Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership, including a comprehensive codeshare agreement and increased flight frequencies.
Qatar Airways will introduce a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi in codeshare with Kenya Airways, while Kenya Airways will launch flights between Mombasa and Doha during the upcoming winter season. Both carriers will codeshare across their networks, enhancing global connectivity. The partnership extends beyond passenger travel, with plans to collaborate on cargo, ground services, loyalty programmes and maintenance. The agreement was signed in Doha by Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka. Air Arabia launches flights to Sochi Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, has launched direct flights from Sharjah to Sochi, Russia, operating six times weekly. This marks the sixth Russian destination served by the airline from Sharjah, joining Moscow, Kazan, Samara, Ufa and Yekaterinburg. With this addition, Air Arabia now connects Russia from three UAE airports: Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. The launch enhances connectivity between the UAE and Russia, supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between both nations. KlasJet joins IATA after passing Safety Audit KlasJet, a premium private jet charter company and part of Avia Solutions Group, has officially joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), reinforcing its global reputation for safety, quality, and operational excellence. Achieving membership required KlasJet to pass the rigorous IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), covering flight operations, maintenance, risk management, and more. Compliance Manager Indre Liveikyte emphasised that IATA membership is a globally recognized safety and quality mark and a reflection of the team's ongoing commitment. Etihad–Air Europa launch first Abu Dhabi–Madrid flight Etihad Airways and Air Europa have marked a historic milestone with Air Europa’s inaugural wet-lease flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid—its first-ever aircraft operation from the Middle East. The Boeing 787-9 service enhances the growing partnership between the two airlines, building on their expanded codeshare and frequent flyer cooperation. Etihad now operates twice-daily Madrid flights, with the afternoon EY103 service flown by Air Europa’s 787-9, offering 32 Business and 307 Economy seats. The agreement boosts connectivity between the UAE and Spain, supporting trade and tourism. The partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub while expanding Air Europa’s reach into new markets. Together, the airlines serve over 130 destinations, with plans for future collaboration in commercial activities and bilateral growth. This milestone demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in global aviation. Pegasus adds two Turkish routes from London Pegasus Airlines expands its UK-Türkiye network this summer with new direct routes from London Stansted to Gaziantep and Kayseri. The Gaziantep service launched on June 21, operating once weekly on Saturdays, connecting travellers to the country’s culinary capital, home to UNESCO-recognized cuisine, vibrant bazaars, and ancient landmarks. The Kayseri route began on June 25, also once weekly on Wednesdays, offering direct access to Cappadocia’s iconic landscapes, cave churches, and the Göreme Open-Air Museum. The region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for sunrise hot air balloon rides, including the Cappadocia Balloon Festival from August 7-10, 2025. Both routes are served by Pegasus’s Airbus A320neo aircraft.