DUBAI

Turkish Airlines (THY) has seen a 10 percent drop in demand on some Russian and southern European routes but was betting on improved demand from new markets to keep its year-end passenger target, said a senior executive. 

Tourist arrivals to Turkey have taken a beating following a spate of bomb attacks this year, including two in Istanbul, usually the country's biggest tourist draw.

Three out of the eight parties interested in purchasing a majority stake in Thessaloniki Port Authority (OLTH) have dropped out of the race, as only five of the original candidates have responded to a new invitation for expressions of interest by state privatization fund TAIPED.

Kamal Gupta, the son of Ajay Gupta, one of the richest businessman in India and the world, booked a whole hotel for his wedding in the touristic Antalya district between April 23 and 26. The traditional Indian wedding, which is happening at Mardan Palace Hotel, is to last for three days and three nights. 

Young Arab people see the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group as "the single biggest challenge" in the region, a survey published on April 12 said, with respondents prioritising stability over democracy.

An exhibition, organized by the Istanbul Entertainment Group and Dubai sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktum's company Meraas and inspired by popular Turkish TV series "Magnificient Century," has opened in Dubai CityWalk. 

A Flydubai passenger plane crashed in Russia last month after being flown in a contradictory manner minutes before it smashed into the ground, a statement from investigators said on April 8, suggesting pilot error was to blame. 

Istanbul Atatürk Airport, which is operated by TAV Airports, became in 2015the 11th largest airport worldwide by providing service to 61.8 million passengers over the course of the year, the company said in a written statement on April 6. 

Greek startup InstaShop based in Dubai received 750,000 US dollars to further expand its operation and services at Abu Dhabi and wider region.

VentureFriends, a company owned by Greek founders Yannis Tsioros and Ioanna Aggelidaki, covered 50% of the funding, while Jabbar Internet Group covered the rest 50%.

Security services looked on helplessly on March 21 as France's "Spiderman" Alain Robert, who holds a world record for urban climbing, scaled the Total skyscraper in Paris' La Defense business district.

The airport in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don reopened March 21, just over two days after a passenger jet from budget airline FlyDubai crashed there on landing, killing all 62 people on board.   

The Boeing 737, which was flying from Dubai to Rostov-on-Don, exploded into a fireball after missing the runway on a second landing attempt in heavy wind and rain.