Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid airport sets record with 3.9M passengers in July Air travel is a part of the Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy, though challenges remain in attracting tourists and catching up to other Gulf airports. Saudi Arabia
Mideast airlines see 0.4% dip amid Iran, Gaza wars, as global demand up 2.6% Conflict-related airspace closures and regional tensions disrupted airlines based in the Middle East. Iran
Wildfires spread across Turkey’s tourism hub Izmir amid regionwide heat wave Wildfires rage in Turkey’s tourist heartland, forcing airport closures and evacuations amid fierce winds. Turkey
From Lebanon to Qatar, Israel-Iran war disrupts flights, airport traffic: What to know Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines canceled all flights to Iraq through Thursday as the ongoing Israel-Iran war forces widespread disruptions across Middle East aviation. Israel
How Ukraine crisis undermines Turkey's economic program Ankara’s economic program has hit a deadlock under the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, marked by a stream of fuel hikes, canceled tourism bookings and textile orders, and shortage fears in the food sector. Turkey
Ukrainians in Egypt share dreadful moments of Russian invasion Ukrainians in Egypt are doing what they can to help or support their families back in Ukraine. Egypt
Turkey drops mask rules as it heads for normality ahead of tourist season Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announces a return to normal life after two years of COVID-19 measures, but medical association warns it may be too early. Turkey
Analysis Israel hopes to triple trade with Morocco Israel and Morocco have signed a trade and investment cooperation agreement, with Israel aspiring to enlarge its annual trade volume with Morocco from $131 million to $500 million. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Emirati budget airline Air Arabia reports record profits after loss in 2020 The Sharjah-based carrier said profits went up due to relaxed coronavirus-related restrictions. By Al-Monitor Staff
Direct Iran-Venezuela flights to begin next month A Venezuelan official said the South American country wants to attract Iranian tourists. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iraq receives 145% more foreign visitors in 2021 Iraq waived the visa requirements for citizens of many economically powerful countries last year in a bid to attract tourists and businesspeople. News Brief
More Russians visiting Dubai The number of tourists from Russia who vacationed in the United Arab Emirates’ largest city rose significantly in 2021. News Brief
Crimean, Syrian ports sign cooperation agreements A Syrian government delegation visited the Russian-backed breakaway republic this week. News Brief
Women-led tourism initiatives are changing the way Egypt is seen, experienced More women are gradually breaking into Egypt’s tourism sector and launching their own projects, often promoting along the way a new type of experience to visitors. Egypt
Two dead after truck plunges into Nile River in Egypt The incident near Cairo was the latest transportation-related tragedy in Egypt. News Brief
Israel campaigns for inclusion in US visa waiver program Israel is willing to enable Palestinian Americans to transit its territory on the way to the West Bank, in order to allow its citizens to travel to the US without obtaining a visa in advance. Israel
