Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of the emirate’s five airports including the flagship Zayed International Airport (AUH), welcomed more than 33 million passengers in 2025 — the highest number ever recorded in Abu Dhabi’s aviation history. The rapid rise in travel demand has seen passenger volumes across the emirate nearly double in just three years, with AUH emerging as the fastest-growing mega airport in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, according to the latest figures.

The record-breaking year was fueled by a major network expansion, as airlines introduced new destinations, boosted flight frequencies on popular routes, and strengthened connectivity with key markets in EMEA and Asia. In 2025 alone, AUH added 39 new routes and attracted seven new airlines to its growing portfolio.

Now in its second full year of operations, AUH handled around 98 percent of Abu Dhabi’s total passenger traffic and 73 percent of all aircraft movements. The airport processed 8.59 million passengers in the fourth quarter, marking a 13.8 percent increase from the same period in 2024.

Growth was powered by both new carriers and expanded services from existing partners, including China Eastern Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Jazeera Airways, and home carrier Etihad Airways. New destinations launched during the year included major global hubs such as Addis Ababa, Atlanta, and Hong Kong, along with emerging markets like Berlin, Hanoi, Pune, and Warsaw.

Throughout the year, AUH also registered several peak travel days surpassing 100,000 passengers — a major operational milestone that underscores the airport’s efficiency and appeal as a preferred global hub for both direct and connecting traffic.

Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said:

“Reaching 33 million passengers is a major milestone for us and a testament to our readiness to meet the growing demand for global travel. This success reflects the dedication of our entire workforce and our commitment to the strategic vision set by Abu Dhabi’s leadership.

We’re focused on building on this momentum through operational excellence, expanding our network, and strengthening our cargo and logistics services — all of which will support Abu Dhabi’s continued rise as a global aviation hub.”

The year also marked a series of “firsts” for Abu Dhabi Airports. For the first time, annual traffic across the emirate’s five airports exceeded 30 million passengers, while double-digit growth was recorded for a 19th consecutive year. The strong performance stems from sustained investment, close collaboration with airline partners, and ongoing improvements to capacity and passenger experience.

Traffic growth was not limited to Zayed International Airport. Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI) recorded a 15.3 percent surge in aircraft movements in the last quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 — and a 7 percent increase for the full year. Meanwhile, Al Ain International Airport (AAN) achieved impressive growth, with passenger numbers climbing 48.1 percent year-on-year in Q4 and 9.2 percent annually.

Cargo operations also expanded significantly, with nearly 770,000 tonnes handled across Abu Dhabi’s airports in 2025 — a 12 percent rise over the previous year. The robust performance highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a key logistics gateway connecting global trade corridors.

Zayed International Airport also earned several prestigious distinctions during the year, including Best Airport for Retail at the 2025 Frontier Awards and Highly Commended recognition at the Aviation Business Awards. AUH further achieved Level 2 Accessibility Accreditation and Level 3 Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI), alongside multiple awards for technology innovation and passenger service excellence.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has completed the modernisation of AlWajh International Airport in the country’s northwest.

The airport has now resumed operations, with Saudia operating three weekly flights from Riyadh and two from Jeddah. International services are expected to begin in the near future.

The project represents the first infrastructure delivery completed by RSG under its broadened mandate beyond destination development, reflecting its expanding role in enhancing connectivity, public services, and wider economic growth.

RSG Group CEO John Pagano said the redevelopment goes beyond aviation infrastructure, describing it as a strategic gateway designed to improve mobility, stimulate economic activity, and create new opportunities for communities in the region. He added that residents of Tabuk now have access to an upgraded international-standard airport with improved links across Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The upgraded facility is now capable of accommodating a wide range of commercial aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, as well as seaplanes. Its annual passenger capacity has increased to 500,000, up from 100,000 previously, with the ability to handle up to 330 passengers per hour across four gates during peak periods.

According to the company, the expansion is expected to support rising demand, strengthen tourism development, and contribute to job creation and broader economic activity across the Tabuk region.

Abdulaziz Al-Abdan, Executive Director of Aviation and Airport Operations at Red Sea Global, said the improvements significantly expand capacity for larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes. He added that discussions are already underway with airline partners and regulators to further develop future route networks in line with expected demand growth.

The airport is also set to function as a key entry point for AMAALA, the luxury wellness destination located about 45 minutes away by electric vehicle and roughly 20 minutes by seaplane.

Architectural design elements of the renovated terminal draw on the heritage of AlWajh’s historic town and the broader Tabuk coastline, aiming to reflect the region’s cultural identity.

Additional upgrades include enhanced passenger facilities such as premium lounges, cafés, a mini-market, automated banking services, car rental desks, and expanded parking. The terminal has also been equipped to support seaplane and helicopter operations as part of future transport links to AMAALA.

Source: ZAWYA

China added 80 new international air cargo routes during the first five months of 2026, according to data released by the Air Logistics Committee of the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP) as of May 31.

The expansion was largely focused on Europe and Asia. Of the newly established routes, 35 connect China with destinations across Europe, while 33 serve Asian markets. Ten routes were launched to North America, with one route each linking China to South America and Africa.

In May alone, 11 new international air cargo routes entered service, including seven connecting China with other Asian countries, three serving European destinations, and one linking to North America.

The new routes are primarily used to transport cross-border e-commerce shipments, advanced manufactured products, high-value goods, and fresh agricultural produce.

Industry experts say the continued growth of China's international air freight network is helping diversify transportation options and support export-driven industries. Peng Chun, Deputy Director of the Department of Logistics Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, noted that the expanded network helps reduce pressure on maritime and rail freight services while providing faster logistics solutions for high-value exports.

Peng added that the increase in international cargo routes also strengthens China's transportation resilience and contributes to greater supply chain security by enhancing independent logistics capabilities.

Source: CGTN

Bahrain International Airport has confirmed that the kingdom’s airspace remains open and that flight operations continue as normal, reaffirming Bahrain’s connectivity with destinations worldwide.

In a statement shared on X, the airport said its team remains focused on providing a smooth travel experience for passengers while maintaining regular flight services.

The update came after an Air India Express flight scheduled to operate from Kochi to Bahrain was cancelled on Thursday morning. The cancellation left 122 passengers stranded in Kochi.

Because the aircraft did not arrive in Bahrain, the return service from Bahrain to Kochi, scheduled to depart at 3pm, was also cancelled. The disruption affected an additional 178 passengers.

According to an airline official quoted by the Gulf Daily News (GDN), affected travelers were offered the choice of receiving a full refund or being rebooked on the next available flight.

Airport authorities have not reported any restrictions to Bahrain’s airspace, and flight operations continue across the kingdom’s aviation network.

Source: ZAWYA

Passengers at Brussels Airport will no longer need to remove liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage during security checks, the airport announced on Friday as part of a major modernization of its security screening system.

The revamp at the Zaventem airport will take place over the next several years, with the first new scanners expected to be operational in 2028. By 2029, the entire departure security system will be replaced with cutting-edge technology, including CT scanners for hand luggage and advanced body scanners for passengers.

“The safety of our passengers and staff is always our top priority,” said Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist. “With this new technology, we will not only maintain the highest safety standards but also make security screening faster and more convenient for travelers.”

Currently, passengers must remove laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices from their bags, and liquids are limited to one litre in containers no larger than 100 millilitres. The new CT scanners will allow these items to remain in hand luggage, and under European regulations, passengers will be allowed to carry up to two litres of liquids per bag.

A test of a new body scanner is scheduled for June, with the construction of an additional temporary screening platform planned in 2027 to accommodate the new technology. Once the first scanners are operational in 2028, phased upgrades of all 19 departure lanes will be completed by summer 2029. Transfer passenger lanes will be upgraded at a later stage.

Feist emphasized that the new scanners will also increase security screening capacity, preparing the airport for future growth in passenger numbers.

The initiative is part of Brussels Airport’s Hub 3.0 program, designed to enhance passenger experience and maintain the airport as a “convenient, comfortable, and future-proof European hub.” Similar CT scanner systems are already in operation at major European airports such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Dublin, Rome Fiumicino, and Frankfurt.

Kuwait International Airport has activated its emergency response plan after Terminal One was struck by missiles and drones reportedly launched from Iran, causing injuries and damage to airport facilities, officials confirmed.

Abdullah Al-Rajhi, spokesperson for the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), said authorities immediately implemented established emergency protocols to protect passengers, staff, and airport infrastructure.

Air traffic has been suspended, and inbound and outbound flights have been diverted to nearby airports until further notice, Al-Rajhi added.

Technical teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage to facilities before repair operations begin. Security and contingency measures remain in place to ensure the safe resumption of airport operations.

The incident underscores ongoing regional tensions and highlights the importance of airport emergency preparedness in safeguarding travelers and aviation infrastructure.