31 new flight routes for Middle East travellers this summer

Middle East airlines are leading the world in global aviation growth, with the region’s commercial fleet projected to expand by over 5% annually, well above the global average, and more than 1,600 new aircraft slated for delivery by 2035. 

In 2025, carriers from countries across the Gulf region are rapidly increasing capacity, launching dozens of new international routes to cement the Middle East’s status as a global travel hub.

Here is Connecting Travel’s compilation of flights that have or will be launched in summer 2025.

New flights launched in June 2025

Saudia: Riyadh-Vienna
Saudi Arabia’s national airline Saudia has started direct flights connecting Riyadh and Vienna in Austria, four times a week. Operating Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, flights depart King Khalid International Airport (RUH) at 10:40, arriving at Vienna International Airport (VIE) at 15:10. The return flight departs VIE at 14:30 and arrives at RUH at 23:00. 

Saudia: Riyadh and Jeddah-Al Alamein
From 25 June, Saudia is operating six weekly flights to Al Alamein, connecting both Riyadh and Jeddah. Three weekly flights depart King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah at 05:25, arriving at Al Alamein International Airport (DBB) at 08:15, with the return leaving DBB at 09:15. The thrice-weekly service from Riyadh departs King Khalid International Airport (RUH) AT 05:15, arriving in DBB at 07:45, with the return flight leaving DBB at 08:45. 

Etihad: Abu Dhabi-Prague
UAE national airline Etihad has launched two new European routes, connecting Abu Dhabi with Prague in the Czech Republic and Warsaw in Poland. Flights depart Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) at 02:50 and arrive at Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) at 07:15. The return leg departs PRG at 11:20, arriving AUH at 19:05. There are four weekly flights.

Etihad: Abu Dhabi-Warsaw
From 2 June, Etihad started four weekly flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Warsaw in Poland. Flights depart AUH and arrive at 02:45 and arrive at Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) at 06:50. The return leg departs WAW at 11:15, arriving AUH at 19:00.