New Airline Routes to Watch in 2024 Across Asia and Beyond

Travelers have plenty to look forward to in 2024 and beyond as airlines roll out new routes connecting exciting destinations worldwide. With more direct flights and expanded options, getting to your next adventure has never been easier. Let’s explore some of the most anticipated airline routes that are sure to open up new travel possibilities.

Expanding Routes Across Asia

Azerbaijan Airlines: Azerbaijan Airlines launched direct flights between Baku and the Maldives on 24 November 2024. Us a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, this new route offers a convenient link between Azerbaijan and the Maldives.

Air Arabia: Starting 27 October 2024, Air Arabia began flying daily between Sharjah and the Maldives. Further improving access to this island destination.

Air France: From 20 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, Air France will run up to two weekly flights between Paris and Malé, Maldives, using the Airbus A350-900 for the holiday season.

IndiGo: Starting 21 December 2024, IndiGo will offer daily nonstop flights between Chennai and Penang, Malaysia.

Korean Air: On 24 November 2024, Korean Air introduced a fourth daily flight between Seoul and Manila. Making travel between South Korea and the Philippines more frequent.

Vietjet & Emirates: Vietjet and Emirates have expanded their code-sharing, offering easier connections between Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Dubai.

Greater Bay Airlines: In November 2024, Greater Bay Airlines launched a new three-times-a-week service between Hong Kong and Tokushima, Japan.

Air Macau: Air Macau introduced new flights between Macau and Taichung, Taiwan, and increased service to Bangkok and Guiyang.

Etihad Airways: Starting in 2025, Etihad Airways will launch ten new destinations. Including Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Krabi, Medan, Phnom Penh, and Taipei. These routes will enhance connectivity between the Middle East and Asia.

Saudia: In response to growing demand, Saudia will offer six weekly flights between Jeddah and Phuket, starting December 2024.

AirAsia X: AirAsia X launched its first direct route between Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi on 15 November 2024. Marking the first connection between the capitals of Malaysia and Kenya.

New Routes Around the Globe

Airlines are expanding their global networks beyond Asia. With new routes that enhance connectivity across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.

Etihad Airways: Starting in 2025, Etihad Airways will launch ten new destinations. Including Algiers, Atlanta, Tunis, Prague, Warsaw, and Al Alamein, as part of its ongoing expansion program.

Flynas: As of 4 September 2024, Flynas introduced direct flights from Jeddah to Berlin. Connecting Saudi Arabia to the German capital with three weekly services.

Royal Jordanian Airlines: In March 2025, Royal Jordanian Airlines will begin direct flights from Amman to Washington D.C. Marking its fourth direct U.S. service after New York, Chicago, and Detroit.

Turkish Airlines: Starting 28 November 2024, Turkish Airlines will launch four weekly flights from Istanbul to Sydney, with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. This move strengthens its presence in Australia and sets the stage for future nonstop service.

United Airlines: United Airlines made history in October 2024 with its Newark-Marrakech route. Linking the Moroccan city to the U.S. for the first time.

Wizz Air: Wizz Air will introduce a new daily route between London and Jeddah starting 31 March 2025. Offering an ultra-low-cost option for travelers between these cities.

American Airlines & Delta Air Lines: Both American and Delta Air Lines added new Caribbean routes in November 2024. American now flies from New York JFK to Barbados. While Delta launched service from Atlanta to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.

JetBlue Airways: JetBlue Airways introduced a new flight to the Caribbean. Flying to Bonaire from New York JFK, starting 5 November 2024.

The Journey Continues

The expanding airline routes in 2024 and beyond, highlight the increasing demand for international travel, offering more convenience and choice. Whether you are planning a trip to the Maldives, connecting through key Asian hubs, or flying to destinations in Europe and Australia. These new routes offer more opportunities to explore the world.

Which new airline routes are you most excited to try in 2024? With so many options, now is the perfect time to start planning your next adventure.

Interactive Workshops and Hands-On Learning

Workshops during the retreat cover topics such as Manta ID and Manta Research, providing participants with a unique opportunity to identify individual manta rays and learn about the research conducted on these creatures. In addition, attendees get the chance to adopt and name a manta ray, furthering their involvement in conservation efforts.

Meral Hafeez, the Manta Trust base leader at the resort, will lead the retreat and share her extensive knowledge of marine life. Hafeez’s passion for marine education shines through in her presentations and activities, as she helps guests understand the importance of preserving manta rays and other marine species.

Conservation Activities: Coral Restoration and Plankton Study

The retreat also offers a workshop focused on plankton, the main food source for manta rays. Guests gain a deeper understanding of the marine food chain and the role plankton plays in the ecosystem. Furthermore, another workshop, the Coral Restoration and Planting session, allows participants to take direct action in supporting the health of coral reefs by planting coral and contributing to the reef’s restoration.

Guided snorkelling excursions around the resort’s house reef give guests the chance to explore the vibrant marine life that thrives around the island. Hafeez’s informative talk, “Manta Ray of the Maldives,” provides further insights into the behaviour and characteristics of manta rays, enhancing participants’ understanding of these majestic creatures.

Partnerships for Long-Term Marine Conservation

The Manta Retreat closely ties into conservation efforts by emphasizing the ongoing collaboration between InterContinental Maldives and the Manta Trust. This partnership, which has been in place since 2019, focuses on research and education initiatives that protect manta rays and their habitats. Guests who attend the retreat not only enjoy a luxurious vacation but also contribute to vital conservation work.

These activities and experiences help participants leave with a greater appreciation for manta rays and the ocean’s ecosystems. The retreat serves as a reminder of the critical role individuals play in marine conservation, and attendees return home with a deeper sense of responsibility toward protecting the oceans.

By the end of the retreat, guests gain knowledge and unforgettable experiences while becoming advocates for the preservation of manta rays and marine life.

New Airline Routes to Watch in 2024 Across Asia and Beyond

Expanding Routes Across Asia

New Routes Around the Globe

The Journey Continues

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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort to Host Manta Retreat in March 2025

Interactive Workshops and Hands-On Learning

Partnerships for Long-Term Marine Conservation