News in Brief

Europe’s long-delayed ETIAS travel permit has been pushed back yet again, leaving travellers in limbo over when they’ll need to apply – and pay. Europe’s much-delayed travel permit for visa-free visitors has hit yet another roadblock, with the European Union now pushing back the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) indefinitely. The system, which will eventually require travellers from countries including the UK, US, Canada and Australia

Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that the airline is exercising options for 28 more 787 Dreamliner jets as part of its growth plan. The agreement to exercise most of the options from Riyadh Air's 2023 order also includes the conversion of 20 airplanes to the larger 787-10 variant. The announcement includes a previously unidentified purchase of 11 of the ultra-efficient widebody jets. Once the remaining

Emirates is revealing another world first in the sky, transforming journeys for Economy Class passengers with the introduction of the U-Dream Headrest - a game-changing new seat addition that enables Economy Class customers to experience a whole new level of support and comfort inflight. Backed by a significant investment, installation is already underway across Emirates’ fleet, reinforcing the airline's commitment to helping Economy Class customers fly better. The U-Dream is

Dubai: Emaar Hospitality Group will open Vida Aljada in Sharjah later this year, bringing one of only two five-star Vida properties in the UAE to Aljada. The hotel will be Emaar Hospitality Group’s first five-star property in Sharjah and will add a new lifestyle hotel offering to Aljada, the mixed-use destination developed with residential, retail, cultural and leisure components. Five-star Vida brand enters Sharjah Vida Aljada will sit within Aljada’s creative district and w

Jetex, the world's favorite private aviation brand, and iGA Istanbul Airport, a global leader in aviation connectivity, have inaugurated the Jetex iGA Terminal. The strategic investment elevates Istanbul's position in the international aviation ecosystem and reinforces Türkiye's standing as a reliable harbour for global investors. The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport andInfrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye; Cemal Kalyoncu

Virgin Atlantic is rolling out a new autism awareness training programme for all cabin crew as part of its wider push to make air travel more inclusive for passengers with non-visible disabilities. Developed in partnership with autism travel specialists Autism Double-Checked (ADC), the accredited digital training launches this May and will become part of annual recurrent learning for all cabin crew. The programme is designed to give crew members practical tools to better sup

Faster and simpler compensation process for delayed flights, fee-free child seating and air fares inclusive of carry-on luggage will become part of EU air passenger rulebook. On Tuesday, MEPs confirmed the changes to air passenger rights rules agreed with the Council of the EU in the Conciliation Committee by 646 votes to 12 and three abstentions. In force since 2004, these rules seek to ensure that passengers are sufficiently protected against travel disruption, such as deni

On 22 April 2026, the European Union reached a provisional agreement on the revision of the rules coordinating national social security systems for people moving across borders in the EU. This revision follows more than 10 years of negotiations since the European Commission first presented its proposal and represents a significant development for employers with a mobile workforce across the EU. The revised framework aims to support fair labour mobility, reduce legal uncertain

Qatar Airways is expanding its services across international markets, and is resuming flights operations to Helsinki, Finland, and to Tokyo Haneda, Japan from 15 July. Qatar Airways flights to Helsinki (HEL) As part of its commitment to furthering connectivity to Europe, Qatar Airways will operate four weekly flights to Helsinki from 15 July, and increase its frequency to seven weekly flights from 1 August. Travellers from Australia, Kenya, and Southeast Asia will benefit fro

When authorities confirmed an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province, initial attention focused on Central Africa. However, the impact quickly extended beyond the outbreak zone. Within days, governments across multiple continents had imposed entry bans, quarantine and health surveillance measures to avoid the spread of the virus. We’ve been tracking every development. Since 16 May, our team has issued 181 alerts, published an advisory and monitor

Oman Air has announced the launch of a new direct service between Muscat and Abu Dhabi, further strengthening connectivity within the GCC and expanding the airline’s regional network. Operating once daily, the service will provide guests with convenient travel between the two capitals while offering seamless onward connections through one of the region’s leading aviation hubs. The introduction of Abu Dhabi marks Oman Air’s 49th destination and its tenth destination within the

Qantas will launch its world-first non-stop services between Sydney and London from October 2027, the first time the Kangaroo Route has ever been flown without stops from Australia's east coast. Today’s announcement comes as the national carrier unveiled its first Airbus A350-1000ULR in Qantas livery at Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Toulouse, the result of years of development to conquer the final frontier of long-haul aviation as part of Project Sunrise. Qantas has been

Today, Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, partners with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi to provide complimentary medical travel insurance with The National Insurance Company – Daman, to all international visitors arriving in Abu Dhabi on Etihad-operated flights. The initiative illustrates the ambition of both Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi to meet travel demand to Abu Dhabi, with an offering that goes beyond the flight itself and

Economy passengers on Air New Zealand’s ultra-long-haul flight between Auckland and New York can book a spot in the airline’s bunk-bed style sleeping pods from May, which will take to skies in late 2026. In what the airline says is a world first, six full-length, lie-flat sleeping pods, are squeezed into the aisle of the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The pods, known as “Skynest”, will include fresh bedding, a privacy curtain, ambient lighting and kit with eye-masks, skincare,

Virgin Atlantic has announced an accelerated rollout of Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, as the airline gears up to introduce free, high-speed WiFi across its entire fleet, helping customers bring their world onboard from take-off to landing. Virgin Atlantic will begin introducing Starlink connectivity onboard its Airbus A350 fleet from May, with all A350s to be connected by early summer. The first customer flight is slated for early May on the VS153 from London Heath

American Express Global Business Travel, which is operated by Global Business Travel Group, Inc. (NYSE: GBTG) (“Amex GBT” or the “Company”), a leading software and services company for travel, expense and meetings & events, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Long Lake Management (“Long Lake”) for $9.50 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $6.3 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Amex GBT shareholder

The legendary Jumeirah Burj Al Arab widely regarded as one of the most iconic luxury hotels in the world—is set to undergo a comprehensive 18-month restoration, marking a new chapter in its 25-year legacy. Standing tall as a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and opulence, the sail-shaped landmark has long defined the emirate’s global image. Since opening in 1999, it has consistently set benchmarks in ultra-luxury hospitality, earning its unofficial reputation as a “7-star” hotel. A

Etihad Airways is significantly increasing the expansion of its Africa network, adding new routes to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe from Abu Dhabi, as part of its continued global growth strategy. The new routes reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a key global gateway, strengthening connectivity between Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The expansion also complements Etihad's strategic joint business agreement with Ethiopian Airlines,

W Riyadh – KAFD has opened its doors in the Saudi capital, marking the entry of the W Hotels brand into the Kingdom. Part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands, the 210-room property sits within King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh’s financial and lifestyle hub. The arrival brings W Hotels’ global footprint to over 70 destinations, and places W Riyadh – KAFD within walking distance of the district’s offices, residences, retail and cultural venues. In

As Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector continues to accelerate, the Kingdom is further strengthening its position as a leading global destination, with an ambitious target of attracting 150 million tourists by 2030. In step with this momentum, Edge Riyadh Al Rabie, the latest hotel under the “Edge by Rotana” brand, is now officially open, introducing a contemporary hospitality address designed for the pace and expectations of modern Riyadh. Located in the lively Al Rabie district,