Category Airline, Events, Organisations & Operators

Ethara, the organisers of the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, announced that the 2025 race week broke attendance records with a combined total of 339,000 fans across events.

The 2025 season finale featured a three-way title battle between McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, contributing to the record 203,000 attendance at Yas Marina Circuit – a near 6% jump from 192,000 in 2024.

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, and Sotheby’s, the global destination for art and luxury announce a strategic partnership which will see Etihad become the Presenting Partner for Sotheby’s once-in-a-lifetime two-part exhibition, Icons: Back to Madison. The exhibition brings together some of the most iconic works ever sold under Sotheby’s banner, offering a rare opportunity to experience masterpieces spanning multiple centuries and collecting categories.

Emirates is ending 2025 on a sky-high note with another 5 global accolades won, this time at the 32nd annual World Travel Awards, held in Bahrain. Adding to its impressive portfolio of more than 20 accolades received in 2025, the latest titles celebrate Emirates as a leading airline brand, as well as recognising its multi award-winning inflight entertainment system ice, more honours for Emirates First Class onboard experience and First Class Lounges, and another nod to Emirates Skywards – as the World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme 2025.

Star Alliance has once again been recognised as the World’s Leading Airline Alliance at the World Travel Awards 2025, continuing its six-year winning streak. This year’s recognition reflects the Alliance’s continued focus on shaping a more seamless experience across the customer journey — from booking and airport to connections and loyalty. The honour was announced at the Grand Final Gala Ceremony, held in Bahrain.

Commenting on the achievement, Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias said, “We are truly honoured to be named the World’s Leading Airline Alliance once again, especially knowing it reflects the trust of travellers and industry peers. Our focus has always been on making customer journeys feel effortless, and our lounges bring the experience to life. This recognition belongs to the teams across member airlines and the Alliance headquarters who make that possible every day, and we’re deeply grateful to our customers for their continued support.“

Star Alliance has once again been recognised as the World’s Leading Airline Alliance at the World Travel Awards 2025, continuing its six-year winning streak. This year’s recognition reflects the Alliance’s continued focus on shaping a more seamless experience across the customer journey — from booking and airport to connections and loyalty. The honour was announced at the Grand Final Gala Ceremony, held in Bahrain.

Commenting on the achievement, Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias said, “We are truly honoured to be named the World’s Leading Airline Alliance once again, especially knowing it reflects the trust of travellers and industry peers. Our focus has always been on making customer journeys feel effortless, and our lounges bring the experience to life. This recognition belongs to the teams across member airlines and the Alliance headquarters who make that possible every day, and we’re deeply grateful to our customers for their continued support.“

Every holiday season, Delta welcomes hundreds of thousands of customers to the skies who are eager to reconnect with loved ones or recharge on vacation. While holiday travel brings its own share of pressure, Delta is shifting the spotlight to the simple acts of humanity that make our journeys memorable. 

To celebrate 100 years of flight, Delta will highlight the simple acts of care that connect us all – the true reason for the season. For the winter holidays, the global airline is introducing Centennial Cheer, a program that will recognize 100,000 acts of kindness shared among Delta employees and customers.

Spectators at the Emirates Dubai 7s were treated to a spectacular Emirates A380 low-level flypast over The Sevens Stadium to mark the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad.

Taking off from Dubai International Airport, the aircraft made its approach over the stadium at 4:30pm, gliding past at an altitude of just 500 feet and delighting thousands of fans gathered for the region’s biggest sports and entertainment festival. Commanding the flight was Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri, Deputy Chief Pilot Airbus, supported by Captain Khalid Bin Sultan, Captain Philippe Lombet, and Captain Nabil Al Rustamani.

The gift of travel savings is wrapped in black and yellow this holiday season. Spirit Airlines today unveiled its Black & Yellow Friday deals, giving travelers savings on their next trip this holiday season and into 2026. Travelers can take advantage of exclusive deals from the carrier including one-way flights starting at $251 for Saver$ Club members and $301 for non-members, exciting Spirit Vacations® packages, Free Spirit® bonus points promotions, discounted Spirit Saver$ Club membership and more.

“It’s one of the best times of the year to score great deals on travel, and we’re kicking off our Black & Yellow Friday with great offers for booking that next vacation,” said Rana Ghosh, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Spirit Airlines. “We’re here to deliver unmatched value, and we will continue to show up for our Guests this holiday season and beyond with an elevated experience and great deals.”

In 2026, Lufthansa will celebrate a significant anniversary: 100 years since the founding of the first Lufthansa in 1926. To mark this special occasion, the crane airline is taking off with a unique “anniversary fleet” that combines tradition and innovation in an impressive design.

Qatar Airways has launched ‘Qatar Airways United’, a social development initiative created in partnership with internationally acclaimed football legend, Rio Ferdinand. The global project connects Ferdinand with Qatar Airways’ world-class sports partners to deliver community-building opportunities that focus on inspiring confidence and ambition in young people.