MUSCAT, 6 July 2026: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, celebrated the launch of its inaugural direct flight between Muscat and Medan in Indonesia last week, marking the airline’s first-ever scheduled service to Indonesia and its expansion across Southeast Asia.
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.
Photo credit: SalamAir.
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.
SINGAPORE, 6 July 2026: Ponant Explorations announces the appointment of Nicolas Gronier as Chief Marketing Officer, effective 29 June 2026.
This appointment is directly aligned with the implementation of the company’s North Star strategic plan.
Photo credit: Ponant Explorations. Nicolas Gronier, Chief Marketing Officer.
As Chief Marketing Officer, Gronier will lead the cruise line’s newly established global marketing organisation within the commercial and growth division.
His mandate will focus on enhancing marketing effectiveness to strengthen customer loyalty, accelerate acquisition and drive growth through product marketing, customer insights and commercial partnerships.
In this role, he will oversee the company’s global brand and creative studio, digital, marketing operations, product marketing and partnerships
With more than 20 years of international experience across France and Australia, his career spans retail and globally recognised cultural institutions, including the Sydney Opera House, where he led a comprehensive brand and digital transformation.
Most recently, he spent three years with Accor, spearheading the global reinvention of the Sofitel brand through the launch of a new brand platform and exclusive digital customer experiences.
Commenting on his appointment, Gornier added: “I look forward to working closely with teams across the organisation to strengthen the brand further, deepen our understanding of our guests and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth in key markets around the world.”
SINGAPORE, 6 July 2026: Travel costs across Asia Pacific climbed sharply in early 2026, driven by elevated fuel costs and cost-of-living pressures across the region.
But that pressure hasn’t impacted travel intent. New research from Klook surveying APAC travellers finds that 95% did not cancel or postpone a single trip.
Photo credit: Klook.
Here are the key findings:
95% of APAC travellers didn’t cancel or postpone travel plans.
Despite six in 10 naming “rising costs” as the biggest factor shaping their travel outlook, travellers are protecting their trips.
47% are actively hunting for deals, and 42% are booking earlier to lock in pricing.
25% are trimming flight and hotel spending, and 19% are choosing destinations closer to home.
Travellers are increasingly putting experiences at the heart of their travel plans.
23% of APAC travellers choose their destination specifically for a desired activity.
The data points to a strong outlook for APAC travel through the rest of 2026, with resilience, confidence, and travel demand holding steady.
Destinations to watch in 2026
Based on Klook’s internal data, demand remains highly resilient heading into the rest of the year, anchored by sustained momentum in both core hubs and hyper-local cities across Asia and Europe.
Mainland China: Travellers are flocking to core cultural and economic cities like Guangzhou and Beijing.
Taiwan: Travellers are searching for local coastal and offshore getaways in Penghu, Pingtung, and Yilan County.
Vietnam: Cementing demand across Southeast Asia towards core destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Korea: Experiences a surge in demand for coastal cities such as Busan, Sokcho, and Jeonju.
Italy, Switzerland and Germany: Capturing top travel demand in Europe, with travellers heading to lesser-explored cities such as Siena and Positano in Italy, Alpnach in Switzerland, and Stadt Wehlen and Pogtei in Germany.
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 July 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) hosted the 2nd edition of the MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF 2026) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL), 4 to 5 July.
Visiting the event, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) noted that Malaysia had retained the top spot on the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026 for the 11th consecutive year, receiving a score of 83, four points above last year’s rating, a testament to the nation’s world-class halal tourism ecosystem and the dedication of its industry players.
Photo credit: MATTA. (Centre): YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and MATTA President Nigel Wong. (centre right).
Muslim-friendly travel is a mainstream and rapidly growing global market. Modern Muslim travellers increasingly seek experiences that combine convenience, luxury, and cultural authenticity. The expectations of today’s Muslim travellers have become more sophisticated, and the opportunity for operators who meet them has never been greater.
Package travel leads demand among Muslim travellers, as fixed routes help families manage halal meals and religious needs, while domestic and regional travel accounts for over half of halal tourism demand in 2026.
For MATTA members, MFTF represented a direct and powerful channel to reach this growing consumer base and to showcase products built specifically around their needs.
Visit Malaysia 2026 targets 47 million visitors and MYR329 billion in tourism receipts, with Muslim-friendly offerings identified as one of the campaign’s key focus areas, and MFTF sits squarely at the heart of that agenda.
Spread across 2,700 sqm of exhibition space in one expansive hall, MFTF 2026 featured 122 booths from 57 participating organisations, marking it as the Association’s most comprehensive dedicated marketplace for Muslim-friendly travel products, services, and experiences.
“MFTF was built for our members, and everything we do here is in service of giving them a real, practical platform to grow their businesses. Muslim-friendly travel is not just a trend; it is a sustained, expanding market that our members are well placed to serve. This Fair puts them directly in front of the consumers who are actively looking for what they offer,” said MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair Deputy Chairman Dr Fazil Khan.
A buyers’ contest was a welcome addition to this year’s edition, designed to reward visitors who engaged actively with exhibitors and made bookings at the fair. By spending a minimum of MYR100, visitors added an extra layer of excitement to the Fair floor, encouraging them to explore the full range of Muslim-friendly travel options.
A strong turnout of partners supported MFTF 2026.
Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) — premier partner
In a significant milestone for Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly travel industry, MATTA and the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) formalised their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the MFTF 2026 opening ceremony, commemorating a new chapter in the collaboration between the nation’s largest Association and the government agency mandated to champion Muslim-friendly tourism in Malaysia.
Dr Fazil noted: “MATTA and ITC have always shared the same direction. This MoU makes it official. Growing the Muslim-friendly travel market takes more than goodwill. It takes structure, accountability, and partnerships that are built to last. We are proud to have found that in ITC, and we look forward to what this means for our members and for the industry as a whole”.
“The needs of Muslim travellers are changing, as they now seek beyond basic halal requirements toward meaningful experiences, products, services and facilities. ITC commends MATTA for the successful return of the Muslim-Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF), providing the perfect platform to connect our industry with the public and maintain Malaysia’s position as a pioneer in this sector.
“This collaboration establishes a strategic partnership between ITC, as the driving force behind the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) ecosystem, and key industry associations, such as MATTA. Our goal is to scale Muslim-friendly tourism as an inclusive segment that delivers universal value to travellers and stakeholders. Under this framework, ITC provides the standards and capacity building, while MATTA brings an extensive network of industry players.
By onboarding MATTA members into the MFAR programme, we will train about 1,000 members over the next two years. This, alongside our Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide programme, mosque tourism and other relevant initiatives, will prepare Malaysia to welcome the projected 15 million international Muslim visitor arrivals to Malaysia by 2030,” said Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan, Director-General, ITC.
RHB Bank — official bank partner
“RHB Bank was proud to partner with MATTA and continued its support as the Official Bank for the Muslim Friendly Travel Fair 2026. Through solutions like the RHB Multi Currency Debit Card/-i, which enables transactions in up to 34 currencies, we aim to provide greater convenience and enhance the overall travel experience. We look forward to supporting visitors with exclusive offers and value-added banking solutions as they plan their journeys,” said Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) — fair destination sponsor
“Muslim travellers represent an essential segment for Macao as we actively work to diversify our visitor source markets. Together with our industry stakeholders, MGTO is committed to transforming Macao into a Muslim-friendly destination. Beyond the destination promotion conducted online and in person in target markets, MGTO has introduced practical resources, such as the Halal Travel Guide, and has conducted specialised service training for our local hospitality sector to ensure we accommodate this growing market.
“Returning to the MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair for a second year provides us with a platform to showcase these initiatives and demonstrate Macao’s readiness to welcome Muslim visitors from around the world,” said MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes.
DUBAI, UAE, 3 July 3 2026: Emirates has unveiled a next-generation signature lounge concept, which is being introduced and rolled out across its key cities globally this year, marking another milestone in the airline’s continued investment in elevating the customer experience on the ground.
The new design aesthetic has been revealed at the Emirates Lounge in Munich and Frankfurt, with signature Emirates Lounges in Manchester, Mauritius, and Istanbul expected to follow in the coming months. Serving as a blueprint for Emirates lounges worldwide, the latest signature concept reflects Emirates’ unwavering dedication to exceptional hospitality, luxury and innovation.
Emirates will invest more than AED50 million into each next-generation lounge, underscoring its commitment to delivering world-class facilities across its global network. With Emirates Lounges in Munich and Frankfurt already being explored and enjoyed by customers, the Emirates Lounge in Manchester is planned for July, followed by Mauritius in August, and Istanbul in October.
The new signature lounge design translates the celebrated aesthetic of the Emirates’ latest cabin interiors into a sophisticated ground experience. Customers can expect contemporary architecture and furniture, integrated technology, locally inspired dining, expert recommendations from an in-house barista and mixologist and wellness-focused amenities tailored to premium travellers. Artfully arranged to cater to customers who work, dine, relax and connect while travelling, the latest lounge concept sets a new benchmark for premium airport lounges.
“Our investment in our next-generation signature lounge concept reflects Emirates’ continued commitment to delivering a seamless, premium experience at every stage of the journey. These new lounges have been designed to combine refreshed luxurious interiors with the elevated hospitality and innovation that Emirates is known for – a space for our customers to relax, enjoy, dine and prepare for their travel in comfort. As we expand this concept and theme across our global network, it will set a new benchmark and standard for airport lounges and further strengthen our premium proposition,” said Emirates Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer Adel Al Redha.
Inspired by the elegant palette of Emirates’ cabin interiors and the flagship lounges of Dubai, customers will benefit from more than 50 design enhancements, including distinct zones for relaxation, work, socialising and dining. The new signature lounges display an unmistakably Emirates aesthetic, with discreetly integrated lighting, herringbone floors throughout, accents of marble and gold, and the signature backlit Emirates Ghaf Tree motif – a nod to UAE culture, highlighting the national tree.
Focused Work & Productivity in Emirates Lounges
For customers who wish to work or stay connected while travelling, the new Emirates Lounges offer more private areas and communal spaces designed to serve as both social hubs and workspaces. Details such as Italian eco-leather seating, wireless charging and universal power access at every seat enhance productivity, while a dedicated artefact wall honours both local artists and Emirati culture. Emirates’ signature Rolex clocks adorn walls and provide global time zones.
Elevated Dining in Emirates Lounges
With ample seating and an inviting atmosphere, dining areas in the new Emirates Lounge design have been reimagined around culinary theatre and live cooking. Menus will offer a wide variety of international cuisine, with highlights including regional specialities and a dedicated ‘Made In’ area spotlighting the best of local cuisine. Live cooking stations will offer à la minute dishes, while hot and cold buffet selections will be refreshed throughout the day and night. A dedicated bread oven fills the air with the tempting aromas of handcrafted pizzas, flatbreads and manakeesh, inspired by the city of Dubai.
Premium beverages continue to be offered with Emirates’ curated selection of wines, beers, champagne and spirits. A new barista bar concept will feature a dedicated mixologist who will offer locally inspired cocktails, mocktails, speciality coffees, and artisan teas.
Restorative relaxation in Emirates Lounges
Guests are welcomed into a calm environment enhanced by Emirates’ signature scent of bergamot, citrus, jasmine and soft wood, while displays of local plants and fresh floral arrangements enhance the ambience. Customers who wish to freshen up will enjoy upgraded shower suites with spa-inspired finishes and sustainable VOYA amenities.
Dedicated male and female prayer rooms offer a serene environment for spiritual reflection with ablution facilities and Qibla direction integrated into the design, ensuring guests can perform their prayers in comfort and privacy.
For relaxation and sleep while on layovers, the Quiet Zone provides an oasis of calm. Featuring plush seating, soft lighting, and sleep amenities such as blankets, eye masks, and earplugs, this area is designed to help guests recharge. Additional facilities include spaces for private meetings and breastfeeding, ensuring every customer’s needs are accommodated. All Emirates Lounges operate as silent environments, ensuring a peaceful experience for travellers.
About Emirates Lounges Emirates Lounges are complimentary for First Class and Business Class customers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members, including those travelling in Premium Economy and Economy Class. Paid access is also available.
Emirates has a vast network of 42 dedicated airport lounges, including 8 in Dubai and 34 at major airports worldwide, all designed with the same attention to detail and exceptional service. Emirates operates lounges in key cities across the network – Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Birmingham, Brisbane, Cairo, Colombo, Delhi, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Melbourne, Milan, Munich, New York (JFK), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), Perth, Rome, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Vienna and Zurich.
At Dubai International Airport (DXB), eight Emirates Lounges are located in the flagship Terminal 3, with 3 lounges for First Class customers and 5 for Business Class customers.
BANGKOK, 3 July 2026: Today’s travellers are seeking more than beautiful places to stay; they crave meaningful experiences that feel personal, authentic and engaging. Now, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is empowering guests to take a deeper dive into their destination with a curated series of culinary journeys, cultural rituals, sustainability initiatives and family moments.
Here are just some of the ways Centara can transform a vacation into an immersive experience in Thailand, Nepal, the Maldives and beyond.
A Chef’s story told through local flavours
At Centara Villas Phi Phi Island, guests can embark on an exclusive Island-to-Table Dining Experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Southern Thailand. Set against the breathtaking Andaman seascape, the intimate Chef’s Table showcases the freshest seafood sourced daily from nearby fishing communities alongside seasonal ingredients from Krabi’s farms and local villages. Signature dishes include Southern sour curry with locally caught snapper, spicy stir-fried razor clams, dry-curried Andaman prawns, crispy reef fish with lime-chilli dressing, and the vibrant Khao Yam Andaman rice salad, before concluding with a traditional coconut custard dessert.
As each course is served, the resort’s chef shares the stories behind the ingredients, local fishing traditions, and the inspiration behind every dish, creating an immersive dining experience that connects travellers with the authentic flavours, culture, and heritage of Phi Phi Island.
Family moments & hidden surprises
At Centara Watergate Pavilion Hotel Bangkok, young guests arriving in the stylish Family Residence are greeted by two adorable kangaroo companions, waiting on their bunk bed. Each of these cute and cuddly toys carries a hidden surprise tucked inside its pouch, delighting children from the moment they step into the room. Intuitively designed to spark imagination and excitement, this heartfelt gesture transforms the check-in process into a cherished family memory. This reflects Centara’s unique approach to hospitality: thoughtful, personal and curated to make every member of the family feel special.
Sacred Trails, shared responsibility
At Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, guests can make a positive impact on this breathtaking destination nestled in the heritage-rich hills of Kaskikot. Through its “Sacred Trails, Shared Responsibility” initiative, travellers can come together with the local community and play an active role in preserving a deeply revered site, including the sacred Devi Temple, which continues to attract thousands of devotees year-round.
Beyond these meaningful initiatives, guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty, culture, and history that make Pokhara one of Nepal’s most beloved destinations.
Guests can discover the beauty and heritage of Pokhara through experiences that showcase the destination’s natural and cultural treasures. From boating on the serene Phewa Lake with views of the Annapurna range to exploring ancient caves, visiting the International Mountain Museum, and taking in landmarks such as Davis Falls and the World Peace Pagoda, each experience offers a deeper connection to the region’s unique character.
By joining these efforts, visitors can help to protect the cultural legacy and natural beauty of Kaskikot for future generations.
From island garden to plate
At Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, sustainability can be tasted. Fresh vegetables and herbs are cultivated in organic island gardens, while a hydroponic system produces leafy greens, all of which are harvested and used in the resort’s restaurants.
This “Island Garden-to-Plate” initiative allows guests to gain insight into how fresh ingredients are grown in a remote ecosystem, reducing transit emissions and creating a tangible connection between the destination and the plate.
This is a simple yet powerful reminder that tourism and environmental responsibility can thrive together.
Traditional Thai blessings
At Centara Ayutthaya, which is located close to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples of Thailand’s ancient capital, guests are welcomed with a traditional ritual that reflects the grace and elegance of Thai culture. Upon arrival, visitors are invited to place delicate sheets of gold leaf onto a marble elephant statue, which symbolises strength and wisdom. This auspicious act is a centuries-old practice often performed at temples as a gesture of respect and a means of receiving blessings.
By participating in this heartfelt ceremony, travellers are encouraged to pause, reflect and begin their journey with positive intentions.
Experiences that stay in the soul long after check-out
Across its growing portfolio, Centara is committed to crafting meaningful experiences that bring guests closer to the people, traditions, and rituals that make each destination unique because the most memorable vacations are shaped by the stories we take home.
SINGAPORE, 3 July 2026: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a framework for cooperation to accelerate the transition of the global Travel & Tourism sector towards a more sustainable, circular and resilient future.
The two-year agreement brings together UNEP’s environmental leadership and global sustainability expertise with WTTC’s network of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies to drive meaningful action across circular economy solutions, nature conservation, sustainable food systems and the fight against plastic pollution.
Photo credit: WTTC. (Left) WTTC President & CEO, Gloria Guevara and (right) United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen.
A key outcome of the agreement is the creation of structured opportunities for WTTC Members to participate voluntarily in UNEP flagship sustainability programmes, particularly those addressing environmental action, plastics, and food waste. This will enable companies to move faster from commitment to measurable results.
Through the collaboration, WTTC and UNEP will also strengthen joint advocacy and global policy leadership, working together to influence international tourism policy and develop recommendations that create an enabling environment for industry-wide sustainability action.
The MoU establishes a structured joint work programme, with agreed priorities and regular high-level coordination. Governance will be supported through designated focal points, the identification of priority projects, the development of a joint work plan, and ongoing annual and technical working meetings to ensure effective implementation.
The partnership will further enhance global visibility for both organisations, enabling joint participation in international fora, collaboration on events, and expanded knowledge-sharing opportunities, while strengthening engagement between the UN system and the private sector.
Under the agreement, WTTC and UNEP will collaborate to:
Promote nature-positive and regenerative tourism approaches that protect, restore and finance biodiversity and ecosystems.
Advance circular economy solutions and help eliminate unnecessary and problematic plastics.
Expand action on food waste reduction, supporting businesses to measure, report and reduce food waste.
Strengthen industry engagement on water stewardship, resource efficiency, energy sustainability, ocean and coastal conservation, and sustainable food systems.
Support capacity-building programmes, pilot projects and implementation initiatives.
Align industry action with international best practice and UNEP guidance through technical collaboration, knowledge sharing and practical implementation support.
WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s most effective forces for sustainable development. Through this partnership with UNEP, we are bringing together global leadership, industry expertise and practical action to help businesses accelerate environmental action, reduce waste, protect biodiversity and create lasting positive impact for destinations and communities. Together, we can ensure that the growth of Travel & Tourism goes hand in hand with a planet that sustains great travel experiences.”
As global Travel & Tourism continues its growth trajectory, WTTC and UNEP recognise the urgent need to decouple growth from environmental degradation and ensure tourism becomes a force for environmental resilience and ecosystem restoration.
The partnership will run through June 2028 and be supported by regular strategic dialogue, technical exchanges, and collaborative initiatives designed to deliver practical impact for businesses, destinations, and communities worldwide.
BANGKOK, 3 July 2026: Minor Hotels has appointed Erik Billgren as General Manager of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas.
In 2021, he joined Minor Hotels as General Manager of Anantara Mui Ne Resort in Vietnam. This was followed by posts at Anantara Quy Nhon Villas in Vietnam and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka, both beacons of luxury with stunning beachfront settings in private coves.
Photo credit: Anantara Hotels. Erik Billgren.
“Erik brings vision to hospitality, as well as a proven track record of success,” says Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International. “We are delighted he takes the helm of one of our most high-profile Thailand properties and look forward to seeing him take it to even greater heights.”
Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is an all-suite, villa and penthouse sanctuary located on a private stretch of beach on Thailand’s last unspoiled island. It can be reached by speedboat in only 35 minutes from Phuket or 30 minutes from Krabi.
ABU DHABI, 3 July 2026: Etihad Airways is increasing capacity across its network in response to strong demand, increasing frequencies to Brussels and Kraków, making Abu Dhabi–Dhaka a year-round route, and extending seasonal services to Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca.
The changes reflect continued growth in demand, with additional capacity added where demand has been strongest.
Photo credit: Etihad. More summer destinations join the route network.
Abu Dhabi–Dhaka, which launched on 26 June with a sold-out inaugural flight, is now confirmed as a year-round service due to strong demand. The route runs four times a week on the Boeing 777, with 28 seats in business and 374 in economy, serving the large Bangladeshi community across the UAE and carrying substantial belly-hold cargo that supports trade between the two countries.
Etihad’s seasonal Abu Dhabi–Zanzibar service has been extended to 31 March 2027, well beyond its previous end date in September, on the strength of demand for the Indian Ocean island. With its turquoise shallows, spice plantations and the UNESCO-listed lanes of Stone Town, Zanzibar is one of the most sought-after escapes on the network, now within reach for far longer.
The seasonal Abu Dhabi–Palma service to Mallorca, operated by the A321LR, has been extended to 18 October 2026. From the hidden coves and clear waters of its coastline to the old town of Palma and the mountain villages of the Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca is a Mediterranean favourite now available later into the autumn.
Abu Dhabi–Kraków increases to four flights a week from 27 July 2026, up from three, following strong demand for travel to southern Poland. Operated by the A321LR, the seasonal service connects Abu Dhabi with one of Europe’s great cultural cities, from the medieval market square of the Old Town to the riverside setting of Wawel Castle.
Abu Dhabi–Brussels increases to 11 flights a week from 15 December 2026, up from seven, adding four weekly services on the three-cabin Airbus A321LR, with first, business, and economy classes.
Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer, Arik De, said: “The response from our guests has exceeded our expectations, with strong demand across very different markets, from Brussels and Dhaka to Kraków, Zanzibar and Palma, and we’re responding by adding capacity where demand is strongest. These additional flights and extended seasonal services are bringing more visitors to Abu Dhabi while strengthening connections across our growing global network.”
NEW DELHI, 3 July 2026: AVIAREPS India has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Condor to support its commercial objectives in India and enhance awareness of the airline’s global network among the travel trade and consumers.
As Condor’s GSA in India, AVIAREPS India will provide sales, reservations, ticketing, and market development support nationwide. Leveraging its extensive travel trade network and local market expertise, AVIAREPS India will work closely with travel agencies, tour operators, corporate partners, and industry stakeholders to drive demand.
Photo credit: Condor.
The appointment comes as Condor continues to expand worldwide connectivity through its Frankfurt hub, offering travellers access to more than 70 destinations across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. With a modern fleet and a growing network, the airline is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for international travel worldwide.
AVIAREPS, Chief Operating Officer, Aviation, Marcelo Kaiser said: “Our partnership with Condor continues to grow, and we are proud to expand our collaboration into India further, one of the world’s most dynamic and promising aviation markets. This development reflects our shared vision of unlocking new opportunities and building strong, long-term relationships with local trade partners. With India’s rapidly growing demand for international travel, we see tremendous potential to position Condor’s network further. Our teams on the ground are fully committed to driving brand awareness, strengthening market presence, and supporting Condor’s continued growth in this exciting region”.
Condor Manager New Markets Florian Stahl added: “India represents a market of significant long-term potential. AVIAREPS India brings deep market knowledge, strong relationships in the travel trade, and proven expertise in airline representation, making it an ideal partner in the region”.
Founded in 1956, Condor flies approximately 10 million passengers annually to more than 70 destinations worldwide. The airline operates one of Europe’s most modern fleets, including its state-of-the-art Airbus A330neo aircraft, while continuing to invest in customer experience, efficiency, and network expansion.
