According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA)  data for June 2024 the total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 9.1% compared to June 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 8.5% year-on-year. The June load factor was 85.0% (+0.5 percentage points (ppt) compared to June 2023). International demand rose 12.3% compared to June 2023. Capacity was up 12.7% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 85.0% (-0.3ppt on June 2023). Domestic demand rose 4.3% compared to June 2023; capacity was up 2.1% year-on-year and the load factor was 85.0% (+1.7ppt compared to June 2023). “Demand grew across all regions as the peak Northern summer travel season began in June. And with overall capacity growth lagging demand we saw a very strong average load factor of 85% achieved in both domestic and international operations. Operating with such high load factors is both good and challenging. It makes it even more important for all the stakeholders to operate with equal levels of efficiency to minimize delays and get travelers to their destinations on schedule,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “As the Olympic Games unfold in Paris there is pride across the aviation industry for its continuing role in supporting the Olympic story by bringing many of the athletes, fans, and officials together. It is a great reminder of how aviation transforms our very big world into a global community. We wish France every success as the host of the games and cheer all the athletes who will demonstrate the best of human endeavor over the next weeks,” said Walsh. Air passenger market in detail – June 2024 June 2024 (% year-on-year) World share1 …

VFS Global, in association with the Embassy of Japan in the UAE and Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai, has opened Japan Visa Application Centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on 1 August 2024. IMANISHI Jun, Consul General of Japan to Dubai and the Northern Emirates inaugurated the Visa Application Centre in Dubai. VFS Global’s Japan Visa Application Centres will accept document submission for short-term and long-term visas to Japan, by prior appointment. Appointments will be available online at https://visa.vfsglobal.com/are/en/jpn/ at no charge. Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. IMANISHI Jun, Consul General of Japan to Dubai and the Northern Emirates said, “It gives me great pleasure to announce the opening of the VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centre here in Dubai. The Government of Japan has set a target to increase the number of foreign visitors to Japan to 60 million by 2030. In recent years, partly due to the depreciation of the yen, the number of visitors to Japan has continued to increase, with more than 3 million foreigners visiting Japan each month since March this year. “The urgent task is to respond to the ever-increasing number of visa applications. The Consulate General of Japan in Dubai has therefore decided to partner with VFS Global. With the opening of the Japan Visa Application Centre, VFS Global and the Consulate General of Japan in Dubai will work closely together on visas to encourage more people to visit Japan. “We hope that those wishing to travel to Japan will benefit from more convenient and faster visa services and that this centre will serve as a base for promoting people-to-people exchanges between Japan, the UAE and Dubai and further develop bilateral relations between …

Emirates has announced that it will operate a second daily A380 service between Dubai and Bali, starting 1 September and until 26 October, to meet the surge in travel demand to the island during the upcoming peak season. From 1 September to 26 October 2024, Emirates’ flight EK398/399 between Dubai (DXB) and Bali (DPS) will be upgraded to an Airbus A380, replacing the current Boeing 777 service. The upgraded service will build upon the success of Emirates’ first-ever A380 service to Indonesia, launched on 1 June 2023, while also driving more inbound traffic to Bali during one of the busiest times of the year and seamlessly connecting travelers from Indonesia to Dubai and beyond through Emirates’ extensive global network. Emirates continues to reinforce its long-standing commitment to providing world-class travel experiences and supporting Indonesia’s growing travel and tourism sector. By serving Bali with double A380 flights, the airline will offer more than 2,600 additional weekly seats to and from the island to help accommodate the growing demand during the peak travel season. With this additional service, more passengers to and from Indonesia can enjoy the iconic double-decker’s best-in-class products and services, including its spacious cabins, the exclusive Onboard Lounge, and ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system offering over 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment. Emirates launched a non-stop daily service from Dubai to Bali in 2015, adding to its scheduled flights to Jakarta which began in 1992. Emirates flies to more than 144 destinations across six continents and currently offers double daily flights to Jakarta and Bali. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates Sales Office or contact centre, or via travel agents. For more information on entry requirements for international visitors to …

flyadeal announced that during the first six months of 2024, they posted over 5 million seats marking a 9% increase when compared with the same time last year. In terms of new routes, at present they operate 75 routes, representing 8% rise, with 33 aircraft, an increase of 12% and on-time performance which peaked at 91% and ordering a record 51 narrowbody aircraft. In terms of training, the 50th batch of cabin crew was inducted into flyadeal’s training with graduation of first pilots under flyadeal’s new cadet training programme. Key milestones included a landmark order for 51 Airbus narrowbody aircraft, including 12 further A320neos – the model being the backbone of flyadeal’s current fleet – and first-time customer of 39 bigger A321neos with deliveries scheduled from 2026. In anticipation of continued growth, flyadeal has been busy hiring more flight crew. During the first half of 2024, flyadeal inducted its 50th batch of cabin crew and also launched a cadet programme for aspiring Saudi pilots with the first group having successfully completing their training. flyadeal was also recognised for its pioneering work in the development and adoption of digital technology being named Saudi Arabia’s Ecommerce Innovator of the Year at the Middle East Retail and Ecommerce Summit. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “flyadeal’s first half performance in 2024 underscores our ongoing commitment to develop as the airline of choice in the Kingdom and beyond with a focus on service excellence and introducing more digitally enabled products to improve the customer experience. Our on-time performance which measures punctuality peaked at 91 per cent, an incredible achievement and among the highest in the industry. “These impressive accomplishments were only possible with the …

Abu Dhabi Airports (AD Airports) reported that it facilitated the travel of 13,983,885 passengers, marking a 33.5% increase compared to the first half of 2023. Zayed International Airport (AUH) alone facilitated 13,726,550 passengers, representing a 33.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023, exceeding expectations. This surge in passenger traffic was supported by a 24.3% rise in flight movements, with a total of 84,286 movemernts recorded during the first half of 2024 compared to 67,835 flights in H1 2023. Following strong performance during the first quarter, AD Airports expanded its customer base by welcoming two new airlines at Zayed International Airport in the second quarter, US Bangla with three weekly flights to Chittagong and four weekly flights to Dhaka, and British Airways serving London Heathrow daily. The airport operators’ network of destinations also expanded through the addition of year-round services to Sarajevo (Wizzair Abu Dhabi), Chandigarh (IndiGo) and Jaipur, Antalya, Bali and Gassim (Etihad) and Turbat (Pakistan International Airline), and seasonal flights to Trabzon (Air Arabia Abu Dhabi) and Nice, Mykonos, Santorini and Malaga (Etihad). Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at AD Airports, said: “Our traffic results for the first six months of this year are a testament to the tireless efforts of the entire team at Abu Dhabi Airports. We are incredibly proud of this achievement, which highlights the resilience of our teams, airline partners, and stakeholder community, as well as the robustness of our infrastructure during the peak operational season. We are enthusiastic about the future of Abu Dhabi’s tourism and trade prospects and the pivotal role our airports will play in boosting tourism and trade.” AD Airports also handled an impressive 254,300 tonnes …

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Nicolás Grau, the Minister of Economy, Development, and Tourism of Chile, to explore new avenues to strengthen economic ties between the two countries in the fields of new economy, tourism, aviation, entrepreneurship, e-commerce, renewable energy, technology, and agriculture. H.E. Bin Touq emphasized the UAE’s robust and expanding economic relations with the Republic of Chile, highlighting that the two countries have successfully forged sustainable and diverse partnerships and agreements across various economic and investment domains. The meeting highlighted the significance of signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Chile as a major step towards strengthening the existing economic cooperation in various sectors. The primary objective of the agreement is to enhance investment flows, create opportunities, expand trade, and encourage partnerships at the private sector level. Furthermore, it will streamline the access of companies from both countries to promising markets and opportunities in Asia and South America. H.E. Bin Touq said: “We consider the Republic of Chile as a valuable economic partner for the UAE in South America, as it boasts a favourable investment environment. We look forward to elevating our economic relations to new heights at both government and private sector levels, as well as exploring promising opportunities in sectors and areas of mutual interest.” The discussions focused on the significance of strengthening collaborative efforts to introduce new programs for small and medium-sized projects in both markets. The two ministers agreed on the importance of empowering the SMEs sector and facilitating the entry of their exports to foreign markets. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance of enabling Chilean entrepreneurs and startups to leverage …

Dubai maintains its position as business event hub winning 175 international events in H1, 2024 as business events continue to strengthen Dubai’s knowledge economy and contribute to tourism growth. The city winning an impressive 175 bids in the first six months of 2024 to host events through 2024 and beyond, which is an increase of 24% compared to the same period last year, these bid wins are expected to bring more than 92,000 delegates, enhancing the pipeline of attendees for business events over the coming years. The successful bids position the city to host several prestigious international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings over the coming years, with an event win pipeline stretching into 2028. Spanning a wide range of sectors and professions, this achievement underscores the importance of business events to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the decade leading up to 2033 and reinforcing its position among the world’s top three cities to visit, live and work in. Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the city’s official convention bureau, worked with stakeholders and industry experts, including Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, to bid for and capture marquee business events. In addition to successful bidding activity, recent months have seen further global recognition for Dubai’s status as a leading business events hub. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai the top city in the Middle East for the number of association meetings hosted in 2023, while Cvent ranked it number one in its ‘Top Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa’. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: …

As the allure of the Maldives often leads travelers to its more famous atolls, there remains a treasure trove of lesser-known atolls that promise unique experiences, pristine nature, and a sense of secluded paradise. Among these hidden gems are the Shaviyani, Haa, and Thaa Atolls. Discover why traveling off the beaten path during the off-peak season to these stunning atolls can be a rewarding adventure. Shaviyani Atoll Shaviyani Atoll, located in the northern part of the Maldives, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and tranquil environment. It’s a haven for those looking to escape the bustling crowds and immerse themselves in the serene surroundings. Top Experiences: Snorkeling and Diving: The atoll boasts vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Popular dive sites include Fushivaru Thila and the Big Wall, where divers can encounter a variety of marine species. Cultural Visits: Travelers can explore local islands to experience traditional Maldivian culture, including visits to local communities and craft shops. Water Sports: The calm lagoons are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing.   Where to Stay: JW Mariott Resort & Spa: Find your respite in stylish overwater and beach villas, featuring  plush bedding, private pools, and decks that offer stunning views of the shimmering Indian Ocean. Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort: A luxury resort offering overwater villas and premium amenities, ideal for those seeking a high-end experience. Haa Atoll Haa Atoll, divided into Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu, is the northernmost atoll of the Maldives. It is rich in history and natural beauty, offering a blend of cultural and marine attractions.   Top Experiences: Historical Sites: The atoll is home to ancient Buddhist ruins and local mosques that offer a …

Amsaan Accessible Tours (AAT) has launched “Travel with Bova,” a project dedicated to providing guided tours conducted entirely in sign language. This transformative initiative marks a milestone in inclusive tourism and is launched from the UAE, a key destination for AAT. Benefiting both the tourism ecosystem and Deaf travellers while syncing with the UAE government, “Travel with Bova” offers unique guided tours around the world, led by Volodymyr Bozhko, also known as Bova, a senior Deaf tour guide with over 15 years of experience. Bova has guided tourists from various countries using International Sign Language, including the USA, China, and former CIS countries among others, and boasts extensive knowledge of European destinations, exotic islands, and Southeast Asian countries. He has organised long combined tours where travellers can visit multiple countries in one trip. Bova will be joined by another expert guide, Dmytro, who has visited over 50 countries and understands the needs of discerning Deaf tourists. The primary vision behind “Travel with Bova” is to provide accessible travel experiences for the Deaf community, breaking down barriers and allowing travellers to immerse themselves in different cultures through sign language. While the UAE is a favourite destination, the initiative will also introduce tourists to various other destinations. This project meets the rising demand for inclusive tours by leveraging specialists, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences for Deaf tourists, addressing the global loss of US$150 billion due to overlooked accessible tourism. Alex Koltsov, CEO, of Amsaan Accessible Tours, commented: “Catering to over 430 million people who have hearing loss, the launch of ‘Travel with Bova’ will set new standards in accessible tourism and not only meet but exceed the expectations …

The China Visitors Summit announced that Elaine Sun, Regional Director for Trip.com Middle East, will be the Keynote Speaker at the opening session of the CVS, China Visitors Summit – Middle East. Elaine has been managing Middle East destinations and regional chain relationships at Trip.com since 2019. She has previously worked with international hotel chains such as IHG and Hilton. Holding a master’s degree in digital marketing and over ten years of experience in roles related to the China market, Elaine brings a wealth of expertise to the summit.