Emirates Joins Qatar, Etihad, SalamAir, Thai AirAsia X, Air Arabia And More Airlines In Boosting Tourism Through New Direct Flights To Austria, Germany, Egypt, Thailand And More In 2025

Published on November 29, 2025

Emirates joins Qatar, Etihad, SalamAir, Thai AirAsia X, Air Arabia, and more airlines in boosting tourism through new direct flights to Austria, Germany, Egypt, Thailand, and beyond in 2025, as the Middle East aviation sector expands its global reach. These new routes and increased frequencies are designed to cater to the growing demand for international travel, offering travelers easier access to key destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Gulf region. With major airlines leading the charge, the result is a strengthened network that will enhance both tourism and business connections, facilitating smoother travel experiences for passengers around the world.

The Middle East’s aviation sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation in 2025 as airlines across the region expand their networks to meet surging demand for international travel. From new routes to increased frequencies and the resumption of suspended services, Middle Eastern airlines are making bold moves to bolster global tourism. Among the many airlines leading this charge is Emirates, which has become a key player in expanding access to a diverse array of destinations. With a series of new direct flight offerings, the Dubai-based airline is poised to make a significant impact on international travel and tourism in 2025.

Joining forces with other regional giants like Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, SalamAir, Thai AirAsia X, and Air Arabia, Emirates is helping to redefine air connectivity between the Gulf and a growing number of major global cities. This expansion is expected to make it easier than ever for travelers to explore new destinations, while boosting regional tourism and strengthening business ties. Here’s a closer look at the exciting developments in the Middle Eastern aviation sector and the tourism growth they are expected to drive across Austria, Germany, Egypt, Thailand, and beyond.

Emirates Expands Its Global Reach with New Flights to Austria, Germany, Egypt, and More

Emirates, renowned for its luxurious onboard experience, has taken a significant step forward in 2025 by launching new direct flights to several key cities in Europe and the Middle East. These new services are part of Emirates’ broader strategy to meet the growing demand for air travel as international tourism recovers and thrives.

One of the most exciting new routes for 2025 is the airline’s expansion into Austria, with direct flights from Dubai to Vienna set to begin on December 1st. This marks a major milestone for Emirates, as it solidifies its position as one of the leading carriers connecting the Middle East with Europe. The new service will operate five times a week, with flights departing from Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the late evening and arriving at Vienna International Airport (VIE) the following morning.

The introduction of this route is expected to generate a boost for tourism to Austria, particularly among travelers from the UAE and surrounding regions. With Vienna’s rich cultural offerings and vibrant history, this direct service provides easier access to Austria’s many attractions, from its imperial palaces to world-class museums. In return, Austrian tourists will benefit from greater connectivity to Dubai and the broader Middle Eastern region, where Emirates offers an extensive network.

Additionally, Emirates has announced that it will increase its flight frequency on its Dubai-Cairo route to meet rising demand. From December 1, 2025, Emirates will introduce six extra weekly flights to Cairo, bringing the total number of weekly services to 35. This increase in frequency will culminate in a full fifth daily flight by February 2026, allowing travelers even more flexibility when planning their journeys between Egypt and the UAE. Given Cairo’s historical and cultural significance, this enhanced connectivity is expected to drive further tourism growth and strengthen economic ties between the two regions.

Qatar Airways Elevates Travel to Egypt and Malaysia

Qatar Airways, known for its exceptional service and extensive global network, is also boosting travel options in 2025 with new flight frequencies to destinations in Egypt and Malaysia. Qatar Airways’ Doha-Lagos service is set to rise from 10 to 14 flights per week starting December 15, 2025. The airline is also ramping up its Doha-Kuala Lumpur service, increasing frequencies from 14 to 17 flights per week. These new schedules aim to meet the growing demand for both leisure and business travel and underscore Qatar Airways’ commitment to enhancing regional connectivity.

The Doha-Lagos service in particular is a key growth area for Qatar Airways. With the rising demand for travel between the Middle East and Nigeria, Qatar Airways’ increased service to Lagos will make it easier for passengers to travel between these two dynamic regions. Additionally, with Malaysia’s vibrant tourism offerings, including its tropical islands, cultural heritage, and diverse cuisine, the increased flights to Kuala Lumpur are expected to draw more travelers eager to explore Southeast Asia.

Etihad Airways Makes a Bold Move to Afghanistan

Etihad Airways, another major Middle Eastern airline, is expanding its reach to more unconventional destinations in 2025. Beginning on December 18, Etihad will launch flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul, Afghanistan. This new service will run three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and marks a significant step for Etihad in opening up a previously under-served market. The service will offer convenient connection options for those traveling between the Middle East and South Asia, while also providing essential links to the Afghan capital, which has been seeking greater international air connectivity.

The new route to Kabul represents Etihad’s broader strategy to diversify its network and strengthen its global footprint. Despite the geopolitical challenges in Afghanistan, Etihad’s decision to operate this route underscores its commitment to providing travelers with accessible options to destinations beyond the typical tourist hotspots.

SalamAir’s Expansion to Saudi Arabia’s Abha

SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, is set to make its mark in Saudi Arabia with a new direct route between Muscat and Abha, starting December 16, 2025. Abha, located in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, is quickly becoming a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists due to its cooler climate, mountainous terrain, and cultural heritage.

The new route will offer four direct services per week, with convenient flight times that make it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. With SalamAir’s affordable fares and growing reputation for quality service, this new connection will serve to attract both Omani travelers to Saudi Arabia and Saudis looking for convenient flights to Oman. The service is expected to further boost tourism in both countries, providing more options for visitors to explore the diverse landscapes and rich cultural offerings in this part of the Arabian Peninsula.

Thai AirAsia X: A New Link Between Riyadh and Bangkok

One of the most exciting new services in the region comes from Thai AirAsia X, which will launch direct flights between Riyadh and Bangkok beginning December 2, 2025. This will be the airline’s first-ever service to Saudi Arabia’s capital and is expected to become a major gateway for travelers between the two cities.

The new flights will operate four times a week, departing from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport and arriving at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The return leg will operate in the evening, with a total journey time of just over seven hours. This service will not only make travel between Riyadh and Bangkok more convenient but also open up new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Thailand.

Air Arabia: New Connections to Germany and Austria

Air Arabia, the UAE-based low-cost airline, is also set to make waves in 2025 with the launch of a new direct service between Sharjah and Munich. Beginning December 15, Air Arabia will operate daily flights between the two cities, marking the carrier’s first-ever scheduled service to Germany.

The Sharjah-Munich route will provide travelers with more affordable options for traveling between the UAE and Germany, two countries with strong trade ties and a growing number of shared cultural interests. The introduction of this route comes as part of Air Arabia’s broader expansion strategy to cater to growing demand for air travel between the Gulf region and Europe.

Eurowings’ Debut Service to Dubai

In a significant development for Europe-Middle East connections, Eurowings, the German low-cost airline, will launch direct flights from Dubai to Düsseldorf starting December 13, 2025. The airline will operate the route three times a week, adding more competition to the Dubai-Germany corridor and offering more travel choices for both business and leisure travelers. Eurowings’ new service comes just in time for the busy winter travel season, when demand for flights between the UAE and Germany typically surges.

Aviation’s Role in Boosting Middle Eastern Tourism

As the Middle East’s aviation sector expands its reach, these new routes and increased frequencies are expected to play a crucial role in boosting regional tourism. The demand for international travel is steadily rising, particularly in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf region. Middle Eastern airlines, which already dominate many global travel corridors, are ensuring that travelers from all corners of the globe have more access to the region’s key cities and attractions.

From cultural landmarks in Vienna and Cairo to vibrant business hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Lagos, these expanded networks make it easier for travelers to experience the best the Middle East, Asia, and Europe have to offer. Whether through direct flights or more frequent services, these developments are bound to make a significant impact on the global tourism landscape in 2025 and beyond.

The Middle East’s leading airlines—Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, SalamAir, Thai AirAsia X, and Air Arabia—are paving the way for a new era of global travel in 2025. Their commitment to expanding flight networks and increasing frequencies reflects not only the growing demand for international travel but also the region’s desire to strengthen its position as a global tourism and business hub. As more cities are connected, passengers will enjoy more seamless and accessible travel options, ultimately leading to greater cultural exchange, tourism, and economic cooperation across the globe.

Emirates joins Qatar, Etihad, SalamAir, Thai AirAsia X, Air Arabia, and more airlines in boosting tourism through new direct flights to Austria, Germany, Egypt, Thailand, and beyond in 2025, as these expansions meet the rising demand for international travel and enhance global connectivity. These new routes are set to strengthen tourism, business ties, and cultural exchange across key regions.

This expansion marks a transformative year for Middle Eastern aviation, positioning the region as a critical player in the growth of global tourism and international business travel in the years to come.