In a major policy shift, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the issuance of block work visas for nationals from 14 countries, including major labor-exporting nations such as India, Pakistan, and Egypt. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, is effective immediately and will remain in force until the end of June 2025, aligning with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage season.

The suspension encompasses not only work-related visas but also a range of other visa categories, including Umrah, business, family visit, and tourist visas. This sweeping move is expected to significantly impact foreign employment pipelines, religious travel plans, and commercial exchanges between Saudi Arabia and the affected countries.

Affected Nations and Visa Types

The 14 countries impacted by this suspension include:

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.

Block work visas, which allow Saudi employers to hire a specific number of foreign workers under a pre-approved quota, are no longer being issued for nationals from these countries. Even existing quotas may face delays or cancellations, causing uncertainty for both employers and workers. Those holding approved work visas who have not yet entered the Kingdom may also encounter entry restrictions.

In addition to block visas, Saudi authorities have suspended or restricted the following visa types for the same 14 countries:

• Umrah Visas: Applications have been paused, particularly during peak pilgrimage periods. Even though systems might accept applications, approvals are rarely granted.
• Family Visit Visas: Many applications remain stalled, with no clear timeline for processing or approval.
• Business Visas: Foreign professionals planning to enter for meetings or temporary assignments may experience silent denials or significant delays.
• Tourist Visas: Effective February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia will no longer issue multiple-entry tourist visas for these countries. Only single-entry visas will be permitted moving forward, creating complications for frequent travelers.

Reasons Behind the Suspension

According to officials, the temporary halt is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to manage immigration and crowd control during the upcoming Hajj season. By restricting work and other entry visas, the government aims to prevent unauthorized Hajj participation by foreign workers and maintain strict regulatory oversight. The suspension is also seen as a measure to reduce the burden on infrastructure and services during periods of high influx.

Moreover, the suspension reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance with Saudi Arabia’s evolving labor and immigration policies, ensuring that all inbound travel aligns with the Kingdom’s national priorities.

Impact on Employers, Workers, and Travelers

This abrupt policy shift places immediate pressure on Saudi employers, particularly in sectors that heavily rely on labor from the affected countries, such as construction, hospitality, and domestic services. Recruitment agencies are being urged to advise clients about potential delays and seek alternative hiring strategies, possibly focusing on candidates from non-restricted nations.

Job seekers and individuals with pending visa applications are advised to monitor their visa status closely and consult with Saudi diplomatic missions or their airlines before attempting to travel. Airlines will be operating under the latest immigration directives and may deny boarding to travelers lacking updated eligibility.

Official Guidance for Affected Parties

Saudi authorities recommend the following actions:

• Employers: Reevaluate recruitment plans and seek talent from countries not affected by the restrictions.
• Travelers: Confirm visa validity and entry conditions before making travel arrangements.
• Recruitment Agencies: Prepare for extended processing times and advise clients accordingly.
• Pilgrims and Religious Tourists: Monitor official Hajj and Umrah portals for updates on visa application windows and guidelines.

Looking Ahead

While the current suspension is temporary and scheduled to end in June 2025, its implications are significant. It underscores the Kingdom’s prioritization of crowd control, immigration enforcement, and national labor management strategies, especially around religious pilgrimage seasons.

Until the restrictions are lifted, foreign workers, employers, and travelers must remain vigilant and adapt their plans in line with Saudi Arabia’s evolving visa and immigration policies. Further announcements are expected through official government channels as the Hajj season progresses and the June 2025 deadline approaches.

Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group led by billionaire Sabin Aboitiz, officially takes over the operations and maintenance of Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) starting today, following its successful no-competition bid worth $81.18 million (₱4.53 billion).

Major Expansion in Philippine Aviation Sector
This marks a significant milestone for AIC as it aggressively expands its footprint in the Philippine aviation industry. BPIA, which opened in November 2018 on Panglao Island, Bohol, replaced the older Tagbilaran Airport to accommodate the rising tourism demand in the region.

The 30-year concession agreement includes comprehensive upgrades, expansion, and maintenance of the airport facilities.

Investment and Capacity Upgrades
AIC plans to invest ₱4.53 billion to modernize BPIA, including expanding the passenger terminal, installing state-of-the-art aviation systems, and enhancing both airside and landside facilities.

The company aims to increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity from 2 million to 2.5 million within two years, with a further expansion to 3.9 million passengers expected by 2030.

Strategic Importance and Vision
Cosette Canilao, AIC President and CEO, emphasized that the modernization of BPIA is not merely about infrastructure upgrades but also about supporting Bohol’s growth as a vibrant tourism and economic hub in the Visayas region.

The development aligns with the Philippine government’s infrastructure advancement goals and reinforces Aboitiz’s commitment to enhancing regional gateways.

Expanding Airport Portfolio
This takeover adds to Aboitiz’s growing portfolio of airports, which includes Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Laguindingan International Airport. The latter was officially handed over to AIC in April 2025.

Aboitiz’s acquisition of Mactan-Cebu International Airport in 2022 for ₱25 billion marked the company’s strong entry into the country’s aviation infrastructure sector.

Official Signing and Future Outlook
The concession agreement was officially signed in December 2024, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Aboitiz Group CEO Sabin Aboitiz leading the ceremony. Sabin Aboitiz expressed the goal of transforming BPIA into a world-class gateway that significantly improves passenger experience and supports local tourism and economic growth.

With this strategic move, Aboitiz InfraCapital is poised to elevate Bohol-Panglao International Airport into a premier regional airport, fostering increased connectivity and economic development in the Visayas and beyond.

Passengers on British Airways Flight BA104 from Dubai to London faced extreme discomfort when an air-conditioning fault grounded their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner amid record-breaking temperatures in Dubai on May 24, 2025.

The aircraft was delayed on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport for approximately two hours due to a failure of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), which supplies power to the cabin cooling system while the plane is on the ground.

This malfunction prevented airflow and cooling, leaving passengers trapped in a cabin that reached temperatures as high as 47ºC (116.6ºF).

After boarding, the plane pushed back from the gate and began taxiing but had to stop when a cockpit warning light appeared. With the original gate occupied, the aircraft was diverted to a remote cargo area, prolonging the delay and the oppressive heat inside the cabin.

Passengers described the conditions as unbearable, with some children stripped down to diapers to cope with the heat.

Flight attendants distributed only one cup of water per passenger, citing concerns for their own safety due to the extreme temperatures. One passenger with high blood pressure reported feeling physically and emotionally distressed during the ordeal.

British Airways issued a statement thanking customers for their patience while the technical issue was resolved and confirmed the flight departed for London after repairs were completed.

The airline emphasized that crew members worked hard to maintain passenger comfort during the delay.

The incident coincided with a day of record-breaking heat in the UAE, with temperatures soaring to 47ºC in Dubai and exceeding 50ºC in other areas. The nearby Sweihan region recorded a May record high of 51.6ºC, surpassing the previous day’s record of 50.4ºC.

This event highlights the challenges airlines face operating in extreme heat conditions and raises questions about passenger safety and comfort during technical delays in such environments.

 

A British Airways cabin crew member was arrested at London Heathrow Airport after being found dancing naked in a business class lavatory during a transatlantic flight from San Francisco to London.

The incident took place on May 24, 2025, aboard an Airbus A380-800 carrying approximately 470 passengers and crew.

The steward went missing during meal service, prompting colleagues to search the aircraft. He was discovered by the in-flight supervisor dancing naked in the Club World (business class) restroom while the plane cruised at 37,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean.

 Crew members suspected he was under the influence of drugs, possibly having taken pills before or during the flight.

The crew quickly clothed him in spare First Class pajamas and restrained him in a premium seat for the remainder of the 10.5-hour journey.

British Airways management alerted authorities, and upon landing at Heathrow at 11 AM on Sunday, police arrested the steward, who was also given medical attention and transported off the plane in a wheelchair.

The incident forced the remaining flight attendants to work without scheduled breaks to cover his duties, raising concerns about crew safety and conduct.

British Airways has suspended the steward pending investigation and confirmed the matter is now a police investigation rather than an internal disciplinary issue.

Crew members described the behavior as extraordinary and dangerous, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of a crew member acting in such a manner while on duty.

The case highlights ongoing challenges airlines face regarding substance abuse prevention and crew conduct in aviation.

British Airways has declined further comment, directing inquiries to the police as the investigation continues.

This report is based on multiple news sources covering the event, including The Sun, New York Post, Hindustan Times, NDTV, LBC, and others from late May and early June 2025.

British Airways (BA) Chief Executive Officer Sean Doyle has earned a £2.1 million ($2.8 million) bonus tied to a long-term share incentive plan, despite ongoing issues with customer service and compensation disputes.

The bonus followed Doyle’s sale of 650,000 shares in BA’s parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), based in Madrid. The shares were sold on May 22 at approximately £3.30 each, under a 2022 performance-linked incentive scheme set to vest in 2025.

CEO Compensation Details

• Doyle’s base salary in 2023 was £670,000.
• Including bonuses and incentives, his total remuneration for 2022-23 reached around £1.5 million.
• The £2.1 million bonus stems from the share sale linked to the long-term incentive plan, mostly awarded in shares.

Operational Performance vs Customer Satisfaction
British Airways has made operational improvements, ranking as the 7th most punctual global airline and 8th in Europe as of April 2024, with notable on-time performance at London Heathrow (LHR).

However, customer satisfaction remains a concern:

• IAG’s 2024 Net Promoter Score (NPS), measuring passengers’ likelihood to recommend the airline, stood at 22.6, below the target of 28.6.
• While above Bain & Company’s “good” threshold of 0, this score trails competitors like Lufthansa, which scored 35 in 2023.

Compensation Disputes and Customer Complaints
Between October and December 2024, British Airways paid nearly £1.5 million in compensation claims after initially denying them. An independent arbitration service reviewed 3,199 complaints, resolving 2,833 cases, with 89% ruled in favor of passengers.

 These cases involved delays, cancellations, and lost luggage, highlighting a disconnect between operational metrics and passenger experience.

Leadership Pay Disparity
In 2024, IAG disclosed a significant gender pay gap among senior leadership, with male executives earning an average of over €745,000 annually, compared to €151,000 for female executives in equivalent roles.

 The group attributed this disparity to the absence of women in CEO and chairman positions, underscoring the need for leadership equity reforms.

Ongoing Challenges and Industry Context
Despite Doyle’s leadership since October 2020, British Airways continues to face criticism over service quality and staff compensation. The CEO’s substantial bonus contrasts sharply with cabin crew pay issues, where some staff have received less than minimum wage in past years and have limited bonus opportunities.

British Airways is balancing shareholder expectations linked to executive rewards with the pressing demand for improved passenger experience and fair employee treatment.

This development highlights the complex dynamics at British Airways as it navigates operational recovery, customer satisfaction challenges, and leadership compensation scrutiny.

New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has determined that pilot error caused an Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300ER to veer off the runway and strike multiple runway edge lights during landing at Auckland International Airport on January 27, 2023.

 The captain disengaged the autopilot too late during the approach, at just 67 feet above ground level, instead of the recommended 300 to 600 feet, leaving insufficient time to manually control the aircraft before touchdown.

The flight, carrying 271 passengers and 16 crew, approached Auckland from Melbourne amid heavy rain and variable crosswinds. The autopilot operated in runway-alignment mode, applying control inputs to counter the left crosswind and maintain runway centerline alignment.

Upon late autopilot disengagement, the autopilot’s control inputs automatically returned to neutral, but the pilot failed to maintain the necessary left aileron input to counter the crosswind, causing the aircraft to roll right and drift away from the centerline.

The aircraft touched down nine seconds after autopilot disengagement, veered onto the sealed shoulder of the runway, and struck six runway edge lights before the crew regained control and taxied safely to the terminal.

Five of the six right main landing gear tires were damaged, including one fully deflated tire, along with damage to the right brake assembly and wiring harness. Despite the damage, no injuries occurred.

TAIC noted that the runway surface was wet but free of standing water, and the weather conditions, though challenging, were above minimum requirements.

 The commission emphasized that the incident was “virtually certain” given the sequence of events and highlighted the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures for autopilot disengagement and manual control transition.

Since the incident, Air New Zealand has updated its operational procedures and provided additional training to ensure pilots properly manage the transition from autopilot to manual control during approaches in difficult weather conditions. TAIC welcomed these safety actions and made no further recommendations.