Kuwait Airways has been honored with the prestigious 2026 Five Star Award for Onboard Passenger Service by APEX, the global airline passenger experience rating program. The award, which reflects unbiased passenger feedback from over one million flights operated by 600 airlines worldwide, recognizes the national carrier’s exceptional in-flight service, including entertainment programs, food quality, and overall passenger care.

The accolade was officially presented at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in California, USA, where Kuwait Airways was represented by Acting CEO Captain Abdulwahab Al-Shatti. The award ceremony gathered the world’s leading airlines to celebrate outstanding achievements in flight services.

Expressing his pride in the accomplishment, Kuwait Airways Chairman Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan attributed the success to the dedication and efforts of the airline’s employees. “This award is a testament to the exceptional services and comfort we provide to our valued passengers,” he said.

Al-Fagaan highlighted that the Five Star rating stems from a comprehensive and impartial analysis of traveler feedback across key in-flight features such as entertainment options, menu quality, and service excellence. He added that Kuwait Airways continuously works towards refining its operations and customer experience.

The recognition is part of a broader portfolio of achievements for Kuwait Airways. According to the 2024 AirHelp annual report, the airline ranked 20th among 109 global carriers and 5th in the Middle East for overall performance. Additionally, a Money Supermarket report named Kuwait Airways first worldwide for onboard meal quality last year. The carrier also secured second place in the Middle East for flight punctuality in April 2024, according to data from CIRIUM, a leading aviation analytics provider.

Industry experts note that Kuwait Airways’ continual improvements are in line with growing expectations across the air travel sector, where passengers increasingly demand high-quality service and operational reliability. The airline’s commitment to advancing passenger experience aligns with trends seen in leading carriers globally, as evidenced by similar accolades from respected organizations like Skytrax and AirlineRatings.com.

The APEX Five Star and Four Star Awards are uniquely based on certified passenger feedback collected through APEX’s partnership with TripIt from Concur, the world’s most popular travel-organizing app. This independent assessment is verified by an external auditing body to ensure authenticity and rigor. Only the top 40 airlines worldwide — less than 7% of those rated — are awarded the Five Star status, underscoring Kuwait Airways’ membership in an elite group of global carriers.

Kuwait Airways’ achievement reinforces its path toward excellence and growth. The airline’s chairman pledged ongoing investment in diverse service enhancements and operational upgrades to sustain high customer satisfaction and operational benchmarks.

As the airline industry recovers and evolves post-pandemic, recognitions like the APEX Five Star Award help shape traveler confidence and highlight carriers that set new standards in passenger experience and service quality.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently made it much harder for Nepali citizens to get visit visas to Dubai and other emirates. Starting September 15, 2025, the UAE temporarily suspended issuing visit visas for Nepalis amid concerns about misuse of visas, political unrest in Nepal, and security issues. Although the Nepali Embassy in the UAE has not received any official notice, UAE authorities have confirmed this decision informally.

The move was motivated by investigations into the vandalism, arson, and looting during the September 9 protests in Nepal, as well as a prison break from Jhumka Prison. Another key concern is the long-standing issue of human trafficking, where some brokers use visit visas to illegally send Nepali women to Gulf countries like Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain for domestic work.

Before this suspension, Dubai had already stopped accepting most visit visa applications from Nepali nationals, forcing many travelers to apply through Sharjah. However, Sharjah's visa approvals for Nepalis have also been suspended, effectively blocking most tourist visit visas. The requirement of stricter documentation and tighter immigration rules in 2025 has further complicated the visa process.

Travel agencies in Nepal report that many applicants face sudden visa rejections without clear reasons, causing frustration and financial losses.

The UAE hosts about 800,000 Nepali workers, many of whom initially traveled on visit visas before securing work permits. These new visa restrictions disrupt a common migration route for many Nepalis seeking employment in the UAE or other Gulf countries. In addition, travel plans are complicated by recent flight cancellations and disruptions caused by political unrest and airport closures in Kathmandu.

Officials and travel agents in Nepal advise travelers to exercise caution and keep updated with official information. For those still eligible, a UAE visit visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days, and processing generally takes about 20 business days. Valid visa applications require complete documents such as flight bookings, passport, accommodation proof, and sometimes a letter of invitation or proof of business activity.

In summary, the UAE’s new visa restrictions have made it very difficult for Nepali nationals to obtain visit visas, affecting tourism and short-term visits severely. These measures are driven by security and immigration concerns, political factors, and efforts to crack down on illegal activities such as human trafficking. Nepali travelers now face uncertainty and delays, and many are forced to reconsider their travel and work plans related to the UAE.

An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Dunedin was forced into a dramatic turnaround on Saturday, September 13, 2025, after encountering dangerous windshear during two aborted landing attempts. Flight NZ676, operated by an Airbus A320, struggled to safely touch down at Dunedin Airport amid gusts reaching 78 km/h, before the pilot made the difficult decision to return to Auckland.

Chief Operating Officer Alex Marren confirmed that all passengers were re-accommodated on subsequent flights and issued an apology for the disruption caused by the volatile weather. “The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” Marren said. “Given the severe and sudden wind changes during the approach, the decision to divert was necessary.”

The aircraft, an 8.9-year-old A320 registered ZK-OXM, approached Dunedin twice but was forced to abort landings due to the windshear—a phenomenon involving a rapid shift in wind speed and direction that presents serious hazards for pilots, especially during critical phases like landing. Winds over the Otago region gusted fiercely throughout the day, with a 78 km/h peak recorded near the runway.

Broadcaster Matty McLean, among the passengers aboard, shared gripping footage on social media showing the aircraft swaying as it neared touchdown. Passengers initially cheered as the plane appeared to land, only for the pilot to suddenly pull up again in a go-around maneuver. McLean described the experience as “pretty scary,” noting that the first landing attempt ended abruptly, and the second almost reached the runway before the safety procedure was enacted.

Despite the tension, McLean praised the crew for their professionalism and calm demeanor during the ordeal. “The pilots and cabin crew handled it exceptionally well. Their priority was keeping us safe, which was very reassuring,” he told Stuff.co.nz. McLean, who was travelling with his husband Ryan Teece, also voiced disappointment over missing the Dunedin Marathon, an event he had been eagerly preparing for. “We were both really excited about the race and the weekend in Dunedin. It was frustrating, but in the end, the weather dictates what happens in aviation.”

Meteorologists had forecast gusty conditions for Otago on Saturday, caused by a strong low-pressure system interacting with the region’s terrain. Aviation experts note that Dunedin Airport’s coastal location often subjects it to challenging wind patterns. The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand highlights that “windshear incidents, while rare, are treated with utmost caution due to the significant risk they pose during takeoff and landing.”

Sunday’s weather was expected to bring more settled conditions, allowing flights to proceed without major disruptions. Air New Zealand reportedly adjusted its schedules to manage delays caused by the earlier cancellations.

McLean, undeterred by the setback, joked that after circling in the air for hours, he and Teece returned to Auckland to pick up their dog from friends. He also expressed his determination to return next year for the marathon, saying, “I’ll definitely give Dunedin another shot in 2026—hopefully with clearer skies.”

This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of weather and its impact on regional air travel in New Zealand, emphasizing how airlines and crews prioritize safety even as passengers grapple with disappointment.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is set to begin phased operations of its expanded Terminal 2 next Tuesday, with the new coach waiting lounge being the first facility to open, according to the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK). This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance airport capacity, streamline operations, and boost the city's tourism sector.

The new coach waiting lounge, a key feature of the Terminal 2 expansion, will accommodate 41 parking bays for various transport services, including tour coaches, cross-boundary buses, limousines, and resident shuttle buses. Steven Yiu Siu-chung, the Airport Operations Executive Director, highlighted this as a significant upgrade to ground transportation facilities, improving efficiency for both travelers and operators.

In approximately six months, the departure level of Terminal 2 is expected to become operational. At that point, certain airlines will relocate their check-in counters from the existing Terminal 1 to the new Terminal 2, further distributing passenger flow and optimizing space. This strategic move aims to alleviate congestion in Terminal 1 and provide a more seamless travel experience as HKIA continues to recover and expand its services.

Further infrastructural changes include the repurposing of the existing Terminal 1 car park by the end of this year. It will be transformed into dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones for pre-booked taxis, ride-hailing services, and traditional taxi fleets. This re-organization is designed to improve traffic flow and convenience for passengers accessing ground transportation.

In an effort to stimulate tourism and retail, Yiu also announced an expansion of the airport departure tax exemption scope. While the departure tax will increase from HK$120 to HK$200 starting next month, travelers entering Hong Kong by land or sea and departing via HKIA within two days will be eligible for a refund. This initiative aims to attract more transit passengers to make short stopovers in the city, providing a boost to local businesses.

Passengers seeking a refund can apply through a new electronic platform within 28 days after their departure. The application process will be largely paperless, requiring the submission of three key documents: proof of tax payment, the travel document used for entry into Hong Kong, and their boarding pass. Refunds will be disbursed via credit card, e-wallet, or cash at designated money changers within the airport, offering flexibility to travelers.

This phased expansion and the strategic tax exemption program underscore HKIA's commitment to reinforcing its status as a premier international aviation hub. The enhancements are part of the larger Three-runway System project, which aims to significantly increase HKIA's capacity to handle projected passenger and cargo growth in the coming decades. Industry analysts note that such upgrades are crucial for Hong Kong to maintain its competitive edge against other major Asian airports, particularly as regional travel continues to rebound.

Starting October 12, 2025, non-European visitors to the European Union will no longer receive traditional passport stamps, as the EU introduces the biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) across 29 countries. This new digital system, affecting around 700 million annual border crossings, aims to modernize border controls by replacing manual stamping with biometric data collection such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning.

The EES will be gradually deployed over six months at airports, seaports, and land border crossings, with full implementation targeted by April 10, 2026, across all external Schengen borders. First-time visitors will undergo biometric enrollment, where facial photographs and four fingerprints are taken to create secure digital profiles. Children under 12 will provide facial images only. Repeat visitors who submitted fingerprints when applying for visas will only need to have their facial image captured at the border.

Designed to replace the time-consuming and unreliable manual passport stamping, the EES will enable automatic tracking of visitor stays and more efficient identification of overstayers, addressing long-standing enforcement issues within the Schengen Area. The system applies to all non-EU nationals on short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, regardless of visa-free access or visa possession.

Travelers with biometric passports will benefit from self-service kiosks at participating border crossings to speed up processing after their initial enrollment, although some delays are expected during the early rollout. Major European airports such as Frankfurt and Paris Charles de Gaulle will lead the deployment, while smaller and remote crossings will follow at a slower pace, with some continuing traditional stamping temporarily until system readiness.

Stored biometric and travel records will be retained for three years, extending to five years in cases of overstayers or non-registered exits. The system complies with stringent EU privacy regulations by limiting database access to authorized law enforcement and border control agencies only.

Several member states, including Malta, face challenges in upgrading infrastructure and training personnel in time for the October deadline. Industry groups welcome the phased implementation to allow airlines and ferry operators to adapt but caution about potential initial disruptions.

The EES rollout also lays the groundwork for the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), slated for launch in late 2026. ETIAS will require visa-exempt travelers to apply for pre-travel authorization at a cost of €20, similar to the U.S. ESTA system, further tightening Europe’s border security.

This move places Europe among the first regions to deploy a comprehensive digital border management system, following precedents like Australia, which ended passport stamping in 2012, and Argentina and several Asian countries more recently. European officials emphasize that the system incorporates lessons learned from these earlier adopters while addressing the continent’s specific security and travel volume challenges.

Despite initial delays and criticism over the extended development timeline—ETIAS itself has been postponed five times since its originally planned 2021 launch officials expect both EES and ETIAS to improve security and streamline traveler processing for the millions entering Europe annually.

What was meant to be a weekend escape to Dunedin turned into a test of nerves for passengers aboard Air New Zealand flight NZ676 on Saturday, September 13, 2025. After two unsuccessful landing attempts at Dunedin Airport, the flight was forced to abandon its approach and return to Auckland, citing extreme windshear as the culprit.

"Close Calls" amid Wild Winds
COO Alex Marren made clear that safety dictated the decision. Winds gusting up to 78 km/h created turbulence and unstable air currents dangerously close to the runway conditions too risky to complete the landing. 

Eyewitness footage shared on social media by broadcaster Matty McLean, who was among the passengers, shows the plane dropping toward the runway during the second approach eliciting cheers from those on board before pulling up sharply at the last moment. 

McLean, who had flown down with hopes of running the Dunedin Marathon, said the first approach was aborted quickly; the second brought the aircraft almost to the ground before the pilot initiated a go-around. “Everybody thought we were landing… then, at the last moment, we pulled up again,” he said, calling the experience “pretty scary.” 

Passenger Care and Disruption

Once back in Auckland, Air New Zealand re-accommodated affected passengers on later services. McLean, in particular, lost out: missing the Dunedin Marathon was a bitter blow after training and travel preparations. Still, he praised the flight crew for their calm handling of the emergency. 

Weather Chaos in Otago

Saturday’s conditions in the Otago region were already volatile. Alongside the windshear, Dunedin was buffeted by strong crosswinds and gusts that disrupted multiple arrivals. Authorities had issued weather warnings, and forecasts suggested that while Sunday might be calmer, intense winds remained possible in exposed and coastal locations. 

Safety First Amid Growing Disruption

This isn’t the first time flights into Dunedin have been thwarted by severe weather. Past incidents include flights impacted by wind shear and turbulence, strong crosswinds, and in some cases, returning due to lightning or turbulence. Air New Zealand and MetService are regularly coordinating updates to alerts and warnings. 

Aircraft and Technical Details

The aircraft in question was an 8.9-year-old Airbus A320-232, registered ZK-OXM. Its structure and crew safety procedures were tested but held firm in the face of adverse conditions. 

What Passengers Take Away

For travellers like McLean, the frustration is real lost experiences, wasted time, dashed expectations. For the airline, the incident underscores a double challenge: balancing safety in unpredictable weather with managing passenger expectations and logistical fallback for disrupted schedules.

McLean hopes for another shot at Dunedin and the marathon  in 2026. He summed up what many onboard felt: disappointment, yes, but also acknowledgement that pilots and crew made the only responsible choice under the circumstances.