Airlines

Etihad Airways ramps up winter schedule with new destinations

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways, has launched a broad network redesign that will better connect Abu Dhabi to international markets while positioning the airline for sustained growth.

Expanding travel capacity to popular international locations, giving tourists the chance to explore and experience various cultures, and drawing more people to Abu Dhabi. Give customers more choices: Ensure smooth and stress-free journeys for passengers by offering them increased travel options with multiple, more convenient departure times.

Etihad Airways adds flights to Shanghai to its route network(Opens in a new browser tab)

This year, Etihad has already announced the opening of nine new locations, including Malaga, Mykonos, Lisbon, Kolkata, St. Petersburg, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Osaka, and Boston. In addition, the airline announced this week the introduction of Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram as two new flights to the Indian Subcontinent. These new locations demonstrate Etihad’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and giving travellers more choices throughout the world.

Expanded Frequencies: Increased frequencies to Chennai (MAA), Islamabad (ISB), Kochi (COK), Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP), Munich (MUC), Rome (FCO), and Phuket (HKT) offer travelers more choices while improving travel options and connectivity.

o Cairo (CAI): An additional 5 flights per week to make triple daily operations to Cairo, effective from 1 Jan, strengthening the link between Abu Dhabi and the Egyptian capital.

o Colombo (CMB): 7 direct flights per week with 3 flights effective from 1 Dec and 4 flights effective from 1 Jan, further enhancing travel options to this destination.

o Maldives (MLE): An additional 7 flights per week, with 3 flights effective from 1 Dec and 4 flights effective from 1 Jan.

Emirates to increase flights on Dubai-Cairo route(Opens in a new browser tab)

In order to offer seamless travel experiences, improved connections, and flexibility across its worldwide network, Etihad is entering a new phase of expansion and connectivity with the launch of its overhauled network.

Destinations	Change	Total Frequency	Start Date
Dusseldorf	New route	3 per week	28 September 2023
Copenhagen	New route	4 per week	29 September 2023
Osaka	New route	5 per week	1 October 2023
Lisbon	Extended year-round	3 per week	29 October 2023
St Petersburg	New route	3 per week	29 October 2023
Kozhikode	New route	7 per week	1 January 2024
Thiruvananthapuram	New route	7 per week	1 January 2024
Boston	New route	4 per week	31 March 2024
Chennai	+7 per week	21 per week	15 September 2023
Frankfurt	+4 per week	11 per week	29 October 2023
Rome	+4 per week	11 per week	4 November 2023
Amsterdam	Retimed	7 per week	21 November 2023
Kochi	+8 per week	21 per week	21 November 2023
Madrid	+3 per week	10 per week	21 November 2023
Milan	+3 per week	10 per week	21 November 2023
Munich	+3 per week	10 per week	21 November 2023
Phuket	+7 per week	14 per week	21 November 2023
Moscow	Retimed	7 per week	1 December 2023
Cairo	+5 per week	21 per week	1 January 2024
Colombo	7 direct per week	7 per week	1 January 2024
Islamabad	+2 per week	14 per week	1 January 2024
Maldives (Male)	+7 per week	14 per week	1 January 2024

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

DOT Proposes New Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Disruptions

In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Top 10 Best Airlines in the World by AirHelp Survey

These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.