Travel - Gulf Insider

1 year ago

Flight Delays And Cancellations Possible At Bahrain Airport Due To Regional Airspace Closures

The Civil Aviation Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has announced that some flights at Bahrain International Airport may face delays, rescheduling, or even cancellations due to the closure of airspace over certain countries in the region. The ministry explained that these changes are the result of the current regional situation, which has led to temporary adjustments in flight routes. Passengers planning to travel are strongly advised to check directly with their airlines for the most up-to-date information and to explore rebooking options before heading to the airport. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are working to minimize disruptions as much as possible.

1 year ago

Saudi Airports Urge Travelers To Confirm Flights Amid Foreign Airspace Closures

Saudi Arabia’s international airports have called on passengers traveling to countries affected by recent airspace closures to contact their respective airlines before heading to the airport to avoid delays or unexpected disruptions. The advisory comes in the wake of Israeli strikes on Iran, which have prompted several nations to shut down portions of their airspace, disrupting international flight routes. Airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam stressed the importance of checking flight status with carriers in advance, particularly for travelers departing to or transiting through regions impacted by the escalating regional conflict. The move is aimed at ensuring smooth travel operations and minimizing inconvenience to passengers amid evolving air traffic conditions. Earlier, Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, calling them a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and a breach of international law and norms. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s deep concern over what it described as “heinous attacks,” emphasizing that the international community — particularly the UN Security Council — bears a major responsibility to immediately stop this aggression and prevent further escalation.

1 year ago

After Israel Strikes Iran, Mideast Airlines Divert Flights, Airspace Closed

Airlines cleared out of the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan on Friday after Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers scrambling to divert and cancel flights to keep passengers and crew safe. Proliferating conflict zones around the world are becoming an increasing burden on airline operations and profitability, and more of a safety concern. Six commercial aircraft have been shot down unintentionally and three nearly missed since 2001, according to aviation risk consultancy Osprey Flight Solutions. Israel on Friday said it targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice, and Israel’s air defence units stood at high alert for possible retaliatory strikes from Iran. Israeli flag carrier El Al Airlines said it had suspended flights to and from Israel. Iranian airspace has been closed until further notice, according to state media and notices to pilots. As reports of strikes on Iran emerged, a number of commercial flights by airlines including Dubai’s Emirates, Lufthansa and Air India were flying over Iran. Air […]

1 year ago

Bahrain: Closure Of One Lane On Prince Saud Al Faisal Avenue

The Ministry of Works announced that the improvement works on Al Fatih Highway necessitate closure of one lane in stages on Prince Saud Al Faisal Avenue for westbound traffic to Manama and one lane will be provided for the traffic movement. The closure will be effective starting from Friday, June 13, for a period of 5 days. All road users are requested to observe and obey the traffic rules for the safety of all.

1 year ago

Major Incident as Air India Flight Goes Down After Take-off in Ahmedabad

A major aviation tragedy is unfolding in Ahmedabad this afternoon, as an Air India passenger aircraft carrying more than 200 people crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. According to initial reports, the flight was bound for London and had approximately 242 passengers and crew members on board at the time of the crash. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was allegedly reported to be onboard the Air India plane which crashed near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. The incident took place in the densely populated Meghaninagar area, just outside the airport boundary. Eyewitnesses described seeing thick smoke and flames rising from the crash site, with the impact felt across nearby neighbourhoods. Many residents reported hearing a loud explosion and rushed out to see the aftermath, while emergency sirens filled the air. The video has surfaced of the incident. LIVE VIDEO Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today#Ahmedabadplanecrash #london #planecrash #Ahmedabad #AirIndia pic.twitter.com/XFKVYVPf5k — Vijaykumar Desai (@KumarVijayDesai) June 12, 2025 Emergency services, including fire brigades, disaster response teams, and ambulances, reached the site within minutes and launched massive rescue operations. Injured individuals are being taken to nearby hospitals, and the area has […]

1 year ago

Emirates Launches Complimentary Coach Service for Economy Class Passengers

In a move to further enhance the travel experience for its Filipino passengers, Emirates will be introducing a new coach service exclusively for economy class customers flying to and from Clark International Airport (CRK). The complimentary service, which started on Tuesday, will connect Trinoma in Quezon City with Clark International Airport in Pampanga, offering a convenient and seamless transit option. The coach service will be available to Emirates passengers holding a valid flight ticket and traveling between Clark and Trinoma, with pickup and drop-off points located at the New Genesis P2P Trinoma Bus Terminal (code: TRP) and at Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga. The service will be offered exclusively to economy class passengers booked on an Emirates flight. To be eligible for the coach service, passengers must hold an Emirates-issued ticket with the ticket number beginning with 176. Travelers must also have a confirmed coach booking at least 48 hours in advance, as those without prior reservation or a valid Emirates ticket will not be allowed to board. When buying flight tickets on emirates.com, customers must specify Trinoma (TRP) as the departure or arrival city to ensure that their booking on the bus is included on their flight ticket. […]

1 year ago

No Travel Ban On Indians: Saudi Arabia’s Temporary Visa Restrictions Linked To Hajj Season

Saudi Arabia is expected to lift the temporary travel restrictions on Indian nationals following the end of visa regulations introduced earlier in April to manage the flow of pilgrims and reduce overcrowding during the Hajj season. In April 2025, the Saudi authorities temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas to nationals of 14 countries, including India. This measure, which will remain in place until mid-June 2025, was implemented as part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to streamline pilgrimage operations and ensure the safety and comfort of worshippers and visitors. The temporary ban was not a targeted travel ban against specific nationalities but rather a logistical measure to prevent congestion in the lead-up to Hajj. It primarily affected short-term visa categories and does not reflect any change in the broader bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and the countries involved. Indian citizens are expected to regain access to short-term visa services following the conclusion of the Hajj season and resumption of regular visa processing. As such, reports suggesting a broader ban on Indian travellers entering Saudi Arabia are inaccurate. No official notification has been issued by the Saudi government restricting general travel from India. Saudi Arabia remains a […]

1 year ago

Chinese Visa Waiver For Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait And Bahrain Takes Effect

China’s visa-free entry policy for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain into China took effect yesterday, June 9, 2025, marking a significant step in deepening people-to-people exchanges with the GCC region. The visa waiver will be in place for one year, until June 8, 2026. The visa-free policy allows the citizens of these countries to stay in China for 30 days without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit, marking a bold leap in GCC’s diplomacy and economic unity. Citizens from the four GCC countries can now travel visa-free to China, joining the UAE and Qatar, which have enjoyed the same easy access since 2018. The policy is expected to drive stronger tourism, business, and cultural ties. The visa waiver will be in place for one year, until June 8, 2026. The move completes China’s visa-free coverage for the entire GCC bloc, which already included the UAE and Qatar, countries that have enjoyed full mutual visa exemptions with China since 2018. The announcement was made on May 28 following discussions during the ASEAN–China–GCC Summit, where China outlined plans to boost regional cooperation and ease travel barriers as part of its broader diplomatic outreach to […]

1 year ago

Dubai Metro Blue Line To Have World’s Highest Metro Station

The Dubai Metro will soon be home to the world’s highest metro station. While laying the foundation stone of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also approved the distinctive architectural design of the iconic Emaar Properties Station, the highest metro station in the world, standing at 74 metres. World’s highest metro station Inspired by the concept of a crossing gateway, the station was designed by the renowned American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), one of the world’s leading design studios. The firm’s portfolio includes iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the Olympic Tower in New York, and the Sears Tower in Chicago. The station is designed to integrate harmoniously into the existing urban environment and embodies the vision of ‘Dubai: A Gateway to the Future’. Covering an area of approximately 11,000 square metres, the station is designed to accommodate up to 160,000 passengers per day, with the number of daily users expected to exceed 70,000 by 2040. With the completion of the Blue Line project, Dubai’s rail network will expand to a total of 131 km, comprising 78 […]

1 year ago

British Explorer Becomes First to Walk the Length of Saudi Arabia

After seven blistered weeks, more than 930km of desert terrain, and the company of two camels named Lulu and Juicy, British adventurer Alice Morrison has completed the first stage of what may be the most ambitious trek of her life: Walking the full length of Saudi Arabia from north to south. With the Hajj season now complete and pilgrims dispersing from the holy cities, Morrison’s parallel journey, quieter, slower and laced with both pain and revelation, has inspired audiences in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The expedition, which began in March near Jordan’s border, has taken her through ancient Nabataean ruins, remote mountain passes, and the shifting sand seas of the Arabian interior. Along the way, she has uncovered Bronze Age relics, walked with Saudi Arabia’s first female wildlife rangers, and documented the fast-changing social and environmental landscape of the Kingdom. Most rewarding “This is one of the hardest but most rewarding journeys I’ve ever done,” Morrison said from AlUla, where she ended her first leg. “We’re walking a half-marathon each day, while also filming, interviewing, and wrangling camels. It’s exhausting, but I feel so alive.” Known for her work on BBC’s Arabian Adventures and her previous expeditions across Africa and the Middle East, Morrison is […]

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Flight Delays And Cancellations Possible At Bahrain Airport Due To Regional Airspace Closures

Saudi Airports Urge Travelers To Confirm Flights Amid Foreign Airspace Closures

After Israel Strikes Iran, Mideast Airlines Divert Flights, Airspace Closed

Bahrain: Closure Of One Lane On Prince Saud Al Faisal Avenue

Major Incident as Air India Flight Goes Down After Take-off in Ahmedabad

Emirates Launches Complimentary Coach Service for Economy Class Passengers

No Travel Ban On Indians: Saudi Arabia’s Temporary Visa Restrictions Linked To Hajj Season

Chinese Visa Waiver For Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait And Bahrain Takes Effect

Dubai Metro Blue Line To Have World’s Highest Metro Station

British Explorer Becomes First to Walk the Length of Saudi Arabia

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