Air Astana expands international network

Air Astana is expanding services to the Middle East and Asia during autumn 2025, with a combination of flight resumptions and increased frequencies to popular destinations. Starting in September, the airline resumed twice weekly flights from Almaty to Jeddah and Shyment to Jeddah once a week. In late October, flights from Almaty to Medina will resume twice a week, whilst services from Shymkent to Medina will operate once weekly. Flights from Astana to Jeddah and Medina will operate alternatively every two weeks, together with new services linking Aktau to both Jeddah and Medina, also operating alternatively every two weeks. Air Astana is also resuming services to popular tourist destinations in Asia in late October, including Almaty to Male in the  Maldives three times a week initially and increasing to five times a week during peak holiday periods. Almaty to Phu Quoc in Vietnam will initially operate five times per week, rising to daily flights in December, whilst services between Astana and Phu Quoc will operate three times a week. Services between Almaty and Dubai will increase from seven to 12 flights per week, whilst flights between Astana and Dubai will grow from seven to 10 per week. Air Astana will also boost frequencies to Thailand, with Almaty to Bangkok flights rising from four to seven per week and the Almaty to Phuket flights expanding from four to seven weekly flights. All flights will be operated by Airbus A320neo and A321LR aircraft. Etihad Airways launches new SE Asia routes (PHOTO: Etihad) Etihad Airways has launched two new routes into Southeast Asia, bringing the airline’s global network to 83 destinations. On 2 October, the airline operated its first-ever flight to Medan in Sumatra, Indonesia, followed by the launch of flights to Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on 3 October. These new routes strengthen the airline’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity and enriching cultural exchange and economic connections between Southeast Asia and markets across the Middle East, Europe and Africa. “We’re proud to expand our network in Southeast Asia, inviting more guests across the region to explore our home with a convenient and direct route to Abu Dhabi, creating new connections for commerce and tourism between Abu Dhabi and the region. We’re also pleased to encourage and inspire travel to these two new culturally rich and diverse places, both Sumatra and Phnom Penh are extraordinary destinations with both natural and man-made wonders to offer and explore,” said, Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways. Celebrating Etihad’s entry into Cambodia, the airline has introduced four weekly flights that link the Kingdom with Abu Dhabi’s global network, increasing to six flights per week from 01 November 2025. Phnom Penh welcomes visitors with its vibrant riverside promenade, bustling markets, and dynamic dining scene. The city serves as a gateway to Cambodia’s cultural treasures, including the temples of Angkor Wat, while its emerging arts scene and renowned cuisine reflect the country’s creative spirit. Both new routes are operated by Etihad’s brand-new Airbus A321LR, bringing Etihad’s signature premium cabins and extraordinary hospitality to the route. The A321LR features a three-cabin configuration, including Etihad’s first-ever narrowbody First Suites: private, enclosed spaces with sliding doors, fully-flat beds, and bespoke design touches normally reserved for long-haul widebody operations. Guests are able to book Etihad’s enhanced First Deluxe service which offers a personal Concierge, Etihad Global Chauffeur, Meet and Assist and more exclusive benefits for First passengers. Etihad is expanding its footprint across Southeast Asia with the addition of Sumatra (Medan) and Phnom Penh to its rapidly growing global network. The airline will soon launch flights to Krabi, Hanoi, Chiang Mai and Hong Kong, further strengthening its foothold in Asia. Etihad continues to grow at a phenomenal rate, launching 30 new routes across four continents, including the recent announcements of Damascus, Palma de Mallorca and Zanzibar which will launch next summer. Air India Express announces new flights from Delhi (PHOTO: Air India Express) Air India Express has announced the launch of multiple new direct flights from Delhi. Starting 26th October 2025, the airline will operate direct services from Delhi to Goa (Dabolim), Imphal, Lucknow, and Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), followed by Amritsar on 28th October 2025 and the introduction of new routes to Jodhpur and Udaipur from 1st November 2025. The new flights will improve access to the capital from culturally and economically significant cities across the country. The new flights are part of the airline’s continued focus on enhancing direct connectivity from major metropolitan cities to other cities in South Asia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. By linking historical cities, tourism and heritage hotspots, and fast-growing regional centres with Delhi, the airline is furthering its vision of building a truly inclusive and accessible travel network. This announcement follows the airline’s record fast expansion, introducing new destinations and domestic and international routes, particularly from its largest hubs, Bengaluru and Delhi. With a fleet of 115 aircraft and over 500 daily flights connecting 43 domestic and 17 international destinations, Air India Express continues to strengthen its role as a vital connector of India’s cultural and economic landscape. Air India Express is a Tata Enterprise and a subsidiary of Air India, operating over 500 daily flights, connecting 43 domestic and 17 international airports, with a fleet of 115 aircraft, comprising 75 Boeing 737s and 40 Airbus A320s. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]