Thousands of passengers endured severe disruption at Doha’s Hamad International Airport and Dubai International Airport on Tuesday, as air travel in the region was thrown into chaos following the sudden closure of airspace over Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This unprecedented shutdown was triggered late Monday after Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. military base in Doha, escalating regional tensions and forcing airlines to cancel or reroute hundreds of flights.

At Doha airport, the impact was especially acute. More than 25,000 travelers were stranded, with Virgin Australia among the airlines reporting significant numbers of affected passengers. Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that around 250 flights were canceled and another 238 delayed at Hamad International.

Passengers described scenes of confusion and exhaustion, with queues stretching over 200 meters and some travelers waiting in line for more than nine hours with only water provided. Arguments broke out as frustrations mounted, and images of overcrowded terminals circulated widely on social media.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic, also faced extensive disruption. About 145 flights were canceled and over 450 delayed, according to flight tracking data. Operations were briefly suspended across Dubai, compounding the backlog of stranded passengers and leading to long lines throughout the terminal.

The airspace closures forced major airlines—including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad Airways—to suspend or reroute flights, with some carriers, such as Emirates, halting all services to Iran and Iraq through June 30.

Etihad suspended flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until July 15 and canceled several regional flights, while Gulf Air extended its suspension of flights to Jordan until June 27. Singapore Airlines and British Airways also canceled flights to and from the region, citing security concerns.

Although Qatar reopened its airspace early Tuesday, the effects of the closure continued to ripple through the region. Qatar Airways warned of “significant delays” and possible disruptions until at least June 26, as aircraft and crew remained out of position due to diversions to airports in Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain, and Dammam. The airline deployed extra staff at Hamad International and other key airports to assist affected travelers, and waived change and cancellation fees for those impacted.

The disruption comes as Middle Eastern airports play an increasingly vital role as global transit hubs, particularly since the Russia-Ukraine conflict forced airlines to avoid those countries’ airspace. Last year, Dubai alone handled more than 92 million passengers, with a daily average exceeding 250,000. The incident underscores the vulnerability of international air travel to geopolitical tensions in the region, with ripple effects felt by travelers and airlines worldwide

Ben Gurion International Airport is moving forward with a phased expansion of its operations after weeks of severe disruption caused by the conflict with Iran. Following the announcement of a ceasefire, the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) revealed that takeoffs and landings at the airport will increase from the current two per hour to eight, with the ultimate goal of reaching 20 per hour as conditions stabilize.

A detailed flight schedule for the coming month is expected to be published soon, providing travelers and airlines with greater clarity about the resumption of services.

The airport’s reopening is a significant milestone for Israel’s connectivity, as airspace was abruptly closed on June 13 during military operations, stranding an estimated 40,000 foreign tourists and leaving tens of thousands of Israelis abroad.

Since June 18, the government has authorized evacuation flights, and Israeli carriers such as El Al, Israir, and Arkia have begun operating limited international flights to major destinations including Athens, Bangkok, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and Rome. Strict restrictions remain in place for now, with a cap of 50 passengers per flight and a maximum of 1,500 people allowed inside Terminal 3 at any given time.

Foreign airlines are also seeking to resume flights to Israel. UAE’s flyDubai, Cyprus-based TUS Airways, and Greece’s Blue Bird have all requested permission to restart services, but are awaiting final approvals. Industry experts anticipate that smaller regional carriers will likely return first, followed by larger international airlines if the ceasefire holds.

The IAA, in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Defense, is conducting ongoing assessments to ensure a safe and orderly transition back to normalcy. The Home Front Command has lifted all restrictions, allowing not only increased flight frequencies but also the reopening of duty-free shops and the removal of limits on the number of passengers and accompanying persons at the airport.

Travelers are advised to monitor airline updates closely, as schedules may continue to change in the coming days.

Since the onset of the conflict, over 95,000 Israelis have returned to the country by land, sea, and air, but many remain stranded abroad as airlines work to ramp up operations. The gradual restoration of flights at Ben Gurion Airport marks a critical step toward reestablishing Israel’s international travel links and alleviating the backlog of travelers awaiting return

Thousands of passengers endured severe disruption at Doha’s Hamad International Airport and Dubai International Airport on Tuesday, as air travel in the region was thrown into chaos following the sudden closure of airspace over Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This unprecedented shutdown was triggered late Monday after Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. military base in Doha, escalating regional tensions and forcing airlines to cancel or reroute hundreds of flights.

At Doha airport, the impact was especially acute. More than 25,000 travelers were stranded, with Virgin Australia among the airlines reporting significant numbers of affected passengers. Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that around 250 flights were canceled and another 238 delayed at Hamad International.

Passengers described scenes of confusion and exhaustion, with queues stretching over 200 meters and some travelers waiting in line for more than nine hours with only water provided. Arguments broke out as frustrations mounted, and images of overcrowded terminals circulated widely on social media.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic, also faced extensive disruption. About 145 flights were canceled and over 450 delayed, according to flight tracking data. Operations were briefly suspended across Dubai, compounding the backlog of stranded passengers and leading to long lines throughout the terminal.

The airspace closures forced major airlines—including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad Airways—to suspend or reroute flights, with some carriers, such as Emirates, halting all services to Iran and Iraq through June 30.

Etihad suspended flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until July 15 and canceled several regional flights, while Gulf Air extended its suspension of flights to Jordan until June 27. Singapore Airlines and British Airways also canceled flights to and from the region, citing security concerns.

Although Qatar reopened its airspace early Tuesday, the effects of the closure continued to ripple through the region. Qatar Airways warned of “significant delays” and possible disruptions until at least June 26, as aircraft and crew remained out of position due to diversions to airports in Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain, and Dammam. The airline deployed extra staff at Hamad International and other key airports to assist affected travelers, and waived change and cancellation fees for those impacted.

The disruption comes as Middle Eastern airports play an increasingly vital role as global transit hubs, particularly since the Russia-Ukraine conflict forced airlines to avoid those countries’ airspace. Last year, Dubai alone handled more than 92 million passengers, with a daily average exceeding 250,000. The incident underscores the vulnerability of international air travel to geopolitical tensions in the region, with ripple effects felt by travelers and airlines worldwide

The interim government of Bangladesh has accelerated plans to elevate Cox’s Bazar Airport to full international status by the end of July 2025, aiming to transform the airport into a key regional hub for air traffic and aircraft refueling in South Asia. This strategic move aligns with broader ambitions to boost tourism, enhance connectivity, and position Bangladesh prominently in the regional aviation sector.

Following government directives, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) convened a coordination meeting with customs, immigration, ground handling agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure the airport’s operational readiness. The meeting confirmed that international flights are tentatively scheduled to commence in the last week of July, initially operating from the existing domestic terminal if the new international terminal is not completed on time.

Currently, approximately 85% of the airport’s development work has been completed. The airport’s runway has undergone significant upgrades under the Cox’s Bazar Airport Development Project (Phase 1), including widening from 127 feet to 200 feet and extension from 6,775 feet to 9,000 feet. A further extension to 10,700 feet is underway, with the runway expanding toward the sea to accommodate wide-body aircraft safely at full capacity.

The new international terminal building, spanning nearly 18,000 square meters, is nearing completion and will significantly increase passenger handling capacity. In parallel, advanced navigational and operational systems such as Instrument Landing System (ILS), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), Doppler VHF Omni-Range (DVOR), Flight Information Display System (FIDS), and Public Address (PA) systems are being installed to meet international standards.

 An Airfield Ground Lighting System (AGL) is also being set up to enable night and low-visibility operations, complemented by the procurement of firefighting vehicles to enhance safety.

Project Director Yunus Bhuiyan highlighted that the runway upgrades enable the safe takeoff and landing of fully loaded wide-body jets, a critical factor for international operations. Meanwhile, the airport has already been equipped with aircraft refueling facilities since 2017, further supporting its role as a regional refueling hub.

Currently, Cox’s Bazar Airport operates 19 domestic flights daily on the Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar route, served by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair, and Air Astra. Looking ahead, Middle Eastern carrier Air Arabia plans to launch at least one weekly international flight from Cox’s Bazar, expanding the airport’s international connectivity.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan confirmed that discussions with interested airlines will finalize the international flight schedule by July’s end. Airport Director Golam Mortoza Hossain noted that the chief adviser’s recent site inspection reinforced the July deadline, with all stakeholders committed to completing the necessary work on time.

Once operational, Cox’s Bazar International Airport is expected to serve as a vital gateway for tourism and commerce, enhancing Bangladesh’s stature in South Asia’s aviation landscape and supporting the country’s broader economic development goals.

Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha has unveiled "Wildlife Wonderscapes," a striking permanent collection of interactive bronze sculptures created by renowned artists Gillie and Marc. This initiative, spearheaded by Qatar Airways Group, underscores the airline’s dedication to wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species, both globally and within Qatar.

The exhibition features a series of large-scale sculptures, including the centerpiece "Wild Table of Love in Doha," a 3.5m x 10.5m artwork weighing six tonnes, which depicts native and endangered animals gathered around a table—a powerful symbol of coexistence and shared space. Other notable pieces include the 10-meter-long "They Were on Wild Ride in Doha" and three variations of the "Falcon with Glove" series, which pay homage to Qatar’s rich falconry heritage.

The sculptures are strategically placed in the ORCHARD, HIA’s indoor tropical garden, enhancing the terminal’s ambiance and reinforcing the message that nature and wildlife are deeply interconnected and must be preserved. The collection, adapted from Gillie and Marc’s globally recognized series, incorporates distinct Qatari elements, such as representations of native species, to resonate with both international travelers and the local community.

HIA’s Chief Operating Officer, Hamad Ali al-Khater, highlighted that airports are unique spaces for movement, connection, and reflection, and that these artworks contribute to making every journey memorable while delivering a powerful conservation message. The artists, Gillie and Marc, expressed their hope that the exhibition would inspire millions of travelers to appreciate the wild and recognize the urgent need to protect it, giving "a voice to the voiceless" and reminding the world that every species matters.

"Wildlife Wonderscapes" is part of Qatar Airways Group’s broader commitment to environmental protection, which includes initiatives like Qatar Airways Cargo’s "WeQare: Rewild the Planet"—aimed at restoring wildlife to their natural habitats—and a partnership with United for Wildlife to combat illegal wildlife trade. Qatar Airways is also the first airline in the Middle East to receive independent certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for its anti-trafficking initiatives.

Passengers are encouraged to interact with the sculptures and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #BeTheWildHIA, amplifying the message of wildlife conservation worldwide.

It’s 4 AM. You’re bleary-eyed, clutching your suitcase, and running on three hours of sleep. You can barely find your boarding pass, and your coffee breath could wake the dead. You expect a weary sigh from airport staff—but instead, you’re greeted by a warm smile and genuine assistance that makes you wonder if you’ve stumbled into a parallel universe where customer service still reigns supreme.

Welcome to the Skytrax Awards for Best Airport Staff, where friendliness isn’t just a checkbox on a training form—it’s a deeply practiced craft. Every year, Skytrax honors the airports where staff go above and beyond, blending speed and efficiency with sincere human care.

Here are the top 10 airports in 2025 where service isn’t just professional—it’s personal:

1. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea

Topping the list, Incheon’s staff are celebrated for their kindness and attentiveness. With a focus on emotional intelligence and multilingual support, their cultural ambassadors are always ready to assist, making travelers feel truly welcome.

2. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore

Changi’s team is known worldwide for balancing flawless operations with heartfelt empathy. Whether it’s helping before you even ask or calming nerves during delays, their commitment to comfort is unmatched.

3. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Hong Kong

HKG staff excel in bridging cultures with multilingual skills and sharp intuition. Their proactive support ensures no traveler feels lost—even when language fails.

4. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), Japan

At Haneda, staff live out the Japanese ethos of omotenashi—anticipating and fulfilling needs with grace. Their quiet attentiveness ensures every guest feels seen and supported.

5. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), Japan

Narita offers a gentle blend of efficiency and courtesy. Whether offering guidance or cultural tips, their team is patient, precise, and proud to share the spirit of Japan.

6. Centrair Nagoya International Airport (NGO), Japan

Centrair’s staff are known for building warm, human connections. From cheerful chats to seamless security processes, they ensure a positive impression from start to finish.

7. Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK), China

Friendly and approachable, Haikou staff reflect the relaxed atmosphere of Hainan Island. Always ready with local advice and multilingual help, they make every traveler feel like a guest.

8. Vienna International Airport (VIE), Austria

At Vienna, staff combine clockwork efficiency with Central European warmth. Their clear communication and polished service keep things moving—and make travelers feel truly cared for.

9. Munich Airport (MUC), Germany

With typical Bavarian hospitality, Munich’s staff turn even travel troubles into pleasant exchanges. Their friendliness shines, whether they’re solving problems or guiding you through security.

10. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Italy

In Rome, staff bring the heart of Italy to the airport. Passionate and personable, they go out of their way to make travelers feel at home—with a warm “benvenuto” and maybe a few local tips.

The Bottom Line:

In a travel world dominated by kiosks and automation, these airports remind us that true hospitality is timeless. The smiles, the helpfulness, the calm in chaos—it’s the human touch that transforms a journey from stressful to soulful. So, when you find yourself at one of these airports, take a moment to thank the people who make your travel experience not just smooth—but unforgettable.