal, delivering a fully self-service passenger experience. Travellers will be able to check in, select seats, print boarding passes and bag tags, drop their luggage, and board their flights through automated touchpoints.

The new terminal will feature SITA Flex Hybrid, supporting 204 common-use workstations for passenger processing. To secure operational resilience, SITA Local Departure Control System (DCS) will be deployed as a backup.

Passengers will use 150 SITA Smart Path kiosks for check-in, seat selection, boarding pass printing, and tagging of check-in bags; 100 SITA Smart Path Bag Drop (Scan & Go) units for self-service baggage drop; and 38 dual-lane SITA Smart Path Gates for automated boarding. All systems are seamlessly coordinated through the SITA Smart Path Hub biometric technology.

Real-time baggage tracking and reconciliation will be delivered through SITA Bag Manager Lite, supporting four baggage workstations and 20 handheld terminals. Airport operations will be powered by SITA Airport Operational Database (AODB), while passenger information will be managed by SITA AirportVision Evolved, covering 397 displays. Overall, airport operations will be overseen by SITA Airport Management, which will support 10 operational workstations.

The project, which began development in March 2026, is scheduled to open in July 2027.

“We are pleased to partner with SITA on this strategic collaboration to support the transformation of our airport portfolio. As we continue to invest in world-class aviation infrastructure, SITA’s proven expertise and end-to-end technology capabilities will play a key role in helping us deliver smarter, more efficient, and seamless passenger experiences,” said Sun Group. President Nguyen Chi Thanh.

The partnership extends beyond a single terminal. Sun Group has designated SITA as a key strategic technology partner for its broader airport transformation initiative in Vietnam. The operating model established at Phu Quoc will serve as a template for future developments, including Phan Thiet Airport and planned projects in Con Dao and Rach Gia. Over the next five years, Sun Group aims to expand its airport footprint to at least five locations across Vietnam, with each targeting the five-star Skytrax standard.

“Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the region, and this partnership with Sun Group marks a key milestone in supporting that growth with future-ready infrastructure. By bringing together SITA’s end-to-end airport technologies, we are delivering smarter, more efficient, and scalable airport operations,” added SITA President, Asia Pacific, Sumesh Patel. “As Phu Quoc evolves into a key aviation hub ahead of APEC 2027, we are proud to support Sun Group’s vision of delivering world-class passenger experiences while strengthening connectivity across Vietnam.”

Phu Quoc International Airport will be operated in partnership with Singapore’s Changi Airports International, bringing internationally recognised standards to what is fast becoming a major leisure destination. 

The airport upgrade forms part of a broader effort to integrate aviation with Sun Group’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem on the island, which includes luxury resorts, entertainment destinations, and Sun Phu Quoc Airways, launched in November 2025.

SITA and Sun Group have worked together since 2019, when SITA first delivered airport technology solutions at Van Don Airport. This new agreement deepens that relationship and reflects a shared commitment to advancing air travel infrastructure in Vietnam.

(Source: SITA)

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With more than 350,000 passengers connecting between Star Alliance member airlines at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) each year, it is one of the Alliance’s most critical global transfer hubs.

Designed to support passengers with tight connections between two Star Alliance member airline flights, SCC proactively identifies customers at risk of missing their onward journey due to their delayed incoming flight and expedites them to their next flight.

For Star Alliance passengers, the experience is simple: a smooth and seamless connection. Behind the scenes, however, teams across Star Alliance member airlines work together to make that possible. Dedicated agents monitor transfer windows using specialised software and step in to coordinate support — meeting passengers at the arrival gate and guiding them swiftly to their next flight.

Star Alliance has operated Connection Centres for more than a decade, supporting both passenger and baggage transfers at key hubs worldwide. In addition to Los Angeles, Star Connection Centres are located in Brussels (BRU), Chicago (ORD), Frankfurt (FRA) and Toronto (YYZ). At the same time, dedicated baggage-focused SCCs operate in Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), Washington Dulles (IAD) and San Francisco (SFO).

At present, 16 Star Alliance member airlines serve Los Angeles: Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Copa Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines and United. Together, they operate more than 2,000 weekly flights to over 80 destinations across more than 20 countries.

(Source: Air India)

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That also includes the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026 and the Passenger Terminal Expo 2026, London.

Commenting on the ongoing hostilities, the airport authorities say the “safety and well-being of passengers, staff, and their families is, and remains, its absolute priority.”

Arabian Travel Market moves dates

Exhibitions have also fallen victim to the war and indiscriminate missile and drone attacks on the Gulf countries. On Wednesday, the exhibition organiser RX confirmed that the 2026 edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), originally scheduled to take place from 4 to 7 May 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, will now be held from 17 to 20 August 2026, with the venue remaining unchanged.

The decision to reschedule the event has been made to prioritise the safety and well-being of customers, partners and colleagues, and to give the global travel and tourism community greater confidence and flexibility to attend.

Meanwhile, in Doha, Qatar Airways reports that Qatar Civil Aviation Authority has approved operating corridors for a limited number of flights, and Qatar Airways will operate a revised limited schedule through 28 March to global hubs (for example: London, Paris, Bangkok) via the approved corridors.

The operational status of airports in the Gulf remains highly volatile and subject to sudden changes due to the ongoing regional conflict. As of 18 March  2026, most major hubs are in a “partial recovery” phase, operating with significantly reduced capacity and frequent temporary closures.

Qatar

Hamad International (DOH): Qatari airspace remains officially closed to standard commercial traffic.

Operational Status: Only a limited “authorised corridor” is currently open for specific repatriation and emergency flights.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai International (DXB) & Al Maktoum (DWC): Both are open but operating at roughly 40-60% capacity.

Recent Incident: A drone strike on a fuel tank near DXB on 16 March caused a temporary suspension of all flights. Operations have since resumed, but schedules are fluid.

Travel Rule: Access to terminals is restricted to passengers with confirmed tickets only. Passengers should not head for the airport unless the airline has confirmed their flight.

Zayed International (AUH), Abu Dhabi: Partially open under a reduced schedule.

Status: Etihad has resumed service to approximately 70 destinations, though total airport movements remain below one-third of pre-conflict levels. Airspace was briefly closed on 17 March as a precaution.

Saudi Arabia

King Khalid International (RUH), Riyadh: Remains fully open and operational 24/7, though it is facing significant disruptions.

Regional suspensions: Saudia has suspended most routes to other Gulf destinations like Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

Security advisory: EASA has issued warnings regarding Saudi airspace due to high drone and missile interception activity in the region.

King Abdulaziz International (JED), Jeddah: Open and functioning, often serving as a primary alternative hub for traffic diverted from more active conflict zones.

Other regional hubs

Muscat, Oman (MCT): Currently, the most stable hub in the region. It remains fully operational and is acting as the primary relief airport for diverted flights and passenger transfers.

Kuwait and Bahrain: Both are in a “partial recovery” phase. Most international arrivals are still facing heavy cancellations or long diversions to avoid active military zones.

Current status of Gulf airports (18 March 2026)

(Source: Hamad International Airport plus additional reporting)

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In total, HKIA handled 5.42 million passenger trips and 32,100 flight movements in February, representing year-on-year increases of 20.1% and 10.5% respectively.

Cargo throughput continued to gain momentum, with cargo volume growing 11.6% year-on-year to 361,000 tonnes during the month.

Over the first two months of 2026, HKIA handled 10.93 million passenger trips and 66,545 flight movements, representing year-on-year growth of 11.7% and 6.2% respectively. 

The combined growth in passenger volume in January and February was driven mainly by a 30% year-on-year increase in transfer/transit passenger traffic. During the period, traffic to and from the Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia contributed the most to the growth in passenger traffic.

The cargo throughput of the first two months of 2026 rose by 8.2% year-on-year, to 776,000 tonnes. The overall growth of cargo throughput for the first two months was mainly attributed to a 17% year-on-year increase in transhipments. Exports also recorded a 7% growth. Among the key trading regions, cargo throughput to and from Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East showed the largest increases.

On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume rose by 14.0% year-on-year to 62.12 million, while flight movements increased by 7.9% to 398,565. Cargo throughput grew by 3.6% to 5.13 million tonnes.

The airport recently welcomed two new airlines: Chongqing Airlines, which connects to Chongqing, and Eastar Jet, which connects to Seoul. 

Air Busan, Chongqing Airlines, Greater Bay Airlines and T’Way Air also launched new routes to Seoul, Chongqing, Fukuoka, Pakse, Phuket and Busan, respectively, further expanding HKIA’s air traffic network.

(Source: HKIA)

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Qatar Airways’ scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe full reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities.

Following temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, which confirms limited operating corridors, Qatar Airways intends to operate the following flight schedule in the coming days to support passengers affected by the current disruption and help them reunite with family and friends as quickly and safely as possible.

Flights departing from Doha (DOH):

10 March: Cairo (CAI), London Heathrow (LHR), Jeddah (JED), Manila (MNL), Kochi (COK), Muscat (MCT), Istanbul (IST), Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), Nairobi (NBO), Islamabad (ISB), Madrid (MAD), Frankfurt (FRA), Colombo (CMB), Milan (MXP).

Flights arriving at Doha (DOH):

10 March: Seoul (ICN), Moscow (SVO), London Heathrow (LHR), Delhi (DEL), Madrid (MAD), Islamabad (ISB), Beijing (PKX), Perth (PER), Nairobi (NBO).
11 March: Cairo (CAI), London Heathrow (LHR), Jeddah (JED), Manila (MNL), Kochi (COK), Muscat (MCT), Istanbul (IST), Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), Nairobi (NBO), Islamabad (ISB), Madrid (MAD), Frankfurt (FRA), Colombo (CMB), Milan (MXP).

Emirates flight status

Emirates resumed a limited schedule on the evening of 7 March. At the same time, the airline is working toward a full return to its network.

Priority is being given to passengers with earlier bookings who were affected by the recent suspensions. Travellers transiting through Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their onward connecting flight is confirmed and operating.

For travellers who were booked to travel from now through 31 March, they can rebook for travel through 30 April 2026 or request a full refund. For the latest updates, visit: Travel updates | Help | Emirates. 

Here is the current operational status for the region’s major aviation hubs:

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai International (DXB): Operating on a limited schedule. The airport was completely suspended on 7 March due to nearby aerial interceptions, but has since partially reopened. Priority is being given to clearing the backlog of stranded travellers.
Zayed International, Abu Dhabi (AUH): Partially operational. Commercial flights are slowly returning, though most are restricted to specific repatriation routes.

Qatar

Hamad International, Doha (DOH): Severely restricted. As of this morning, Qatari airspace remains largely closed to scheduled commercial traffic following reports of active air combat in the vicinity earlier this week.

Operations: Only “emergency corridors” are open for authorised evacuation and repatriation flights. Qatar Airways is operating a handful of special relief flights to Europe and Asia, but regular service remains suspended.

Oman

Muscat International (MCT): Fully Operational. Muscat has become the primary “stable hub” and a critical “southern bypass” for the region. It is currently handling a massive influx of diverted traffic, so expect the airport to be significantly more crowded than usual.

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh (RUH) & Jeddah (JED): Operational but delayed. These airports remain active, though they are seeing roughly 10 to 15% cancellations and significant delays as flights are rerouted to avoid restricted northern airspace.

Kuwait and Bahrain

Kuwait (KWI) & Bahrain (BAH): Partial recovery phase. Most scheduled international arrivals are still facing cancellations or significant diversions around active military zones. Kuwait’s airport specifically reported damage to fuel tanks following a drone attack last week, which has slowed the return to full capacity.

(Source: Airline and Civil Aviation Authorities’ updates)

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Since 8 March, airspace closures have begun to lift, though the “normal” rhythm of travel remains significantly restricted, with thousands of travellers stranded at airports or facing flight cancellations. Here is the current status for the Persian Gulf’s major aviation hubs.

United Arab Emirates (DXB & AUH)

Dubai International (DXB): Operating on a limited schedule. After a brief total suspension on 7 March due to aerial interceptions near the airfield, the airport has partially reopened.

Zayed International (AUH): Also partially operational. Commercial flights are slowly returning, though many are still restricted to narrow-body aircraft or specific repatriation routes.

Airlines: Emirates and Etihad have resumed limited operations but warned that full network restoration will take several days. They are prioritising passengers who were stranded during the peak of the closures.

Crucial Note: Entry to both DXB and AUH terminals is currently restricted to passengers with confirmed tickets only. Travellers should not head to the airport unless their airline has specifically contacted them.

Qatar (DOH)

Hamad International Airport: As of 8 March, the Qatari airspace closure remains in effect for scheduled commercial flights.

Operations: Only limited “emergency corridors” are open for authorised evacuation and repatriation flights.

Qatar Airways: The airline is operating a handful of special flights to Europe and Asia to assist stranded travellers, but regular scheduled services remain pending full safety clearance from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA).

Kuwait and Bahrain: These hubs are in a “partial recovery” phase, with most scheduled international arrivals still facing cancellations or significant diversions around active military zones.

Muscat (Oman): Currently acting as a primary relief hub for the region, as its airspace has remained open and stable.

Advice for Travellers

Confirmation required: “Confirmed” status on an app may not be accurate. Wait for a direct notification (email/SMS) from the airline before leaving for the airport.

Check-in policy: Expect enhanced security screenings and long wait times as airports manage the backlog of thousands of passengers.

Rerouting: When transiting the region, be prepared for flight times that are two to four hours longer than usual as aircraft navigate around closed sectors in the northern Gulf.

Emirates update posted on its website

Following the partial re‑opening of regional airspace, Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule. Customers can check the flight schedule for upcoming flights and book seats.

Customers transiting in Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their connecting flight is operating. Do not go to the airport unless you hold a confirmed booking for these flights.

The latest flight updates are published on the Emirates website: Travel updates | Help | Emirates. 

Customers are advised to check flight status, review the latest operational updates on emirates.com, and check their email for any notifications about changes or cancellations to their flights before travelling to the airport.

Booking options

Customers booked to travel between 28 February and 31 March have these options:

“Rebook on an alternate flight. You can rebook on another flight to your intended destination for travel on or before 30 April. If you booked your flight with a travel agent, you must contact them. If you booked with us directly, contact us.

“Request for refund. If you booked with us directly, you can request a refund for your ticket by completing the refund form. 

“If you booked your flights with a travel agent, contact the agency directly.

“Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking to receive updates.”

Qatar Airways: flight availability update 8 March

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority has given temporary authorisation for a limited operating corridor. Flights became available on 8 March 2026 to Hamad International Airport from: London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Madrid (MAD), Rome (FCO), Frankfurt (FRA) and Bangkok (BKK).*

These flights are only for passengers with Doha as their final destination. 

For the latest airline updates, visit: Travel Alerts | Qatar Airways. 

Etihad Latest travel update 6 March 

Etihad Airways to resume limited flight schedule from 6 March

Etihad Airways will resume a limited commercial flight schedule from 6 March 2026, operating between Abu Dhabi and several key destinations.

Guests with previous bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible. Tickets are also available for sale on etihad.com. 

Passengers and members of the public should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking on one of these new flights. The most up-to-date information is available at etihad.com. 

The following destinations are scheduled to operate to and from Abu Dhabi between 6 March and 19 March:

Ahmedabad, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, Athens, Atlanta, Bangkok, Barcelona, Beijing, Bengaluru, Boston, Brussels, Cairo, Casablanca, Chiang Mai, Chicago, Colombo, Copenhagen, Delhi, Denpasar (Bali), Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Istanbul, Jakarta, Jeddah, Karachi, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Krabi, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, London (Heathrow), Madrid, Malé, Manchester, Manila, Medina, Melbourne, Milan (Malpensa), Moscow (Sheremetyevo), Mumbai, Munich, Muscat, Nairobi, New York (JFK), Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Prague, Riyadh, Rome, Seoul (Incheon), Seychelles, Singapore, St Petersburg, Sydney, Taipei, Thiruvananthapuram, Tokyo, Toronto, Vienna, Warsaw, Washington and Zurich.

* All services remain subject to operational approvals and may be adjusted depending on regional airspace conditions. Not all destinations operate daily. Guests should consult the latest schedule at etihad.com for specific days of operation.

All other scheduled commercial services to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended. Additional destinations will be added and communicated as conditions permit.

(Source: Airline advisories and civil aviation authorities)

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While some airports are technically “open,” regular commercial schedules are largely suspended or restricted to emergency repatriation efforts. 

Muscat, Oman, remains open and is the most stable transit point. It has become a critical “southern bypass” for international traffic. However, its “open” status comes with major regional caveats.

Key details for travellers

Repatriation priority: If flights land or depart from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, they are most likely repatriation flights for stranded travellers.

Airlines are contacting passengers directly and advising travellers not to head to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking and have been told to do so. Here is the latest update on operations at two airports in Dubai, and airports in Abu Dhabi and Doha, Qatar. Limited flights are operating from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Muscat, Oman, is open to flights.

Qatar Airways began operating limited relief flights from 5 March to support passengers stranded across the region due to the current situation. The following services were scheduled: Flights from Muscat to London Heathrow, Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid, Rome, and Amsterdam; a flight from Riyadh to Frankfurt.

Airport status 

Here is the current status for the major hubs:

Airspace closures: The main hurdle isn’t just the airports themselves, but also airspace closures, restrictions, and the validity of aviation insurance coverage for flights passing through the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain. 

This has forced even operational airports like Riyadh to cancel routes that would normally pass through these zones.

Airline policies: Emirates and Etihad offer free rebooking for dates up to 20 March or full refunds. Qatar Airways offers date changes for bookings through 10 March.

Muscat: A more stable transit point 

Oman (MCT): Currently, it remains one of the more stable transit points in the region, with Oman Air continuing to operate schedules where airspace permits.

While airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha face severe suspensions, Muscat has become a critical “southern bypass” for international traffic. However, its “open” status comes with major regional caveats.

Key advice for travellers

Check in early: Because Muscat is handling diverted traffic and bypass routes, the airport is busier than usual. Arrive at least four hours before international departures.

Airspace risks: While Omani airspace is open, some international regulators (like France’s DGAC) have advised their airlines to avoid the area due to “spillover risks” from regional tensions.

Transit warning: If you are transiting through Muscat to destinations like London or Bangkok, your flight is likely on time. If you are transiting to a neighbouring Gulf city (such as Dubai), your second leg is likely to be cancelled.

Flight operations status

International routes: Most long-haul flights to Europe, Asia, and Africa are operating as scheduled, though many are experiencing delays due to longer flight paths to avoid closed airspace.

Oman Air and SalamAir: Both national carriers are maintaining the majority of their networks.

Regional closures: Even though the airport is open, flights to several specific destinations are cancelled because the destination airspace is closed.

Cancellations to and from Muscat (4–6 March 2026)

Oman Air has officially cancelled all flights to the following cities through at least 6 March:

• UAE: Dubai (DXB)
• Qatar: Doha (DOH)
• Kuwait: Kuwait City (KWI)
• Saudi Arabia: Dammam (DMM)
• Other: Bahrain (BAH), Amman (AMM), Baghdad (BGW), and Copenhagen (CPH).

Warning: Security advisories from the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) currently designate the region as “high risk.” Flight status is changing hourly.

(Source: Airline travel advisories)

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The results come amid continued traffic growth, with global passenger volumes reaching 9.8 billion in 2025 and projected to rise to 10.2 billion in 2026. High passenger expectations are placing increasing pressure on airports to deliver efficient, welcoming, and high-quality experiences at scale.

Best Airports for departures, Asia Pacific, 40 million passengers or more 

View the full list of winners: ASQ  Customer Experience Awards 

What are the ASQ Customer Experience Awards?

ASQ is the only global benchmarking programme that measures passenger satisfaction while they are at the airport, when their experiences are live, providing the most accurate and timely picture of the passenger experience at each step of the journey. 

Passengers are randomly selected at departure and arrival gates using a scientifically designed sampling methodology, with surveys collected across all operating hours, days, and months.

Each year, the ASQ Customer Experience Awards recognise airports worldwide that passengers have said performed best across multiple dimensions of the customer experience.

Highlights and the latest findings

Passenger satisfaction increased globally despite continued traffic growth.

Nearly 707,000 passengers surveyed worldwide, in real time.

More than half of the world’s air travellers passed through an ASQ-rated airport.

Border and Passport Control recorded the largest satisfaction gains globally.

Airport ambience and cleanliness were the strongest drivers of overall satisfaction.

Several award categories feature more than 35% new winners.

“Airports are demonstrating that passenger satisfaction can continue to rise despite growing pressure,” said ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci. “These awards reflect the collective efforts of airport teams and stakeholders worldwide. As we celebrate the ASQ programme’s 20th Anniversary, we recognise two decades of trusted insights and recognition that have helped airports create better and more memorable journeys. Congratulations to all the ACI ASQ Customer Experience Award winners for their unwavering dedication to passenger experience.”

“Air travel is evolving at pace, with passengers expecting more seamless and rewarding experiences than ever before,” said SITA Senior Vice President of Borders, Pedro Alves.

What’s driving higher passenger satisfaction

The 2025 ASQ results show that passengers increasingly value clean, welcoming airport environments and smooth, human-centred interactions. Improvements in Border and Passport Control highlight the critical role of frontline staff in reducing stress and uncertainty at key moments of the journey. These findings align closely with insights from the ASQ 2026 Global Traveller Survey Report.

Recognising excellence worldwide

The winners announced this year represent the largest pool yet: 100 airports worldwide were recognised for excellence in passenger experience, with 195 awards presented across all categories and regions, including:

88 Best Airports at Departures

23 Best Airports: Most Dedicated Staff 

26 Best Airports: Easiest Airport Journey

23 Best Airports: Most Enjoyable Airport

29 Best Airports: Cleanest Airport

6 Best Airports at Arrivals

In addition, eight airports were awarded the ACI World Director General’s Roll of Excellence, recognising their performance and consistency in delivering a high-quality passenger experience.

The 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Awards Ceremony

The 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Awards Ceremony will take place at the ACI World Airport Experience Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 31 August to 4 September 2026. This prestigious annual gathering is the premier airport event dedicated to customer and employee experience. It will welcome over 800 airport executives, customer experience experts, and related professionals to learn about the latest strategies shaping the industry.

For more information on ACI World, visit: ACI World. 

(Source: ACI)

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