Travel - Gulf Insider

3 weeks ago

Indian expats in UAE, GCC welcome Supreme Court’s order to regulate airfare, ease ticket Burden

Court gives Centre three weeks to finalise airfare rules, long-standing concern of NRIs Indian expats in the UAE and Gulf countries have welcomed the Indian Supreme Court’s move to regulate airfares, expressing hope that the initiative will finally ease the financial strain that comes with high-priced tickets to and from India. The Supreme Court heard the matter on Monday, August 17, and looked at draft rules the government had drawn up to tackle the issue. Judges gave the Centre three weeks to finalise these rules and bring them back to court. The community group Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC), which has been closely involved in pursuing the matter, said the development marks a significant step towards protecting the interests of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), migrant workers and the wider expatriate community. As per court documents seen by Gulf News, the case relates to W.P.(C) No. 1124/2025 – S. Laxminarayanan vs Union of India and others. The petition was filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan, who has called for an independent regulator to bring transparency and protect passengers across India’s civil aviation sector. The petition also sought clear guidelines to check the “unpredictable” swings in airfare and extra charges imposed by private airlines. […]

3 weeks ago

Iran War Pushes Middle Eastern Airlines Towards $4.3BN Loss In 2026

As the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on February 28 2026, Iran struck back near US military installations in the Gulf, including in Qatar and the UAE. Several international airports were hit by Iranian strikes, including Dubai, the world’s busiest for international passengers, as well as Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Bahrain. The UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait closed their airspaces due to safety concerns, gradually reopening them a week later as hostilities lessened. The war has had long-lasting consequences for regional aviation: falling passenger and cargo demand, fewer private jet flights, and global repercussions from high jet fuel prices. The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) June outlook estimated that airlines operating from the Middle East will see a $7.2bn net profit in 2025 become a $4.3bn net loss in 2026. Most major regional carriers have resumed operations, including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, but not at full capacity. Emirates CEO Tim Clark told the Financial Times in June his planes were flying at three-quarters capacity. Conversely, most European and Asian airlines’ flights in the region remain suspended. Air France expects to resume in late August and Lufthansa in September, while British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines are all targeting late October. Air Canada is not planning to resume before mid-January 2027, and many others have not announced […]

3 weeks ago

Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi announces walk-in passport services for some Indian expats in UAE

Five categories of applicants can now access walk-in slots at 16 ICAC centres by Alhind The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has announced that walk-in appointments for select categories of passport, visa and attestation applicants will now be accepted at all 16 Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE. The move is aimed at streamlining the process of submission of applications for passport services and to ensure quality public service delivery, the mission said in the announcement on social media on Sunday. Walk-in appointments will be available between 9am and 1pm at all centres, which are run by outsourced service provider Alhind Tours and Travels. The service will operate on a first-come, first-served basis for the following categories: While the above categories are now eligible to walk in without a prior appointment, the embassy has clarified that applicants who book a slot in advance through https://consularsevainuae.com will be attended to as per their scheduled appointment time. Walk-in applicants, on the other hand, will be accommodated depending on slot availability at each centre. “To avoid long waiting periods, applicants in the above categories are encouraged to book online appointments to the extent possible,” the mission said. Applicants can find the […]

4 weeks ago

Sharjah Airport entertains children with summer activities

Interactive activities offered to young passengers and their families at the airport Sharjah Airport has wrapped up its summer programme for children, offering young passengers a range of cultural, creative and entertainment activities designed to make their travel experience more enjoyable. Held throughout July and August across the airport’s arrivals and departures areas and passenger lounges, the programme featured puppet shows, storytelling sessions and colouring activities, along with giveaways for children. The initiative was designed to create a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere for young travellers, while adding fun and creativity to their time at the airport. Sharjah Airport said the programme forms part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger experience, particularly for families travelling with children. By providing interactive activities during different stages of the journey, the airport aims to make travel smoother and more memorable for young passengers. The programme also reflects the airport’s focus on creating an environment that goes beyond the basic travel experience, with activities aimed at promoting creativity, entertainment and engagement among children. Through such initiatives, Sharjah Airport continues to strengthen its family-friendly services and ensure that passengers of all ages can enjoy a comfortable and positive journey.

4 weeks ago

Emirates, Etihad rank among Middle East’s top 3 airlines in 2026 Flyers’ Choice Awards

Emirates also wins premium economy while Etihad among top airlines for passenger trust Emirates has been voted the preferred airline in the Middle East and Africa in the 2026 Flyers’ Choice Awards, while Etihad Airways took third place in the regional ranking. The awards, organised by AirlineRatings.com, are based entirely on traveller votes and echo passenger preferences across cabin classes, service, trust and regional airline performance. Qatar Airways ranked second in the Middle East and Africa category, placing the three Gulf carriers at the top of the regional table. Emirates also performed strongly in several individual categories, taking first place for Preferred Premium Economy. The Dubai airline ranked second in Preferred Business Class behind Qatar Airways and second in Preferred Economy behind Singapore Airlines. Passengers also placed Emirates second for Best Cabin Crew, while Etihad ranked third in the same category. Etihad also ranked among the airlines passengers associated most strongly with confidence and peace of mind. The Abu Dhabi carrier placed third in the Peace of Mind category, behind Singapore Airlines and Qantas, while Emirates ranked fourth. Etihad also took third place for Best Aircraft Livery, behind Vietnam Airlines and Air New Zealand. Singapore Airlines emerged as the most […]

4 weeks ago

What to eat on Etihad Rail’s new Abu Dhabi–Fujairah trains: Machboos, Ghaf juice and more

Onboard menu brings Emirati flavours and hospitality to Etihad Rail journeys Passengers travelling on Etihad Rail’s Abu Dhabi–Fujairah passenger service are being given a taste of the UAE along the way, with a specially curated onboard menu inspired by Emirati flavours and culinary traditions. The culinary experience, developed by Capital Catering, the food and beverage arm of ADNEC Group, a Modon company, is part of Etihad Rail’s wider focus on making the passenger journey distinctly connected to the UAE. Created around the concept “A Journey Through the Emirates”, the menu combines modern rail travel with locally inspired flavours, drawing on ingredients and traditions associated with the UAE, including dates, saffron, cardamom, local honey and Arabic coffee. The menu was crafted by award-winning chef Maitha Warshaw, who has designed a contemporary take on Emirati cuisine for passengers travelling across the country. One of the signature dishes is a modern interpretation of machboos, featuring slow-braised short rib served with fragrant Emirati-spiced rice. The dish reflects the approach behind the menu – preserving familiar Emirati flavours while presenting them in a contemporary format. During the first weeks of passenger operations, Warshaw also interacted with travellers onboard, with Etihad Rail saying the culinary experience […]

4 weeks ago

Air Canada extends Dubai flight cancellations to January 2027 as Middle East disruption continues

KLM, Singapore Airlines and British Airways also extend Middle East flight suspensions Air Canada has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Dubai and Tel Aviv until mid-January 2027, the airline announced on August 4 as the US-Iran war continues to disrupt air travel across the Middle East. The airline said flights to and from Dubai International Airport and Tel Aviv remain suspended because of the situation in the Middle East. The cancellations for both destinations will now remain in place until mid-January. The move comes as several other international airlines continue to suspend services to Dubai and other destinations in the region, with some carriers extending disruptions through October. Flights to and from Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh are paused until October 24, 2026. KLM is not currently flying through Iranian or Iraqi airspace. The airline is also avoiding several countries in the Gulf region. Flights to, from or via destinations in the region have been cancelled or adjusted. Dubai flights SQ494 and SQ495 remain cancelled until October 24, 2026. Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, has suspended Singapore-Jeddah flights until September 12. Affected Scoot passengers can request a full refund or rebook on alternative flights. Flights from Almaty […]

4 weeks ago

flyadeal adds second India gateway with new Riyadh flights from October

Mumbai becomes flyadeal’s second India gateway after Hyderabad, with bookings now open flyadeal is launching five weekly services between Riyadh and Mumbai and adding more than 7,400 seats a month on the route. The Saudia Group low-cost carrier has opened bookings for the new service, which begins on October 3 and makes Mumbai its second destination in India following the launch of Hyderabad flights on July 3. Flights will operate on all days except Tuesdays and Fridays using Airbus A320neo aircraft configured with 186 Economy Class seats. The Riyadh flight will depart at 12.55am and arrive in Mumbai at 7.40am, while the return service will leave Mumbai at 8.40am and arrive in Riyadh at 10.15am, according to the airline’s published schedule. The timings are also designed to provide onward connections through Riyadh to Jeddah, Madinah, Dammam and other Saudi cities, covering travel for business, tourism and religious purposes. The A320neo aircraft deployed on the route will feature an all-Economy Class cabin with Airbus’ Airspace interior, including larger overhead storage bins. Mumbai follows flyadeal’s entry into India through Hyderabad and expands the carrier’s presence in one of its priority international markets. The airline said it plans to build a larger network […]

4 weeks ago

Abu Dhabi launches travel programme offering free entry visa for Indian tourists

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has introduced a new travel trade initiative that enables participating partners to offer complimentary UAE entry visas to Indian passport holders booking holidays in Abu Dhabi. Running from 1 August to 31 October 2026, the programme applies to bookings that include a minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi. Under the initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi will cover the full cost of UAE entry visas for eligible bookings, reducing the upfront cost of travelling to Abu Dhabi while enabling travel partners to create greater value for their customers. The programme has been developed exclusively for participating travel partners and online travel agencies. Travellers booking a three-night Abu Dhabi package through participating partners will receive their UAE entry visa at no additional cost. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “India continues to be one of our most important international markets, and we remain committed to working closely with our travel partners to make Abu Dhabi even more accessible for Indian travellers. By covering the cost of UAE entry visas, we are making it simpler for Indian travellers to choose Abu […]

4 weeks ago

‘Near collision’ at Sydney Airport as Qatar Airways, Jetstar planes stop on taxiway

Safety regulators launched an investigation on Sunday into a “near collision” between two passenger aircraft at Australia’s busiest airport that injured a crew member. The incident, which involved a Jetstar pilot being forced to apply sudden brakes to avoid crashing into a Qatar Airways jet on Sunday morning, disrupted operations at Sydney Airport. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said a Jetstar Airbus A320 was taxiing for a flight to the Gold Coast on Sunday morning when its crew “observed a Qatar Airways Boeing 777, under tow from an aircraft tug, in close proximity on a crossing taxiway”. “A cabin crew member aboard the [Jetstar] A320 was injured, and there was damage to the connection between the 777 nose gear and aircraft tug” as both planes stopped abruptly, the statement said. Investigators are collecting data from both aircraft, air traffic control, and interviewing crew and tug operators to determine the cause of the near collision, the regulator said. It called for witnesses at the airport to send in any video of the near collision. Flights at Sydney Airport are experiencing delays after the incident, Airservices Australia said. “Our aircraft was following instructions by Air Traffic Control when the pilots were […]

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Indian expats in UAE, GCC welcome Supreme Court’s order to regulate airfare, ease ticket Burden

Iran War Pushes Middle Eastern Airlines Towards $4.3BN Loss In 2026

Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi announces walk-in passport services for some Indian expats in UAE

Sharjah Airport entertains children with summer activities

Emirates, Etihad rank among Middle East’s top 3 airlines in 2026 Flyers’ Choice Awards

What to eat on Etihad Rail’s new Abu Dhabi–Fujairah trains: Machboos, Ghaf juice and more

Air Canada extends Dubai flight cancellations to January 2027 as Middle East disruption continues

flyadeal adds second India gateway with new Riyadh flights from October

Abu Dhabi launches travel programme offering free entry visa for Indian tourists

‘Near collision’ at Sydney Airport as Qatar Airways, Jetstar planes stop on taxiway

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