Shorter Asia-Pacific Flights and New Madinah–Baghdad Direct Route Signal Next Phase of Air Travel
SINGAPORE / RIYADH, Dec 10, 2025 — As of this week, travelers in both Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are seeing a new wave of more direct flights: a major cross-border trial of flexible “user-preferred” flight paths in the region has proven successful and is continuing, while Saudi low-cost carrier flynas has inaugurated its first direct route between Madinah and Baghdad, adding a fresh link between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.The Straits Times+ 1 A 15‑month trial involving Singapore and five other countries has shown that allowing pilots to choose more flexible routes across borders can shave time off journeys, reduce fuel burn and cut emissions, especially when winds are favourable.The Straits Times