Airlines

Middle East Hubs: The Rise of Low Cost and the Importance of the Indian Subcontinent

Dubai, has just barely beaten out Doha to have the highest level of recovery in September 2022

The largest of the three airports, Dubai, has just barely beaten out Doha to have the highest level of recovery in September 2022, operating at 86% of 2019 capacity levels with 3.9 million seats; Doha is at 85% of 2019 capacity with 1.9 million seats; and Abu Dhabi has recovered to 77% of its September 2019 capacity, with a much more modest 0.9 million seats.

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But when it comes to the number of places their networks serve, all three airports have either matched or surpassed their 2019 levels. Doha had 161 connections in September 2022 compared to 159 in September 2019, Dubai had 222 connections compared to 223, and Abu Dhabi had a rapid expansion of its destinations, going from 86 in September 2019 to 105 in September 2022.

Airport	Seats Operated Sep 2019	Seats Operated Sep 2022	Capacity Growth vs 2019
DOH	2,290,585	1,939,834	-15%
DXB	4,561,890	3,905,803	-14%
AUH	1,147,989	881,015	-23%

When comparing low-cost carriers (LCCs) and mainline airlines, Doha has maintained its 95% mainline airline share as of September 2022, while Dubai has seen LCCs gain share, going from 17% to 25% as of that month, with notable increases from Flydubai (+27% vs. 2019 capacity) and IndiGo (+6%).

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India increased its seat capacity share from Dubai from 12% in 2019 to 15% in 2022 and has fully recovered to 2019 levels, while Pakistan has added 10% more capacity than in 2019 elsewhere in the region. The top 10 Indian airlines operating in Dubai have experienced high recovery rates compared to 2019 levels, with IndiGo at +6%, Air India +6%, Air India Express -2%, and SpiceJet -2%.

The Middle East is now a significant low-cost market in its own right, and the geographic focus of the airline networks from the three main airports is shifting eastward to take advantage of growing opportunities. This is due to the growth of LCCs and their acquisition of market share from legacy airlines, as well as the strength of the market to the Indian subcontinent.

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Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.