Travel - Gulf Insider

4 days ago

UK Faces Summer Flight Disruptions As Jet Fuel Risks Mount

Ministers are set to warn the British public that flight cancellations will hit summer holiday plans as new research suggested that the UK is more exposed to jet fuel shortages than other European countries. Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, is set to tell Brits that there could be flight cancellations this year as she will talk up staycations, according to The Times. Her warnings will follow a prompt by Sir Keir Starmer that people would have to consider changing “where they go on holiday”. Trade experts have warned that the supply of kerosene was set to be hit by disruptions across the Strait of Hormuz. Michael O’Leary, the boss of Ryanair, Europe’s biggest airline, said rivals were “desperately” searching for flights to cancel. Some airlines have reportedly said that the UK could escape some of the worst effects of jet fuel shortages due to obtaining supplies from other countries. UK is ‘particularly vulnerable’ to jet fuel shortages But research by Allianz Trade found the UK had Europe’s “most structurally exposed markets to jet-fuel shortages”. It said its heavy reliance on imports, albeit from countries outside of the Middle East, would leave the UK “particularly vulnerable” to supply shocks. “The UK, Germany, France, and Italy show the […]

4 days ago

MSC Launches Europe–Gulf Route Via Saudi Ports To Bypass Strait Of Hormuz

MSC, the world’s largest container shipping company, has launched a new main trade route linking Europe to the Middle East via Saudi Arabia, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The new service combines maritime and land transport, with vessels from Europe calling at Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port in Rabigh on the Red Sea, before cargo is transported overland to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. From there, shipments are distributed to ports across the Arabian Gulf via feeder vessels, according to the Saudi Press Agency SPA. The route connects Jeddah Islamic Port with several major global ports, including Gdańsk, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, València, Barcelona and Gioia Tauro, with a carrying capacity of up to 16,000 standard containers. Cargo arriving at King Abdullah Port will also be transported by land to Dammam, strengthening multimodal logistics links within the kingdom and enabling onward distribution across Gulf markets. Authorities said the initiative supports supply chain integration and enhances regional connectivity, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy to position the kingdom as a global logistics hub linking three continents.

4 days ago

Saudi Arabia: flyadeal Cancels Flights To Peshawar, Amman And Damascus Until End-May

Flyadeal has officially announced the cancellation of scheduled flights to Peshawar, Amman and Damascus until May 31, 2026, citing current developments across the Middle East and beyond. The Saudi low-cost carrier said it was among several airlines affected by the evolving regional situation, prompting the suspension of services on the impacted routes. Flights to Damascus and Amman will remain cancelled until the end of May, the airline said in a statement. The airline urged passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and advised against travelling unless flights are confirmed. Flyadeal said it is continuing to notify affected passengers of any updates via email and SMS, while real-time travel information is available through its website and official X account. The carrier added that it remains committed to providing a smooth and flexible travel experience, offering affected passengers alternative flight options on the same routes where possible. Airlines across the region have adjusted operations in recent weeks in response to heightened geopolitical tensions, leading to disruptions on several routes.

7 days ago

Indian Flight Fares May Rise Due to Fuel Cost Pressures

Travellers across the Gulf, may soon see changes in airfares and flight schedules as Indian airlines adjust to rising jet fuel costs and broader operational pressures. Indian carriers, including Air India, are currently reassessing their international networks as fuel expenses continue to climb. Jet fuel is one of the largest cost components for airlines, and even moderate increases can significantly impact overall operating costs. As a result, airlines often respond by adjusting ticket prices, revising flight frequencies, or reshaping route capacity. Industry reports indicate that higher fuel prices, combined with ongoing global supply and routing challenges, are pressuring airline profitability. For carriers operating between India and Gulf destinations, which remain among the busiest international routes, this is leading to a cautious review of schedules and pricing strategies. For passengers, this could translate into gradual changes rather than sudden disruptions. Some routes may see slight fare increases, particularly during peak travel periods, while others could experience minor adjustments in flight timings or frequency. However, airlines are expected to maintain core connectivity between major cities, given the sustained demand for travel between India and the Gulf region. Despite these adjustments, overall travel demand remains strong, supported by business travel, tourism, and the […]

7 days ago

MSC Launches Saudi Land Bridge Route Linking Europe To Gulf, Bypassing Hormuz

MSC Company launches a new main route connecting Europe to the Middle East via Saudi Arabia, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The MSC Company — considered the world’s largest container shipping company — added a new line that combines maritime and land transport within Saudi Arabia. The line will have carriers from Europe stop at the ports of Jeddah and King Abdullah in Rabigh on the Red Sea; from there, the goods will be transported by truck to Dammam before being distributed to ports in Gulf countries. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the service links Jeddah Islamic Port to several global ports, including Gdańsk, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, València, Barcelona, and Gioia Tauro, with a capacity of up to 16,000 standard containers. It will also be transported by land from King Abdullah Port to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, with onward distribution to Arabian Gulf countries via feeder ships. This initiative supports supply chain integration and regional logistical connectivity, and aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s objectives to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

7 days ago

Hajj Pilgrims Can Travel Within Saudi Arabia, Carrying Digital Visitor ID, Instead Of Passport

The General Directorate of Passports has made it possible for the Hajj pilgrims to obtain a digital visitor ID to travel anywhere within Saudi Arabia. The ID serves as an official document, eliminating the need for carrying a paper passport. The directorate said that the Hajj pilgrims can register on the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform to obtain a digital visitor ID, facilitating safe and easy movement within the Kingdom. The directorate explained that the digital visitor ID is an officially recognized document that allows pilgrims to move around easily and safely during their stay in the Kingdom. It also noted that this ID eliminates the need for its holder to carry a paper passport while traveling within the Kingdom.

1 week ago

Bahrain: Free-Flow Route Planned

Sea bridges, free-flow sections and new junctions are being studied for a northern coastal road running from Bahrain Bay to Marina, the Works Ministry has said. The Bahrain Northern Link Road would follow Bahrain’s north coast, passing Nurana Island, Seef Marina and planned investment areas, and tie Manama’s eastern side to housing, tourism and trade sites further west. Works Minister Ebrahim Al Hawaj gave the details in a written reply to MP Ahmed Al Salloom, who had asked about road and traffic works planned for 2026 to 2030, as well as the Northern Link Road project. The ministry said the scheme is still in early studies and detailed planning. Work now under way covers possible routes, main junction sites, the number of lanes needed, and the form of each junction, based on expected traffic flows. The main parts of the road are planned as free-flow stretches, reducing conflict points and keeping vehicles moving without the stop-start delays caused by junctions and traffic lights. The project also includes a number of sea bridges and road links to the islands and districts north of Bahrain, along with connections to existing and planned roads across the kingdom. A consultant is preparing a traffic […]

1 week ago

UAE Restores Normal Air Traffic Operations After Precautionary Restrictions Lifted

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced that air traffic in the UAE’s airspace has returned to normal operations, with temporary precautionary measures lifted. The authority said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions, carried out in coordination with relevant entities. It stressed that real-time monitoring will continue to ensure the highest levels of aviation safety. The GCAA also expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of passengers and airlines during the recent period, reaffirming the readiness of its technical and operational teams to respond to any potential developments. It urged the public to rely on official sources for information.

1 week ago

Kuwait Airways Expands Network With 13 New Routes

Kuwait Airways has announced the resumption of flights from Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport to 13 additional destinations starting next Sunday, as part of the second phase of its gradual return to full operations. The move brings the total number of restored routes to 29. Abdulwahab Al Shatti, the airline’s acting chief executive, said the expanded network will include major cities across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, among them London, Paris, Dubai, Madrid, Milan, Bangkok and Istanbul, as well as Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha, Bahrain and Cairo. The list also extends to Beirut, Amman, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Islamabad, Dhaka, Manila, Colombo, Bangalore, Guangzhou, Ahmedabad, Sohag and Casablanca. Al Shatti said the national carrier is fully prepared to manage its operations with flexibility and efficiency under varying conditions, noting that the selection of destinations was based on market demand and passenger needs. He added that Kuwait Airways is proceeding in line with a structured operational plan designed to ensure continuity while maintaining high standards of safety and quality. The expansion, he said, reflects the airline’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency and improve the level of service offered to travellers. The carrier is expected to continue increasing the number […]

2 weeks ago

Over 1.3MN Passengers Travelled To India From West Asia Amid Conflict: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that over 1.31 million passengers have travelled from the Gulf and West Asia region to India since February 28, as authorities continue to monitor the evolving security situation and assist Indian nationals. Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan said, “Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the developments in the Gulf and West Asia region. Our efforts are focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of the Indian community in the region. We are in constant touch with the State Governments and Union Territories for sharing information and to coordinate our efforts.” He highlighted that support systems have been strengthened to assist Indians in the region with the embassies and consulates in the region, operating round-the-clock. He said, “The dedicated special control room in the Ministry is operational to respond to queries from Indian nationals and their families. Our Embassies and Consulates in the region are operating round-the-clock helplines to provide timely assistance. They are proactively assisting our citizens. They are also in close touch with the local governments.” Mahajan added that advisories are being regularly updated, and the missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian […]

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UK Faces Summer Flight Disruptions As Jet Fuel Risks Mount

MSC Launches Europe–Gulf Route Via Saudi Ports To Bypass Strait Of Hormuz

Saudi Arabia: flyadeal Cancels Flights To Peshawar, Amman And Damascus Until End-May

Indian Flight Fares May Rise Due to Fuel Cost Pressures

MSC Launches Saudi Land Bridge Route Linking Europe To Gulf, Bypassing Hormuz

Hajj Pilgrims Can Travel Within Saudi Arabia, Carrying Digital Visitor ID, Instead Of Passport

Bahrain: Free-Flow Route Planned

UAE Restores Normal Air Traffic Operations After Precautionary Restrictions Lifted

Kuwait Airways Expands Network With 13 New Routes

Over 1.3MN Passengers Travelled To India From West Asia Amid Conflict: MEA

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