Salalah Airport has once again been awarded a five-star rating by Skytrax, marking the second consecutive year the airport has achieved one of the aviation industry's highest distinctions for service excellence and passenger satisfaction.

The recognition places the airport among a limited number of aviation hubs worldwide that meet stringent international standards across customer experience, operational efficiency, and facility management.

According to Oman Airports, a range of enhancements introduced during the past year contributed to maintaining the rating. These include the launch of the new Majan Lounge, expanded amenities for families and children, and a wider selection of retail outlets featuring locally produced Omani goods and brands.

The airport has also focused on improving operational procedures and passenger services, introducing measures designed to shorten waiting times, simplify travel processes, and improve overall comfort for travelers.

The latest achievement comes as Salalah Airport prepares for the annual Dhofar Khareef season, a key tourism period that typically brings a substantial rise in passenger numbers and airline operations.

Nasser bin Ahmed Al Sharji, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Oman Airports, said the renewed five-star classification reflects the organisation’s dedication to providing a world-class travel experience founded on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

He noted that the award underscores the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives aimed at modernising facilities, enhancing operational performance, and supporting the increasing demands of Oman’s tourism and aviation sectors.

Al Sharji added that Oman Airports remains committed to further investments in passenger-focused services and airport readiness programmes to strengthen the country's tourism goals and elevate the global profile of Omani airports.

Zakaria bin Yaqoub Al Harasi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Salalah Airport, said retaining the five-star rating for a second year demonstrates the success of continuous development efforts focused on service quality and infrastructure improvements.

He added that the recognition reflects a long-term strategy centred on operational excellence, innovation, and passenger satisfaction, supported through cooperation among airport stakeholders.

Skytrax’s five-star airport rating is regarded as one of the most respected benchmarks in global aviation, awarded only to airports that consistently deliver exceptional standards in service, facilities, and operational performance.

The latest accolade further reinforces Salalah Airport’s standing as a leading gateway in the region while supporting its growing contribution to Oman’s expanding tourism industry.

Source: ZAWYA

EgyptAir and flydubai have resumed flight services from Terminal 4 (T4) at Kuwait International Airport Passenger Terminal 4, signaling the start of a staged return to normal operations following a temporary reduction in services.

According to Kuwaiti authorities, the reopening of T4 is being implemented gradually for Gulf, Arab, and international carriers as part of an operational framework designed to expand capacity while maintaining strict safety and security procedures.

During the initial phase, flight operations will run daily between 4:00 am and 10:00 pm. Airlines participating in this stage are initially permitted to operate one flight each, with capacity expected to increase progressively as the system stabilizes.

The plan also includes the activation of 50 check-in counters, the full operation of immigration and security screening systems, and close coordination with ground handling companies to ensure efficient passenger flow. Air cargo services and private aviation operations will continue without disruption.

Travellers have been advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure and to verify flight timings directly with their respective airlines prior to travel. Authorities also urged passengers to limit accompanying visitors at the terminal to help reduce congestion.

Officials said the phased approach aims to meet growing travel demand, widen flight options for passengers, and support the gradual normalization of aviation services while ensuring operational safety.

Source: ZAWYA

Salalah Airport has once again been awarded a five-star rating by Skytrax, marking the second consecutive year the airport has achieved one of the aviation industry's highest distinctions for service excellence and passenger satisfaction.

The recognition places the airport among a limited number of aviation hubs worldwide that meet stringent international standards across customer experience, operational efficiency, and facility management.

According to Oman Airports, a range of enhancements introduced during the past year contributed to maintaining the rating. These include the launch of the new Majan Lounge, expanded amenities for families and children, and a wider selection of retail outlets featuring locally produced Omani goods and brands.

The airport has also focused on improving operational procedures and passenger services, introducing measures designed to shorten waiting times, simplify travel processes, and improve overall comfort for travelers.

The latest achievement comes as Salalah Airport prepares for the annual Dhofar Khareef season, a key tourism period that typically brings a substantial rise in passenger numbers and airline operations.

Nasser bin Ahmed Al Sharji, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Oman Airports, said the renewed five-star classification reflects the organisation’s dedication to providing a world-class travel experience founded on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

He noted that the award underscores the effectiveness of ongoing initiatives aimed at modernising facilities, enhancing operational performance, and supporting the increasing demands of Oman’s tourism and aviation sectors.

Al Sharji added that Oman Airports remains committed to further investments in passenger-focused services and airport readiness programmes to strengthen the country's tourism goals and elevate the global profile of Omani airports.

Zakaria bin Yaqoub Al Harasi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Salalah Airport, said retaining the five-star rating for a second year demonstrates the success of continuous development efforts focused on service quality and infrastructure improvements.

He added that the recognition reflects a long-term strategy centred on operational excellence, innovation, and passenger satisfaction, supported through cooperation among airport stakeholders.

Skytrax’s five-star airport rating is regarded as one of the most respected benchmarks in global aviation, awarded only to airports that consistently deliver exceptional standards in service, facilities, and operational performance.

The latest accolade further reinforces Salalah Airport’s standing as a leading gateway in the region while supporting its growing contribution to Oman’s expanding tourism industry.

Source: ZAWYA

Dubai has confirmed that construction on the first phase of the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion is progressing according to plan, with key delivery milestones achieved across multiple workstreams. Officials say preparations for upcoming contract awards have also been completed, keeping the project on track for operational launch in 2032 under its long-term master plan.

Significant progress has been recorded in enabling works, runway development, and early structural foundations for passenger terminals and concourses. The development is widely viewed as one of the emirate’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings, expected to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for aviation, trade, and logistics.

Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the teams overseeing the project under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. He said the airport reflects Dubai’s long-term strategy to build advanced infrastructure that supports sustainable economic expansion, global connectivity, and future competitiveness. He also linked the project to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), highlighting its role in attracting investment and expanding business opportunities.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said the project has now entered a major construction phase, describing it as a cornerstone in Dubai’s aviation and logistics strategy. He noted that around AED 13 billion worth of contracts are currently active, while additional strategic packages valued at more than AED 55 billion are being prepared for award. He added that the airport will be central to enhancing Dubai’s role in global trade, tourism, and transport connectivity.

Dubai Finance Director-General Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh described the development as a long-term sovereign investment designed to strengthen economic resilience and financial sustainability. He emphasized that the project reflects the government’s commitment to disciplined execution, governance standards, and building assets that generate lasting value for the economy.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said the airport will form the backbone of Dubai’s future aviation system. He highlighted plans for a fully integrated operational model designed to handle strong growth in passenger and cargo traffic while improving efficiency through advanced systems and digital technologies.

According to Engineer Suzanne Al Anani, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, construction activity is accelerating across the site. She confirmed that more than 17,000 concrete piles have been installed and excavation works have exceeded 45 million cubic metres. She also said the second runway has been completed, with the existing runway being prepared for rehabilitation.

Work completed to date has surpassed 10 million labour hours over the past 15 months, with around 9,000 workers currently on site. That number is expected to peak at approximately 120,000 as construction scales up.

She added that several major packages will be awarded before the end of the year, including terminal substructure works, concourses, automated transport systems, baggage handling infrastructure, and supporting utilities such as power generation and district cooling. Additional façade and roofing contracts are also scheduled for award within the year.

Once fully completed, Al Maktoum International Airport is expected to become one of the world’s largest aviation hubs, with capacity for more than 260 million passengers annually and up to 12 million tonnes of cargo. The design includes five parallel runways, two passenger terminals, seven concourses, and over 430 aircraft stands, alongside an integrated automated people mover system linking all major zones.

The wider aviation development programme also includes upgrades at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. These projects aim to improve operational efficiency, expand capacity, and enhance passenger services across the network.

A total of AED 16 billion has been allocated for ongoing aviation infrastructure upgrades, with more than AED 7.5 billion already awarded in contracts. Officials say this continued investment reflects Dubai’s long-term commitment to maintaining its position as a leading global aviation centre.

Source: ZAWYA

Heathrow Airport has reported a decline in passenger numbers for May, even as the hub recorded its busiest ever day for the month during the same period.

A total of 7.1 million passengers travelled through the airport’s four terminals in May, representing a 1.2% decrease compared with the same month last year. UK passenger traffic fell by 1.9%, while numbers from the Middle East dropped sharply by 31%, reflecting continued disruption linked to the ongoing Iran war and its effects on global travel demand.

Despite the overall decline, performance improved compared with April, when Heathrow recorded a 5.3% year-on-year fall and cited “short-term disruption” caused by the conflict.

The airport said it handled its highest daily traffic for May on 22 May, when 262,000 passengers passed through its terminals at the start of the UK school half-term holiday period.

Heathrow, which recently marked its 80th anniversary, also confirmed that it is continuing with infrastructure investment plans. These include upgrades to car parks and check-in facilities at Terminal 4 as part of wider development works aimed at improving passenger experience and operational capacity.

Source: RTÉ

Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward expanding its aviation infrastructure after Matarat Holding and the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP) announced the launch of a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of the new Taif International Airport.

The project will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) framework using a build-transfer-operate (BTO) contract. The agreement will run for 30 years, including the construction phase, and is open to participation from private-sector investors and operators.

The airport development forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to accelerate growth in the aviation industry and strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a global logistics and transportation hub. Through the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The new airport will be constructed approximately 21 kilometres southeast of the current Taif Airport. Once operational, the facility is expected to handle around 2.5 million passengers annually by 2030.

According to Matarat Holding, the proposed design includes a runway connected to a full-length parallel taxiway and a commercial apron serving airport operations. The development will also feature a modern passenger terminal designed to meet projected demand, alongside supporting infrastructure such as utility systems, operational facilities, parking areas, and access roads.

Plans for the airport include provisions for future expansion to accommodate additional subsystem requirements and support long-term growth. Matarat Holding stated that the facility is being designed to address anticipated passenger demand through 2055.

The airport is also expected to support Umrah travel by serving as an alternative gateway within the region’s multi-airport network. This system includes King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, and Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu.

Officials said the project is expected to contribute to the economic development of Taif and surrounding areas while enhancing passenger services through efficient operations and modern airport facilities, in line with the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy.

Source: ZAWYA