airline news

UAE airspace fully reopened on March 17 after brief closure amid Iran threats. Emirates and Etihad resume normal operations at Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi airports, while international carriers remain suspended. Travelers should check flight status before heading to the airport in 2026.

Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia restore comprehensive flight schedules across Europe, Asia, and the Americas following partial regional airspace reopening. Major routes to Egypt, India, Austria, and the UK resume operations.

The Belize Tourism Board and Protected Areas Conservation Trust have launched a major infrastructure program at Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, investing in visitor facilities while strengthening marine conservation across Central America's largest protected atoll.

Turkey heightens security warnings for travelers following NATO's interception of an Iranian ballistic missile over its airspace. Popular destinations like Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir face elevated risks amid regional tensions from the Iran war. Here's what visitors must know as of March 18, 2026.

Discover Troller’s Gill in the Yorkshire Dales, a narrow limestone gorge near Appletreewick steeped in troll and Barghest legends. This 0.5-mile ravine features Hell Hole cave, abandoned mines, and a disappearing river—perfect for adventurous hikers seeking folklore and dramatic scenery.

The Hosteller opens its latest backpacker retreat in Vagamon, Kerala, blending budget luxury with hilltop views, infinity pool, and stargazing cottages. Young travelers now have an offbeat hill destination featuring premium amenities amid tea plantations.

Rising flight costs and surging energy prices are threatening Thailand's crucial Songkran tourism season (April 13–15, 2026). Hoteliers are calling for government intervention to support domestic travel as the high season approaches.

India joins Canada, US, UK, Japan, Australia and 90 other nations in Thailand's 60-day visa exemption scheme starting 2026, doubling prior limits to boost tourism and business from key markets.

Asia's largest tulip garden in Srinagar opens ahead of schedule due to heatwave, drawing over 10,000 visitors on day one despite unexpected snowfall. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden showcases vibrant tulips and more, boosting Kashmir tourism in 2026.

Sri Lanka now accepts UPI payments from Indian tourists via LankaQR scans at hotels like Cinnamon and Taj, retailers including Keells and Odel, cutting cash reliance. Over 531,000 Indians visited in 2025; NPCI International expands acceptance in 2026 for smoother travel.

South Korea advances its 30 million inbound visitor target from 2030 to 2028, driven by K-culture boom and regional tourism push. President Lee Jae Myung and KTO lead overhaul with high-speed rail, AI integration, and infrastructure upgrades for sustainable growth.

SITA launches Bag Radar at PTE World 2026, a cloud-based tool using AI and predictive analytics to spot baggage risks like missed connections and mishandled bags early. Airlines and airports gain real-time insights to cut disruptions and costs without major infrastructure changes.