Latest news with #Dubai-bound
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Israel-Iran conflict: Major US, European airlines suspend flights to Dubai, Doha, and gulf hubs
Airspace over Iran, Israel, and parts of the Gulf fell silent Friday, with flight trackers showing vast no-fly zones spreading across the region/ Image generated using AI for creative and illustrative purposes A number of major American and European airlines have suspended flights to key destinations in the Arabian Gulf, as tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, now entering their second week. The decisions come amid fears of broader regional fallout and the potential for US military involvement in strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. American Airlines Group Inc., Finnair Oyj, United Airlines Holdings Inc., Air France-KLM, British Airways, and Air Canada have all altered flight operations to the region. Many of these changes directly affect some of the busiest and typically stable transit points in the Middle East. American Airlines has suspended its daily flights from Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar, with the last return flight to the US departing early Thursday. The airline stated the service is on hold until June 22. United Airlines paused its daily service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai, announcing it would resume flights only "when it's safe." Finnair has also halted service to Doha. Air France-KLM canceled multiple Dubai-bound flights this week. British Airways suspended routes to Bahrain until the end of the month, citing "operational constraints and airspace restrictions." Air Canada suspended its Dubai flights as per an update on its official website. These changes mark a significant shift, as the Gulf region, particularly Dubai (home to Emirates) and Doha (home to Qatar Airways)—has remained mostly unaffected during nearly two years of elevated tensions in the Middle East. Historically, cancellations were limited to airspace near direct conflict zones or missile flight paths, such as in and around Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Heightened Risk and Strategic Concerns in the Region The latest cancellations reflect the growing unease in areas generally considered safe for international transit. Tehran has issued multiple warnings, threatening to strike US military bases in the Gulf if Washington proceeds with any action against Iran. Notably, Iran has threatened to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil shipments that borders the UAE and Oman. On Friday, flight tracking services showed large stretches of airspace over Iran, Israel, and nearby countries completely deserted—an unusual but stark indication of risk. That same day, Israel blocked overflights and Iran suspended operations at Tehran's main airport. Neighboring countries, including Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, have repeatedly opened and closed their airspace in response to the volatile military exchanges between Israel and Iran. Access to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a facility used by multinational forces, was temporarily restricted, according to a statement by the US Embassy in Qatar. The base is a key strategic site in the region, housing the largest US military presence in the Middle East, with over 45,000 service members spread across 19 sites, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Bahrain, meanwhile, continues to host the US Navy's Fifth Fleet. Safety Concerns for Travelers and Airlines American Airlines cited an official warning from the US Embassy in Qatar as a key reason for suspending service. The embassy had advised US citizens and staff to 'exercise increased vigilance,' avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, stay alert in public spaces associated with the US, and 'keep a low profile.' This advisory was published Thursday on the US State Department website. The airline stated: "We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation further as needed." United Airlines also confirmed that it had paused flights as of Thursday and would evaluate resumption 'when it's safe.' Delta Air Lines and United had already suspended their services to Tel Aviv earlier this month, after Israel launched air strikes on Iranian targets. Aviation in Conflict Zones: A Troubling Precedent The dangers of operating in volatile regions were highlighted by a tragic incident in late 2024, when an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet was hit, likely by a Russian surface-to-air missile, while approaching Grozny. The aircraft attempted to divert but ultimately crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. This followed the infamous 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was shot down over eastern Ukraine by a Russian missile, killing 298 people.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Live bullet recovered from Dubai-bound passenger at Coimbatore airport
Preliminary investigations revealed that the passenger was not aware of how the bullet had got lodged on the outer the sole of his shoe. COIMBATORE: Central Industrial Security Force ( CISF ) personnel recovered a live bullet from the outer sole of a shoe of a Dubai-bound passenger at Coimbatore International Airport on Sunday. The passenger was handed over to the Peelamedu police, who registered a case against him. The passenger, identified as Shibu Mathew, 48, of Ernakulam in Kerala, has been working in an insurance company in Dubai for the last ten years. He came to the Coimbatore International Airport to travel to Abu Dhabi on an IndiGo flight on Sunday afternoon. CISF sub-inspector Preeti Yadav detected a .22 mm calibre live ammunition from the outer sole of a shoe while she was scanning Shibu's luggage and footwear. During inquiries, Shibu told the CISF officers that he did not have any valid licence to carry the ammunition. Carriage of ammunition in a handbag or on the body is not permitted in India without a valid licence or authorisation. Preeti lodged a complaint with Peelamedu police inspector Arjun Kumar on Sunday evening based on which the cops registered a case. Preliminary investigations revealed that the passenger was not aware of how the bullet had got lodged on the outer the sole of his shoe. Further investigations were on, police said. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
India.com
03-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
How much loss will Indian airlines suffer if Pakistan keeps it airspace shut for one year? Air India makes surprising claim, says May face loss of Rs…
Air India security threat: Ammunition cartridge found in seat pocket of Dubai-bound flight no AI916 New Delhi: India and Pakistan have extended the closure of their respective airspaces for each other's airlines by one month, until 5:29 AM (IST) on June 24, 2025. The earlier notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by Pakistan was to expire on May 24. The fresh NOTAM issued by India says: 'Indian airspace not available for Pakistan registered aircraft and aircraft operated/owned/ or leased by Pakistan airlines/operators including military flights' till June 24, 5.29 am (IST). Similarly, the fresh NOTAM issued Friday says: 'Pakistan airspace not available for Indian registered aircraft and aircraft operated/owned or leased by Indian airlines/operators including military flights.' It is important to note that if Pakistan continues to keep its airspace closed, Air India could face a heavy loss. According to the figure revealed by Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, the national carrier will face a loss of nearly Rs 5,000 crore in a year. The government had asked airline companies to estimate the potential losses resulting from the closure of Pakistan's airspace. Due to the closure, aircraft have to take longer routes, leading to increased time and fuel costs. Airlines and the government are working together to find ways to minimize this loss. Why Air India will face losses: The main reason why Air India will face losses is because the closure of the airspace will force flights to take longer routes. This will naturally increase the flight durations and lead to higher fuel consumption and will directly impact the earnings. Campbell Wilson also mentioned that when Pakistan closed its airspace after 'Operation Sindoor', 13 city airports for Air India had to be shut down. As a result, around 1,000 Air India flights were cancelled, and approximately 7,000 passengers faced inconvenience. Not only Air India, other major airline companies are also witnessing similar inconvenience. If Pakistan's airspace remains closed for an extended period, these companies will also suffer significant losses. Airlines have given suggestions Air India and other airline companies have suggested that the flight routes can be altered. This would reduce the impact of the airspace closure. The companies have also asked the authorities to make the network planning more dynamic. Campbell Wilson said, 'We were asked to provide an estimate of what the cost would be for us, and so we gave a number.'
News18
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Passengers Argue With Air India Crew Over Delayed Flight To Dubai, Deplaned
Last Updated: May 25, 2025, 22:49 IST A Dubai-bound Air India flight from Delhi became a scene of intense drama on Sunday as travellers clashed with the crew over a technical delay. Flight 2205, scheduled to depart at 5 pm, was delayed by several hours due to technical issues. Screengrab of the viral video. Passengers on the flight were without electricity for over 90 minutes due to a power failure, which was attributed to a technical issue. As the delay dragged on, passengers grew restless, with some even choosing to deboard. After the issue was resolved, the crew had to re-conduct a hand baggage check before proceeding. The cabin crew worked to keep passengers calm despite the technical issues, offering water and snacks. However, the pilot later announced another delay due to a failure in the external electrical source, dashing hopes of an imminent departure. After some passengers complained of feeling claustrophobic and some said they don't feel safe anymore, all passengers were deplaned, probably for reboarding later. Earlier, passengers on an Air India flight from Delhi to Patna were allegedly made to sit inside the aircraft for hours despite a non-functional air conditioning system. A video of passengers creatively using in-flight magazines as hand fans to cope with the heat is going viral on social media. One of the passengers, Rashtriya Janata Dal MLA Rishi Mishra, made a self-recorded video from the flight. In the video, passengers were seen complaining about the non-functional air conditioning. View All Sanjay Dutt & Maanayata Dutt Look Adorable As They Make Their Way Out Of Mumbai I WATCH Akshay Kumar Spotted Amidst Hera Pheri 3's Rising Legal Troubles I WATCH Cannes 2025 Winners: Jafar Panahi, Mascha Schilinski & Oliver Laxe Rule The Night I N18G Salman Khan Gets Mobbed As He Attends Friend's Wedding Amidst Heavy Security I WATCH Josh O'Connor & Alana Haim Nail Red Carpet Look At 'The Mastermind' Cannes Premiere | N18G View all 'This is an Air India flight to Patna, it is May 18 today, and the flight is scheduled for 4 pm," he says in the video. 'We have been there on the flight since an hour without AC, as you can see, children and other passengers are all troubled, but there's no one to look at," he said, as one of the flight attendants passed by him.
The Star
24-05-2025
- The Star
Ninoy Aquino International Airport crash driver gets licence revoked, fined P2,000
Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) process the scene where an SUV crashes into the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 1 in Pasay City on Sunday, May 4, 2025. - Photo: Inquirer MANILA: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Friday (May 23) said it revoked the licence of the driver in the car crash at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 1 on May 4, which caused two fatalities and injured four individuals. The suspect, who was identified by the aviation police as Leo Gonzales, was found guilty of reckless driving. His penalty includes a fine of P2,000 and the revocation of his driver's licence for four years for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. In a five-page decision, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II, said the penalty imposed on Gonzales is the 'maximum penalty' allowed under the law. The Naia incident killed a 29-year-old Dubai-bound passenger and a four-year-old girl seeing off her Czechia-bound father. Four others were also injured. Gonzales was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide, multiple physical injuries and damage to property before the Pasay City regional trial court. He was released after posting a P100,000 bail on May 15. The LTO also immediately issued a show-cause order on the registered owner and the driver of the black Ford Everest. Mendoza said Gonzales did not submit any statement to defend himself or explain his side on the charges of reckless driving and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. He said Rule I(e) of Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, under which Gonzales was penalised, provides that driving a motor vehicle that endangers the property, or the safety or rights of person is reckless driving and carries a penalty amounting to P2,000. Mendoza explained the driver's acts of having no due diligence in driving, which caused the incident that resulted in the death of two nonpassengers and several injuries to other victims, and damage to property, are considered unacceptable behavior of a driver and is punishable by revocation of licence under the Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. In the same decision, the LTO stressed that driving is not a right but a privilege that can be revoked anytime in cases of violations of the existing laws and road safety rules and regulations. Mendoza warned motorists to be responsible and disciplined on the road in order to prevent legal problems. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
