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.

Israel’s missile strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets early Friday, June 13, 2025, have thrown air travel across the Middle East and beyond into chaos, as airlines scramble to cancel, delay, or reroute flights amid widespread airspace closures and escalating security concerns.

The Israeli operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” targeted key Iranian facilities and killed several top Iranian military commanders, prompting Iran, Iraq, and Jordan to immediately shut their airspace, while Israel closed Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport indefinitely.

Major Disruptions and Airlines Affected

Thousands of passengers have been stranded or forced to land in unexpected destinations as airlines vacated the skies over Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan. Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and United Airlines were among the carriers that diverted or canceled flights, with some planes forced to return to their points of origin mid-flight. U.S. carriers Delta and United turned back flights from New York to Tel Aviv over the Atlantic as the news broke.

Israeli flag carrier El Al suspended all flights to and from Israel, and began moving aircraft out of the country for safety, while Israir and Arkia also evacuated their fleets from Tel Aviv. In the UAE, Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia canceled dozens of flights to destinations including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

Airports and Airspace Closures: Expanded Details

The Israeli military offensive against Iran has led to sweeping closures of airports and airspace across the Middle East, creating widespread disruption for airlines and passengers.

Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv, Israel)

• Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international gateway, was closed to all arrivals and departures early Friday, June 13, 2025, following Israel’s strikes on Iranian targets.
• The closure is indefinite, with some reports suggesting it may last three to four days, though the Airports Authority has not issued an official timeline.
• All flights scheduled to land at Ben Gurion were either diverted to nearby airports such as Paphos (Cyprus), Athens (Greece), or Rome (Italy), or returned to their points of origin.
• The airport was fully evacuated as part of Operation Rising Lion, and the departure board was marked entirely in red, indicating universal cancellations.
• Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir suspended all operations, advised passengers not to come to the airport, and halted new bookings until at least the end of June.
• Passengers stranded abroad have reported confusion and a lack of assistance, with many scrambling to arrange accommodation and access necessary medication.

Iranian, Iraqi, Jordanian, and Syrian Airspace

• Iran, Iraq, and Jordan all closed their airspace in response to the escalation, and Syria’s airspace also saw a significant reduction in commercial traffic.
• Iran’s civil aviation authority suspended all domestic and international flights, with Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport closed until at least Saturday morning, according to state media.
• Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport in Amman was also shut down, with no specified reopening date; travelers were advised to check directly with airlines for updates.
• The closure of these airspaces has forced airlines to reroute flights, often resulting in significant delays and longer flight paths.
• Major UAE Airports (Dubai DXB, DWC, Abu Dhabi Zayed International): Reported delays, cancellations, and rerouting, with passengers urged to check directly with airlines for updates.

Major Airlines and Routes Impacted

Airlines have responded by suspending or diverting flights across the region:

• Emirates canceled flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel, with dozens of services disrupted at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports.
• Etihad Airways canceled flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv and delayed other regional services.
• flydubai suspended operations to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Iran, and Israel, with many flights rerouted or returned to departure airports.
• Air Arabia halted flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
• Qatar Airways temporarily canceled flights to Iran and Iraq.
• Turkish Airlines diverted some flights to Baku, Azerbaijan.
• El Al and other Israeli carriers suspended all flights, evacuated aircraft from Tel Aviv, and stopped new bookings until at least the end of June.
• Delta and United Airlines canceled flights to Tel Aviv and turned back planes mid-journey.
• Lufthansa suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran until July 31, and to Jordan and Lebanon until at least June 20.
• Wizz Air and Ryanair halted flights to Israel.
• Air India diverted or returned more than a dozen flights, affecting routes from New York, London, Vancouver, and Washington, D.C..
• Aegean Airlines canceled all flights to and from Tel Aviv for June 13.

Full List of Affected Airlines and Destinations

Operational and Safety Concerns

The shutdown comes at a critical time as airlines were ramping up for the summer travel season, amplifying the impact on travelers and airline operations. Flightradar24 data showed a dramatic drop in flights over the affected region, with some aircraft spending hours in the air before being forced to return to their origin airports. Airlines are offering travel vouchers and waiving change fees for affected passengers.

Escalating Security Risks

The attacks and subsequent airspace closures have heightened security risks, with Israel’s defense forces on high alert for retaliation and Iran reportedly launching drones toward Israel in response. The U.S. has evacuated embassy staff across the region, and airlines are bracing for further disruptions if the conflict intensifies.

Travel Advisory

Passengers are strongly advised to check directly with airlines and airports for the latest updates before traveling, as the situation remains fluid and further cancellations or rerouting are expected.

Flight operations at Kuwait International Airport have been significantly disrupted due to escalating tensions in the region, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to announce the diversion, cancellation, and rescheduling of several flights on Friday, June 13. The DGCA is actively coordinating with airlines to manage both inbound and outbound flights, ensuring passenger safety and operational continuity amid the ongoing regional situation.

Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Iran, citing the evolving security environment, and is providing regular updates and support to affected passengers. Meanwhile, Kuwait Airways has maintained normal operations but remains on high alert, prepared to implement contingency plans if the situation deteriorates further. The disruptions come as several international carriers have also adjusted routes or suspended flights in response to heightened tensions following recent Israeli strikes on Iran.

These operational challenges add to Kuwait International Airport’s broader struggles. The airport has seen a notable decline in passenger traffic—down 1% in 2024 to 15.4 million travelers—while neighboring Gulf airports such as Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi have reported robust double-digit growth. Fourteen international airlines, including British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM, have withdrawn from Kuwait in recent months, citing rising jet fuel costs, intensifying regional competition, and persistent infrastructure shortcomings.

Aviation analysts warn that unless Kuwait undertakes urgent reforms to modernize its airport facilities and improve passenger services, it risks further losing its strategic position as a regional air hub. The current disruptions, combined with the airport’s declining competitiveness, could lead to longer travel times, fewer direct connections, and higher costs for travelers, particularly for expatriate communities reliant on Kuwait as a transit point.

As the situation evolves, the DGCA and airlines continue to monitor developments closely, emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety and operational readiness in the face of regional uncertainties.

Flight operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) faced significant disruption on Friday, June 13, after the sudden closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria in response to Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets. The Israeli operation, codenamed 'Rising Lion,' targeted nuclear and military facilities and resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian commanders, prompting immediate airspace shutdowns that severely impacted one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors.

Dubai Airports confirmed that dozens of flights were either delayed or cancelled, affecting both inbound and outbound services. Major UAE airlines—including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia—suspended or rerouted flights to at least nine countries across the Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Key destinations affected include Tehran, Baghdad, Basra, Amman, Beirut, Tel Aviv, and several cities in Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Emirates suspended all flights to and from Iraq, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon on June 13 and 14, impacting routes such as Amman (EK903/EK904, EK905/EK906), Baghdad (EK943/EK944), Basra (EK945/EK946), Beirut (EK953/EK954, EK957/EK958), and Tehran (EK977/EK978, EK979/EK980).

Similarly, flydubai halted flights to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Iran, Iraq, and Tel Aviv, with some aircraft rerouted or forced to return mid-flight for safety reasons.

The disruption extended to other regional carriers, with Air Arabia suspending services to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. Qatar Airways also temporarily halted flights to Iran and Iraq, while Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines diverted flights to avoid the affected airspace.

The closures forced airlines to reroute aircraft over Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, causing widespread delays and longer flight times.

Dubai Airports and other UAE airport authorities urged passengers to check their flight status directly with airlines, allow extra time for travel, and explore rebooking options before heading to the airport. Guest ambassador teams were deployed across all terminals to assist affected travelers, and airlines activated customer support centers to facilitate refunds and itinerary changes.

Authorities emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority and that they are closely monitoring the evolving situation.

The ongoing airspace closures highlight the vulnerability of global aviation to regional conflicts, with the Middle East experiencing the most severe impact. Passengers are advised to stay updated through official airline and airport channels, as further changes to flight schedules may occur with little notice

Qatar Airways has announced the temporary suspension of its flights to several destinations across Iran, Iraq, and Syria due to the evolving situation in the region.

In Iran, the affected airports include:

• Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)

• Mashhad International Airport (MHD)

• Shiraz International Airport (SYZ)

In Iraq, flight operations are suspended to:

• Baghdad International Airport (BGW)

• Erbil International Airport (EBL)

• Basra International Airport (BSR)

• Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU)

• Najaf International Airport (NJF)

In Syria, flights to Damascus International Airport (DAM) will remain cancelled until the end of Saturday, 14 June.

Qatar Airways has urged passengers to check the latest status of their flights on the airline’s official website: www.qatarairways.com.

The airline emphasized that it adheres strictly to international aviation safety protocols and assured that passenger safety remains its top priority.

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.