Airport Show 2026 will put biometrics centre-stage as GCC hubs race for seamless borders
Rollout hiccup leaves Indian expats waiting for passports and NRIs certificates
Dubai’s GDRFA flags 902 fake or altered travel documents in 18-month blitz
Latest News
Emirates adds third daily Dubai–Cape Town flight and debuts Airbus A350 in South Africa
Emirates introduced a third daily Dubai–Cape Town flight on 2 July, deploying its new Airbus A350-900 and raising South Africa frequencies to 56 per week. The added capacity aids business-travel flexibility, boosts cargo space and strengthens the UAE’s air-bridge to a key African partner.
Dubai International Airport expects 3 million passengers in first half of July
DXB forecasts three million passengers in just two weeks, prompting a full-scale operational push that includes early check-in options, biometric Smart Gates and extra staff at immigration. Companies should warn travelling employees of longer dwell times and potential road congestion around the airport.
UAE adds six new nationalities to 60-day visa-on-arrival in global wave of 2026 entry-rule changes
The UAE has widened its visa-on-arrival scheme, adding six Asian and African nationalities and more qualifying third-country residence permits. Visitors can now stay up to 60 days for Dh250, giving businesses longer windows for meetings and onboarding. The reform contrasts with higher fees and tighter rules elsewhere, reinforcing the country’s appeal as a regional hub.
Indian passport fees jump 75 % in UAE as new consular provider takes over
From 1 July, Indian passport fees in the UAE have risen by up to 75 % and a new outsourced provider, Alhind Tours and Travels, now handles all passport, visa and attestation services. The change affects corporate budgets and could lengthen processing times during the peak travel season.
Emirates warns of global airport congestion as summer surge begins
Emirates projects record July traffic and is urging passengers to check in early, use remote bag-drop options and allow extra connection time. The warning is critical for corporate mobility teams, as tight schedules and visa-linked connections could be jeopardised by airport congestion across multiple continents.
Dubai International Airport braces for 3 million passengers in first half of July
Dubai Airports projects more than three million passengers in the first two weeks of July, with a single-day peak of 225,000. Smart Gates, biometric boarding and off-site check-in are being pushed to keep queues moving. Business travellers should factor in extra journey time to clear immigration and reach gates.
Etihad Airways adds capacity to Brussels, Dhaka, Krakow, Palma and Zanzibar
Etihad is ramping up flights on five routes and making Abu Dhabi–Dhaka a permanent service in response to strong demand. The move gives business travellers and assignees more seat inventory during peak season and strengthens Abu Dhabi’s bid to rival Dubai as a global transfer hub.
Etihad Rail opens first Abu Dhabi–Fujairah passenger route, tickets on sale
Ticket sales have opened for Etihad Rail’s first passenger service linking Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, offering a 100-minute rail journey that rivals driving time. The service gives mobility managers a new, cost-effective option for moving staff between the capital and the country’s east coast.
Emirates issues peak-summer travel advisory: off-site check-in, metro tips and baggage rules
Emirates anticipates “consistently busy” departures from 3 July and has published a playbook of time-saving measures: remote city check-in, home baggage collection, early bag-drop and biometric gates. Power-bank and smart-bag rules are being strictly enforced. Corporates should brief travellers to avoid last-minute scrambles.
EU aviation watchdog extends conflict-zone warning for Iran corridor; UAE overflights remain on alert
EASA has extended its conflict-zone advisory for Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to 8 July, warning airlines to stay clear or remain vigilant. While UAE airspace is open, flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to face longer routings and higher war-risk insurance costs, affecting schedules and ticket prices.
Indian passport fees rise 75 % in UAE as new outsourcing contract takes effect
From 1 July, Indian passport renewals in the UAE cost up to Dh450 for a 36-page booklet and Dh900 under Tatkal. The rise, linked to a new outsourcing deal with Alhind Tours & Travels, affects millions of Indian residents and may create short-term appointment backlogs.