As aviation regulations evolve, the conversation around using airplane mode during flights is becoming increasingly relevant. While some countries are relaxing rules, experts strongly advise travelers to follow crew instructions regarding electronic devices. Understanding the reasoning behind these guidelines can illuminate their importance and potential consequences.

The Rationale Behind Airplane Mode

For many frequent fliers, the requirement to switch devices to airplane mode can seem arbitrary. However, the underlying reasons are rooted in safety and operational integrity. Aviation professionals emphasize that even if the risks may appear minimal, the etiquette of following the rule is crucial.

Gary Coxe, a seasoned pilot with over 7,000 flight hours, believes that neglecting to enable airplane mode likely won’t lead to catastrophic outcomes. Similarly, an anonymous airline mechanic from Washington shares this sentiment, suggesting that the consequences are generally not dire. Yet, both experts acknowledge that it’s courteous to comply with this rule, primarily to prevent any potential disruptions.

Potential Interference with Cockpit Communications

One notable concern involves the interference of passenger devices with pilots' headsets. PerchPoint, a U.S. Army veteran pilot and popular TikTok influencer, explains that if multiple passengers leave their phones on, the resulting radio waves could disrupt the clarity of communications between the cockpit and the control tower. This interference is particularly problematic during critical phases of flight, such as take-off and landing, when clear communication is essential for safety.

According to PerchPoint, while pilots may still receive instructions, the audio clarity could diminish, creating distracting background noise akin to a buzzing mosquito. Such distractions can hinder pilots' ability to make informed decisions during crucial moments.

FAA Regulations and Historical Context

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not confirmed any incidents linking mobile phone use during flight to accidents. Nonetheless, they assert that all personal electronic devices must not interfere with the aircraft’s safety or communications systems. This regulatory stance is influenced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which banned in-flight cell phone use in 1991 due to concerns that signals could disrupt critical aircraft instruments.

In 2013, the FCC revisited this ban, recognizing advances in technology that could facilitate safe in-flight phone use if devices are in airplane mode. Research during this period indicated that interference from cell phones was exceedingly rare, with only 29 suspected incidents reported from 2003 to 2009.

Evolving International Regulations

In contrast to U.S. regulations, the U.K. and European Union have embraced in-flight connectivity, allowing passengers to use their phones without switching to airplane mode. The European Commission has mandated the installation of "picocells" on aircraft, which function as portable cell towers, enabling safe connectivity without interference. This technology operates on lower frequency bands, distinct from U.S. 5G networks, which operate at higher frequencies that pose a potential risk to aircraft systems.

As of June 2023, European airlines are required to equip their fleets with this technology, reflecting a significant shift towards enhanced connectivity in the air. However, U.S. travelers must still abide by the FAA's longstanding regulations, which have not been updated since 2017. A public affairs specialist for the FAA emphasizes the necessity of adhering to all crew instructions, regardless of the reasons provided.

Consequences of Noncompliance

While there are no documented cases of passengers facing jail time for refusing to switch to airplane mode, there have been instances of fines and removal from flights. For example, in 2016, a passenger was fined over $600 for ignoring crew instructions on a Flybe flight, and in 2018, a disagreement over airplane mode led to a passenger being ejected from a flight in Indiana.

The Benefits of Complying with Airplane Mode

Ultimately, while the debate surrounding airplane mode continues, adhering to crew instructions remains the safest and most responsible choice. Enabling airplane mode not only conserves battery life by preventing constant attempts to connect to cell towers but also enhances the overall in-flight experience. It allows passengers to disconnect, relax, and enjoy their journey without the pressures of connectivity.

So the next time you board a plane, remember to comply with the instructions given by the crew. Embrace the opportunity to take a break from your devices, and appreciate the unique experience of flying. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view from above—after all, it’s part of the adventure

✈️ Helpful Tips for Using Your Phone on a Plane

• Always follow crew instructions. Even if other countries allow more liberal phone use, U.S. regulations still require airplane mode unless otherwise specified.

• Use airplane mode to save battery. Your phone stops searching for a signal, significantly extending battery life during long flights.

• Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth separately. Once in airplane mode, you can still turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on manually to use in-flight internet and connect to wireless headphones.

• Download entertainment before takeoff. Streaming services may not be available or may be slow in-flight, so pre-download movies, podcasts, or music.

• Use the flight’s Wi-Fi legally. Many airlines offer paid or free Wi-Fi that complies with safety standards, including messaging options like iMessage or WhatsApp.

• Charge before you board. Not all aircraft have charging ports, and airplane mode helps preserve battery during flights without power access.

• Be respectful with calls (if allowed). On flights where calls are permitted, use earphones and speak quietly to avoid disturbing fellow passengers.

• Stay updated on policies. If you're flying internationally, check with your airline about their specific in-flight mobile device rules—they may vary from country to country.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can stay connected when necessary, avoid unnecessary fines or conflict, and travel with peace of mind.

On July 26, 2025, Maldives marked its 60th Independence Day with a landmark event: the grand opening of the long-awaited new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (MLE). President Mohamed Muizzu hailed the $585 million facility as “a pillar of economic independence,” spotlighting the terminal’s pivotal role in transforming the island nation’s tourism-driven economy.

Spanning 72,000 square meters and designed to accommodate 7.5 million passengers annually—more than triple the previous capacity—the terminal is the largest building ever constructed in the Maldives. It features 47 check-in counters, six self-service kiosks, 20 immigration counters, six boarding gates, and 12 aerobridges, along with state-of-the-art baggage handling and real-time tracking systems. The design elegantly blends modern architecture with Maldivian motifs, reflecting the natural beauty and culture of the islands.

Tourism accounts for roughly 21% of the Maldives’ GDP, and this expansion aims to eliminate infrastructure bottlenecks that previously restrained growth. According to the World Bank’s April 2025 report, the facility could bolster average economic growth by 5.2% in the medium term, while the International Monetary Fund expects the expanded terminal to sustain tourism momentum crucial to the country’s prosperity.

The project has a complex political and financial history. Originally initiated with India’s GMR Group in 2010, the contract was canceled in 2012 amid political shifts, leading to alternate funding from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and OPEC development funds alongside national budget contributions. These delays and shifting partnerships have significantly increased Maldives’ foreign debt, which now exceeds $8 billion.

Recent years saw diplomatic strains with India, including a 2024 “Boycott Maldives” campaign. However, relations have warmed considerably post Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2025 visit, with tourism officials targeting 300,000 Indian visitors in 2025 through enhanced air connectivity and marketing featuring Bollywood star Katrina Kaif. Early 2025 arrivals rose 9%, fueled by strong interest from China and Europe, signaling a recovery and expansion in key markets.

The terminal’s inauguration was celebrated nationwide with dazzling drone light shows, fireworks, and cultural performances across Malé and neighboring islands, drawing some 6,000 guests.

With this state-of-the-art terminal now operational, Maldives is poised to solidify its standing as a premier global destination, supporting the government’s ambitious $5 billion tourism revenue target for the year. Experts and officials alike regard the enhanced airport capacity and facilities as essential to accommodating growing tourist numbers, diversifying market segments such as multi-generational travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), adventure, and wellness tourism, and securing the nation’s economic future.

Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH) has reached a significant milestone by securing Level 3 accreditation in the Airports Council International (ACI) Customer Experience Accreditation programme, awarded in July 2025. This achievement highlights the airport’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class guest experiences and reflects its progress in integrating customer experience into every facet of operations, placing passengers at the core of its service philosophy.

The accreditation comes amid strong passenger growth, with AUH welcoming 15.5 million passengers in the first half of 2025—a 13.2% year-on-year increase. This follows impressive growth rates of 28.1% in 2024 and 44.5% in 2023. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, noted, “As we celebrate 17 consecutive quarters of growth, including a strong performance in the first half of 2025, we remain sharply focused on enhancing the guest experience. Achieving Level 3 accreditation demonstrates our ability to balance expansion with service excellence.”

To earn the Level 3 status, AUH introduced several passenger-centric initiatives praised by ACI. These include dedicated passenger focus groups to gather traveller insights and a guest shadowing programme where staff experience the end-to-end airport journey from a passenger’s viewpoint. Enhanced collaboration is fostered through internal sharing of Voice of the Customer reports and strong cooperation with service partners, embedding a customer-centric approach across the operational ecosystem.

The ACI accreditation, the only global programme evaluating how airports integrate customer experience into their core strategies, reflects a deeper cultural transformation at Zayed International Airport. Employees, stakeholders, and passengers actively contribute to shaping the guest journey, underscoring a commitment to continuous improvement.

This achievement reaffirms Abu Dhabi Airports’ vision of elevating every passenger touchpoint through innovation, collaboration, and service excellence, setting new benchmarks in the global aviation industry.

A 25-year-old Chinese national is slated to face court on August 10 following his arrest for allegedly stealing from a fellow passenger aboard a flight from Dubai to Singapore.

The incident came to light early on August 8 at around 5:30 a.m., when the police received a report regarding a suspected theft in the business class cabin of the flight.

Preliminary investigations revealed that while the victim was asleep, his wife witnessed the suspect allegedly removing the victim’s bag from the overhead compartment. Upon being questioned by the victim’s wife, the man promptly returned the bag but aroused suspicion.

The victim was then alerted, and after the plane landed at Changi Airport, authorities from the Airport Police Division confronted the suspect. Unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for his actions, the man was arrested before he could board his next flight.

The specific airline involved has not been confirmed, though the route from Dubai International Airport to Changi Airport is served by Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

If found guilty, the suspect faces a potential prison sentence of up to three years, a fine, or both. This case highlights the vigilance of passengers and the swift response by law enforcement in safeguarding travel security.

A Bangladeshi man was arrested at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Friday while attempting to travel to Germany using a fake Indian passport, officials said. He entered India legally on a Bangladeshi passport under the name Bibhas Roy from Chittagong but overstayed his visa. To evade detection, he obtained an Indian passport under the assumed name Soumik Barua.

Immigration officials stopped him at the airport for questioning when they noticed discrepancies in his travel documents. During the search, they found his expired Bangladeshi passport, confirming his true nationality. After interrogation, the man was handed over to airport police and formally arrested.

He was traveling to Dubai for a connecting flight to Germany when caught. This arrest comes amid a broader crackdown by state police and the Enforcement Directorate on a passport racket that has helped hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals acquire fraudulent Indian citizenship documents to travel abroad. The probe has already led to arrests, including that of a suspected ring leader who allegedly facilitated the issuance of Indian identity documents such as Aadhaar cards and driving licenses to Bangladeshis, which were later used to procure Indian passports.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in immigration and border security, particularly with regard to detecting forged or misused travel documents. Indian authorities are continuing vigorous efforts to dismantle such networks and prevent illegal migration and document fraud, balancing enforcement with humanitarian considerations.

In this case, the suspect had entered India through the Haridaspur border with a tourist visa but remained in the country after its expiration. He was intercepted just before boarding his international flight, underlining the importance of thorough immigration checks at exit points.

In a significant stride toward regional stability, Turkey on Saturday warmly welcomed the historic peace agreement brokered between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The accord, signed on Friday during a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, also includes plans for a strategically vital transit corridor aimed at boosting energy exports and trade through the South Caucasus.

The newly established peace deal marks a breakthrough in the protracted conflict between the two neighbors. Central to the agreement is the creation of a U.S.-sanctioned transport route passing through Armenia, connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave, which borders Turkey. This corridor, dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), is expected to operate under Armenian jurisdiction, traversing the area near the Iranian border.

Turkey, a NATO ally and strong supporter of Azerbaijan during past conflicts, expressed hope that this corridor will soon open, describing it as a game-changer for regional connectivity. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking from Cairo, highlighted the corridor's potential to “link Europe with the depths of Asia via Turkey,” calling it “a very beneficial development” for economic cooperation.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reinforced Ankara’s commitment to the peace process by engaging directly with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Erdogan praised the agreement and affirmed Turkey’s readiness to support enduring peace in the often-turbulent South Caucasus region.

The region, rich in energy resources and a crucial transit zone bridging Russia, Europe, Turkey, and Iran, has long been mired in ethnic conflicts and closed borders. This breakthrough could open new avenues for energy transport, trade, and diplomacy, overcoming decades of division.

Iran welcomed the accord as a significant move toward “lasting regional peace,” while cautioning against foreign interventions near its borders that might threaten stability.

As regional powers watch closely, this historic peace pact and the proposed transit corridor could redefine the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus, fostering cooperation and economic growth in an area long marked by conflict.