News

Saudi Welcomes First Hajj Pilgrims in Jeddah & Madinah

Saudi Arabia warmly welcomes the first group of Hajj pilgrims in Jeddah and Madinah, marking the beginning of the 2025 pilgrimage season with exceptional hospitality. The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the most significant religious events for Muslims worldwide, has officially begun, with flights from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, and India marking the start of this sacred journey for thousands of devotees. This year, the pilgrimage has drawn attention to the seamless efforts and enhanced services aimed at improving the experience for those making the life-changing trip to Saudi Arabia. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, warmly welcomed the first group of Hajj pilgrims at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This initial flight, which arrived from Dhaka, Bangladesh, carried 396 pilgrims. This was the first of many flights expected to land at both Jeddah’s airport and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah over the coming weeks. The arrival of these first pilgrims marks a momentous occasion, as it sets the tone for the entire pilgrimage season

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Dubai Airport Traffic Rises 1% in Q1 Amid Tourist Boom

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest international airport, has once again demonstrated its dominance in global air travel. In the first quarter of 2025, DXB recorded a remarkable 23.4 million passengers, marking a new high and continuing its trend of setting record-breaking figures. This surge in traffic is not only a testament to the airport’s efficiency and appeal but also reflects the broader growth of Dubai as a prime travel destination. Passenger traffic at DXB saw a modest yet noteworthy increase of 1.5 percent compared to the same period last year. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the peak travel season at the beginning of the year. During this time, Dubai continues to draw in travelers from all over the globe, thanks to its positioning as a leading global hub for business, tourism, and leisure. Improvements in the airport’s infrastructure, particularly the ongoing investment in advanced technology and biometrics, have played a significant role in ensuring smooth passenger flow. These innovations have helped facilitate a quicker and more seamless experience for tourists and transiting passengers alike, allowing DXB to handle an increased volume of traffic efficiently.

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Air India Launches Daily Non-Stop Delhi–Tokyo Haneda Flights, Easing Travel Across Japan

In a significant move to bolster international connectivity, Air India announced the expansion of its non-stop service between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda. Effective June 15, 2025, the airline will increase its frequency from four weekly flights to daily operations. This enhancement aims to provide greater convenience for travelers and support the growing trade and tourism between India and Japan.​ Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details The daily flights will be operated using Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 18 Business Class flatbeds and 238 spacious Economy seats. The updated flight schedule is as follows:​ AI358: Departs Delhi (DEL) at 20:20, arrives at Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 07:55 the next day. AI357: Departs Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 11:50, arrives at Delhi (DEL) at 17:25.​ Enhanced Connectivity This expansion strengthens the connectivity between India and Japan, offering greater convenience for travelers and supporting the growing trade and tourism between the two countries. The move builds on Air India’s recent shift to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport from Narita on March 31, 2025, which reduced travel time to Tokyo Station to approximately 30 minutes. The daily flights provide passengers with faster access to central Tokyo, as Haneda Airport is just 18 km from downtown Tokyo.​

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Emirates Forms New Tourism Alliances with Japan, Hungary, Maldives, and More

Emirates’ Strategic Global Tourism Partnerships In a significant move to reshape international travel dynamics, Emirates Airline has recently entered into a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several countries. These agreements, signed during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in May 2024, are part of a broader initiative to strengthen global tourism and foster sustainable economic growth. With its operational base in the UAE and a vast network reaching over 140 global destinations, Emirates seeks to facilitate increased visitor flow into multiple regions, showcasing diverse cultures and enhancing global travel experiences. Advertisement The agreements are intended to bring collaborative tourism campaigns, enhance trade connectivity, and activate local tourism ecosystems. This approach is anticipated to have a far-reaching effect not only on the regions involved but also on the overall trajectory of the international travel industry. Collaborations Across Southeast Asia A cornerstone of these partnerships lies in Southeast Asia, where Emirates has aligned efforts with the Philippines, Maldives, Thailand, and Japan. These nations, known for their vibrant tourism sectors, stand to gain substantially through Emirates’ global aviation infrastructure.

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Saudia Unveils New Luxury Lounge at Heathrow for Alfursan Members

Saudia, the flagship airline of Saudi Arabia and a proud member of the SkyTeam global alliance, has unveiled its brand-new premium lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4 in the UK as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. This new lounge offers exclusive services designed to cater to first-class and business-class travelers, along with Alfursan loyalty program members, as part of Saudia’s strategy to provide unmatched luxury and comfort to its elite passengers. Located in one of the world’s busiest airports, the lounge’s state-of-the-art amenities are a direct response to growing demand for high-end travel services and a reflection of Saudia’s goal to strengthen its presence in the global aviation market. Saudia, the flagship airline of Saudi Arabia and a proud member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, has taken a significant step in enhancing its passenger experience with the unveiling of its brand-new lounge at London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4. This new addition is a milestone in the airline’s efforts to provide premium services to its travelers, especially those flying in business and first class, as well as members of its esteemed Alfursan loyalty program.

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UAE and Saudi Arabia Lead Islamic Tourism Centre’s Push for Visit Malaysia 2026

The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is intensifying its efforts to establish Malaysia as the ultimate Muslim-friendly destination, with a strong focus on the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026. By engaging with key markets in the Middle East, specifically the UAE and Saudi Arabia, ITC is executing a bold strategy to promote Malaysia’s unique offerings for Muslim travelers. The Centre’s participation in major events such as the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 and the Saudi Arabia Sales Mission, along with its targeted campaigns, is designed to strengthen Malaysia’s reputation globally and solidify its position as the leading hub for Muslim-friendly tourism. The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is doubling down on its efforts to position Malaysia as the premier Muslim-friendly travel destination with a focused strategy leading up to Visit Malaysia 2026. As part of this long-term vision, ITC is participating in two key initiatives in the Middle East: the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the Saudi Arabia Sales Mission, set to cover three major cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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