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Gulf Insider
24-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE- India Travel: Air India, IndiGo Flights To Face Delays Due To Pakistan Airspace Closure
Leading Indian carriers flying to and from the UAE will face delays and have extended flying times following Pakistan's decisions to close its airspace to Indian carriers. India's flag carrier, Air India, announced Thursday that several of its international flights to and from the Middle East, North America, the UK, and Europe, may face delays or be forced to take extended routes following Pakistan's decision to close its airspace to Indian carriers. IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused… — Air India (@airindia) April 24, 2025 Air India said in a statement, 'Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route.' It said, 'Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure outside our control. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority.' India's biggest carrier by market share – IndiGo – will also face similar issues, it confirmed in a statement. The incident comes two days after gunmen fired shots at unarmed citizens visiting Kashmir's Pahalgham, killing 26 tourists. 'Due to Pakistan's sudden announcement of air space closure, a few of our international flights are being impacted. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and our teams are doing their best to help you reach your destination at the earliest,' IndiGo said. The airline has encouraged passengers to check the latest flight status, and is offering fliers flexible rebooking options, or refund claims, in case they would like to cancel their trips. 'We deeply value your patience and understanding, and remain committed to supporting our fellow citizens during these challenging times,' the airline said. Indian carriers faced a similar situation for about five months in 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack. Travel agents in the UAE confirmed the news, and said that UAE travellers may have to face longer flight times due to the airspace closures. 'This has happened in 2019. At this point, passengers do not have to worry about airfares rising due to this issue,' said Raheesh Babu, COO of 'Flights, particularly to cities in North and North-West India such as Delhi, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad, located in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan that share land borders closer to Pakistan, may need to route further south over the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal,' said a travel expert. 'Although these longer routes will consume more fuel and time, there are indications that airline ticket prices are not expected to increase as a result,' the expert said.
Khaleej Times
11-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE Eid Al Fitr holidays: Family travel soars as budget-friendly, visa-free destinations trend
Have you planned your Eid Al Fitr getaway yet? If you're curious about the latest travel trends, Khaleej Times spoke to experts to find out the details. Travel agencies report a shift towards family-oriented, experience-based trips. UAE residents are opting for immersive holiday adventures over conventional getaways. According to industry insights, nearly 60 per cent of travellers choose outbound trips, while 40-45 per cent are booking inbound travel to welcome family and friends for local celebrations. Families are preparing for Eid Al Fitr, which falls after the holy month of Ramadan. The Islamic holiday will likely fall at the end of March or the beginning of April, and residents will likely get up to four days off. Travel agencies highlight a growing preference for cultural, adventure, and nature-based experiences, especially in regions offering affordable luxury and easy visa access. Raheesh Babu, COO of said they recorded a sharp rise in outbound travel during peak seasons like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and school breaks. "Post-covid, we have witnessed a steady growth of 20-25 per cent annually in travel demand. Travel has become an essential part of life, as people value experiences and cherish time spent with family and friends, creating lifelong memories,' he said. Surge in demand for group travel Experts also highlighted the rise in group travel, where families and friends connect and explore destinations together. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, observed that more travellers are seeking cultural and heritage-based experiences as part of their itineraries. Group travel has become common, and people want to experience culture and traditions together. "The budget-friendly regions for experiential tourism include the Caucasus region, which offers high participation from UAE residents. The Balkans and Europe remain popular for experiential travel, with Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece among the top choices. Cruise trips across the US, Europe, and Canada have also gained traction among the UAE residents,' said Subair. Trending Eid destinations Countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia are among the top choices due to their visa-on-arrival and e-visa options. Europe, Southeast Asia, and African destinations like South Africa, Kenya, and Zanzibar are also in high demand for their unique cultural experiences and culinary journeys. Airfares on popular routes have surged by 15-20 per cent, while hotel rates have increased by 20-30 per cent during peak travel periods with the growing demand, according to agencies. As a result, all-inclusive holiday packages have become a cost-effective option for travellers. 'Even though the desire for travel has increased, travellers are now more mindful of staying within budget. This has led to a rise in budget-friendly destinations and group travel packages,' said Raheesh Babu. While spontaneous travel remains a key trend, many UAE travellers are also planning in advance for visa-dependent destinations like Europe and Japan. 'It is better to plan ahead for visa-dependent destinations. UAE residents are now opting to visit countries like Russia, China, Kenya, Zanzibar Indonesia, and Singapore, and the visa processing time for these destinations is a week. So it's better to apply at least 12 days before the Eid Al Fitr,' said Subair.
Hi Dubai
18-02-2025
- Hi Dubai
UAE: Young Travellers Embrace Spontaneity as Travel Trends Shift
A recent survey by Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) has revealed a significant shift in travel behavior, with nearly 70 per cent of young travelers preferring spontaneous trips over meticulously planned itineraries. This trend is particularly noticeable in the Middle East, where a growing number of young residents are embracing the thrill of last-minute getaways. The Rise of Unplanned Adventures Traditionally, travel required months or even years of planning. However, the survey found that 69 per cent of respondents intend to travel at least twice in the coming year, while 22 per cent plan to embark on three or more trips annually. This shift highlights a newfound flexibility, enabled by technology, affordable flights, and a dynamic social culture. Lebanese national Jad Azar reflected on this change, comparing his experiences with those of older generations. 'I often wonder if my father's generation had the same freedom to just pick up and go. My friends and I can plan trips to Oman, Egypt, or Turkey in just a week—it's thrilling every time.' He credited technology and cheaper flights for making such spontaneous travel feasible. Travel Concerns Take a Backseat Despite the excitement, young travelers remain aware of potential travel disruptions. The study found that 71 per cent of respondents cited flight delays or cancellations as their biggest concern, while about 50 per cent worried about lost or damaged luggage. However, these risks have not deterred them from embracing unplanned adventures. Kashish Sachdeva, a 26-year-old Dubai resident, shared her perspective: 'The pandemic changed how we view life—many of us now take three to four short trips a year. We've visited Goa, Sri Lanka, and even India's Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) on impulse. The ease of booking and last-minute deals make travel incredibly accessible.' However, she admitted that travel insurance is often an afterthought. 'We just go with the flow. It's different from how our parents planned trips. Maybe our generation needs to exercise a bit more caution.' Experience Over Possessions Industry experts confirm that Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this shift. Rashida Zahid, VP of operations at noted a 10-12 per cent increase in bookings among younger travelers in the past six months. 'This group typically plans just a few weeks in advance and prioritizes experiences over material possessions,' she explained. Bonnie Tse, CEO of Blue Cross, emphasized that young travelers are fearless and driven by a sense of adventure. However, he pointed out that their lack of awareness about travel protection is concerning. 'Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. It mitigates risks such as flight delays, lost luggage, and even medical emergencies.' A New Era of Travel The growing preference for spontaneous travel marks a new era in tourism, driven by technology and a changing mindset. While excitement and freedom are key motivators, experts urge young travelers to balance spontaneity with caution, ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience. News Source: Khaleej Times
