flydubai announced the resumption of flights to Qatar. A double daily service from Dubai International (DXB) to Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) will start from 26 January.Commenting on the announcement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “with today’s announcement we see the flydubai network grow to 64 destinations.  Flights to Doha will start from 26 January and to meet expected demand we are pleased to launch operations with a double daily service.  We hope to be able to continue to grow the service.” Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said: “flydubai offers convenient and reliable travel services between both countries.  Passengers have the opportunity to choose how they would like to travel whether it is in the comfort of Business Class or a customised experience in Economy Class. Tickets are available to book today on flydubai.com.” Passengers will have the option to experience Business Class enjoying space and privacy in the cabin, a comfortable spacious seat, inflight entertainment with films and TV shows available to watch and a range of delicious snacks and complimentary hot and cold beverages.Passengers travelling in Economy Class will enjoy a Recaro designed seat offering optimal levels of space and comfort in the air. flydubai continues to roll-out WiFi across its fleet enabling passengers to stay connected during their flight and can browse the web, send emails, use social networks and get the latest news. Passengers are able to choose between bundled (Flex/Value) or unbundled (Lite) fares depending on their travel needs.

Etihad Airways will recommence passenger flights from Abu Dhabi from February 15 to Doha, Qatar, subject to the applicable government approvals. The service will operate daily using an Airbus A320 and a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “With ties between the UAE and Qatar restored, the restarting of passenger services between the two capitals will once again support the growth of trade and tourism between the two nations. “Adding a new destination to Etihad’s network during the COVID-19 pandemic is another step towards the gradual expansion of normal scheduled services to more cities across the airline’s global network.” To give guests peace of mind and to offer an extra level of reassurance to travel, Etihad is the only airline in the world requiring 100% of its passengers to show a negative PCR test before departure, and on arrival in Abu Dhabi. As the network continues to be built back up, Etihad ensures a secure and hygienic flying environment across the entire guest journey. Over the last few months, the airline has seized every opportunity to improve processes, including the introduction of free PCR testing for guests departing the UAE and free COVID-19 insurance for all passengers globally.

Accor opens new Pullman in one of the most sought after locations in Dubai, Business Bay. The group has partnered for the very first time with Twenty 14 Holding; an Abu Dhabi based Hospitality Company, with acquisitions and management of assets throughout the globe. “We are very pleased to add Pullman Downtown Dubai to our expanding network in the city through this exciting partnership with Twenty 14 Holding” says Mark Willis, CEO India, Turkey, Middle East & Africa for Accor “There is no doubt that this property is set to become a flagship for the Pullman in Dubai due to its ideal fit with the brand.” “The partnership between Accor and Twenty 14 Holding brings to fruition a sophisticated and urban property in the heart of Dubai,” says Alexander Musch, General Manager at Pullman Downtown Dubai “We are excited for the launch and eager to welcome guests to an elevated experience at Pullman Downtown Dubai.” “We are pleased to partner with the Accor Group and be part of their strong footprint and network in the region”, said Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of Twenty14 Holdings. “Pullman is aligned with our expectations and vision as an asset owning company, and with Accor’s loyalty program and management expertise, we are confident that guests at our property will get to experience the best of global hospitality.”

Royal Jordanian is implementing the new measures required by the Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission for inbound flights.Until further notice, all passengers traveling to Jordan are required to pay the PCR test fees prior to flight departure through airlines sales channels, except for children less than 5 years of age. In addition, passengers are to fill out a health declaration form and submit it to the check-in counter employee at the airport before boarding the plane. These measures will apply to travelers of all nationalities flying to Jordan. RJ passengers are urged to arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to their scheduled flights to avoid delays and allow more time for the implementation of the new procedures.  

International Air Transport Association (IATA) is partnering with Emirates to become one of the first airlines in the world to trial IATA Travel Pass – a mobile app to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccine information. IATA Travel Pass enables Emirates passengers to create a ‘digital passport’ to verify their pre-travel test or vaccination meets the requirements of the destination. They will also be able to share the test and vaccination certificates with authorities and airlines to facilitate travel. The new app will also enable travellers to manage all travel documentation digitally and seamlessly throughout the travel experience. Adel Al Redha Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said, “While international travel remains as safe as ever, there are new protocols and travel requirements with the current global pandemic. We have worked with IATA on this innovative solution to simplify and digitally transmit the information that is required by countries and governments into our airline systems, in a secure and efficient manner.” Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security said, “With its global customer base and network traffic, Emirates as a partner will also bring invaluable input and feedback to improve the Travel Pass programme. This is the first step in making international travel during the pandemic as convenient as possible giving people the confidence that they are meeting all COVID-19 entry requirements by governments. As borders re-open, IATA Travel Pass will be further enhanced with more capabilities to meet all governments testing or vaccination verification requirements and Emirates customers will be among the first to have these services.”

Gulf Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RAK International Airport), aiming to build connectivity between the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and the Kingdom of Bahrain.Heralding a new phase of operations for RAK International Airport, which is quickly establishing itself as a major transport and logistics hub for the UAE, the MoU was signed in a virtual ceremony that brought together high-ranking executives from both organizations. “We are always keen to explore ways to enhance the connectivity between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE. As a Boutique carrier, we look forward to adding Ras Al Khaimah to our network of destinations,” said Captain Waleed Al Alawi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air. For his part, Sanjay Khanna, Chief Executive Officer of RAK International Airport, said, “The aviation industry has its eyes set on recovery following the difficult year we had in 2020. The air ways are opening up as COVID-19 restrictions gradually ease, and passengers increasingly confident to take to the skies once again. With this in mind, we are delighted to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with Gulf Air to set the stage for flight services between Bahrain and Ras Al Khaimah – along with the Northern Emirates – and enhance Ras Al Khaimah International Airport’s connectivity to destinations around the world.” “Gulf-state connectivity is a key tenet of our expansion strategy, and with its long history, commendable track record, and vast network, Gulf Air is an ideal partner for this mission. Aiming to build connectivity between the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and the Kingdom of Bahrain. This move will allow residents, expats, and tourists in the Northern Emirates …

Qatar Airways has become the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. The announcement follows a detailed audit, carried out by the Skytrax team in December 2020, which assessed how effectively and consistently the airline’s stringent COVID-19 hygiene and safety standards and procedures are adhered to, from flight check-in to on-board aircraft. This included a full review of procedural efficiency checks, visual observation of hygiene and safety levels at all stages of the passenger journey, and on-board Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) sampling tests to measure the potential level of contamination of contact surfaces. The achievement of the Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating is in addition to Qatar Airways’ home and hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), recently being named as the first airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating in December 2020. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, said: “As an industry leader and the ‘World’s Best Airline’, as named by Skytrax, we are well-used to setting the standard for others to follow. We are delighted that our commitment to providing the most rigorous and comprehensive COVID-19 safety programme in existence within the global aviation community has been recognised with the Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating. “This achievement highlights the fastidious measures and procedures Qatar Airways have employed to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our passengers throughout the global pandemic to date, and follows HIA’s recent success as the first airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating. It also provides …

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will conducts its second virtual roadshow on Wednesday February 3, 2021 from 10am to 4pm UAE time. Beverly Au Yong, Area Director, Middle East, Singapore Tourism Board, shared  “Through the virtual trade roadshow, Singapore Tourism Board in Middle East is offering an opportunity to Singapore stakeholders to share reimagined initiatives and offers with the regional trade partners. Singapore Tourism Board will continue engage its travel trade partners to provide support through these challenging times. The virtual roadshow provides an exclusive opportunity for the regional travel trade partners to virtually connect with multiple service providers in Singapore. This platform allows our trade partners to deepen their ties, discuss business opportunity and get updates about the various services, offers and products available in Singapore following the pandemic.”  

Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira, has opened the doors to its newest property in Deira, Dubai, offering guests an unforgettable ‘home away from home’ experience coupled with the convenience of hotel services and facilities. Perfectly juxtaposing the rich past of Dubai with its futuristic present, the modern property is located within the heart of Dubai’s heritage center and boasts panoramic views of the city, allowing guests to celebrate the story of Dubai from its early establishment to its opulent present and future. Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira features 189 fully furnished contemporary apartments including 69 studio apartments, 90 one-bedroom and 30 two-bedroom apartments. All apartments have been designed keeping comfort and convenience of guests at the forefront and come fitted with fully equipped kitchens, washing machines, private balconies and offer complimentary WiFi and indoor parking. Commenting on the launch of the hotel, Robin Solomon, Hotel Manager of Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira said “We are thrilled to have launched Aparthotel Adagio in Deira and to strengthen the brand’s incredible expansion locally and internationally. This property especially stands out because of its unique location and distinct offering that caters to a variety of audiences. From business travelers to families and couples, there is something to match everyone’s needs”. He added, “The Adagio brand is rooted in offering guests a truly unique and comfortable modern home style living experience and we look forward to welcoming guests and treating them to an experience they will always cherish”.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Etihad Airways announced a partnership to launch the IATA Travel Pass for Etihad Airways’ guests. The IATA Travel Pass is a mobile app to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with government requirements for COVID-19 tests or vaccines. The Pass will initially be offered to Etihad’s guests on selected flights from Abu Dhabi in the first quarter of 2021. If successful, the pass will be extended to other destinations on the Etihad network. The Pass will enable Etihad’s guests to create a ‘digital passport’ to receive COVID test results and verify they are eligible to undertake their journey. Importantly, IATA Travel Pass will keep passengers in control of their data and facilitate the sharing of their test with airlines and authorities for travel. It will also make it convenient for passengers to manage travel documentation throughout their journey. “COVID-19 tests and vaccinations will be key to get the world flying again. Since 1 August 2020, Etihad is the only airline requiring a pre-departure negative PCR test result for all passengers worldwide, and again on arrival in Abu Dhabi, giving our guests the added assurance of safety when they travel with us. A high priority for Etihad is for our guests to have an easy, secure and efficient way to identify and verify their information.” said Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group. “Our aim is to give all governments the confidence to re-open borders to travellers based on verified vaccine and testing data. The initial stage of the Etihad launch will focus on all four elements of the IATA Travel Pass modules, one of the first airlines in …