Browsing: Travel

Etihad Airways adds Saudi Red Sea route from Abu Dhabi

Travel

Etihad Airways will launch year-round flights from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast on Oct. 4, 2026. The service will connect Zayed International Airport with Red Sea International Airport in Tabuk Province. Etihad will start with one weekly flight, then increase the route to two flights a week from Oct. 25. The journey will take just over three hours, adding a sixth Saudi destination to Etihad’s network.

Anak Krakatau ash hits nearly 3,000 flights in Indonesia

Travel

Indonesia reopened Jakarta’s main airport and several regional airports Tuesday after volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau disrupted air travel. More than 340,000 travelers faced delays, cancellations or diversions during the disruption. Nearly 3,000 flights across Indonesia felt the impact. Authorities reopened Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after winds cleared ash from critical aviation areas. Anak Krakatau remained active Tuesday, with monitors recording three smaller eruptions during the morning.

Air Arabia boosts Sharjah Bangkok routes to 28 weekly flights

Travel

The expanded Bangkok operations complement the airline’s existing schedule to Thailand, which includes 21 weekly non-stop flights between Sharjah and Phuket. With the addition of the fourth daily Bangkok frequency, Air Arabia will operate a combined total of 49 weekly non-stop flights between its primary Sharjah hub and Thai destinations. The route expansion strengthens air connectivity between the Arabian Gulf and major Southeast Asian tourism and trade centers. According to official fleet disclosures, the route will be serviced by the airline’s fleet of Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 aircraft. The single-aisle aircraft are equipped with cabin seating configurations designed to optimize passenger comfort while maintaining low-cost operational efficiency. Onboard amenities for the non-stop route include the SkyTime complimentary in-flight streaming entertainment system and the SkyCafe catering service. Air Arabia increases Bangkok frequency with four daily flights from Sharjah as aviation operators across the Middle East expand international network capacities ahead of the peak winter travel season.

Air Arabia sets December start for Sharjah Gdansk route

Travel

On Mondays and Saturdays, flight G9 0628 will leave Sharjah at 4 p.m. and arrive in Gdansk at 8 p.m. The return flight, G9 0629, will depart Gdansk at 8:50 p.m. It will reach Sharjah at 6:10 a.m. the following day. On Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, Sharjah departures are scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Return flights will leave Gdansk at 1:05 p.m. and arrive in Sharjah at 10:25 p.m. All published times are local.

Etihad sets December start for Abu Dhabi Gothenburg flights

Travel

The route will give Gothenburg its first direct air connection with the United Arab Emirates. It will also create the city’s first nonstop link to the Middle East and Asia. Passengers from western Sweden can connect through Abu Dhabi to destinations across India and Asia. The new service also provides direct access to Abu Dhabi for travelers departing from the Gothenburg region. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Gothenburg and the wider western Sweden market.

South Korea tourism surplus reaches post-pandemic high

Travel

South Korea recorded a $596.6 million tourism surplus in June 2026, its strongest monthly result since the COVID-19 pandemic. The figure marked a $1.44 billion improvement from June 2025, when the balance showed an $846.8 million deficit. Korea Tourism Organization data show June produced the second-highest monthly tourism surplus on record. Only October 2008 was higher, with a surplus of $661.5 million.

Spain begins temporary border checks for Italy arrivals

Travel

Spain has begun temporary border checks on travelers arriving from Italy by air and sea, in response to Italy’s own temporary controls on arrivals from Spain. The checks will be in place until Sept. 7 and include document verification for passengers from Italy. Italy imposed its controls after a large influx of migrants into Ceuta, Spain. Despite Spain’s objections, Italy has maintained its restrictions. The Schengen system allows for temporary border controls in cases of public policy or security threats.