Saudi Arabia has resumed the issuance of Umrah visas for international pilgrims starting June 10, 2025, just days after concluding what officials described as one of the safest and most efficiently managed Hajj seasons in recent history. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that the first wave of international Umrah pilgrims is set to arrive in Mecca and Medina from June 11, 2025.

This marks the formal opening of the new Umrah season, which will extend well into 2026, providing Muslims worldwide with the opportunity to undertake the minor pilgrimage at their convenience.

In preparation for the new season, Umrah companies and international travel agents were required to finalize their service agreements by May 27, 2025, to ensure smooth coordination of accommodation, transportation, and guidance for incoming pilgrims. The Ministry emphasized that all applications must be processed through official platforms, including the Nusuk app, which serves as a unified digital portal for booking permits and accessing a range of digital services to enhance the pilgrim experience.

The reopening follows a temporary suspension of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries during the Hajj period, a move aimed at managing crowd congestion and ensuring pilgrim safety. Now, with visa applications open, both individual pilgrims and organized groups can apply through authorized travel agencies or the Nusuk platform.

Key requirements for applicants include a passport valid for at least six months, valid health certificates with updated vaccinations—such as for Meningococcal Meningitis—and, for female pilgrims under 45, travel with a legal Mahram unless part of a recognized group.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah highlighted the advanced safety protocols and crowd control systems implemented during Hajj 2025, calling it a preview of future pilgrimage management in the Kingdom. The streamlined visa process and enhanced digital services reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to improve the experience for millions of Muslim visitors and support the goals of Vision 2030 to boost religious tourism

A devastating tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad on Thursday when Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff en route to London Gatwick Airport. The crash, which occurred in the densely populated Meghani Nagar neighborhood near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulted in at least 240 fatalities, including passengers, crew, and reportedly some individuals on the ground.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, where images showed towering plumes of black smoke and burning wreckage as rescue teams worked tirelessly to recover bodies and assist survivors.

Remarkably, there was one reported survivor: 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. According to officials and hospital sources, Ramesh had been seated near an emergency exit and managed to escape the burning aircraft by jumping out after the crash. He was found disoriented and with multiple injuries but is reportedly out of danger and receiving treatment at Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Ramesh described the chaos: “When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital,” he told the Hindustan Times.

The doomed flight was carrying a diverse group of passengers: 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian, along with 12 crew members. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control less than a minute after takeoff, plummeting into a residential area and reportedly striking the dining hall of a medical college hostel, which may have contributed to the high death toll.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow and assured that all possible support was being provided to the victims and their families.

As investigations continue, Air India and government officials have pledged full support for affected families, while the airline’s CEO confirmed that a special team is on the ground to assist with relief efforts. The crash has shocked the nation and the international community, with many awaiting further details as authorities sift through the wreckage in search of answers.

Türkiye's flag carrier, Turkish Airlines (THY), achieved a historic milestone by operating 1,369 flights in a single day on June 9, marking its highest daily flight count ever, CEO Bilal Ekşi announced on social media platform X.

This record-breaking performance coincided with the last day of Qurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha), a significant holiday in Türkiye. Ekşi highlighted the rapid growth of the airline, noting that the previous record of 1,292 flights was set only four days earlier, on the eve of Eid al-Adha. He remarked, "Türkiye is growing, THY is flying high," underscoring the airline's expanding operations.

Turkish Airlines had earlier set records with 1,284 flights on July 2, 2023, and 1,292 flights on June 5, 2025, demonstrating consistent growth in its daily flight capacity.

The airline operates a fleet of 484 aircraft and serves over 300 destinations worldwide, maintaining its status as Türkiye’s most valuable brand in 2025, according to Brand Finance.

Founded in 1933 and owned by the Türkiye Wealth Fund, Turkish Airlines continues to strengthen its global connectivity, operating flights across 131 countries with a fleet of 477 aircraft, making it one of the world's most globally connected carriers.

This new record reflects Turkish Airlines' ongoing expansion and its critical role in connecting Türkiye to the world.

New Zealand has introduced the Parent Boost Visa, a new long-term visitor visa aimed at uniting families and enhancing the country’s appeal to highly skilled migrants. Applications for this visa will open on September 29, 2025.

The Parent Boost Visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay in the country for up to five years with multiple entries. Applicants may apply for a second visa, enabling a total stay of up to 10 years, provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements.

This visa supports long-term family connections without placing additional strain on public services. It is not a pathway to residence but offers families a meaningful way to spend extended time together.

The visa fee is NZD 3,000 (approximately USD 1,815) for most applicants, and NZD 2,450 for those eligible under the Pacific fee band. Additionally, applicants must pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of NZD 100. After three years, there is an additional health check processing fee of NZD 325 (or NZD 240 for Pacific fee band applicants).

To qualify, applicants must meet financial criteria including:

• The sponsor earning at least the New Zealand median wage (or 1.5 times the median wage for joint sponsors) for one parent, with incremental increases for additional parents sponsored; or
• The parent(s) having a personal income equivalent to New Zealand Superannuation (currently NZD 32,611.28 gross per annum for a single parent, NZD 49,552.88 for a couple); or
• The parent(s) having sufficient personal funds: NZD 160,000 for a single applicant or NZD 250,000 for a couple.
• Applicants are required to hold at least one year of health insurance covering emergency medical care (minimum NZD 250,000 annually), repatriation, return of remains, and cancer treatment (minimum NZD 100,000). Valid health insurance must be maintained throughout their stay. Two health assessments are required: one during the application process and another in the third year of the visa, conducted outside New Zealand.

The New Zealand Government emphasizes that this visa is part of a broader strategy to retain skilled migrants by addressing family needs, making the country more attractive to global talent while maintaining a sustainable immigration system. The Parent Boost Visa does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency; applicants seeking residence must apply through existing visa options.

There is no annual cap on the number of Parent Boost Visas issued, with a full review of the scheme planned for 2027. This new visa is expected to benefit thousands of migrant families by enabling extended family reunification and supporting New Zealand’s skilled migrant workforce.

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick tragically crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon, June 12. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down near the Meghani area close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, causing a massive fire and thick black smoke visible from neighboring localities including Meghaninagar and Vastrapur.

Flight AI171 departed the airport at approximately 1:38 p.m. local time. Onboard were 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. The aircraft crashed into a densely populated area near the airport, reportedly hitting a building housing medical students at B.J.

Medical College hostel, resulting in numerous casualties. Unverified videos circulating on social media show the plane struggling to gain altitude during takeoff before crashing.

At least 30 fatalities have been confirmed, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Emergency services, including firefighters, ambulances, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were rapidly deployed to the scene.

Rescue teams have cleared approximately 70-80% of the crash site and are working to recover victims and assist survivors. Injured passengers have been transported to nearby hospitals, with medical teams on high alert.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation, with technical experts from Boeing expected to assist. Initial probes will focus on why the aircraft struggled to gain altitude during takeoff, a critical phase of flight. The aircraft involved was an 11-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, known for its safety record, which has raised concerns and astonishment within the aviation industry.

Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed shock and confirmed that all aviation and emergency agencies are coordinating efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences and assured full government support for rescue and relief operations.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has temporarily suspended all flight operations until further notice. Indian Railways announced deployment of Vande Bharat trains to assist stranded passengers due to the airport closure.

The crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad Airport marks a severe aviation disaster with significant loss of life and injuries. Authorities continue to work on rescue, investigation, and support for affected families. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with early focus on the aircraft’s inability to gain altitude after takeoff.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has introduced a special summer promotion with reduced long-term parking fees across all terminals from June 10 to June 30, 2025. This move supports the airport’s peak travel season, during which it expects to accommodate over 250,000 passengers daily.

Travellers using Terminal 1 Car Park B, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 can take advantage of the following discounted long-stay parking rates:

• Dh100 for 3 days
• Dh200 for 7 days
• Dh300 for 14 days

These reduced rates offer significant savings compared to standard tariffs, providing better value for UAE residents and visitors embarking on extended trips.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve passenger flow and reduce congestion at terminal drop-off points. Dubai Airports encourages travellers to use official parking facilities instead of curbside drop-offs to ease traffic at terminal entrances. Visitors picking up arriving guests are also advised to utilize designated car parks or valet services, which are included in the summer discount offer.

Additionally, DXB offers digital navigation tools such as Express Maps, a QR code-based wayfinding system that helps passengers locate gates, shops, and amenities quickly. Passengers are reminded to plan their arrival times carefully, with Emirates flyers benefiting from early check-in options and other airlines recommending arrivals no earlier than three hours before departure.

This limited-time parking offer provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for travellers during one of the busiest periods at Dubai International Airport.