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Unveiling Dubai's Hottest Hotel Openings in 2025

Explore the Luxurious Innovations Transforming Dubai's Skyline
Published: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Unveiling Dubai's Hottest Hotel Openings in 2025

Explore the latest additions to Dubai's hospitality scene with a focus on new and upcoming hotel launches for 2025. The city boasts a diverse array of accommodations, from charming boutique hotels to lavish resorts, providing numerous options for travelers.

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Vida Dubai Mall

Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Vida Dubai Mall is the newest landmark in the skyline, providing direct access to one of the largest shopping and entertainment hubs in the world. The hotel features 195 elegantly designed rooms and suites, alongside 620 serviced apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms.

Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, international dining options, and co-working spaces. Families will appreciate the Qix Kids Club and the outdoor splash pad, while complimentary bikes are available for those wishing to explore the surrounding area at their leisure.

Location: Downtown Dubai

Facilities: Swimming pool, fitness center, kids club, co-working space.

Mama Shelter Dubai

Mama Shelter, celebrated as the new hub for Millennials and Gen Z, has opened its doors in Dubai. Originating from Paris, this vibrant hotel features a unique and playful design by renowned designer Thierry Gaugain.

Guests can enjoy a lively atmosphere across its 197 rooms, complemented by various social and recreational spaces, including lounges, pools, photo booths, DJ areas, and sports courts for basketball and volleyball.

Additionally, there are screening rooms and coworking hubs available for residents. The rooms are well-furnished and equipped with smart home technology and fully integrated kitchens, alongside a range of à la carte hotel services and amenities.

Location: Business Bay.

Facilities: 197 rooms, swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, coworking space.

Delano Dubai

Nestled on Bluewaters Island, Delano Dubai is part of the esteemed international hotel chain brought to life by Ennismore, which also manages Banyan Tree Dubai on the same island. This luxurious establishment features 251 rooms, including 84 suites—some equipped with private pools.

Guests can enjoy an oceanfront swimming pool, exquisite dining options, and a range of top-tier amenities that embody five-star service.

Location: Bluewaters Island.
Facilities: 251 rooms and suites, oceanfront pool, beach club, and dining options like Miami's The Rose Bar.

FIVE LUXE

FIVE LUXE, the latest addition to Jumeirah Beach Residence, blends relaxed sophistication with vibrant entertainment. As the third property from FIVE Hotels and Resorts in Dubai, it continues the brand's tradition of fun and excitement. Visitors can choose from 222 rooms and suites—some featuring a DJ booth and dancefloor—or opt for one of the 276 residential apartments.

Dining experiences here are top-notch, with options like the Japanese restaurant Ronin, Mediterranean Cielo, and the French Tête A Tête. For a lively atmosphere, Playa Pacha offers a private beach and pool club, hosting international DJs to enhance the festive vibe.

Location: Jumeirah Beach Residence
Facilities: 222 rooms and suites, 276 residential apartments, expansive pools, beach club, spa, and seven diverse dining venues.

Situated along the picturesque Dubai Creek, the Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences is the inaugural property in the upcoming 'Jewel of the Creek' development.

This hotel features 180 rooms and suites, including studio apartments and spacious duplex penthouses with one to three bedrooms, all providing stunning views of both the contemporary and traditional landscapes of Dubai. Guests can enjoy a fully-equipped fitness center, a steam room, sauna, an indoor jacuzzi, and separate swimming pools for adults and children, along with an all-day dining restaurant.

Location: Deira.

Facilities: 180 rooms and suites, panoramic views, fitness center, dedicated adult and children's pools.

The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai

The Lana, a striking addition to the skyline, overlooks Marasi Bay Marina and offers breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa. This architectural gem boasts high-end dining experiences crafted by acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs, alongside a rooftop pool and lounge perfect for sunset views. With 225 luxurious rooms and suites, The Lana will also host the first Dior Spa in the UAE, set to launch in April 2024.

For those considering long-term stays, the residences provide access to landscaped terraces, infinity pools, a yoga studio, and a marina featuring 20 berths, complemented by a dedicated podium for retail and dining.

Location: Business Bay.

Facilities: 225 rooms and suites, first Dior Spa in the UAE (opening April 2024), infinity pool, yoga studio, and rooftop dining.

The Biltmore Hotel Villas

Located near the Mall of the Emirates, The Biltmore Hotel Villas promises the same luxury and hospitality as its century-old Los Angeles counterpart. This property includes 18 opulent three- and four-bedroom villas, ideal for families and groups, along with two expansive five-bedroom villas featuring spacious rooftop lounges for social gatherings.

The villas combine Emirati elegance with modern European design, each offering private pools, jacuzzis, cinema rooms, and smart home technology among other high-end amenities.

Location: Al Barsha 1.

Facilities: 20 villas, private pools, cinema rooms, and jacuzzis.

One Za’abeel

One Za’abeel is a striking addition to Dubai's skyline, featuring the world’s longest cantilever, known as The Link, connecting its two sleek towers. This vertical resort not only provides sophisticated accommodations but also boasts ultra-chic retail, entertainment, and dining options. Guests can enjoy the UAE’s longest infinity pool on the rooftop, which offers breathtaking views of both the historic and modern parts of Dubai.

The rooms are elegantly designed with neutral tones and soothing sand motifs, reflecting the meaning of ‘Za’abeel’ (which translates to ‘white sand’ in the local dialect).

Location: Trade Centre.
Facilities: 229 rooms, eight restaurants in The Link, three restaurants at The Garden, and the UAE’s longest suspended infinity pool.

Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, Vignette Collection

Nestled along the western shores of Palm Jumeirah, Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort marks the debut of the Vignette Collection in the region and is IHG's first luxury beach resort in the UAE. The resort features vibrant interiors and 132 elegantly designed rooms that blend Arabian elegance with Art Deco influences and a Miami vibe. Guests can enjoy private beach access, infinity pools, a kids club, and various watersports activities.

Location: Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: 132 rooms, private beach access, infinity pools, kids club, and watersports activities.

Banyan Tree Dubai

Banyan Tree Dubai offers a luxurious beachfront experience, providing a perfect urban escape. Located where Caesars Palace Dubai once stood, this resort features a pristine 500-meter private beach and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. It is conveniently situated near the lively Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina, as well as the iconic Ain Dubai .

Location: Bluewaters Island.
Facilities: 178 rooms, 500m private beach, fitness center, and spa.

Vida Creek Beach

Sands out as a new luxury hotel nestled in Dubai Creek Harbour, complete with a scenic lagoon and an advanced wave system. This oasis offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city while remaining conveniently close to downtown attractions.

Guests can indulge in stunning waterside views, boat excursions, lush green spaces, and elegant dining. The hotel's common areas and 99 rooms showcase a harmonious blend of Art Deco and Modernism, highlighted by sleek arches, warm bronze tones, rich wood accents, and neutral decor.

Location: Dubai Creek Harbour.
Facilities: 99 rooms, picturesque lagoon with a wave system, co-working space, 24/7 fitness center, infinity pool with canal views, waterside vistas, boat tours, and elegant dining options.

The First Collection Waterfront

Marks the arrival of a homegrown hospitality brand in Business Bay, placing visitors at the heart of Dubai's upscale scene. This four-star lifestyle hotel features 327 rooms and suites, all offering private balconies with captivating canal views.

Guests can savor exceptional dining experiences, enjoy the pool and spa, and take advantage of convenient transportation to the Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah for a perfect day at the beach.

Location: Business Bay.
Facilities: 327 rooms and suites, private balconies with canal views, onsite dining options, pool, spa, and private transportation to Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah.

SO/ Uptown Dubai

Adds a touch of avant-garde elegance to the city with its 188 rooms and suites, along with 227 residences in a striking 'diamond-cut' supertower. This urban resort seamlessly blends fashion and design, featuring luxurious wood and marble interiors adorned with gold accents and rich fabrics.

Guests can expect all the five-star amenities, including exquisite dining options, a rejuvenating spa, a pool, and a fitness center. For a memorable experience, an elevated dining and entertainment venue, Celeste, is set to open soon.

Location: Near Jumeirah Islands.
Facilities: 188 rooms and suites, 227 residences, spa, pool, fitness center, and upscale dining options, with an upcoming entertainment venue called Celeste.

Atlantis The Royal Dubai

The latest gem on Palm Jumeirah, made a grand debut in early 2023. Known as Dubai’s largest hotel, it rises 185 meters above sea level and boasts 800 guest rooms, 250 luxury residences, and an impressive 90 swimming pools.

With 11 exquisite restaurants led by renowned chefs, guests can enjoy extraordinary culinary experiences. A highlight is the Sky Bridge, which connects the rooms and features a breathtaking rooftop infinity pool suspended high above the island.

Location: Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: 800 guest rooms, 250 luxury residences, 90 swimming pools, 11 restaurants led by renowned chefs, and a Sky Bridge featuring a rooftop infinity pool 96 meters above the ground.

NH Dubai The Palm

The first NH Hotels property in the Middle East has opened its doors on the main trunk of Palm Jumeirah. Boasting 227 rooms and suites, as well as 306 serviced apartments, the hotel offers an array of amenities, including a sports bar, rooftop lounge, and a dedicated kids club.

Situated just a stone's throw from top attractions like Palm West Beach, NH Dubai The Palm provides an ideal base for tourists.

Location: Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: 227 rooms and suites, 306 serviced apartments, sports bar, rooftop lounge, kids club. Close to attractions like Palm West Beach.

Address Grand Creek Harbour

Adding to Dubai's growing hospitality offerings, Address Grand Creek Harbour is the first five-star hotel in Dubai Creek Harbour. With 223 rooms and suites featuring tasteful design and unparalleled comfort, the hotel also offers stunning skyline panoramas, including views of the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Guests can take advantage of the property's infinity pool, which provides a serene respite from the city's bustle.

Location: Dubai Creek Harbour.
Facilities: 223 rooms and suites, infinity pool with views of Burj Khalifa and skyline, elegant design and comfort.

Voco Dubai The Palm

Opened in early 2023 on Palm West Beach, Voco Dubai The Palm features 143 rooms and suites, a fully-equipped gym, and a luxury spa. The hotel's dining options include Maison Mathis and Frenia, serving modern European cuisine, as well as a poolside rooftop lounge offering Mediterranean favorites.

Voco Dubai The Palm is the latest addition to IHG Hotel group's portfolio in the city, complementing the flourishing dining and entertainment options along Palm West Beach.

Location: Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: 143 rooms and suites, fully-equipped gym, luxury spa, dining options including Maison Mathis and Frenia, poolside rooftop lounge. Close to popular dining spots like Koko Bay and February 30.

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah

Stands out as the Marriott group’s inaugural UAE resort, offering breathtaking beachfront views on the iconic Palm Jumeirah island. This expansive property features over 600 rooms, each equipped with balconies, and many interconnected to cater to families.

While children can engage in a variety of activities designed just for them, adults can indulge in the vibrant dining scene along Palm West Beach, which includes the Italian restaurant Cucina, Mediterranean-inspired Levantera, and the lively Mexican venue Señor Pico.

Location: Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: Over 600 rooms and suites, all with balconies (many interconnected), dedicated kids' activities, and proximity to beachfront dining options along Palm West Beach. The resort features several dining venues, including the Italian restaurant Cucina, Mediterranean-inspired Levantera, and the lively Mexican venue Señor Pico.

Côte d’Azur

Is another exciting addition, located on The Heart of Europe development within The World Islands. Accessible via a 20-minute boat ride from Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, this resort captures the essence of the French Riviera.

Comprising four distinct properties—Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez—each featuring vibrant exteriors painted in 60 hues, Côte d’Azur offers a total of 880 rooms and suites, alongside a unique raining street and a 24-hour pool with music.

Location: Heart of Europe, The World Islands.
Facilities: A total of 880 rooms across four properties (Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez), each showcasing vibrant paintwork in 60 hues. Amenities include a unique raining street and a 24-hour pool with music, providing a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of the French Riviera.

Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah

Which opened late in 2022, offers 389 rooms with spectacular views of Dubai Marina. This four-star resort includes a stunning swimming pool with panoramic city vistas, a comprehensive all-day dining restaurant, and options for light snacks by the pool or in the lobby. Additionally, guests can take advantage of a modern fitness center and a luxurious spa.

Location: Palm Jumeirah.
Facilities: 389 rooms and suites with stunning views of Dubai Marina, a swimming pool offering panoramic city vistas, an all-day dining restaurant, light snack options by the pool, and a lobby snack bar. Guests can also access a state-of-the-art fitness center and a luxurious spa.

With these incredible options, Dubai is set to welcome a new era of hospitality in 2025, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and luxury.

Flight Alert: Airlines Urge Early Airport Arrival Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Published: Friday, May 09, 2025
Flight Alert: Airlines Urge Early Airport Arrival Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

As tensions between India and Pakistan reach a boiling point, major Indian airlines including Air India and IndiGo have issued urgent advisories for passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure due to intensified security measures.

The advisories follow a wave of aerial threats from Pakistan, including drone and missile attacks targeting Jammu and several military installations along the western frontier. Although India’s air defence systems successfully intercepted the strikes, the fallout has caused widespread disruptions across northern and western India.

Air India, in a post on social media platform X, cited a directive from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and urged travelers to brace for stringent checks. “Passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding,” the post read. The airline also reminded flyers that check-in closes 75 minutes before departure.

IndiGo echoed the message, asking customers to account for extra time due to “extraordinary circumstances” and enhanced airport protocols. “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” the airline said, while urging patience amid longer queues and potential delays.

The security clampdown comes in the wake of emergency blackouts and sirens triggered in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan, following the attempted strikes. Authorities have activated emergency protocols and advised residents to remain indoors and alert.

The aviation sector is feeling the heat. Around 430 domestic flights—nearly 3% of India’s daily schedule—were cancelled on Thursday, with 27 airports shut down until May 10. Affected airports include key hubs such as Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Jodhpur, among others. More airports have reportedly been added to the restricted list as tensions escalate.

On Wednesday, over 300 flights were grounded and operations at 21 airports were suspended, indicating a worsening scenario for air travel in the region.

Air India also acknowledged the strain on customer service, noting high call volumes at its contact centres, and expressed solidarity with the nation’s defence forces. “We are grateful for the selfless service and dedication of our military and defence personnel,” the airline posted.

 With air travel caught in the crossfire of regional conflict, passengers are urged to stay updated, prepare for delays, and show cooperation as national security takes precedence.

Missiles, Drones & Airport Closures: India-Pakistan Tensions Explode After Operation Sindoor

Published: Friday, May 09, 2025
Missiles, Drones & Airport Closures: India-Pakistan Tensions Explode After Operation Sindoor

Tensions flared dramatically between India and Pakistan on Thursday following a barrage of Pakistani missile and drone attacks targeting key Indian military and civilian infrastructure. The Jammu airstrip became a focal point of the assault, with one drone breaching defences and striking the airport despite India’s state-of-the-art S-400 air defence system intercepting eight missiles and three drones. Additional aerial threats were neutralised near Jaisalmer and Pathankot.

This fresh flare-up comes just 24 hours after India’s successful execution of Operation Sindoor, a powerful cross-border offensive targeting terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Indian intelligence sources reported nearly 100 militants eliminated in the precision strike, which appears to have triggered Thursday’s retaliatory escalation.

In response to the rapidly intensifying conflict and rising security risks, the Indian government has enacted sweeping airspace restrictions, temporarily halting operations at 24 airports across northern and western India. Major facilities affected include:

  • Jammu & Kashmir: Srinagar, Jammu, Leh

  • Punjab: Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara

  • Himachal Pradesh: Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bhuntar

  • Rajasthan: Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kishengarh

  • Gujarat: Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar, Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj

  • Chandigarh

  • Pathankot (Punjab)

The nationwide air travel landscape is now under strain, prompting emergency advisories from major carriers:

  • Air India urged passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure, with check-in counters closing 75 minutes prior.

  • IndiGo echoed the alert, requesting fliers to budget extra time due to "extraordinary" security protocols.

  • Akasa Air advised passengers via X to carry valid ID and arrive well ahead of time for a “seamless experience.”

  • SpiceJet also emphasized the importance of early arrival to navigate intensified checks and ensure timely boarding.

With defence forces on high alert and the aviation sector in flux, citizens are bracing for what may come next in this escalating regional standoff.

UAE and Gulf Airlines Cancel Flights to India and Pakistan

Published: Friday, May 09, 2025
UAE and Gulf Airlines Cancel Flights to India and Pakistan

Several Gulf airlines have suspended and canceled flights to India and Pakistan amid escalating military tensions between the two countries. The recent strikes by India in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have led to the closure of Pakistani airspace and airport shutdowns in northern India, prompting airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, and Air Arabia to adjust their operations. These disruptions have caused widespread travel chaos for passengers in the region.

Emirates has halted all flights to Pakistan until at least May 10, affecting routes to cities including Sialkot, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, although flights to Karachi remain operational. Etihad Airways canceled flights to Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with some aircraft rerouted mid-flight to avoid restricted airspace, resulting in delays of up to 15 hours.

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to Pakistan due to the ongoing airspace closure. Flydubai resumed limited services to Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot but canceled other flights to Pakistani destinations through at least Friday. Meanwhile, Air Arabia canceled flights from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi to Pakistan and urged passengers to check flight statuses before traveling.

In India, the conflict has led to the cancellation of over 430 flights and the closure of 27 airports across northern, western, and central regions until May 10. Airports in Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Dharamshala, and other key locations remain closed. Indian airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, and Akasa Air have canceled numerous flights and issued advisories urging travelers to verify their flight status due to ongoing disruptions and airspace restrictions.

The escalating conflict has also caused many international carriers, including KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Singapore Airlines, to avoid Pakistani airspace entirely. These airlines have rerouted flights to ensure passenger safety, often resulting in longer flight times and increased operational costs.

Aviation experts warn that if the hostilities continue, the region may become too risky for many non-Indian and non-Pakistani carriers, leading to a significant reduction in flights and further complicating air travel between South Asia and the Middle East.

Passengers traveling to or from the affected areas are strongly advised to stay updated through airline websites and customer service channels. Flight schedules remain highly volatile, with frequent cancellations, reroutings, and delays driven by evolving security concerns and airspace restrictions. Travelers should prepare for potential disruptions and plan accordingly as the situation continues to develop.

Skies of Strife: Major Airlines Reroute to Dodge Pakistan Airspace Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

Published: Tuesday, May 06, 2025
Skies of Strife: Major Airlines Reroute to Dodge Pakistan Airspace Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

 In a dramatic ripple effect of escalating geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, several major international airlines—including Lufthansa, Air France, and British Airways—have begun rerouting flights to avoid Pakistani airspace, triggering longer travel times, increased fuel costs, and the prospect of rising ticket prices.

The shift in flight paths follows a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir in April 2025, which further inflamed the already fraught relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. In response to the fallout, Germany’s Lufthansa Group announced it is “avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice,” a decision that’s stretching certain routes by nearly an hour. Lufthansa flights from Frankfurt to New Delhi, for instance, are now charting longer detours over the Arabian Sea.

Flight tracking data shows a similar trend across the skies. British Airways, Swiss International Airlines, Emirates, and others are skirting Pakistani territory entirely, opting instead to head south before veering northward into India and other Asian destinations.

France’s flagship carrier, Air France, has also suspended flights over Pakistan, citing the “evolution of tensions” in the region. The airline is recalibrating schedules and routes, leading to operational hiccups and elongated journey times across several of its Asia-bound services.

These detours aren’t just inconvenient—they’re costly. The Jerusalem Post reports that extended flight durations are burning more fuel and inflating operational costs, which could soon be passed on to passengers through higher fares. Independent aviation analyst Brendan Sobie warns of a deeper economic blow: “It could have a significant impact on some foreign airlines who rely heavily on Pakistan airspace, as well as Pakistan, given the loss of overflight revenues.”

The airspace reshuffling follows a tit-for-tat response: India barred Pakistani carriers from its skies, prompting Pakistan to retaliate by banning Indian-owned and operated airlines, suspending trade, and freezing visa issuance for Indian nationals—though it continues to allow international carriers flying out of India to use its airspace.

With no signs of de-escalation on the horizon, the skies over South Asia are becoming increasingly crowded—and complicated—as global carriers navigate the high-stakes turbulence of geopolitics.

 

Qatar Airways Crew Fired for Stealing Passenger’s iPhone

Published: Monday, April 28, 2025
Qatar Airways Crew Fired for Stealing Passenger’s iPhone

Qatar Airways has terminated a flight attendant following a brazen theft incident aboard a March 28, 2025, business class flight (QR 948) from Doha to Singapore. The passenger, an unnamed executive traveling for work, reported placing his iPhone 15 Pro Max in the lavatory’s vanity compartment during the final descent.

Moments after exiting, he observed the same restroom being used by a crew member, only to find the device missing shortly thereafter. Internal airline documents obtained by media outlets confirm the crew member’s dismissal, with Qatar Airways’ Security Investigations Manager stating the employee “admitted to taking the phone” during disciplinary proceedings.

Tracking data via the Find My iPhone app revealed the device traveled to a crew-designated hotel near Singapore’s Changi Airport post-flight, before being transported to Manila, Philippines-allegedly to the attendant’s family residence.

Despite this evidence, the airline initially categorized the case as “unattended personal belongings” in internal reports, a classification the passenger denounced as “deliberate misrepresentation” given the crew’s proven involvement.

The $722 reimbursement offer-based on a depreciated value calculation-sparked outrage, with the victim detailing extensive collateral damages: canceled client meetings in Singapore, six hours spent filing police reports at Changi Airport’s Terminal 1, and permanent loss of sensitive business data due to the phone’s unrecovered status.

“This wasn’t just a theft-it was a breach of trust in their duty of care,” the passenger stated, noting he had specifically chosen Qatar Airways for its top-rated business class service.

The incident marks the second major crew theft allegation against the airline in 2025, following a separate lawsuit by a Dubai-based entrepreneur who accused a flight attendant of stealing $600 cash from her seatback compartment during a Doha-Jakarta flight. Aviation analysts highlight growing concerns about Qatar Airways’ crew screening processes, particularly as the airline aggressively recruits staff to meet post-World Cup expansion targets.

The passenger has filed formal complaints with Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority and Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau, demanding reforms to crew monitoring protocols and enhanced compensation frameworks for theft-related disruptions.

Qatar Airways has yet to address why no additional restitution was offered for the passenger’s lost productivity or data, nor explain the 11-day delay in confirming the employee’s termination.