Dubai-based national airline Emirates has commenced the northern winter travel season with strong advance reservations across its international routes, surpassing early corporate expectations. This encouraging trend follows a high-density summer period during which the airline carried over 8.6 million travelers to 140 destinations worldwide from July through August. Consistent demand from both leisure and premium segments continues to fuel passenger traffic as the airline increases capacity to fulfill seasonal demand.
Latest News
News
Business
Travel
Travelers navigate modern airport terminal corridors carrying personal luggage and hand baggage. The expanded schedule complements the airline’s existing route to Thailand, which includes 21 weekly non-stop flights from Sharjah to Phuket. With the new fourth daily Bangkok flight, Air Arabia will operate a total of 49 weekly non-stop flights connecting its main hub in Sharjah with destinations in Thailand. This route expansion enhances air links between the Arabian Gulf and key Southeast Asian tourism and trade hubs. Based on official fleet disclosures, the route will be served by the airline’s Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 aircraft. These single-aisle planes feature cabin configurations designed to maximize passenger comfort while maintaining low-cost operational efficiency. Passengers on the nonstop route can enjoy amenities such as the SkyTime complimentary in-flight streaming entertainment system and SkyCafe catering service.
The number of international visitors arriving in South Korea reached 2,093,223 in July 2026, reflecting a significant rebound in global tourism. This figure represents a 20.8% increase compared to the 1,733,199 arrivals recorded in July 2025. Furthermore, it is 44.6% higher than the pre-pandemic July 2019 level. The Korea Tourism Organization announced these latest monthly tourism statistics on August 25.
The new route to Gdansk introduces a Baltic coast destination to Air Arabia’s European network from Sharjah. The airline also services prominent European cities including Athens, Vienna, Prague, Milan, Munich, Rome, and London Gatwick. Gdansk Airport serves the broader Tri-City region—comprising Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot—as well as other parts of northern Poland, offering both domestic and international connections for leisure and business travelers across the area. Air Arabia Group CEO Adel Al Ali remarked that Gdansk would broaden the airline’s footprint in Poland. Tomasz Kloskowski, President of Gdansk Airport, emphasized the direct link between the Pomeranian region and the UAE. The airport has identified Sharjah as a transfer hub for onward travel to destinations including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and East Africa. Consequently, the new flights will connect Gdansk passengers to Air Arabia’s wider network via its Sharjah hub. Scheduled Launch in December with Five Flights Weekly Air Arabia’s fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will operate the Gdansk route, and bookings are now open. The schedule features flight G9 0628 from Sharjah on Mondays and Saturdays, with the return segments operated by G9 0629. Flights on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays will use G9 0626 from Sharjah and G9 0627 from Gdansk. All timings listed are local, and the route
Sports
Spain sent Portugal out of the FIFA World Cup with a late 1-0 win, ending Ronaldo’s sixth tournament and long pursuit of the title.
Norway reached the FIFA World Cup last eight after a 2-1 win over Brazil, with Haaland scoring twice and Neymar netting late.
Australia exited the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Egypt won 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 Round of 32 draw in Arlington at Dallas Stadium.
Spain kept a clean sheet and advanced from the World Cup Round of 32 after goals by Oyarzabal and Porro ended Austria’s run in Los Angeles.
Congo DR led early through Brian Cipenga before Harry Kane scored twice to lift England into the World Cup round of 16.
Mexico reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, keeping its unbeaten run and clean-sheet record intact.
