China’s overland trade routes offer Iran wartime economic lifeline: What to know Cargo rail traffic between China and Iran has reportedly surged since the US blockade began in April as Tehran seeks overland trade alternatives to help buy time. Iran
UAE purchases 10 military aircraft from Brazil as BRICS ties grow The purchase of C-390 Millennium aircraft for the Emirati air force comes as the UAE seeks to build up its military capabilities amid the war with Iran and boost ties with BRICS member states. United Arab Emirates
Which airlines are cutting flights amid Hormuz fuel disruption? European and Asian airlines have been most impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is throttling jet fuel supplies. Iran
AirAsia stays course on Bahrain hub as Iran war clouds aviation growth plans The low-cost carrier’s commitment, while conditional on how the conflict evolves, stands out as most global airlines scale back routes, delay launches and reroute flights to avoid the Middle East. Bahrain
UAE's Flydubai says Boeing delays hurt airline’s expansion plans The Virginia-based plane-maker has been beset by plane delivery delays since its best-selling narrow-body aircraft, the 737 MAX, was flagged for safety concerns and experienced technical problems and additional quality control processes. United Arab Emirates
Saudia inks deal for electric flying taxis from Germany amid airline order spree The agreement to purchase 50 jets, with an option for 50 more, was made with Lilium, headquartered outside Munich. Saudi Arabia
Qatar Airways sees annual profit climb by 39% to record $1.67B The Doha-based airline carried more than 40 million passengers over the 2023/2024 financial year, 26% more than over the previous year. Qatar
Analysis Can Modi fast-track India-Mideast-Europe corridor post-reelection? Ramping up initial phase of the corridor between India and the United Arab Emirates tops the agenda in New Delhi. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Russia, Iran inaugurate Rasht-Caspian Railway: What we know The railway was launched at a ceremony attended by Iran's acting president, Mohammad Mokhber, Minister of Transport and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, and senior Russian and Azerbaijani officials. Iran
RwandAir CEO says Qatar Airways could acquire 49% stake in July For the past five years, Qatar and Rwanda have been working on a deal that would see Qatar Airways take a 49% stake in RwandAir for an undisclosed fee. Qatar
Analysis Can Gulf investors outstrip China in Africa as UAE expands reach? As the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states boost investments in Africa,Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative could face serious challenges. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Emirates suspends check-in as Dubai airport grapples with flood backlog Amid the devastating floods that have paralyzed the UAE, Emirates suspending check-in for travellers with onward connections through Dubai Friday. United Arab Emirates
UK’s easyJet suspends Israel flights through October after Iran attack Britain’s biggest low-cost airline has suspended all service to Israel following Iran’s unprecedented attack on the Jewish state over the weekend. Israel
How Iran's attack on Israel is disrupting air traffic The weekend's Iranian attack has massively disrupted air traffic across the region. Israel
Gulf firms set sights on Western airports with Investcorp, dnata deals The Emirati sovereign fund Mubadala is also reportedly considering an event in London’s Heathrow Airport — another sign of Gulf interest in the West’s airports. United Arab Emirates
Turkey, UK to begin trade deal talks in June The official talks, set to begin on June 10, were announced following a Thursday meeting between the countries’ trade ministers in London. Turkey