ABU DHABI AIRPORT
UAE flight cancellations continue as airlines suspend Saudi routes until November 19
Flight disruptions continued across the UAE on November 9, with airlines cancelling services to several Saudi Arabian destinations amid ongoing security concerns. Etihad Airways has resumed its daily flights to Jeddah but suspended services to Riyadh and Dammam until November 19.
Flyadeal starts direct Lucknow-Jeddah flights, adds Medina to network
Flyadeal, a low-cost airline from Saudi Arabia, has expanded its services from Lucknow. Direct flights to Jeddah commenced on Wednesday, and Medina flights will begin this week. The Jeddah flights operate on specified days, with services to Medina also scheduled. This expansion aims to enhance travel options for business and leisure travelers, as well as Indian expatriates.
Dubai in Transit: The megalopolis is trying to shake off nightmarish war months, but caution remains in the air
Dubai is struggling to regain business momentum eight months after Iranian missile strikes disrupted tourism, real estate and other sectors. While tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy have recovered from their March lows, the recovery has stalled amid renewed regional tensions.
Adani said to weigh deal for €3 billion energy storage firm VTTI
Billionaire Gautam Adani is reportedly exploring a potential acquisition of Dutch energy storage group VTTI. Supply disruptions have made VTTI's facilities increasingly valuable for energy trading, attracting multiple suitors. A deal could value VTTI at around €3 billion, with IFM Investors and Vitol owning significant stakes. Adani Group has been evaluating international acquisitions to accelerate its growth in various sectors.
Smit Machchhar, flydubai crew honoured by UAE President for bravery during mid-air attack
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II to Captain Smit Machchhar and his crew. This recognition was for their courageous actions during a mid-air attack on September 30. During the attack, the co-pilot injured Machchhar while the crew managed to subdue him. The passengers and crew ensured a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following the incident.
Indian office boy, 3 other expats from Kerala, Mumbai and Bengaluru win 200g gold bars worth Rs 23 lakh each in Abu Dhabi lottery
An Indian office boy based in Bahrain is among four Indian expatriates who have each won a 200-gram, 24-carat gold bar in Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket October e-draw. Aruna Krishnappa Kidiyoor, Jijoy Viswan, Sadathulla Sharief and Manisha Harshal Kasat are the winners. Here is what they plan to do with their prizes, how much the gold bars are worth and how eligible participants can buy Big Ticket tickets from India.
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F1's India comeback is gathering speed, but the road to the starting grid is far from clear
Formula 1’s return to Africa has revived hopes of an Indian Grand Prix comeback, with talks involving Formula One Management, the Adani Group and the government gaining momentum. The bigger challenge is not convincing F1 of India’s market potential but fixing the tax, customs and policy problems that drove the race out in 2013, while finding space on an already crowded calendar.
Middle East flights remain disrupted as airlines cancel routes despite airport reopenings and airspace warnings
As Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport resumes operations, numerous airlines have still suspended flights and modified their schedules due to ongoing security tensions in the Middle East. A few carriers, including Air India and Emirates, have scrapped flights to significant Saudi destinations. Passengers are strongly encouraged to confirm their flight statuses with the respective airlines before making their way to the airport, as disruptions are anticipated to persist into November.
Expanded winter schedule at Lucknow airport now includes 134 flights and the return of Bangkok service
Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow is poised to expand its daily flight operations from 108 to 134 movements. The airport will enhance its connectivity with 20 domestic and 10 international destinations in the upcoming winter schedule. Notably, direct flights to Bangkok are scheduled to resume on November 17 after a hiatus of over four months.
Air India, AI Express extend temporary suspension of flights to Saudi Arabia until October 24
Air India and Air India Express have extended their suspension of flights to Saudi Arabia until October 24. Bookings issued before October 15 for specific travel dates can benefit from a complimentary date change. Passengers may also opt for rebooking from alternative locations in the GCC region to minimize travel disruptions. Several airlines, including IndiGo and Akasa Air, have similarly suspended operations in Saudi Arabia.
Jaishankar arrives in Abu Dhabi to attend 2nd Raisina Middle East Forum
S Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi for a two-day visit to review the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He was welcomed by UAE Minister Reem Al Hashimy and expressed his anticipation for discussions. Jaishankar will meet with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to focus on strategic cooperation and economic engagement. Additionally, he will participate in the Raisina Middle East Forum addressing regional geopolitical issues.
Airlines suspend flights to Saudi Arabia until October 17
Airlines have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia following an attack at Riyadh airport that injured multiple individuals. Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, halted services to major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. International airlines, such as Emirates and Lufthansa, also canceled numerous flights due to the disruptions. Passengers are advised to explore alternative travel options through neighboring Gulf countries.
Indian Embassy reiterates Saudi Arabia's alert of potential danger in Eastern Province
Saudi Civil Defence has alerted citizens in the Eastern Province about a potential danger and issued safety advisories. Indian Embassy has supported this alert by urging citizens to follow official instructions carefully. Citizens are advised to stay indoors and avoid open areas until the situation is deemed safe. Drivers receiving warning messages should pull over safely and avoid high-risk areas.
Air India, IndiGo extend Riyadh flight cancellations amid regional tensions
Due to rising unrest in the region, airlines are cancelling flights to Saudi Arabia. Etihad Airways has announced a suspension of services until mid-October, and Qatar Airways has ceased operations temporarily. The attacks on Riyadh airport have provoked significant safety worries, leading to widespread cancellations and delays. As circumstances develop, travel disruptions are anticipated to persist while authorities evaluate the safety landscape.
UAE Attorney-General says flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv airport
A 29-year-old co-pilot of flydubai allegedly plotted a terrorist attack during a flight. The plan involved seizing control of the aircraft and crashing it into Ben Gurion Airport. His radicalization began in 2017 while studying in Australia, where he was influenced by extremist ideologies. After attacking the captain with an axe, he was subdued by crew and passengers.
Akasa Air announces new fuel surcharge amid rising ATF prices; check how much passengers will pay
Starting October 9, Akasa Air will implement a fuel surcharge on domestic flights, with charges between Rs 375 and Rs 1,150 based on distance. For international journeys, a standard surcharge of Rs 2,500 will apply to specified locations. This measure aims to mitigate the impact of soaring aviation turbine fuel expenses. Moreover, Akasa Air will keep an eye on fuel prices and may adjust these surcharges as necessary.
US House resolution honours Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for foiling flydubai cockpit attack
US Congressman Josh Gottheimer has introduced a House resolution honouring Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for helping prevent an alleged cockpit takeover aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073. The resolution also commends off-duty pilots, crew and passengers, condemns the incident as terrorism and calls for investigations by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Goa adds 84 weekly domestic flights for winter season: Check new routes, airlines
Goa is set for a major winter tourism connectivity boost, with 84 additional domestic flights each week across Mopa and Dabolim airports. Airlines will also expand international services from the UAE, UK, Kazakhstan, Poland and Russia, adding new routes, seasonal connections and higher frequencies ahead of the peak tourism season.
"Captain Smit continues to make steady progress and is regaining his health": Indian Embassy in UAE
In a statement shared on X, the Indian Embassy in the UAE reassured the public regarding Captain Machchhar's health and confirmed that full support is being extended to him and his relatives.
10 new airports coming soon in Madhya Pradesh; plan includes helipads in all 230 assembly seats
New airports coming up in MP: Madhya Pradesh is rolling out a major aviation expansion under its Civil Aviation Policy 2025, aiming for an airport every 150 km, an airstrip every 75 km and a helipad every 45 km statewide, with permanent helipads planned in all 230 assembly constituencies.
Israel would have shot down FlyDubai plane if... Report reveals how it would have responded to a 9/11-like situation
FlyDubai flight FZ1073 faced a serious incident when the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe. The aircraft plunged rapidly before passengers intervened to subdue the attacker and land safely. Israel activated its emergency protocols during the event, scrambling fighter jets in case of a hijacking threat. The alleged attacker, Hammam al-Hammami, had a history of radicalization concerns before joining FlyDubai.
flydubai co-pilot planned Ben Gurion crash after incapacitating captain: Report
Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, planned a terrorist attack to crash the aircraft. He was detained after attempting to incapacitate the captain during the flight. Israeli passengers intervened and successfully restrained al-Hammami, averting a disaster. Investigations revealed his prior radicalization and connections to extremist ideology. Authorities are continuing to explore his background and any potential external influences.
Festive travel squeeze: Domestic airfares jump up to 68% as flight options narrow
Domestic airfares on key routes have surged ahead of the festive and year-end travel season, with Delhi-Hyderabad fares up 68% year-on-year and Mumbai-Kolkata 51%. Airlines have cut domestic flight frequencies by 5% while keeping seat capacity broadly stable, but higher ATF prices and constrained departures are adding pressure on fares.
Flydubai incident: Multiple countries probe co-pilot’s background after cockpit attack: Reports
Authorities are investigating Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami for an attempted hijacking of a flydubai flight. The incident occurred during flight FZ1073, resulting in severe injuries to Captain Smit Machchhar. Investigators from Australia and Israel are examining al-Hammami's ties and motives. He was previously banned from flying in Oman due to radical ideological concerns.
Flydubai incident: Dubai Crown Prince praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar after mid-air cockpit attack
Upon experiencing a violent attack mid-flight, Captain Smit Machchhar showcased remarkable bravery to protect his crew. The incident occurred on the flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the captain successfully unlocked the cockpit door, enabling assistance from crew members.
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar 'recovering well' after attack on Dubai-Tel Aviv flight
During a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, an alarming episode unfolded when Indian pilot Smit Machchhar faced an unthinkable attack by his co-pilot, who wielded a crash axe in a suspected terrorist act. Even while injured, Machchhar successfully regained command of the flight, ensuring the safety of everyone onboard.
Pilot stabbing raises aviation security questions, further unsettles region shaken by US-Iran war
The attack on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has disrupted regional aviation, prompting the UAE to suspend commercial flights to Israel and arrange repatriation services for stranded passengers. Investigators are examining the co-pilot’s motive and possible outside links, while wounded Indian captain Smit Machchhar is recovering after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
FlyDubai co-pilot who nearly crashed plane was barred from flying by Oman over extremism concerns
A FlyDubai flight with 182 people faced a near-crash incident due to an attack on the cockpit. The co-pilot, previously barred from flying in Oman, was hired by the UAE airline. Investigations are ongoing with both Israeli and Emirati officials involved. The UAE has suspended all flights to Israel, complicating travel for many passengers. The captain of the flight, praised for his actions, continues to recover in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai-Abu Dhabi by train: Etihad Rail begins service; Fares, routes and more
Etihad Rail has launched regular passenger services between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the first trains completing their journeys on time on Wednesday. The service will run 10 trains between the two emirates, while passengers can also add a Dubai Nol day pass to connect onward by Metro, Tram and bus.
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