This is a round-up of travel news from around the region this week. Most of it is news about new routes from the UAE.

Emirates bringing Premium Economy to Brisbane

Premium Economy will be available on three weekly Emirates flights between Dubai and Brisbane from 1 February 2025, making it the third Australian city after Sydney and Melbourne to get Premium Economy.

Emirates resumes flights to Beirut and Baghdad

Starting 1 February 2025, Emirates will return to Beirut and Baghdad with a single daily flight to each destination. A second daily flight to Beirut will be added from 1 April 2025.

Etihad Airways adds 5th daily flight to London Heathrow over the summer 2025

Etihad Airways has acquired an extra slot at London Heathrow that would allow it to offer a fifth daily flight over the summer of 2025. Reports suggest Etihad plans to schedule one of their new narrowbody A321LRs, offering a lie-flat seat in a single aisle configuration. The extra flight is not yet bookable.

Qatar Airways adds Bogato and Caracas

Qatar Airways will be adding two new destinations in South America with the launch of two new weekly flights on Wednesdays and Sundays, starting early summer 2025. These flights will connect Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha to Bogotá El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Colombia, and then continue to Caracas Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS) in Venezuela. The return flight from Caracas will operate non-stop to Doha.

Air Arabia to Ethiopia

Air Arabia is adding a new non-stop route to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Starting 30 January 2025, the new service will connect Sharjah International Airport with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.