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.

 

Abu Dhabi has achieved a major milestone in urban transportation by successfully conducting its first test flight of a flying taxi at Al Bateen Executive Airport, signaling the emirate’s rapid progress toward launching commercial air taxi services by early 2026. The test was carried out in partnership between US-based Archer Aviation and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio), utilizing Archer’s fully electric, driverless Midnight eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft.

This aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, reach speeds up to 241 km/h, and cover distances of about 150 km, making it ideal for short urban commutes such as airport-to-downtown routes.

The test flight is part of a broader strategy to establish Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in advanced air mobility. The initiative extends beyond simply operating air taxis; it aims to develop a comprehensive aviation ecosystem.

This includes pilot training, maintenance and repair operations (MROs), talent development, and manufacturing, with plans for Archer to set up a production facility in Al Ain that could eventually export aircraft across the region. There are also collaborations with local universities to create specialized curricula and short diploma programs, ensuring a skilled workforce for the sector’s future needs.

The ongoing testing phase will continue through the harsh UAE summer, focusing on the aircraft’s performance in extreme heat, humidity, and dust—conditions critical for ensuring reliability and safety in the local environment. According to officials, the tests are structured not just for demonstration but for commercial readiness, with the goal of integrating the air taxi service seamlessly into Abu Dhabi’s transportation infrastructure.

The project also includes the development of vertiports, with the first dual-use heliport expected to be operational at Mina Zayed Cruise Terminal by the end of 2025, close to major city landmarks. When commercial operations begin, customers will be able to book rides via a smartphone app, similar to current ride-hailing services, with pricing anticipated to be competitive with premium ride-sharing options—previous estimates suggest inner-city trips could cost around Dh300 to Dh350.

Archer Aviation and Abu Dhabi authorities emphasize that the service is intended for the general public, not just luxury travelers, and as the network expands, costs are expected to decrease, making flying taxis a practical daily transport option. Manufacturing is set to begin in 2027, with ambitions to export the technology regionally. This achievement places Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global race to deploy sustainable, efficient, and futuristic urban air mobility solutions

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) is advancing a comprehensive infrastructure development program to expand and modernize the country’s aviation network, focusing on new airports in Mirpur (Azad Kashmir), Dera Ismail Khan, and Hyderabad, alongside the reconstruction and expansion of Sukkur Airport. These projects aim to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and address long-standing accessibility challenges in underserved areas.

The feasibility report for the Mirpur Airport is in its final stages, signaling imminent progress on this key project that will improve air travel options for Azad Kashmir. In Dera Ismail Khan, land acquisition is actively underway, with authorities emphasizing that the new airport will resolve persistent connectivity issues affecting southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neighboring regions. The strategic location of Sukkur Airport has prompted plans for its reconstruction and the development of a new terminal, intended to transform it into a regional aviation hub serving northern Sindh and adjacent areas.

At Hyderabad Airport, the government has directed the Pakistan Airports Authority to initiate commercial flight operations. In parallel, plans are moving forward to establish an aviation training school at Hyderabad, designed to boost technical education and professional skills development within the aviation sector, supporting workforce capacity building.

These infrastructure initiatives are part of a broader modernization effort by the PAA, which also includes the recent launch of an e-gates implementation project at major international airports in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. This project, expected to be completed within 24 months, will introduce automated passenger processing systems aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, enhancing security and passenger experience.

Additionally, approvals have been granted for the construction of two new international airports in Sukkur and Muzaffarabad, with land acquisition and development activities underway. These airports are projected to be completed within five years, representing a significant investment in Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure.

The PAA’s ongoing runway upgrades, such as the 53% completion of the Runway 07L/25R upgrade at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport as of May 2025, further demonstrate the authority’s commitment to enhancing airport capacity and safety.

Collectively, these projects reflect Pakistan’s strategic vision to modernize its aviation facilities, improve regional and international connectivity, foster economic development, and create employment opportunities in underdeveloped regions. The involvement of international consultants and adherence to global standards underscore the commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure and services.

For the first time in years, UAE residents can enjoy affordable last-minute summer getaways, with airfares dropping to their lowest levels since before the pandemic. Traditionally, July and August see a surge in ticket prices, but this year, connecting economy flights from Dubai to London are available for as little as Dh1,300—a significant decrease from last year’s Dh2,500 for similar routes.

Travellers departing from Abu Dhabi are finding even better deals. For example, flights to Mumbai are currently listed at Dh708 for travel between July 15 and 31, making Abu Dhabi an attractive starting point for budget-conscious holidaymakers.

“We are seeing a much more manageable increase in airfares this July,” said Rashid Abbas, Managing Director at Arooha Travels. “Some fares to CIS and Indian destinations have dropped to between Dh610 and Dh800. These prices are certainly more attractive than what travellers have had to contend with in the last couple of years.”

Are these the lowest fares since 2020? According to Abbas, “Yes and no. While some destinations are seeing dramatic drops, others especially certain European cities still command higher prices, between Dh2,500 and Dh3,800 for last-minute bookings. However, these are still well below the peaks of 2022, when airfares soared to unprecedented levels.”

Direct flights to major European cities such as London, Stockholm, Lisbon, and Barcelona remain in the Dh2,500–Dh3,000 range. Yet, budget carriers are offering competitive alternatives; for example, Dubai to Paris on a low-cost airline is available for Dh2,815, and flights to Berlin can be found for Dh1,860.

Here are some of the best last-minute deals for travel between July 15 and 31:

From Dubai:

• Dubai to Tbilisi on flydubai: Dh1,300
• Dubai to Istanbul on AJet: Dh653
• Dubai to Chisinau, Moldova on Wizz Air Abu Dhabi: Dh538
• Dubai to Cairo on Air Arabia Express: Dh1,430
• Dubai to New York on United Airlines: Dh2,945

From Abu Dhabi:

• Abu Dhabi to Yerevan on Etihad: Dh618
• Abu Dhabi to Manama on Etihad: Dh415
• Abu Dhabi to Muscat on Etihad: Dh485
• Abu Dhabi to Istanbul on Etihad: Dh1,006
• Abu Dhabi to Athens on Etihad: Dh1,635

From Sharjah:

• Sharjah to Istanbul on AJet: Dh706
• Sharjah to Doha on Qatar Airways: Dh755
• Sharjah to Tbilisi on Air Arabia: Dh1,432

From Ras Al Khaimah:

• RAK to Mumbai on IndiGo: Dh742
• RAK to Istanbul on AJet: Dh653

Travel agents attribute the drop in fares to changing travel habits among UAE residents. “Couples and singles often travel home during off-peak months to save on fares,” said Sapna Aidasani, Head of Marketing at Pluto Travels. She noted a trend toward shorter trips, typically lasting one to two weeks, rather than extended summer holidays. Many are also exploring destinations closer to the UAE, such as Azerbaijan or Schengen countries, and Africa is gaining popularity.

Corporate leave policies also play a role, with most employees preferring to split their travel into multiple shorter trips throughout the year. Dubai residents usually return by early August and then plan additional holidays for winter or Diwali, breaking up their summer travel.

With schools closed and temperatures soaring, residents are encouraged to keep up with the latest events, deals, and safety tips through Summer Vibes in collaboration with Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). There’s plenty happening across the Emirates this July and August, making it easier than ever to plan a memorable and affordable summer.

The Emirates Group reaffirmed its leadership in aviation sustainability at the annual "Tomorrow Takes Flight" event in Dubai, aligning its efforts with the United Nations’ 2025 campaign to end plastic pollution.

The event brought together employees, industry partners, and sustainability advocates to highlight a comprehensive range of initiatives across Emirates and dnata, focusing on reducing single-use plastics, responsible consumption, and circular resource management.

Key initiatives showcased included:

• The expansion of the "Aircrafted by Emirates" program, which repurposes retired aircraft parts—such as metal and composite materials—into functional and aesthetic items, significantly reducing waste.

• Introduction of onboard products made from alternative or recycled materials, and catering services using plant-based packaging to minimize environmental impact.

• Demonstrations of biodigesters by Emirates Flight Catering, showing how food waste is processed into useful byproducts, and tastings of sustainable food options from Emirates Group partners.

• dnata’s global sustainability efforts, including comprehensive recycling programs, food waste reduction in lounges, and the deployment of river interceptors in Sri Lanka to prevent ocean pollution.

• A "Bottle Wall" installation, where employees contributed used plastic bottles that were upcycled into plant pots and distributed to staff, reinforcing the message of circularity and waste reduction.

Strategic investments and operational changes were also highlighted:

• Emirates has invested in solar power systems at major facilities like the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre and Emirates Flight Catering, generating over 9,000 MWh of renewable electricity annually and saving approximately 4 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions.

• The Group is accelerating the transition to electric ground support equipment and collaborating with alternative fuel suppliers to further lower emissions.

• Emirates is implementing the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) system, a comprehensive environmental management system covering flight operations, corporate activities, and aircraft component manufacturing.

Leadership emphasized the importance of collective action:

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Deputy President & Chief Operations Officer, stressed that environmental responsibility is integral to the airline’s objectives and supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy. He highlighted ongoing emissions reduction projects, resource conservation through recycling, and the need for collaboration across the supply chain to enhance recyclability. Steve Allen, CEO of dnata, outlined investments in renewable energy, food waste reduction, and expanded recycling as part of a broader shift toward circular resource management.

Panel discussions featured representatives from Emirates, dnata, and global industry leaders such as Airbus, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and the University of Cambridge, exploring technological and collaborative strategies for sustainable aviation. Emirates’ environmental policy and sustainability strategy are built on multi-billion-dollar investments in modern, eco-efficient technology, compliance with international standards, and support for industry-wide initiatives like the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

Through "Tomorrow Takes Flight," the Emirates Group not only demonstrated its progress but also its ambition to drive industry-wide change, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable aviation and a model for responsible business practices in the global travel sector.

The ongoing two-day strike by French air traffic controllers has triggered widespread travel chaos across Europe, with significant flight cancellations and disruptions extending well beyond France’s borders. The strike, called by minority unions UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT, protests chronic understaffing, outdated equipment, and problematic management practices within France’s air traffic control system.

On Thursday alone, France’s civil aviation authority DGAC reported the cancellation of 933 flights, representing about 10% of scheduled flights nationwide, with cancellations rising to 25% at major Paris airports such as Charles de Gaulle and Orly. By Friday morning, around 1,000 flights had already been cancelled after DGAC mandated a 40% reduction in flights at Paris airports to manage the strike’s impact.

 Other French airports, particularly in the south, saw up to half of their flights affected. Across Europe, the Airlines for Europe (A4E) lobby group estimated that 1,500 flights were cancelled over the two-day period, disrupting travel plans for approximately 300,000 passengers.

The timing of the strike is particularly disruptive, coinciding with the start of the European summer holiday season and the final school day in France before the holidays, when many families plan early departures. The French government has strongly condemned the strike, with Prime Minister François Bayrou describing it as "taking the French hostage," and Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot calling it "unacceptable" due to its wide-reaching impact on over 500,000 people.

Ryanair has been one of the hardest-hit carriers, cancelling 170 flights and affecting over 30,000 passengers. CEO Michael O’Leary criticized the strike as an unfair burden on European travelers, urging the European Commission to implement reforms to prevent such disruptions, including ensuring full staffing during peak hours and protecting overflights during national strikes. Other airlines affected include EasyJet, which cancelled 274 flights, Lufthansa, which scaled back operations at several French airports, and British Airways, which deployed larger aircraft to mitigate disruption.

The strike’s effects extend beyond flights to and from France, significantly impacting flights overflying French airspace. This has caused delays and cancellations on routes between countries such as the UK, Greece, Spain, and Ireland. Passengers stranded at airports like Paris Orly have reported severe difficulties securing alternative travel or accommodation, highlighting the human toll of the disruption.

Underlying the strike are longstanding grievances from air traffic controllers regarding insufficient staffing levels, aging and failing technology, and a management culture they describe as toxic and incompatible with the safety and calm required for their work. The unions argue that the DGAC has failed to adequately invest in modernizing air traffic control infrastructure despite repeated assurances.

This strike adds to recent challenges faced by European aviation, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that led Ryanair to cancel over 800 flights last month. Despite these setbacks, Ryanair reported operating more than 109,000 flights in June, carrying nearly 20 million passengers, a 3% increase year-on-year.

The disruption caused by the French air traffic controllers’ strike underscores vulnerabilities in Europe’s air traffic management system and the urgent need for reforms to ensure reliability during peak travel periods and to protect passengers from avoidable delays and cancellations.