Latest news with #EuropeanDestinations
Irish Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
AirAsia plans Gulf hub and new European destinations this year, including Dublin
AirAsia plans to open a Gulf hub this year and extend its flight network to a host of European destinations, including Dublin and London's Gatwick airport, as the Malaysian budget airline tries to bounce back from pandemic-era financial troubles. Chief executive Tony Fernandes said he had held talks with government officials from Gulf states at the recent Paris Air Show about setting up a regional hub and was unfazed by the threat of war in the region following the recent conflict between Israel, the US and Iran. 'From there, Europe is [a shorter] distance away,' he told the Financial Times in an interview. 'We can then start looking at those kinds of exciting, longer-haul fares, and start taking people around the world through a one-stop and multi-hop strategy.' AirAsia is emerging from a bruising pandemic, when the Kuala Lumpur-headquartered airline was forced to pull out of several markets and was classified as a distressed company by the Malaysian government. READ MORE Asia's budget carriers are enduring a period of intense competition and rising costs, which could be exacerbated by increased fuel prices resulting from the conflict between Israel and Iran. [ Avolon could lease 100 aircraft made by Vertical to AirAsia Opens in new window ] Last week, the closure was announced of Qantas-owned Jetstar Asia — which has served south-east Asia out of Singapore. Mr Fernandes, who is a former shareholder in Dublin Aerospace, the leading Irish aircraft maintenance company, said increased costs were affecting all airlines and that Jetstar's closure was also to do with some airports deciding they did not want to receive low-cost carriers. 'I think destinations that decide that they're premium are missing out on a big market,' he said. 'We're going back to the Ryanair strategy of looking at alternative airports to serve those markets.' As AirAsia's primary hub, Kuala Lumpur International Airport sits at the centre of more than 160 destinations served by the airline and its subsidiaries. Fernandes said about 8 per cent of its passengers made connecting flights in its network, a figure he would look to grow. 'Airlines such as ours have just been point to point, but a shift [to a network strategy] could be a very, very profitable part of the business for us,' he said. AirAsia has not decided which Gulf airport it will use as a hub, but it has been expanding its connections to the region in recent years. Last month, it announced it would add new routes, connecting Kuala Lumpur to Riyadh and Dammam, as well as increasing flights to Jeddah. Through its long-haul AirAsia X brand, the group briefly operated flights to Gatwick and Stansted in the UK more than a decade ago, along with Paris's Orly airport, but terminated the routes in 2012. Under the new strategy, Fernandes said AirAsia would utilise the Middle Eastern hub later this year to fly to cities across Europe, particularly in eastern Europe, as well as secondary cities such as Cologne, Manchester, Glasgow, and Dublin. Mr Fernandes added that a London flight would be AirAsia's 'only big glamour destination' in Europe. 'Gatwick would be my first choice,' he said. 'One of the things we're trying to do is offer customers a chance to use other low-cost carriers when they arrive, and there's a lot of connectivity at Gatwick.' - Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Zawya
Spanish hotspots, island escapes are top UAE destinations
UAE residents are preparing for summer holidays, with a preference for European cities and tranquil island getaways. Spanish hotspots like Mallorca, Barcelona, and Ibiza are in high demand due to their culture, cuisine, and beachside siestas, reveals Expedia's Summer Travel Outlook. These summer destinations offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy festivals and outdoor events, from lively street festivals in Spain's Balearic Islands to traditional arts festivals in Bali. Despite new trends, classic favorites like Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain popular choices for UAE travellers, offering luxurious staycations, world-class shopping, and diverse entertainment options. These locations are ideal for quick getaways and family holidays due to their convenience and familiarity. "This summer, UAE travellers are setting their sights on a range of destinations that combine relaxation with exploration," said Rehan Asad, Vice President, Global Markets at Expedia. "The surge in searches for Spanish destinations and idyllic islands reflects a desire for enriching cultural experiences and rejuvenating escapes. With our travel tips and helpful tools such as Price Tracking, Expedia empowers travellers to plan their perfect summer getaway, whether it's exploring the streets of Barcelona or unwinding on the beaches of Seychelles." DESTINATION INSIGHTS Mediterranean escapes: UAE travelers increasingly seek out a Spanish summer holiday. Mallorca (+150% YoY), the largest of the Balearic Islands, leads the trending list, captivating travellers with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages like Valldemossa and Deia. Barcelona (+75% YoY), with its iconic architecture, vibrant art scene, and delicious tapas, is another Spanish hotspot in high demand. Ibiza (+25% YoY) remains a popular choice for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches and heritage sites including the fortified old town of Dalt Vila. Beachside locales: Both within and outside of Spain, beach destinations remain in high demand. Antalya (+105% YoY) on Turkey's Turquoise Coast offers a blend of ancient history, stunning natural beauty, and all-inclusive resorts. The Seychelles (+90% YoY) beckon with crystal-clear waters and unique wildlife, while Mauritius (+55% YoY) and Badung, Bali (+50% YoY) offer tropical relaxation and cultural immersion. Premium experiences: UAE travellers continue seeking out destinations with rich cultural history or shopping – and sometimes both. Milan (+85% YoY) attracts fashionistas and culture vultures, while Venice (+85% YoY) offers romantic canals and historic architecture. Accessibility remains key: Travellers demonstrate a preference for destinations that offer a balance of exciting experiences and convenience. Many trending hotspots, such as the Spanish islands and the European cities, are within a reasonable flight distance from the UAE, often with direct flight options or well-serviced connecting routes. However, the inclusion of Orlando (+55% YoY), home to world-renowned theme parks, indicates a willingness to venture further afield for the right experience. Social media-worthy moments: Trending destinations this summer offer plenty of 'Instagrammable' opportunities. From the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of the Seychelles and Mauritius to the vibrant street art and architectural wonders of Barcelona and Milan, each location provides a stunning backdrop for envy-inducing photos. The desire for shareable moments is clearly influencing travel choices this summer. Best Time to Travel For travellers planning this year's summer vacations, early July offers significant savings for budget-conscious travellers. In this time period, travel prices are up to 40% lower than the seasonal average (a saving of more than $50 per night). Meanwhile, early June (4th, 6th, and 9th June) are the least busy travel dates, while August 1st and 11th are expected to be the busiest. Summer Travel Tips: Price Tracking: Utilise Price Tracking on the Expedia app to monitor flight and hotel prices and receive alerts when prices drop. Book on a Sunday: Maximise savings by booking flights on Sundays, potentially saving up to 16% compared to booking on Fridays according to the 2025 Expedia Air Hacks Report. Flexible Policies: Look for hotels and flights with "free cancellation" or "reserve now, pay later" options for greater peace of mind. Book a package: Create customisable holiday packages on Expedia, bundling flights, and accommodation is not only more convenient but it will save you money. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
13-05-2025
- Trade Arabia
Spanish hotspots, island escapes are top UAE destinations
UAE residents are preparing for summer holidays, with a preference for European cities and tranquil island getaways. Spanish hotspots like Mallorca, Barcelona, and Ibiza are in high demand due to their culture, cuisine, and beachside siestas, reveals Expedia's Summer Travel Outlook. These summer destinations offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy festivals and outdoor events, from lively street festivals in Spain's Balearic Islands to traditional arts festivals in Bali. Despite new trends, classic favorites like Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain popular choices for UAE travellers, offering luxurious staycations, world-class shopping, and diverse entertainment options. These locations are ideal for quick getaways and family holidays due to their convenience and familiarity. "This summer, UAE travellers are setting their sights on a range of destinations that combine relaxation with exploration," said Rehan Asad, Vice President, Global Markets at Expedia. "The surge in searches for Spanish destinations and idyllic islands reflects a desire for enriching cultural experiences and rejuvenating escapes. With our travel tips and helpful tools such as Price Tracking, Expedia empowers travellers to plan their perfect summer getaway, whether it's exploring the streets of Barcelona or unwinding on the beaches of Seychelles." DESTINATION INSIGHTS Mediterranean escapes: UAE travelers increasingly seek out a Spanish summer holiday. Mallorca (+150% YoY), the largest of the Balearic Islands, leads the trending list, captivating travellers with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages like Valldemossa and Deia. Barcelona (+75% YoY), with its iconic architecture, vibrant art scene, and delicious tapas, is another Spanish hotspot in high demand. Ibiza (+25% YoY) remains a popular choice for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches and heritage sites including the fortified old town of Dalt Vila. Beachside locales: Both within and outside of Spain, beach destinations remain in high demand. Antalya (+105% YoY) on Turkey's Turquoise Coast offers a blend of ancient history, stunning natural beauty, and all-inclusive resorts. The Seychelles (+90% YoY) beckon with crystal-clear waters and unique wildlife, while Mauritius (+55% YoY) and Badung, Bali (+50% YoY) offer tropical relaxation and cultural immersion. Premium experiences: UAE travellers continue seeking out destinations with rich cultural history or shopping – and sometimes both. Milan (+85% YoY) attracts fashionistas and culture vultures, while Venice (+85% YoY) offers romantic canals and historic architecture. Accessibility remains key: Travellers demonstrate a preference for destinations that offer a balance of exciting experiences and convenience. Many trending hotspots, such as the Spanish islands and the European cities, are within a reasonable flight distance from the UAE, often with direct flight options or well-serviced connecting routes. However, the inclusion of Orlando (+55% YoY), home to world-renowned theme parks, indicates a willingness to venture further afield for the right experience. Social media-worthy moments: Trending destinations this summer offer plenty of 'Instagrammable' opportunities. From the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of the Seychelles and Mauritius to the vibrant street art and architectural wonders of Barcelona and Milan, each location provides a stunning backdrop for envy-inducing photos. The desire for shareable moments is clearly influencing travel choices this summer. Best Time to Travel For travellers planning this year's summer vacations, early July offers significant savings for budget-conscious travellers. In this time period, travel prices are up to 40% lower than the seasonal average (a saving of more than $50 per night). Meanwhile, early June (4th, 6th, and 9th June) are the least busy travel dates, while August 1st and 11th are expected to be the busiest. Summer Travel Tips: Price Tracking: Utilise Price Tracking on the Expedia app to monitor flight and hotel prices and receive alerts when prices drop. Flexible Policies: Look for hotels and flights with "free cancellation" or "reserve now, pay later" options for greater peace of mind.
