In 2025, several major airlines will introduce new routes connecting key countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Eurowings will offer a new service from Berlin to Abu Dhabi, while Dan Air will provide flights from Bucharest to Damascus. Additionally, Southwind Airlines will operate weekly flights from Turkey to Bahrain, and Middle East Airlines (MEA) will expand its seasonal services to Barcelona from Lebanon. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will launch a route to Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Egypt’s Air Cairo will resume flights between Sharm El Sheikh and Kostanay, enhancing connectivity and opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange.

These new routes are indicative of the recovery and growth of the global aviation industry following pandemic disruptions. They also underscore the Middle East’s strategic importance as a global air travel hub that links East and West. The connections will not only facilitate tourism and trade but will also reflect shifting geopolitical and economic ties among the countries involved.

One of the most anticipated routes is MEA’s seasonal service connecting Beirut to Barcelona. This route, which will operate from June 26 to September 6, 2025, aims to meet the summer travel demand, capitalizing on Barcelona’s status as a popular European destination. MEA has increased its planned flights from two to three weekly flights due to strong market interest, utilizing the fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo for the 3 200-kilometer journey.

Eurowings will also expand its operations by launching a three-times-weekly service between Berlin and Abu Dhabi starting November 3, 2025. This entry into the Middle East’s aviation market is expected to cater to budget-conscious travelers looking for direct connections between the two capitals. The flights will be operated with the Airbus A320neo, designed for efficient service on this approximately 5 000-kilometer route.

Meanwhile, Dan Air Romania plans to begin six weekly flights from Bucharest to Damascus on June 15, 2025. This marks the first regular scheduled service by an East European carrier to Syria in recent years. The airline aims to tap into the commercial potential of Syria as a travel and trade destination following years of conflict.

Southwind Airlines will operate weekly flights from Trabzon, Turkey, to Bahrain every Friday from April 4 to August 29, 2025. This service aims to connect the Turkish Black Sea city with Bahrain, facilitating economic and cultural exchanges and catering to the travel needs of Trabzon residents.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will expand its operations with flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, starting June 3, 2025. This route will enhance connectivity between the capital of the UAE and a key economic center in Central Asia, allowing greater access to UAE tourism, education, and healthcare for Kazakhstan’s population.

Additionally, Air Cairo will resume its seasonal service between Sharm El Sheikh and Kostanay, Kazakhstan, during Northern Summer 2025. This route aims to strengthen tourism and business travel links between Egypt and Central Asia, capitalizing on the popularity of Sharm El Sheikh as a vacation destination.

Overall, these new airline routes represent a significant development in Middle Eastern aviation for 2025, reflecting the industry’s resilience and growth amid evolving geopolitical and economic landscapes. The connections will enhance travel options for passengers and contribute to the region’s role as a vital global travel crossroads.