More than 46 million passengers passed through Dubai International (DXB) airport in the first half of the year, up 2.3% year on year, marking the busiest first half in the airport’s 65-year history.​

That sees DXB on track to break even more records in 2025, topping its record 92.3 million passengers in 2024, which marked an annual increase of nearly 6% on the previous year. 

DXB expects annual traffic to reach 96 million this year, “bringing us closer to the symbolic 100 million milestone”, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said in a statement. 

April 2025 was the busiest month on record

DXB’s record figure for the first half of 2025 could have been even higher were it not for flight cancellations and disruptions in May and June due to regional conflicts, yet the second quarter of the year still showed resilience, posting a 3.1% increase in serving 22.5 million passengers. 

April 2025 was reported as the busiest for that month on record for the UAE airport, with more than 8 million people passing through its terminals. 

Overall in the first half of 2025, DXB handled 222,000 flights and January was the busiest month with a record 8.5 million guests, while the average stood at 7.7 million and 254,000 people per day.

The peak in traffic came on 3 January with more than 311,000 guests as visitors returned from the holiday season and expat residents returned to work.  

India was the Dubai airport’s largest source market in H1 with 5.9 million guests, followed by Saudi Arabia (3.6 million), the UK (3.0 million), Pakistan (2.1 million) and the US (1.6 million).

Meanwhile, London was the busiest city destination with 1.8 million guests, followed by Riyadh (1.5 million), Mumbai (1.2 million), Jeddah and New Delhi (1.1 million).

Griffiths added: “DXB’s continued growth through a period of regional challenges highlights the strength of Dubai and the UAE, the agility of our operations and the commitment of our airport community.”

“As we enter the second half of the year, travel activity is expected to accelerate, beginning with the late-summer peak and leading into a winter season filled with high-profile events across entertainment, sport, and business. 

Source: connectingtravel.com

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African states to reduce taxes and charges on air travel in Africa.

The global body complained that taxes and charges in air travel in the region were 15 per cent higher than the global average.  

IATA emphasised that it is critical that governments on the continent understand that the greatest value that aviation brings to an economy is catalytic, noting that transporting travellers and goods stimulates job creation and destroying demand with excessive taxation puts the brake on economic and social development. 

IATA said that where charges are used to fund critical aviation infrastructure, coordination between industry and government is essential, noting that the aim must be to build growth-supporting infrastructure that is cost-efficient and scalable. 

On blocked funds, IATA said airlines cannot operate in a market if they are unable to repatriate revenues generated, which is guaranteed in international treaties and bilateral agreements.

It regretted that the $1 billion of airline revenues being blocked from repatriation by African governments (as of May 2025)—73 per cent of total global blocked funds—impedes maintaining Africa’s international connectivity, disclosing that blocked funds are spread across 26 African countries.  

IATA remarked that airlines facing blocked funds often reduce flight frequencies or suspend routes. To facilitate aviation’s economic and social benefits, governments need to live up to their international obligation and remove all barriers to airline revenue repatriation. 

Source: Thisdaylive.com

Beyond typical sightseeing, DNA tourism is drawing travellers eager to explore the story behind their genes. More than a sightseeing trip, it’s a pilgrimage to understand identity, lineage, and cultural history by walking in the footsteps of those who came before.

This emerging trend blends genetic science with the emotional journey of rediscovering personal heritage, turning travel into a quest to uncover one’s roots, as reported by IOL.

What is ancestry or DNA travel?

At its core, DNA travel is sparked by results from genetic ancestry tests. After taking a simple at-home kit — typically involving a saliva sample or cheek swab — travellers receive detailed breakdowns of their genetic heritage. These often point to regions or countries that form part of their ancestral story, prompting journeys to explore those connections in real life.

Rather than just visiting a country as a tourist, travellers might:

• Seek out ancestral towns or villages;
• Connect with newly discovered relatives through DNA match platforms;
• Participate in cultural traditions like folk dancing or regional cooking;
• Delve into archives for family records, old photographs or immigration documents;
• Join guided heritage tours tailored to specific ancestries or surnames.

The goal, or the aim, for that matter, is to form a tangible connection to one’s lineage and better understand the forces that shaped their family’s journey.

Why is this trend growing?

Several intersecting forces are fuelling interest in heritage-based travel:

Affordable and accessible DNA testing

With the rise of companies offering at-home ancestry kits, learning about one’s genetic background has never been easier or cheaper. Millions have now taken these tests, often receiving regional breakdowns that spark curiosity about unfamiliar or long-forgotten family ties.

A shift toward meaningful journeys

Today’s travellers are moving beyond checklist tourism. There’s a growing desire to engage with destinations on a deeper, more personal level. DNA travel taps into this need, offering not just an itinerary but a narrative — one rooted in identity and connection.

Reclaiming roots in a globalised world

As migration, diaspora, and displacement continue to shape societies, many feel a yearning to rediscover their cultural origins. DNA tourism offers a powerful way to reconnect with one’s past, especially for those whose family histories include stories of exile, adoption, or lost languages.

What to expect on a DNA-inspired journey

No two heritage trips look the same, but many follow a similar path:

1. The spark: A DNA test reveals ancestral ties to one or more regions.
2. The research: Travellers trace family trees, map migrations, and gather historical context.
3. The journey: Visits to ancestral homes, participation in cultural rituals, or emotional reunions with previously unknown relatives.
4. The discovery: Learning local customs, exploring community archives, or uncovering family secrets.

Navigating emotional and ethical terrain

While DNA travel can be incredibly enriching, it’s not without its challenges.

• Imprecise science: Genetic tests aren’t always exact. Regional overlaps and limited databases can blur ancestral lines.
• Unexpected revelations: Some travellers discover hidden family histories — unknown parentage, adoptions, or difficult truths linked to colonialism, slavery, or war.
• Emotional weight: Standing in places marked by historical trauma or personal loss can be overwhelming, especially without emotional preparation.
• Cultural sensitivity: Ancestral villages and sacred sites aren’t theme parks. Travellers must approach these communities with humility and respect, recognising them as living spaces rather than relics of the past.

The future of DNA tourism

As more people become curious about their heritage and look for purpose-driven travel, ancestry-based journeys are likely to become even more popular. It’s a path that blends science, storytelling, and soul-searching — offering not just a destination, but a rediscovery of self.

Source: Getaway

Fastjet Zimbabwe has introduced a new direct flight connecting Bulawayo with Victoria Falls, and it is scheduled to be operational from August 8, 2025. The four-per-week service will make travel easier between two of Zimbabwe’s busiest cities for leisure and business travelers. Flights, which are now back and available for booking from Monday 13 January through to Thursday 24 March 2020, take off daily during the week Monday to Friday at lunchtime with Fastjet’s reliable fleet of young Embraer ERJ-145s, renowned for their comfortable flight and short field capabilities.

This new service will help to better connect visitors within Zimbabwe. Thousands of international tourists flock to Victoria Falls, among the world’s most renowned natural attractions. Famed for the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls waterfall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, there’s plenty to do in this region, from safaris through nature reserves and cultural experiences. Bulawayo, the second-largest city in the country, is a cultural centre with historical sites, museums, and an active arts community.

With the convenience of direct flights, tourists visiting these two destinations – closely associated as they too often are for an all-encompassing Zimbabwean adventure. Finally, the newfound ability of visitors to marvel at (the beauty of Victoria Falls) and experience Bulawayo in its full incomparable cultural vibrancy will induce more people to visit Zimbabwe as a truly accessible tourist destination.

Flight Schedule and Details

These new Fastjet flights from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (and return) are timed for the convenience of both business and leisure travellers. The flight timings are as follows:

FN8111 Bulawayo departs 13:25 arrives Victoria Falls at14:20

Depart Victoria Falls on flight FN8112 at 14:50, arriving in Bulawayo at 15:45.

The operation is designed to allow visitors the convenience of regular, on-time flights; be it for the day or overnight. These flights would also help foreign tourists flying into Zimbabwe from Victoria Falls by connecting them to Bulawayo and easily reach the city for a tour.

Impact of economy on the tourism and regional development

The new route will also boost the economies of Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Fastjet will enable closer connections between these major tourist regions, thereby stimulating growth in tourism based businesses such as hotels, restaurants and tour operators. The flights will be aimed at encouraging more tourists to travel between the two regions, which in turn is expected to drive business and create new jobs for tourism establishments.

Victoria Falls is already on a robust growth path with the opening of new hotels and attractions to meet soaring demand. The introduction of a convenient flight service will bring even more tourism arrivals to the area. The new flights to Bulawayo will boost tourism and make it easy for travelers to learn more about its rich history, including the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, and Khami Ruins, which are historically significant archaeological sites.

An African travel agent not to be missed

For African-based travel agents, the new Fastjet flight provides a great ingredient for developing packages that include Bulawayo with Victoria Falls. These dual-nature and culture destinations are a perfect pair. All sorts of tempting deals for international tourists – and indeed people travelling from neighboring countries become possible simply because travel professionals can include these fast, convenient Fastjet flights in their offerings.

The direct service is convenient, with a flexible schedule that gives visitors more opportunity to visit both locations without the time and hassle of traveling long distances on busy roadways. With the dependability of flight schedules, travel agents now have effective products to sell tourists and can take advantage of what is becoming an increasing demand as Zimbabwe positions itself as a hub for regional tourism.

Fastjet Cheapest ways to visit Tanzania on FastJet and Enjoy your Holiday.

Fastjet Zimbabwe’s attractive and user friendly offering further makes the Bulawayo Victoria Falls route even more compelling now. With competitive prices and no-hassle booking process, the airline is a great option for travelers interested in discovering Zimbabwe without having to shell out exorbitant fares. Fastjet is also well known for its generous baggage policies, high quality standards of service while ensuring that the customer travels in comfort whether on business or leisure.

With its up to date fleet and emphasis on customer service, the airlines is a dependable choice for all types of travelers, whether domestic or international. The new Bulawayo (BYO) Victoria Falls (VFA) service not only provides a faster, cost-effective way of travelling but enhances tourists’ overall travel experience in visiting Zimbabwe.

Future Prospects for Zimbabwe’s Tourism

The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls route is part of a broader initiative to develop transport links and tourism in Zimbabwe. The private sector and government in Zimbabwe are collaborating to break through the barriers of tourism accessibility both locally and regionally. Increased accessibility by air, such as thanks to the new Fastjet service, will enable Zimbabwe unlock emerging African and global tourism source markets which in turn should assist with contributing towards long-term economic development of the country.

Increasing infrastructure like roads, runways and train networks also support the expanding tourism sector.

Conclusion

“Fastjet Zimbabwe’s new services from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls enable us to contribute significantly towards the creation of a highly accessible tourism infrastructure within the country. By making it easy to travel between two of Zimbabwe’s most visited centres, the airline is playing a role in positioning the country as one of Africa’s top regional and international tourism destinations. These new flights will then open up the tourist to explore more of Zimbabwe’s culture and unspoiled areas, which should, in turn, benefit tourism as well as the general economic coffers.

The introduction of this new service now offers African travel agents a vehicle to cater to their clients ‘ cost-effective, easy, and hassle-free bookings throughout Zimbabwe. The introduction of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls service is a clear sign that Fastjet will continue to support the development of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector and reinforce its status as a unique leisure spot in Southern Africa.

Source: Travel And Tour World

Kenya Airways and WestJet have signed an interline agreement to enhance connectivity across both carriers’ networks.

With connections via Paris, Amsterdam, London (Gatwick and Heathrow) and New York (JFK), passengers can book a single ticket with a connected itinerary between WestJet and Kenya Airways’ networks.

Kenya Airways passengers benefit from single-stop access to Calgary, Halifax, St. John’s, and Toronto, which feed into 69 North American destinations. 

WestJet passengers can travel to Nairobi and beyond through the Canadian airline’s extensive network of European and North American connections.

Source : Travel News

Morocco said on Thursday it will spend Ksh.542.6 billion ($4.2 billion) over the next five years to overhaul its main airports, ahead of the World Cup it will cohost with Portugal and Spain.

An agreement was signed to that end between the Moroccan government and the airports authority ONDA, the government said in a statement.

Under the deal, Ksh.879 billion will be allocated to airport expansion and Ksh.457 billion will go to maintenance and land acquisition.

The government plans to expand its airport capacity to 80 million passengers by 2030 from 38 million currently.

In May, Morocco issued two expressions of interest to identify bidders for its plan to build a new terminal that will increase capacity at its largest airport in Casablanca by 20 million passengers.

Morocco reported a record 17.4 million visitors last year, up 20% from 2023, and it expects to attract 26 million tourists in 2030.

Source : Citizen Digital

In a refreshing break from boardroom meetings and formal forums, travel agents gathered at The Village Market for the Kenya Travel Agents Bowling League, a lively event organised by Sabre in partnership with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) and supported by leading industry players.

The event, brought together travel consultants, airline partners, and travel service providers for a dynamic morning of fun, friendly competition, and meaningful networking. Participants competed in bowling matches, tackled exciting spot challenges, and walked away with fantastic prizes, including hotel vouchers, economy and business class tickets, and other giveaways.

KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula commended Sabre for spearheading the initiative. “We’re proud to have partnered on this exciting activity. It’s a fantastic way for our members to engage outside the usual professional settings and build relationships in a relaxed environment,” he said.

Sabre’s Saby Morenas reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing industry connections. “This isn’t a one-time event. We intend for the Bowling League to be a regular fixture,a space where travel professionals can meet, unwind, and grow together,” he noted.

Beyond the pins and prizes, the event succeeded in its main mission: creating a vibrant space for networking among travel professionals. With industry support from Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air France, KLM, TAAG, ASKY, Panari Hotels, Novotel, Charge24, and more, the event highlighted a united commitment to revitalizing Kenya’s travel trade community.

Travelport, a worldwide leader in travel technology, announced new developments in the way its business is organised. This enhancement is intended to make booking easier for travel agents and their customers, improving speed to market, lowering response time, and delivering a speedier and more engaging user experience.

For travel professionals, as they say, time is money, and the need to speed through the booking process is immeasurable. So, whether you are a leisure, corporate, or multi-destination agency, fast is speedier and translates into a better service, a happier customer, and a more profitable sale. Travelport’s decision to focus on enhancing how fast air can be searched illustrates a more profound connection with these needs from the industry.

Why Faster Search Speeds Matter for the Travel Industry

The efficiency of search processes in the travel industry has long been a crucial determinant of customer satisfaction. When booking a flight, both travel agents and customers value speed — a quick, seamless search process ensures that travelers can find the best options with minimal effort and time. In an era of heightened competition and increasing customer expectations, speed can be the differentiating factor that sets one platform apart from another.

For travel agents, time spent waiting for search results directly impacts their ability to handle multiple clients and manage large volumes of inquiries. In turn, this affects their overall productivity and customer satisfaction. The faster they can provide results and recommend options, the more satisfied their clients will be, and the more efficiently the agents can work.

Increased search speed also translates into more competitive pricing, improved operational efficiency, and higher profitability for travel agents, airlines, and other partners using the platform.

How Travelport Can Achieve Faster Air Search Speeds

The improvements to Travelport+’s air search speeds were made possible through a combination of technological innovations and cloud infrastructure optimizations. The company integrated state-of-the-art algorithms with cloud-based solutions to enhance processing power and speed, ensuring that the platform delivers results at an accelerated pace without compromising the accuracy or reliability of the search results.

Key to these improvements was the enhancement of Travelport’s search indexing and data processing methods. By refining the backend technology, Travelport has reduced latency and optimized the overall responsiveness of the platform. These upgrades are made possible by Travelport’s ongoing investment in cloud computing technologies, including their adoption of Smartpoint Cloud, which enhances the platform’s ability to scale quickly and efficiently.

As a result of these technological innovations, users are now experiencing faster load times for search results, which allows them to find flight options within seconds instead of minutes.

Benefits of Faster Search Speeds for Travel Agents and Customers

The benefits of faster search speeds extend well beyond just faster results. For travel agents, the ability to quickly access and present flight options empowers them to serve their clients more effectively. Whether booking one ticket or handling a complex itinerary, agents can now provide customers with faster responses, greater accuracy, and more flight choices, all while reducing their workload.

Faster searches also improve the customer experience for travelers. Customers have become accustomed to rapid results in all aspects of their lives, from browsing retail websites to using ride-sharing apps. As a result, long wait times during flight searches are now seen as a negative experience. With Travelport+’s speed enhancements, travelers are able to receive the information they need to make informed decisions in less time, improving satisfaction and building loyalty.

Another advantage of faster search speeds is the ability to display more options to customers in a shorter amount of time. Travel agents can present multiple flight choices, fare classes, and different carriers, all at a faster rate, giving their clients more flexibility and allowing for better comparisons.

Future of Travelport: Continuous Innovation and Platform Upgrades

While the improvements in air search speeds are significant, Travelport is committed to continuing its innovation to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving travel industry. The company is constantly working on introducing new features and tools to improve not just search speed but also the overall functionality of the Travelport+ platform.

In the future, Travelport plans to expand the capabilities of its platform to include more personalized search results, enhanced customer support features, and integrations with new technologies, all aimed at creating an even more seamless experience for both travel agents and their customers.

By using artificial intelligence and machine learning, Travelport intends to deliver predictive search capabilities, helping users find not only the best flights but also the most cost-effective travel solutions based on their preferences and past behaviors. This forward-thinking approach shows the company’s commitment to not just responding to industry demands, but to anticipating and innovating for the future of travel.

How Travelport Can Set the Stage for the Future of Travel Booking

The enhancements to the Travelport platform air search speeds demonstrate the company’s dedication to improving the overall user experience for travel agents and customers alike. With these upgrades, Travelport is positioning itself as a leader in the travel technology sector, providing its users with the tools needed to stay competitive in a fast-paced industry.

By investing in technology and optimizing its platform, Travelport is ensuring that its customers have the most efficient, reliable, and seamless booking experience possible. The faster search speeds are just the beginning, and we can expect to see further innovations in the coming years that will continue to shape the future of travel bookings.

Conclusion: Making Travel Better for the Customer

The enhancements to air search speeds on the Travelport platform demonstrate Travelport’s continued drive for efficiency and innovation in travel. These shifts are positive for travel agents as they will make them more productive, and are also positive for customers because they reduce the time spent on putting together a flight itinerary. Now, in the age of accelerated and efficient air travel booking, Travelport is at the forefront of those pressing demands.

In the increasingly competitive universe of travel booking, where time is money, Travelport’s latest improvements deliver something truly valuable: accelerated search responses that help foster a more efficient, productive, and satisfying booking process.

Source: TravelAndTourWorld

Global travel technology provider Travelport has announced a major shift in how users access its platforms, introducing the MyTravelport login as the new standard for all users of Smartpoint Desktop and related services.

In a move aimed at strengthening data security and streamlining user access, Travelport confirmed that all users will soon need a MyTravelport account to sign in to future versions of Smartpoint. The change will primarily affect users operating on Smartpoint version 10.1 and above, who will begin seeing a self-registration pop-up prompting them to set up their accounts.

“We’re changing how you sign in to better protect your data and improve your overall experience,” the company says.

What Users Can Expect

Smartpoint Desktop users without MyTravelport credentials will be guided through a self-registration process via a pop-up on their platform. Users will receive three key emails as part of the setup:

1. A confirmation email once the account is approved.
2. A password setup email.
3. A reminder that inactive accounts may require reactivation after 90 days.

Additionally, Travelport noted that users must ensure the email address used in their host sign-on matches the one used for MyTravelport. Mismatched emails will require manual input during registration.

Benefits of MyTravelport

Once registered, users gain access to a host of benefits through the MyTravelport portal, including:

• Easier access to Travelport products and updates.
• Support issue resolution without the need to contact the help desk.
• Self-paced and instructor-led training resources.
• A smoother, more secure user experience overall.

Next Steps for Users

To prepare for the transition, users are advised to:

• Use a unique, company-associated email address.
• Follow the on-screen instructions when the registration prompt appears.
• Visit http://my.travelport.com for troubleshooting and password resets.

Trouble Logging In?
Travelport recommends visiting the portal’s “Forgot your password” section for quick account recovery.

This transition marks a broader effort by Travelport to modernize its user systems while aligning with global cybersecurity best practices.