Thai AirAsia X launches Riyadh–Bangkok route
Thai AirAsia X has launched its first direct route between Riyadh (RUH) and Bangkok (DMK), starting December 2, 2025, with four weekly flights (Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun). The 7.5-hour service supports the airline’s Middle East expansion and links Saudi Arabia with AirAsia’s wider ASEAN network.
Operated by Airbus A330s configured with 285 seats (30 premium flatbeds, 255 economy), the route follows a low-cost model—guests can add seat selection, baggage, and hot meals (including Middle Eastern options).
It improves access to Thai destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi, and to Thailand’s medical tourism and halal-friendly services. Saudi nationals benefit from e-visa and visa-on-arrival options, simplifying entry. The launch is backed by Thai and Saudi officials as a boost to tourism and business ties.
New named Regional Head at Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific has appointed Abhijit Abhyankar as Regional Head of Customer Travel and Lifestyle for SAMEA (South Asia, Middle East, and Africa), covering India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Based in Mumbai, he will oversee customer travel experiences, passenger sales, marketing communications, and lifestyle partnerships.
With over 20 years of experience in aviation and hospitality, Abhyankar has held key roles at Cathay Pacific, including Regional Head of People – SAMEA, Head of Marketing and Digital Sales, and Country Manager – Africa and the Indian Ocean. He will focus on enhancing travel experiences and expanding Cathay’s customer engagement across the region.
Gulf Air relaunches direct flights to New York
Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has relaunched direct flights from Bahrain International Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), marking a major step in strengthening the longstanding ties between Bahrain and the United States. The milestone reinforces Gulf Air’s role in enhancing Bahrain’s global connectivity and supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
An official ceremony was held at JFK Airport, attended by Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, and Sara Ahmed Buhejji, among other dignitaries, underscoring the route’s diplomatic and economic significance.
Gulf Air will operate three weekly flights to JFK, offering seamless connections across the Americas while advancing the goals of Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022–2026 and strengthening its position as a regional aviation hub.
Oman Air appoints new Chief People Officer
Oman Air has appointed Kumail Al Musawi as Chief People Officer, strengthening its executive team amid the airline’s transformation. With over 26 years of experience spanning finance, telecom, and aviation, Kumail is known for his leadership in organisational development, digital innovation, and performance management.
Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air, said the appointment highlights the airline’s focus on people and culture, aiming to build a high-performance organisation and nurture future talent. Before joining Oman Air, Kumail held senior roles at Bank Dhofar, Ooredoo, Muscat Finance, and Connecti, and founded Oman Tutorial, the nation’s first education app.
Turkish Airlines seals major Boeing order
Turkish Airlines has signed with Boeing to add 75 787-9/787-10 Dreamliners between 2029 and 2034 (50 firm, 25 options). The carrier has completed talks for 150 737-8/10 MAX jets (100 firm, 50 options), pending engines from CFM International; wide-body engine procurement continues with Rolls-Royce and GE Aerospace.
The deal supports Vision 2033: surpass 800 aircraft by 2033, reach 90 per cent next-generation types and 100 per cent by 2035, and sustain 6 per cent annual growth.