Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest hub for international passengers, is at the forefront of a visionary shift in how airports are designed and operated. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, outlined this bold new direction at Newsweek’s inaugural New Destinations Travel and Tourism Summit, emphasizing the urgent need to “reimagine the airport experience” to better serve the demands of modern travelers.

Griffiths criticized the current airport model as outdated, often frustrating, and primarily focused on logistics rather than passenger comfort. He argued airports should evolve from mere transit points into welcoming gateways that embody hospitality and leave positive first and last impressions on visitors. “People don’t have the vision that an airport should be a place of hospitality… a place of welcome,” he said, underscoring the airport’s role as a country’s front door.

With DXB handling a record-breaking 92.3 million passengers in 2024—surpassing pre-pandemic levels—the emphasis is shifting towards sustainable growth and enhancing passenger journeys. Griffiths proposes moving away from the traditional mega-airport concept toward a decentralized network of about eight smaller, interconnected airports linked by high-speed rail. This would allow seamless transfers from urban centers directly to aircraft, drastically reducing long check-in queues and extensive terminal walks, which he described as “the worst nightmare” of airport travel.

Technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), is central to this transformation. Dubai Airports is already piloting AI applications to optimize aircraft turnaround times, security screening, and baggage handling. Griffiths expressed confidence that AI can make these processes faster, more accurate, and less intrusive, ultimately creating a frictionless passenger experience.

Looking ahead, while the long-term vision includes decentralized airports, the immediate focus remains on optimizing DXB’s operations and expanding Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Griffiths envisions a more intimate and personalized passenger journey at DWC, departing from the “mega terminal” model to smaller concourses connected by efficient transit, allowing travelers to enjoy amenities without long walks.

Above all, Griffiths stressed that airports must embrace a hospitality mindset, treating each traveler as an individual and ensuring their journey is comfortable and stress-free. “We are fundamentally in the hospitality business, and too many people in this industry think they are managing infrastructure,” he remarked. This philosophy aims to elevate airport experiences to the standards of world-class hospitality, transforming airports into places of welcome rather than mere transit hubs.

As Dubai Airports continues to break passenger records and expand capacity, Griffiths’ vision signals a future where the airport is no longer a bottleneck but a seamless, welcoming gateway that redefines global air travel.

Thai VietJet Air, a leading low-cost airline from Thailand, has announced the launch of a new direct international route between Phuket and Mumbai, expanding its presence in the Indian market to two routes starting this August. The new service comes as demand for leisure travel between India and Thailand continues to rise, and will make Thai VietJet Air the second airline to operate on the Mumbai–Phuket sector.

The airline already operates daily Mumbai–Bangkok flights, and this new Phuket route marks its first direct point-to-point service from India to Phuket. The Phuket–Mumbai flights will operate four times a week using 180-seat all-economy Airbus A320-200 aircraft.

Flight VZ762 will depart Phuket International Airport at 10:10 pm (local time) and arrive in Mumbai at 1:05 am IST, with a flight time of approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. These flights will run every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The return flight, VZ763, will leave Mumbai at 2:05 am IST and land in Phuket at 8:20 am local time, operating every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, with a flight duration of about 4 hours and 45 minutes.

The India–Thailand air corridor is one of Southeast Asia’s busiest, with multiple carriers serving direct flights between Indian cities and Thai destinations such as Bangkok and Phuket. IndiGo is currently the largest Indian carrier on these routes, offering multiple flights from major Indian cities to both Bangkok and Phuket. Air India serves Bangkok from Delhi and Mumbai, and Phuket from Delhi, while Thai Airways connects several Indian metros to Bangkok with daily or near-daily flights.

With Thai VietJet Air’s entry, travelers can expect increased competition and potentially lower fares on the Mumbai–Phuket route, which had previously seen high prices due to IndiGo’s monopoly. Thai VietJet Air has indicated it will pursue an aggressive pricing strategy, aiming to attract both Indian tourists heading to Phuket and Thai travelers visiting Mumbai.

Phuket continues to be a popular destination for Indian travelers, especially during peak festive periods like Diwali and New Year. For Thai nationals, Mumbai offers a direct gateway to western India and convenient onward connections. The addition of Thai VietJet Air’s service is expected to further stimulate travel and tourism between the two countries, providing more options and greater affordability for passengers.

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest hub for international passengers, is at the forefront of a visionary shift in how airports are designed and operated. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, outlined this bold new direction at Newsweek’s inaugural New Destinations Travel and Tourism Summit, emphasizing the urgent need to “reimagine the airport experience” to better serve the demands of modern travelers.

Griffiths criticized the current airport model as outdated, often frustrating, and primarily focused on logistics rather than passenger comfort. He argued airports should evolve from mere transit points into welcoming gateways that embody hospitality and leave positive first and last impressions on visitors. “People don’t have the vision that an airport should be a place of hospitality… a place of welcome,” he said, underscoring the airport’s role as a country’s front door.

With DXB handling a record-breaking 92.3 million passengers in 2024—surpassing pre-pandemic levels—the emphasis is shifting towards sustainable growth and enhancing passenger journeys. Griffiths proposes moving away from the traditional mega-airport concept toward a decentralized network of about eight smaller, interconnected airports linked by high-speed rail. This would allow seamless transfers from urban centers directly to aircraft, drastically reducing long check-in queues and extensive terminal walks, which he described as “the worst nightmare” of airport travel.

Technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), is central to this transformation. Dubai Airports is already piloting AI applications to optimize aircraft turnaround times, security screening, and baggage handling. Griffiths expressed confidence that AI can make these processes faster, more accurate, and less intrusive, ultimately creating a frictionless passenger experience.

Looking ahead, while the long-term vision includes decentralized airports, the immediate focus remains on optimizing DXB’s operations and expanding Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Griffiths envisions a more intimate and personalized passenger journey at DWC, departing from the “mega terminal” model to smaller concourses connected by efficient transit, allowing travelers to enjoy amenities without long walks.

Above all, Griffiths stressed that airports must embrace a hospitality mindset, treating each traveler as an individual and ensuring their journey is comfortable and stress-free. “We are fundamentally in the hospitality business, and too many people in this industry think they are managing infrastructure,” he remarked. This philosophy aims to elevate airport experiences to the standards of world-class hospitality, transforming airports into places of welcome rather than mere transit hubs.

As Dubai Airports continues to break passenger records and expand capacity, Griffiths’ vision signals a future where the airport is no longer a bottleneck but a seamless, welcoming gateway that redefines global air travel.

Qatar is experiencing a remarkable surge in domestic tourism, fueled by a growing array of tourism products, immersive cultural experiences, and year-round attractions tailored for families. This vibrant trend is reshaping local travel, offering residents and regional visitors alike fresh ways to explore and enjoy the country’s unique heritage and modern leisure options.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Thani, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Katara Hospitality, shared insights on Qatar’s distinctive approach to tourism during a recent Qatar TV programme. He emphasized that preserving and promoting Qatari culture lies at the heart of their hospitality philosophy.

“Our hotels are designed to reflect Qatari heritage, from the architecture to the room interiors,” Sheikh Abdulrahman explained. A striking example is the Katara Towers, whose design is inspired by traditional Qatari swords, creating a captivating cultural symbol that intrigues guests. Visitors are greeted with warm traditional hospitality, including Arabic coffee served by staff dressed in national attire, while Qatari artwork and photography enrich the hotel ambiance, offering authentic cultural touchpoints.

Ahmed Hussein Abdullah, Chairman of Tourism Group for Tourists and Travel, highlighted family tourism as a key driver behind the domestic tourism boom. Over the last four to five years, Qatar has emerged as a favored destination for families from the GCC and wider Arab region.

Abdullah attributes this rise to the affordability and high quality of local hotels, which often provide better value than similar accommodations in neighboring countries. “Qatar’s domestic tourism scene offers everything from luxury hotels to iconic landmarks such as the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, and Lusail City,” he said. The country’s vibrant calendar of festivals, exhibitions, and events in malls and public spaces encourages many residents to explore local attractions rather than travel abroad.

Echoing this optimism, Hassan Mohammed Al-Emadi, CEO of Arabian Adventures Tourism, pointed out the rich diversity of Qatar’s tourism offerings. He noted that the period from mid-October to mid-May provides ideal weather for outdoor activities, encouraging visits to cultural sites like the National Museum of Qatar, Sheikh Faisal Museum, Msheireb Museums, and the Museum of Modern Arab Art.

Al-Emadi also highlighted popular destinations such as Souq Waqif, the breathtaking Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea), camel racing events, and authentic farm-stay experiences in rural areas. New resorts like Salwa Beach Resort and West Bay Lagoon Resort add fresh options for relaxation and adventure, enhancing Qatar’s appeal as a comprehensive tourism hub.

The rise in domestic tourism aligns closely with Qatar’s national strategy to diversify and strengthen its tourism sector under the Qatar National Vision 2030. By encouraging local travel, the country supports small businesses, promotes cultural preservation, and fosters community engagement with its rich heritage and natural landscapes.

Government initiatives to improve accessibility, protect cultural sites, and promote eco-tourism are further fueling this growth. These efforts ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy meaningful and sustainable tourism experiences without leaving Qatar.

With its balanced mix of leisure, heritage, and eco-tourism offerings, Qatar is steadily building a sustainable, year-round tourism ecosystem. As more investors and stakeholders introduce innovative products and immersive experiences, the country is poised to enhance its status as a leading domestic and regional tourism destination.

From thrilling desert adventures to vibrant urban culture, Qatar’s expanding local tourism scene is not only diversifying the economy but also deepening national pride. The era of “staycations” has truly arrived, making it more appealing than ever to explore the wonders right at home.

British Airways flight BA519 from Lisbon to London Heathrow declared an emergency on July 5, 2025, while entering British airspace due to a technical issue with the aircraft’s nose gear steering system. The Airbus A319 (registration G-EUPG) departed Lisbon Airport at 18:33 WEST, nearly two hours behind its scheduled departure time, and was originally expected to land at Heathrow at 19:10 BST.

As the flight began its approach to London Heathrow, pilots activated the emergency squawk code 7700, signaling the need for a priority landing because the nose gear servo was malfunctioning, preventing the aircraft from steering on the ground. This technical issue raised concerns about safe taxiing after touchdown, prompting emergency protocols at the airport.

Air traffic control initially switched landings from runway 27L to 27R at 20:50 BST to manage traffic and emergency response. However, BA519 returned to final approach on runway 27L by 20:58 BST. The aircraft safely landed on runway 27L at 21:05 BST, where it was immediately met by emergency vehicles including fire trucks. The plane vacated the runway by 21:07 BST and was inspected on the taxiway, escorted by fire services.

By 21:24 BST, the aircraft had been guided to stand A14 at Terminal 5 for further inspection and passenger disembarkation. Normal landing operations resumed on runway 27L shortly before this. There have been no reports of injuries or further complications, and the incident was managed efficiently with coordinated emergency response.

The delay in departure from Lisbon and the subsequent emergency landing caused a ripple effect on airport operations, temporarily halting runway 27L landings and drawing attention on social media and flight tracking platforms. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous aircraft maintenance and emergency preparedness, as well as the professionalism of flight crews and ground teams in handling in-flight technical difficulties safely.

British Airways and Heathrow Airport have not released detailed statements yet but confirmed the safe landing and ongoing investigation into the nose gear servo malfunction. Passengers on board were reported safe, and the aircraft is undergoing technical assessment to determine the cause and necessary repairs. This event adds to a series of operational challenges faced by the airline in recent months, highlighting the critical role of safety protocols in commercial aviation.

In the early hours of July 5, Palma de Mallorca Airport became the scene of panic and confusion when a Ryanair Boeing 737, moments from departure to Manchester, was abruptly evacuated following a fire alert. The incident left eighteen passengers injured, with dramatic footage capturing travelers scrambling onto the aircraft’s wing and leaping to the tarmac below.

The ordeal began just after midnight as the Ryanair flight, still grounded at Palma Airport, prepared for takeoff. Suddenly, a fire warning light triggered an emergency call from the cockpit. Within minutes, airport firefighters, police, and four ambulances two basic and two advanced life support units were dispatched to the scene.

Passengers, gripped by fear, bypassed standard evacuation procedures. Many ignored the inflatable slides and instead climbed out emergency exits onto the wing, jumping to the ground in a rush to escape. Social media videos show the chaos: passengers sprinting across the tarmac, some injured from the fall, while an airport worker can be heard urging others to use the proper exits.

Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of utter carnage, with people falling over each other in the scramble to exit. One passenger recounted, “You could see people just jumping off of the wings... People were covered in scratches. It was proper terrifying.”

Eighteen people required medical attention for injuries ranging from sprains to fractures, with six transported to local hospitals—Clinica Rotger and Palmaplanas Hospital. Despite the panic, there were no reports of severe burns or life-threatening injuries, suggesting the fire was either quickly contained or, as later confirmed, did not actually exist.

Ryanair later clarified that the emergency was triggered by a false fire warning light. The crew, following protocol, initiated an immediate evacuation to ensure passenger safety. In a statement, the airline apologized for the disruption: “This flight from Palma to Manchester discontinued take-off due to a false fire warning light indication. Passengers were disembarked using the inflatable slides and returned to the terminal.”

Airport authorities and aviation safety officials have launched an investigation, reviewing flight logs, maintenance records, and the crew’s response. The exact cause of the false alarm remains under scrutiny.
To minimize further delays, Ryanair arranged a replacement aircraft, which departed Palma at 7:05 a.m. the same morning. Airport operations quickly returned to normal, and the airline reiterated its apology to affected passengers.

The incident at Palma de Mallorca Airport stands as a vivid reminder of the unpredictability of air travel emergencies and the importance of clear communication and calm during crisis. Thanks to the swift actions of emergency responders and airport staff, a night of chaos ended without serious harm, but for those on board, the memory of leaping from a plane wing into the darkness will not soon fade.