The past few weeks have been turbulent here in the UAE, from both a geopolitical and travel point of view. In the latter case, we have seen airspace close and reopen, people rushing to return home to the Emirates, and the knock-on effects of travel disruption.
For now, UAE airlines are gradually increasing services, and international airlines are continually reassessing their routes in and out of the region. Stay up to date here.
If you have been flying in the past few weeks, you may have noticed that your journey to or from the UAE took longer. This change is a precautionary adjustment taking in airspace restrictions due to the continuing conflict.
A non-stop flight from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to London, which typically takes between seven and eight hours, is now listed as taking eight and a half hours. Flights from the UAE to New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport that usually take about 13 hours are now scheduled closer to 14 hours or more. However, eastbound routes are largely unaffected.
“It’s much safer to track a longer journey out of harm’s way … any risk simply means airlines would be grounded for an indefinite period of time, which would lead to catastrophic losses,” Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at StrategicAero Research, tells The National.
You may have also noticed that flights are more expensive. Fuel prices have risen, compounding the pressure on airlines and feeding into ticket prices. You can read David Tusing's full explainer on flight times and prices here.
Since airspace closures on February 28, flight-tracking apps have become my new daily obsession − something I thought I had left behind in 2020. But based on our research, I am not alone!
“They’re a good barometer for freedom right now,” Dubai resident Leila Khatib tells The National. “I look at how many flights are at or over Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport and what’s been grounded.”
You can read more about why we're all ferociously checking Flightradar24 here.
Until next time, safe travels.
Travel news you may have missed
• Etihad Airways launched a non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Charlotte Douglas International Airport in the US on March 20. The journey takes around 15 hours and operates four times a week, using an Airbus A350-1000.
• Corinthia Hotels has made its Italian debut, officially opening Corinthia Rome this month.
• Belmond is launching its newest boat, dubbed a “reimagined floating villa”. Marguerite will join the Les Bateaux Belmond fleet, taking in the landscapes of Burgundy by water.
Inside the travel trend offering private tours and opening closed doors
Once-inaccessible spaces are becoming markers of travel exclusivity, writes Katy Gillett in a piece that explores the experiences people are seeking in a bid to avoid social media saturation and overtourism.
From out-of-hours access and private viewings, to underground hallways and going behind the scenes, read more about these remarkable experiences here.
Travel buy
If you're planning on camping or heading out into the desert, a portable barbecue will come in handy. Turn to this compact Annabel James set, which includes a grill, coal tray and the Gentlemen's Hardware logo. It's available on the Annabel James website, which ships to the UAE.
Spotlight destination: Abu Dhabi
Many people are opting to stay closer to home at the moment, so staycations are on the cards. There are plenty of good deals out there, which are running beyond the recent public holidays, and this week Experience Abu Dhabi has launched a cultural incentive to check into hotels in the capital.
Until April 5, guests at hotels across Abu Dhabi can avail themselves of free access to three museums in Saadiyat Cultural District: Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
More than 170 hotels across the emirate are participating, including Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island and Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi.
Read more here.
Top travel tip
It's worth packing a delay kit in your hand luggage – including essentials such as a phone charger, basic toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks and important medications.
In the headlines
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