Emirates is significantly expanding its retrofit programme and flight schedules in response to growing demand and delays in new aircraft deliveries. The airline will add more retrofitted Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s to existing routes, introduce new frequencies to Milan, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires, and upgrade services to Shanghai and Singapore with A380 deployments. These enhancements will take effect from October 26, 2025, with some upgrades, such as the Shanghai A380 service, starting earlier in July 2025.

Key schedule updates include:

• Milan will see a third daily flight (EK 101/102) operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.
• Daily flights to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires (EK 247/248) will be introduced.
• Shanghai’s EK 302/303 will be upgraded to an Airbus A380 from July 20, with the second daily flight (EK 304/305) served by a retrofitted Boeing 777.
• Singapore’s third daily flight (EK 314/315) will be operated by an A380 starting this winter.
• Zurich’s second daily flight (EK 85/86) will be upgraded to an A380 from February 1, 2026, alongside the debut of Premium Economy on EK 87/88 with a retrofitted A380.

Emirates’ retrofit programme, the largest in aviation history, has been accelerated and expanded due to ongoing delays in new aircraft deliveries, particularly the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350. Originally planned to refurbish 120 aircraft, the programme now covers 191 aircraft, including 90 A380s and 101 Boeing 777s, with plans to extend to 220 aircraft. The investment has increased to approximately $5 billion, underscoring the airline’s commitment to maintaining a modern and consistent fleet.

The retrofit involves a comprehensive nose-to-tail refresh, including new cabin interiors with next-generation seats, updated finishes, and a contemporary color palette. Each A380 retrofit takes about 22 days, and 18 days for a Boeing 777, with two aircraft completing the process monthly. The upgrades will introduce over 8,500 Premium Economy seats, more than 2,000 refreshed First-Class suites, and nearly 13,000 Business Class seats with new configurations, enhancing passenger comfort across all cabins.

Emirates is also expanding the deployment of retrofitted aircraft to new cities, including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Nice, Perth, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Frankfurt, Dublin, Lisbon, Male, Kolkata, Colombo, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, aiming to serve over 70 cities with aircraft featuring the latest interiors by the end of 2025.

The retrofit programme is carefully coordinated with maintenance schedules, such as C checks and wing inspections, to minimize disruption to operations. Emirates expects to complete the first phase of upgrades by the end of 2026.

Financially, Emirates Group posted record results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, with a profit before tax of AED 22.7 billion (up 18%) and revenue of AED 145.4 billion (up 6%). Emirates airline itself reported a profit before tax of AED 21.2 billion (up 20%) and revenue of AED 127.9 billion (up 6%), providing a strong foundation for continued investment in fleet modernization and network expansion.

Emirates President Sir Tim Clark emphasized the necessity of the retrofit programme to “take control of our own destiny” amid industry-wide delivery delays and highlighted the airline’s focus on delivering a best-in-class passenger experience across its fleet. The airline is also evaluating the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000 for long-haul missions, pending engine reliability assurances.

Overall, Emirates’ expanded retrofit and schedule enhancements position the airline to meet rising passenger demand with a refreshed, consistent fleet offering premium comfort and service on key international routes.

Italy is preparing for a major disruption in air transport on September 26, 2025, when unions representing airline and airport workers have planned a nationwide 24-hour strike. This follows the end of the legally mandated summer ban on strikes, which lasted from late July to early September.

 Recent weeks have already seen localized strikes, such as by handling staff at Milan Linate and Malpensa airports and train staff in Calabria.

The September 26 walkout, organized primarily by the transport union CUB Trasporti, is expected to involve baggage handlers, ground crews, and security staff at airports across Italy. Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports will see handling teams stop work for four hours, creating pressure on operations at two of the country’s busiest hubs.

 Security staff at Cagliari Elmas Airport in Sardinia will strike for the full day. The low-cost carrier Volotea’s staff will also join the action, affecting domestic and short-haul European routes.

Italian authorities have cautioned travelers to expect significant delays, longer lines at check-in and baggage drop areas, and possible flight disruptions due to reduced staffing.

Italian law mandates “guaranteed flights” during protected time slots early in the morning and late at night; however, airlines advise passengers to monitor their flight statuses closely and prepare for schedule changes. Travelers connecting through Italian airports or flying from affected hubs should build in extra time for their journeys.

This industrial action stems from unresolved disputes over wages, working conditions, and staffing levels within the transport sector, a conflict mirrored in other nearby countries such as Portugal, where ground handling staff at Menzies Aviation have also launched ongoing industrial protests.

The strike poses a significant challenge for a country where air travel is a key component of mobility and tourism, especially in a post-pandemic period marked by rising passenger numbers. Travelers are urged to stay updated through official transport ministry resources and airlines to minimize inconvenience amidst the expected nationwide disruption.

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.