In this post:
British Airways to Add More Flights to Four Middle East Routes
British Airways has confirmed extra flights on four Middle East routes from October 2025. The extra flights to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Riyadh and Jeddah will add thousands of extra seats, and some routes will have even more seats added for summer 2026. First Class will only be available on select flights.
If you’ve been planning redemptions from any of these destinations, now is the best time to book.
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
From 27th October 2025, BA will operate a daily Abu Dhabi service, providing plenty of choice considering Etihad and Emirates, who currently dominate the Abu Dhabi-Heathrow market.
You can enjoy the luxury hotels, a huge range of shopping malls and incredible skyline architecture. The timing feels deliberate, as there is also the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.
Bahrain
From 27th October, 2025, BA will operate a daily service from Bahrain to Heathrow, more than doubling the current number of flights. This will add an extra 9,000 seats per year. You can visit the UNESCO-listed Bahrain Fort and enjoy the beaches.
A one-way Club World redemption is priced at 80,000-90,000 Avios plus £197.50. There are plenty of seats available throughout the year.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH)
There will be 12 flights per week on the winter schedule, increasing to 14 per week for summer 2026. You can also explore the UNESCO-listed Diriyah and visit the Kingdom Centre Tower.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (KAIA)
Five flights per week up from 4 for summer 2026. One way Club World redemptions are 70,000-80,000 Avios + £102.50. You’ll have the chance to explore the historic Al-Balad district and experience the Corniche waterfront.
This news follows BA’s previous announcements of additional flights to quite a few destinations for summer 2026, as well as the launch of two new short-haul routes from Gatwick to Rabat and Graz in November.
Emirates Skywards: Flight Bonus, Partner Bonus and Buy Miles Bonus
Despite not being part of an airline alliance, Skywards has now reached 37 million members after 25 years, achieving incredible success. To celebrate this Silver Jubilee, Emirates has launched some exciting offers and giveaways.
WIN 25 Million Miles
Enter the raffle for the chance to win 1 million miles! Prizes include:
- 1x 1 Million Miles
- 50 x 250,000 Miles
- 115 x 100,000 Miles
To enter, you just need to be a Skywards member (even if you’ve just joined) and earn Skywards miles before 20th October with Emirates, flydubai and participating partners.
Bonus Miles
You will now receive 50% bonus Skywards miles when booking with Emirates or flydubai.
You must book by 20th October 2025, and at least one sector must be flown between 25th September and 30th November 2025. Bonus miles credited within 72 hours of completed travel.
Bonus Miles on Partner Flights
25% bonus miles when booking with partner airlines or spending with Skywards everyday partners. The bonus applies to all cabin classes.
There is a cap of 10,000 bonus miles per partner per member. Bonus points will be in your account within 90 days.
Buy or Gift Miles Bonus
Up to 50% bonus Miles on an early bird ‘Buy or Gift’ Miles offer. For the bonus, you must purchase at least 26,000 miles. Smaller purchases from 5,000 miles will receive smaller bonuses.
DXB Airport Surprises
Plenty of unique giveaways will be going on at Dubai Airport, including:
- Ice cream from Skywards trucks
- Interactive quizzes to win miles
- A “Spot the Tag” game will reward lucky passengers whose bags carry special Skywards tags with merchandise, lounge entry, and bonus miles. The special tags will appear for customers in Terminal 3 from 1st October to 3rd, and for customers in Terminal 2 from 8th October to 9th.
Rewards for Long-Standing Elite Members
If you’ve consistently made the most of Skywards, you can look forward to exclusive surprises such as Tier Upgrades, Cabin Upgrades and even exclusive anniversary gifts.
Two New Hilton Hotels for Manchester Announced
Following the signing of an agreement with owner-partner Dean Street Developments Limited, Hilton has announced two new openings in Manchester, including the Manchester debut of its lifestyle brand Motto by Hilton and a record-breaking Hampton by Hilton, taking Hilton’s Manchester portfolio beyond 1,500 rooms once open.
Hampton by Hilton, Deansgate
Set to open in early 2026, Hampton by Hilton Manchester City Centre will have 358 rooms across 22 storeys. The hotel will be next to Deansgate-Castlefield station, which has great rail links to Manchester Airport and is close to sights like the Opera House, Palace Theatre, and Science and Industry Museum.
Facilities will include a meeting space, fitness area, and, of course, the complimentary Hampton by Hilton breakfast.
Motto by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly
Due to open in 2027, this will be the first Motto UK city centre opening outside of London. The 21-storey, 154-room hotel will be located in the Piccadilly Basin, just minutes from Manchester Piccadilly station.
Motto focuses on small but cleverly designed rooms with plenty of interconnecting options, social spaces and a restaurant and bar with local flavours. It’s all about neighbourhood discovery and Motto tends to appeal to younger, more experience-driven travellers. Think Hilton’s version of Moxy!
Great News
New openings mean better choices, especially if you’re working towards Hilton status or want to enjoy the benefits of the status level you hold.
Current Hilton options in Manchester include:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly
- Hampton by Hilton Manchester Northern Quarter
- Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Emirates Old Trafford
- DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Airport
- Hampton by Hilton Rochdale
The former Hilton Manchester Deansgate will now open as Manchester’s first InterContinental by IHG in 2027.
If you have a later flight and you’re travelling to Manchester Airport by train, stopping to explore Manchester city centre before travelling to the airport the next day is an excellent option with easy transport links.
Nick Smart, vice president, development, UK, Ireland and the Nordics, Hilton, said
“Manchester has firmly established itself as a leading travel hotspot, drawing millions with its dynamic mix of leisure, business, and world-class sport. We’re excited to build on this momentum with our newest Hampton by Hilton and the city’s first Motto by Hilton. These openings not only respond to the growing demand for high-quality accommodation in Manchester – they also reflect Hilton’s bold ambitions for the city. We thank Dean Street Developments for their valued partnership and vision in bringing these exciting developments to the city of Manchester.”
