Travel Unpacked: Etihad to fly A380 to Singapore and Cyprus has Europe's cleanest water

The National rounds up the most interesting tourism news you might have missed

Etihad Airways will begin flying its double-decker A380 superjumbos to Singapore in February. AFP

Fans of the world's largest passenger aircraft might want to consider booking a trip to Singapore as Etihad Airways will fly its A380 superjumbo on daily flights there next year. For those who prefer to be at one with nature with a spot of wild swimming, Cyprus ranked first in the European Environment Agency's water quality report.

In Oman, changes for smoother travel have been rolled out at Muscat International Airport and Saudi Arabia is gearing up for AlUla Skies Festival's return, where hundreds of brightly coloured balloons soar over the Arabian Desert.

Here's a round-up of recent travel and tourism news – in case you missed it.

Etihad Airways to fly A380 to Singapore

The national airline of the UAE is adding another destination to its A380 network. Etihad Airways will begin flights from Abu Dhabi to Singapore on the double-decker jet on February 1. Incorporating the Residence, the only three-room suite in the sky, superjumbo flights to the Asian destination will operate daily with capacity for almost 500 passengers.

The Lion City is the fourth destination to be added to the airline's A380 network, joining New York, London and Paris – with the French capital set to receive superjumbo flights from November 1.

“We are thrilled to announce that our iconic A380 aircraft will begin serving the Singapore route early next year,” said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive at Etihad Airways. He added: “We will have our sixth A380 online next year as we build our capacity further to cater for the travel needs of our guests."

The jet includes economy and economy space seats, 70 business class studios and a lobby lounge, nine private first class suites and the ultra-luxurious three-roomed Residence.

Flights between Abu Dhabi and Thailand are also increasing with Etihad introducing three daily flights to Bangkok in October, as well as increased capacity to Phuket.

To the bustling Thai capital, flights will depart Abu Dhabi at 9.35am, 2.35pm and 10.10pm from October 27. To holiday island Phuket, daily flights will depart the UAE capital at 9am and 10pm, and Etihad will also operate a 2.30pm flight every day except Tuesdays.

Cyprus has Europe's cleanest waters for wild swimming

Wild swimmers take note, Cyprus is the best destination in Europe when it comes to water quality, according to the latest report from the EEA.

Analysing water from 22,081 natural swimming and bathing sites, the Mediterranean island ranks top, followed by Austria and Croatia. Of Cyprus's 123 bodies of water, 97.6 per cent are rated as excellent. Greece and Bulgaria rank fourth and fifth, followed by Ireland, Denmark, Malta, Spain and Portugal rounding out the top 10.

For swimming only in the sea, Croatia leads the way, followed closely by Cyprus and Greece. And when it comes to inland swims – in places like ponds, rivers and lakes – Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland and Romania tie for top billing.

France, which made headlines regarding the Seine's water quality during the Paris Olympics, ranks 19th. Next year, Parisians will have access to swimming areas along the Seine following cleaning and restoration works that were carried out for the Games.

Travel changes rolled out at Muscat International Airport

Travellers flying to and from Muscat International Airport can look forward to faster processing times, with long-awaited biometric e-gates finally operational. Designed to accelerate immigration processes, the automated gates use facial recognition and fingerprint technology to identify passengers.

Twelve e-gates have been activated in the arrivals hall, with the scope to process 24,000 passengers daily. Departing passengers can use one of six e-gates, which can process 1,000 passengers per hour.

Oman Airports recently announced new rules for travellers heading to Muscat International Airport, requesting passengers go through boarding pass scanners at least 40 minutes before their flight. Travellers will not be able to proceed to immigration after this time. The authority also reminded travellers that departure gates close 20 minutes before scheduled flight departure times.

Oman Air, which has its hub in Muscat, will expand its network before winter. The airline will resume three seasonal routes from Muscat to Zurich from October 5; to Male in the Maldives from October 27; and to Moscow from October 29. The national airline of the sultanate said it “is also looking into increasing frequencies on its most popular routes”, with an announcement on the same due soon.

Saudi Arabia's AlUla Skies Festival to return in September

Saudi Arabia's colourful AlUla Skies Festival will return to the kingdom for the third year, this time taking place in autumn. Set to unfold above the Arabian Desert, the aerial-focused festival will take place above ancient AlUla, which dates back to the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms. Each day and night, sunrise and sunset hot air balloon experiences, storytelling and stargazing sessions will bring the region to life.

Beginning on September 25 and running until October 5, the festival draws inspiration from the night sky, which has helped people navigate through the region for thousands of years. Daily hot air balloon tours over North Hegra offer travellers a serene experience above the ancient town, which was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom.

This year the schedule includes a DJ-accompanied performance called AlUla Balloons Glow Show, stargazing sessions, picnics under the night sky and traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine and live entertainment. Workshops will be led by experts who will explain more about stars and constellations. Astrophotographers will also be on hand to share tips on how best to capture images of the night sky.

Daredevil visitors can enjoy airborne adventures on the nearby Giant Swing, where participants jump off the edge of a mountain and fly at speed through towering canyon walls. It's where AlUla Stairway is, which gives travellers the chance to climb a 45-metre suspended ladder, before swinging back down on a 150-metre zip line.