Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, Air New Zealand: Here Are the Top Travel News Headlines from Middle East Tourism Industry
Thursday, January 16, 2025
As the world’s travel and aviation industry evolves in 2025, a few standout developments are setting the stage for safer, more inclusive, and globally connected travel. The UAE’s aviation sector leads the charge with top safety rankings for Emirates and Etihad Airways, while Emirates takes a groundbreaking step in inclusivity by becoming the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline. Global shifts in passport rankings highlight the UAE’s growing mobility, now securing a position among the top ten most powerful passports. These advancements not only elevate the region’s reputation but also reflect broader industry efforts to prioritize safety, accessibility, and innovation in global travel.
The AirlineRatings.com, a leading airline safety and product rating site, has unveiled its list of the world’s safest airlines for 2025. UAE’s Emirates and Etihad Airways both ranked in the top 10, with Emirates securing third place and Etihad fifth. Qatar Airways joined Emirates in third place, while Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong also shared the rank. Air New Zealand topped the list, followed by Qantas from Australia. Among budget carriers, flydubai and Air Arabia, both UAE-based, ranked 11th and 18th, respectively. The rankings evaluate factors such as incident rates, fleet age, safety protocols, and pilot training standards. AirlineRatings.com, established in 2012, is a trusted source for comprehensive airline reviews and safety insights.
Dubai’s Emirates is on track to achieve a world-first by becoming an Autism-Certified Airline, certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. Over 30,000 Emirates staff have undergone specialized training to support passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities.
By 2023, Emirates had already earned Autism Centre certification for its Dubai check-in facilities. Upcoming initiatives include sensory guides for public areas and neurodiverse sensory products, ensuring a stress-free travel experience. These advancements align with the UAE’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation in global travel.
Turkish Airlines has introduced a new amenity kit collection for its business class passengers. Dubbed the “Unesco Turkiye Series,” the kits celebrate six of Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Nemrut, Gobeklitepe, and Cappadocia. The designs incorporate traditional Turkish art forms like ebru (marbling) and carpet motifs, offering passengers a cultural keepsake. Economy class passengers on long-haul flights will also receive variations of the kits, blending Anatolian history with modern design.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights to Europe, starting with a fully booked flight from Islamabad to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport. The airline’s operations had been suspended in 2020 following a fatal crash and safety concerns. With improved safety measures, PIA plans to expand services to other European destinations, marking a milestone in its recovery journey.
The UAE’s passport ranks 10th globally on the Henley Passport Index, granting visa-free access to 185 destinations. This positions the UAE as the only Arab country in the top 10. The ranking reflects significant progress, with the nation gaining access to 72 additional destinations over the past decade. Leading the list is Singapore, with visa-free access to 195 destinations, followed by Japan with 193. Other top-ranked countries include Germany, Italy, and Spain, while the United States and Estonia share ninth place.
From airline safety advancements to innovative travel accessibility solutions, the aviation industry is making strides in 2025. With UAE airlines leading in safety, Emirates setting new standards for inclusivity, and the UAE passport maintaining global strength, the region continues to solidify its influence in global travel.
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