Dubai airport offers luggage delivery to homes and hotels. Marhaba and DUBZ provide check-in from anywhere. Arriving passengers can skip baggage claim. Baggage storage and same-day delivery across UAE are available. These services are available at designated service points. Dnata plans to implement these services at Dubai's upcoming DWC terminal. The terminal aims to offer a fully automated, queue-free experience.
Indian insurance companies are now offering specialized travel policies for students abroad, addressing visa issues, job loss, and emergencies. These affordable policies provide comprehensive coverage, including accommodation and return travel, catering to the unique needs of Indian students in countries like the US, UK, and Canada. While some prefer university-recommended insurance for easier claims, a hybrid approach is gaining traction.
Effective July 1st, the German Federal Foreign Office is eliminating the remonstration procedure for visa rejections worldwide. This administrative appeal process was voluntary and its removal aims to streamline visa processing. A pilot project demonstrated that suspending remonstration freed up staff, leading to more processed applications and reduced waiting times, while legal protections for applicants remain.
Civil aviation authorities are monitoring flight operations in different parts of the country after security forces detected Pakistani drones near the heavily-guarded Jammu airport on Thursday evening, reported PTI quoting its sources. Sounds resembling blasts caused panic in Jammu city late on Thursday evening as security forces detected Pakistani drones near the heavily-guarded airport here, officials said.
IndiGo provides support to customers. It extends the waiver on change and cancellation fees for Srinagar flights. This applies to travel until May 22, 2025. The waiver is for bookings made on or before April 22, 2025. Several airports face airspace restrictions. This follows India's missile strikes in Pakistan. Many flights get cancelled due to the restrictions.
The Char Dham Yatra experienced a decrease in pilgrim numbers this year. Officials attribute this to improved planning and registration processes. Online registration started earlier, and document verification became compulsory. The staggered opening of shrines also contributed to the slower start. Visitor numbers are expected to rise later in May.
Delhi Airport issued an advisory due to airspace changes. Some flights are impacted. Indian airlines cancelled flights from North Indian cities. India struck terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The strikes, named Operation Sindoor, targeted terrorist launchpads. The action follows the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Indian forces targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders.
Air India has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv until May 6, 2025, following a missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport. Flight AI139 from Delhi was diverted to Abu Dhabi mid-air, prompting Lufthansa, British Airways, and Delta Air Lines to also suspend or cancel flights. Passengers with valid tickets will receive waivers for rescheduling or full refunds.
Haj Flights: SpiceJet has commenced its Haj 2025 operations, starting with a flight from Gaya to Medina, and will operate 45 flights in the first phase from Gaya, Srinagar, Guwahati, and Kolkata to Saudi Arabia. The airline anticipates carrying approximately 15,500 pilgrims, an 18 per cent increase from last year, and has added Airbus A340 aircraft to enhance the travel experience.
The Noida International Airport will miss its May 15 deadline. Construction delays are the primary reason. The Uttar Pradesh government is penalizing the concessionaire. A new completion timeline is expected soon. Key infrastructure like the terminal and water treatment plants are behind schedule. Authorities are exploring phased opening options. Domestic and cargo flights may begin first.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, travellers can submit the digital arrival card individually or as a group, up to three days before their scheduled arrival. Required details include passport information, travel itinerary, accommodation in Thailand, and a basic health declaration. The new system is modelled on digital entry requirements already adopted in other countries.
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