Dubai airport is back to normal following the storms that left the country flooded last week and caused travel chaos for thousands. On Tuesday, the world’s busiest airport announced that it was operating at full capacity again after an intense period where 2,155 flights were cancelled and 115 diverted after the UAE’s heaviest rainfall in 75 years. Roads leading to the airport are clear again and travellers no longer need to plan to arrive extra early to catch flights.
What isn’t quite back to normal yet is passengers' baggage – with many suitcases still not making it to their intended destinations even when their owners do. “While certain challenges remain, including processing the baggage backlog, we’re working closely with our service partners but know there’s still more work to be done, and we once again thank guests for their patience while we work through this,” said Paul Griffiths of Dubai Airports.
I reached out to the team at Emirates for clarification on what best practice is for travellers with missing luggage, who advised that bags can now be collected from the airport. For passengers who were connecting in Dubai or departed from Dubai to go elsewhere, the airline is shipping bags to their final destinations, and travellers are advised to wait for the airline to contact them.
British Airways touched down in Abu Dhabi this week for the first time in four years, after pausing operations on the route during the Covid-19 pandemic. And Etihad Airways announced it will soon begin flying its A380 superjumbos to Paris, the third destination on the airline's network to receive the double-decker jet after London and New York. Flights will begin on November 1.
Tripadvisor has revealed the best hotels in the world in 2024, as nominated by travellers. Topping the bill is Hotel Colline de France, a dreamy-looking boutique lodging in Gramado, a mountain resort town in Brazil. The UAE had two hotels in the top 20, The Ritz-Carlton in Dubai and Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.
And competition for hotels in this region continues to heat up as more and more announce openings, with each one seemingly more impressive than the last. This week we found out that Nobu is launching a new property in Egypt, via Nobu Hotel and Restaurant East Cairo. And in Saudi Arabia, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve is heading to Trojena, a snow-topped mountain tourist destination, where it will join a host of other luxury developments, including The Chedi, Anantara and W Hotel. The Marriott International property promises guests a lavish spa, 60 luxury villas and expansive views across the desert and mountain ranges.
And finally, travel to parts of Europe looks set to get smoother for some GCC visitors after the EU announced five-year Schengen visas for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain that will allow travellers to visit the bloc several times within the same period – a great reason to plan more travel.
Until next time, stay safe, travel well and keep up to date with all the latest travel news and stories online.
DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: Interlaken, Switzerland
While Switzerland may be well-known for its divine chocolate and luxury shopping, it is also home to the adventure capital of Europe. Interlaken is a pretty mountain town and the gateway to alpine adventures. I travelled to the Canton of Bern to discover what's in store for thrill-seeking visitors. From canyon swings and paragliding to hiking, panoramic train journeys and gondola rides, Interlaken promises exhilarating experiences for everyone.
TRAVEL NEWS THIS WEEK
TOP TIPS
Three nature-focused experiences
- Nicknamed the City of Roses, Taif in Saudi Arabia is where travellers can learn more about the flower and its connection to the region. Travel with Roam on a three-day visit to this western city and you can marvel at pockets of the kingdom's vast desert landscape turning a vivid pink. The trip includes a visit to a family-run farm, hiking in Al Shafa and a visit to the Sharif Museum to learn more about the region and its people.
- If this week’s destination story has fuelled your desire to explore Switzerland, how about a summer visit to Graubunden where you can hike with the world’s first air sommelier, Patrick Stebler. The award-winning perfumer offers one-of-a-kind tours around the Graubunden mountains where travellers can uncover the unique scent of the region, from its crisp morning summer fragrances that waft through verdant valleys to the calming notes of its lush forests.
- Discover the secrets of the deep blue at the recently opened One&Only Kea Island in Greece's Cyclades. Experienced technical divers can explore some of the Mediterranean's most renowned dive sites, including four historic wrecks and protected marine parks, while beginners can learn the art of diving in the bay's calm waters. Those who prefer to be above the waves can sail to one of the island’s secluded beaches, accessible only by boat, for a luxury castaway experience.
THE LAST WORD
“As a city celebrated for its style and ambience, Paris is the perfect destination for Etihad’s iconic A380 aircraft. This enhancement reflects our commitment to delivering award-winning comfort and service across all cabin classes”
Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive, Etihad Airways
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