Travel Agent Newsletter
December, 2025
In the Spotlight
Air Arabia
The Middle East’s first and largest low-cost carrier, Air Arabia is known for its affordability, reliability, and expanding global reach. With hubs across the UAE, Morocco, and Egypt, the airline connects travelers to major cities across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe, making regional and long-haul journeys smooth, efficient, and pocket-friendly. FlyingCarpet.Travel connects directly to Air Arabia via API, giving you instant access to their best fares and route options.
This connection covers the full Air Arabia Group as well, letting you book all their operating airlines in one seamless workflow:
- G9 — Air Arabia (UAE)
- 3L — Air Arabia Abu Dhabi
- 3O — Air Arabia Maroc
- E5 — Air Arabia Egypt
Established in:
2003
Main Hub:
- Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), UAE
- Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), Casablanca, Morocco
- Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), Alexandria, Egypt
Destinations:
Air Arabia operates a versatile network of over 170+ destinations (directly and through its joint ventures) spanning the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, and beyond. Popular routes include Sharjah–Cairo, Sharjah–Istanbul, Casablanca–Paris, Alexandria–Riyadh, and Sharjah–Tbilisi. The airline’s multi-hub model makes it easy for travelers to connect to both well-known and emerging destinations.
Why Book Air Arabia
- Competitive low fares with reliable, on-time performance.
- Wide regional network across MENA, Europe, Central Asia, and South Asia.
- Modern Airbus A320 & A321neo fleet offering comfort and efficiency.
- Convenient hub at Sharjah with smooth connections and visa-friendly options for UAE stopovers.
Pro Tip for Agents
Leverage Air Arabia’s multi-hub advantage to craft flexible itineraries linking the Gulf, North Africa, and Europe. Ideal for budget-savvy travelers looking to pair UAE city breaks with cultural escapes in Morocco, beach holidays in Egypt, or adventure trips in Central Asia – all under one simplified booking flow.
Hidden Trails
Tangier (TNG) - Gateway to Northern Morocco
Why Recommend It
- Gateway to northern Morocco and easy access to the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen, and Asila
- Ideal for slow travel – explore historic Kasbahs, lively souks, and quiet seaside promenades
- Perfect for travelers seeking a blend of history, coastal scenery, and Moroccan culture in one trip
- Great base for art, photography, and cultural tourism
Best Routes
- Easily reached via direct flights from European hubs such as Paris, Madrid, Brussels and Middle Eastern Hubs such as Sharjah, Doha, Dubai
- Convenient addition for multi-city Moroccan itineraries (Casablanca → Tangier → Chefchaouen → Fes)
Unique Experiences
- Wander through the Kasbah and historic Medina with its winding alleys and
panoramic views - Visit the American Legation Museum, the only US National Historic Landmark outside the US
- Explore the Caves of Hercules and the scenic Cape Spartel lighthouse
- Stroll the Grand Socco & Petit Socco squares, sampling local cuisine and
coffee - Take day trips to Chefchaouen’s Blue City or the artsy town of Asilah
Weather & Festivals
- Best travel window: March to June (pleasant temperatures, clear skies) and September to November (mild, fewer crowds)
- Don’t miss:
-
- Tangier International Film Festival (usually October)
- Asilah Arts Festival(August, nearby coastal celebration of murals, music, and crafts)
-
Agent Tip
Position Tangier as Morocco’s coastal and cultural gateway — ideal for couples, history lovers, and explorers seeking a blend of seaside charm, historic architecture, and Moroccan heritage with fewer crowds than the more-visited cities like Marrakech.
Travel News & Updates
Stay ahead with the latest airline routes, hotel openings, attractions, and global travel updates.
FlyingCarpet.Travel Unveils Its “12 Hidden Gems for 2026,” Highlighting Unique Global Destinations
Mexico Prepares for 2026 World Cup: New Tools to Support Fan Travel
Mexico has launched the Conoce México app as the country gears up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup from June 11 to July 19, with matches taking place across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. The app provides stadium information, travel routes, cultural experiences, and safety updates to help fans navigate the event.
Travel advisors can support clients by booking flights, hotel stays, local experiences, sightseeing, and transfers through Flying Carpet Travel, ensuring smooth and enjoyable trips for fans traveling to World Cup host cities.
Visa Policy Shift Across Africa: Key Updates for U.S Travel Advisors
In 2024, Malawi introduced a visa-fee waiver for travelers from 79 countries – including the US, UK, and much of Europe, enabling visa-free or simplified entry. However, as of 21 November 2025, this policy has been revoked, and travelers must now obtain a visa in advance and pay applicable fees.
Similarly, effective 1 April 2025, Namibia ended visa-free access for nationals of 33 countries – including the United States, UK, Canada, and most of Europe – reinstating mandatory visa requirements. Senegal, while still visa-free for U.S. citizens at present, is considering adopting a similar reciprocal visa regime, signaling potential upcoming changes.
Nigeria Opens Akwa Ibom International Airport, Strengthening Regional Connectivity
Nigeria has unveiled the new Akwa Ibom International Airport
in Uyo, marking a major boost to tourism and economic growth. The state-of-the-art hub enhances regional and international connectivity, offering modern facilities and improved traveler experience. The new airport positions Akwa Ibom as an emerging gateway for business and leisure travel in West Africa.
Somon Air Expands Fleet with 14 New Boeing Aircraft Across Central Asia
UN Oceania Cruises Unveils New Sonata Class for 2027 Luxury Sailings
Oceania Cruises has introduced its new Sonata Class, debuting in 2027 with the launch of Oceania Sonata. The ship will feature expansive suites, refined dining, and elevated design. Oceania Sonata will sail Europe and the Mediterranean on its inaugural season, with additional Caribbean and transatlantic itineraries to follow. Nearly 30% of accommodations will be suites, offering sweeping ocean views and premium amenities.
Bolivia Drops Visa Requirement for U.S. Travelers , Easing Entry for 90 Day Stays
Bolivia has officially eliminated tourist visa requirements for U.S. citizens, allowing Americans to enter with just a valid passport for stays of up to 90 days. The new policy is part of a broader economic and tourism overhaul aimed at boosting international visitation.
For American travelers, this opens easier access to Bolivia’s diverse landscapes — from the Andes and Amazon basin to the world-famous Uyuni Salt Flats — making it a compelling add-on or standalone destination in South America.
The news items and articles shared here are sourced from publicly available information and third-party websites.
FCT Events & Platform Updates
AirlinePros International and Flying Carpet Inc International Assembly 2025: Event Highlights from Cape Town
The AirlinePros & Flying Carpet Inc International Assembly successfully concluded in Cape Town, bringing together global airline partners, aviation leaders, tourism boards, and the extended AirlinePros and Flying Carpet teams for three days of
dialogue, learning, and collaboration.
The program featured keynote insights from AASA, IATA, UN Tourism, and regional tourism agencies, alongside deep-dive sessions on distribution transformation, AI in travel, sustainability, and global connectivity. Panels on modern airline retailing and the evolving role of GSAs generated strong engagement across teams from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Flying Carpet presented key platform innovations—including the Flying Carpet product demo, the Aladdin’s World tourism board program, and our Learn & Earn Travelpreneur initiative—strengthening visibility across global partners.
Zambia Becomes the First Destination onboarded to Aladdin's World
At the AirlinePros and Flying Carpet Inc International Assembly in Cape Town, Flying Carpet Inc announced Zambia as the first destination to be fully onboarded onto the new Aladdin’s World platform. During the event, Group CEO Achma Asokan presented a live demonstration, showcasing how the system empowers National Tourism Organizations with modern digital tools to promote their destinations more effectively.
Zambia’s onboarding marks a major milestone, giving the destination a dynamic online channel that highlights its regional experiences while connecting travellers directly with local accommodations, activities, and curated itineraries.
Following Zambia’s lead, Namibia, Botswana, Antigua & Barbuda, and São Paulo are also in the process of joining the platform—each gaining access to next-generation digital visibility and a powerful distribution channel designed to support tourism growth.
Platform Enhancements Rolling Out in 2026
We’re progressing with a series of platform upgrades throughout 2026, with phased releases introducing car rentals, visa services, rail options, enhanced hotel inventory, dynamic packaging, and virtually interlined fares. Built through new partnerships and integrations, these enhancements move us closer to making FlyingCarpet.Travel a true one-stop shop for all things travel. Features will launch in stages, with more updates shared as they go live
Offers & Promotions
Last Chance to Earn Your $200 Travel Voucher
- Complete 10 confirmed bookings by December 31,2025
- Each booking must have a minimum value of USD 300
- Each PNR/reservation counts as one booking
- The first 10 agents to qualify receive a $200 Travel Voucher that can be used on your bookings