Browsing: Travel

Severe weather conditions sweeping across the United Arab Emirates have prompted flydubai to halt all departing flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB), a company spokesperson said on Tuesday. The disruption, attributed to adverse weather, has led to the cancellation or significant delays of numerous flydubai flights, with forecasts indicating that the severe conditions are likely to persist into the following day. Effective immediately until 10:00 local time on April 17, all flydubai departures from Dubai slated for the evening of April 16 have been suspended. During this temporary suspension period, passengers whose final destination is not Dubai will not be permitted to travel.…

The aviation sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing a significant expansion in global connectivity as its national carriers mark substantial growth in their destination networks. By the end of the first quarter of 2024, these carriers collectively reached approximately 603 destinations worldwide, indicating a notable increase from the 586 destinations recorded at the close of 2023. This 3 percent uptick underscores the sector’s robust recovery from the challenges posed by the global pandemic, addressing the rising demand for international travel. The expansion of the UAE’s carriers plays a crucial role in consolidating the nation’s position as a…

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has released projections indicating that passenger air traffic in the first quarter of 2024 will surpass pre-pandemic levels by approximately 2 percent, marking a significant milestone in the aviation industry’s recovery. Airlines are anticipated to maintain the operational profitability observed in 2023. Forecasts suggest a 3 percent increase in demand compared to 2019 levels, potentially reaching 4 percent if recovery accelerates in routes yet to fully rebound, translating to a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 0.5 percent from 2019 to 2024. ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano emphasized the pivotal role of member states’ commitment…

Etihad Airways has disclosed its preliminary traffic statistics for February 2024, revealing a significant upswing in passenger figures. With over 1.4 million guests onboard during the month, the airline experienced a remarkable 46 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The surge in passenger numbers, according to the airline, is a testament to its steadfast commitment to growth. Year-to-date (YTD) passenger figures stand at 2.9 million, representing a notable 40 percent increase from February 2023. Throughout February, Etihad Airways maintained an impressive average load factor of 89 percent, indicating sustained demand for its services amidst evolving travel trends and…

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has reported an impressive performance for the fiscal year 2023, showcasing a robust operating result of AED 1.4 billion (approximately $394 million). This success is attributed to a significant surge in passenger revenue, which rose by AED 4 billion (about $1.1 billion) year-on-year. Furthermore, the airline has made commendable strides in enhancing its operational efficiency, highlighted by a 7% reduction in unit costs excluding fuel, leading to an upturn in passenger business profitability. Throughout 2023, Etihad Airways demonstrated its resilience and growth by transporting 14 million passengers, marking a nearly…

Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, is bolstering its summer itinerary with the addition of flights to two fresh destinations: Antalya, Turkey, and Jaipur, India. Commencing June 15th and June 16th respectively, these new routes underscore Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a pivotal global aviation hub. The airline’s aim is to present travelers with unparalleled options to discover the allure of Abu Dhabi, both as a premier destination and a gateway to the world. Antalya, nestled along the stunning Turkish Riviera, beckons travelers with its captivating fusion of historical significance, breathtaking natural landscapes, and modern charm. Its shores are…

Etihad Airways, the flagship carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has disclosed its preliminary traffic figures for January 2024, showcasing a remarkable surge in passenger numbers. The airline recorded over 1.4 million travelers onboard during the month, marking a significant milestone in its operational history. Etihad’s proactive approach to meeting growing customer demand has led to the introduction of additional flights to key destinations. Notably, the airline has augmented its weekly departures by nearly 27 percent for the upcoming Summer 2024 season compared to the previous year, further solidifying its position in the aviation market. In a bid to strengthen…

Dubai-based dnata has announced a strategic collaboration with Visit Barbados, with the goal of enticing more travelers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to the Caribbean island. Official figures from the tourism authority of Barbados have revealed a substantial 32 percent increase in the number of travelers from the GCC region during 2023, compared to the previous year. This noteworthy growth indicates the growing allure of Barbados as a destination among Gulf travelers. Recent data on passenger arrivals further underscore this trend, showing a significant rise in travel to Barbados from key GCC nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. This surge in tourists…

The 12th edition of the highly anticipated Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (JTTX) commenced yesterday in Jeddah, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). This three-day event, hosted at the Jeddah Superdome, has brought together more than 200 exhibitors from both local and international backgrounds. The impressive lineup includes participants representing various sectors, such as travel agencies, tourism authorities, airlines, hotels, and resorts. JTTX is not just an exhibition; it serves as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration and exploring strategies aimed at enhancing both domestic and international tourism. Moreover, it provides an invaluable opportunity for foreign tourism businesses to…

Luxury travel advisors have unveiled the top nine “must-have” travel experiences for 2024, catering to a growing trend that emerged during the pandemic era – a focus on purpose-driven and meaningful travel experiences that delve deep into destinations. Travelers are now seeking not only to visit a place but also to gain knowledge and undergo transformative experiences while exploring. Virtuoso, a prominent luxury travel company, conducted a survey among 20,000 of its travel advisors to identify the most sought-after travel experiences in 2024. Here are the nine experiences that stood out: Dark Sky Tourism In a departure from traditional daytime tourism, dark…