Travel

The Middle East’s travel and tourism community must prioritise aviation infrastructure and data-informed decision-making in preparation for a swift post-conflict rebound, according to ministers and industry experts speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. The 33rd edition of ATM is being hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday 17 September. Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General, Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO), Schubert Lou, CEO, Trip.com, H.E. Laura El Khazen Lahoud, Minister of Tourism, Lebanon, and H.E. Nicola Amanda Bernstein, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Republic of Seychelles, met on ATM 2026’s Global Stage to discuss post-conflict connectivity and explore ways to future-proof operations. The session was moderated by Thomas Shambler, Head of Business, ITP Media Group.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled the next generation of its global lounge experience, beginning with a transformed London Heathrow Lounge in summer 2027 and marking the start of a wider expansion of Etihad lounges around the world. The Heathrow lounge will be the first to introduce Etihad’s new Beyond Borders design language to the ground experience, beginning a new design cycle that will increasingly connect the airline’s lounges and aircraft through a recognisable Etihad look and feel.

Portugal will return to the FIA Formula 1® World Championship calendar in 2027, with the FORMULA 1® PORTUGUESE GRAND PRIX taking place at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portimão, from 18 to 20 June 2027. The confirmation follows the official publication of the 2027 season calendar, released this Wednesday by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile – FIA. The race marks the return of the pinnacle of world motorsport to the country and follows the agreement signed between Formula 1® and the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in December 2025, which also secures the staging of the race in 2028.

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates (www.Emirates.com) and flydubai, is giving members more reasons to plan their next getaway, with the chance to earn double Skywards Miles on eligible Emirates and flydubai flights across their global networks. From 15 to 30 September 2026, members must register for the offer (https://apo-opa.co/3Twl99S)and book an eligible Emirates or flydubai flight for travel until 30 November 2026 and then earn 100% bonus Skywards Miles on top of the Miles they would normally earn. The offer spans the extensive networks of both airlines and is available across all eligible cabins including Emirates’ increasingly popular Premium Economy experience, as well as Economy Class, Business Class and First Class. On flydubai, members can earn double Miles when travelling in Economy Class or Business Class.

Air Canada has extended its Montréal-Guatemala City service through summer 2027 and confirmed its Toronto-Guatemala City route as a year-round service, offering UK travellers convenient one-stop connections to Guatemala through either Canadian hub. During the winter season, the extended and expanded service is particularly well timed for passengers connecting via London Heathrow, with a connection time of just over two hours* through Montréal, along with additional options from Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin.