With regard to your story, Swiss International Airlines joins group alleging Gulf carriers' unfair competition (March 25), it seems obvious to me that Europe and the US are so used to being the centre of the universe that they aren't coping well with the realpolitik that the global economy, focus and wealth is shifting from the West to the East – China, India, Africa and, in the case of aviation, the Middle East.
My message to them is to get over it and put their efforts into being more competitive.
Louay Al Samarrai, Dubai
This is such a stupid thing to keep complaining about. The UAE airlines’ service is without question second to none.
I’d fly Emirates or Etihad over any other airline in the world, especially British Airways and any American airline’s planes, which are like flying old buses with grumpy cabin crew.
Nicola Mundie, Ras Al Khaimah
I usually fly Etihad business or first class and I prefer them over any of the US and most European carriers.
Who do they think they are anyway? They offer terrible planes, flight attendants, service and lounges. That’s why I avoid them.
I am too spoiled by Etihad now to put up with the other carriers’ nonsense ever again. No wonder they are worried, because they are all terrible.
Name withheld by request
Concert change is poor service
My family cut short a planned 70th birthday in Istanbul so my wife could see Robbie Williams perform in the UAE but now the concert has been rescheduled to a day earlier, on April 25.
What about all the people with flights and hotel bookings who were really looking forward to this? We had flights booked for April 26, so in order to accommodate Mr Williams, we will now have to pay dearly to amend our flights.
I’m positive we won’t be the only ones. We know people flying in from the UK to see him.
I believe the event organisers have let everyone down.
David Bintliff, Dubai
Stress can have lifelong effects
With regard to the column by Justin Thomas, Pop star Zayn is a victim of the epidemic of stress (March 25), Zayn Malik is better off getting help for his issues now rather than waiting years, when the problems could be far worse.
I suffered terribly with anxiety and depression since my early teens and I lost my best years to the illness. I finally got control of my issues last year.
Molly Walker, US
UAE giving the disabled a role
I was so touched by your story, Disabled people 'are future of UAE society', says education chief (March 25).
It is true, as the conference was told, that employers need to give disabled people a chance and allow them to make a full contribution to society.
And it is so wonderful to see the UAE’s leaders and institutions encouraging and embracing disabled people and offering them opportunities in the workplace.
Hala Taweel, Dubai
I admire the UAE for all they do and this latest news is once again proof this country is on an admirable road towards excellence in every aspect.
Countries like Germany and the Netherlands have done this kind of thing for many years, and disabled people there are treated more like valuable members of society.
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
Haj price barrier is a real concern
It was sad to read your story about how many Muslims are not being able to do the haj for price reasons (High cost of haj deterring UAE pilgrims, FNC member says, March 25).
While performing haj is an obligation, it is of concern that there are countless people across the globe who remain deprived of this blessing.
It would be a shame if the only reason they can’t fulfill this duty is because the cost has put it beyond their ability to pay.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Need to study aviation tragedy
It was extremely sad to hear about the loss of this plane (Investigators seek clues into why German plane crashed into French Alps, March 25).
I pay homage to all those who lost their lives, including the students who were returning home. Let’s hope the black boxes can reveal the cause of the crash.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman