Airlines

Etihad Airways boosts flights to New York-JFK this winter

This winter, Etihad Airways will offer extra flights to New York, facilitating travel to the United States. Beginning on November 15, Etihad will increase the number of weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and New York by four, bringing the total to 11 nonstop trips to John F.

The new flights will be operated with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner while existing daily services will continue on Etihad’s new Airbus A350 aircraft, which has been deployed on the New York route since June. These aircraft types are two of the most efficient in the world, with significantly less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous-generation twin-aisle aircraft.

The frequency increase will provide travelers with more choice and flexibility between Abu Dhabi and New York and is perfectly timed to commence ahead of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix taking place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi between 17 and 20 November 2022.

Travelers will also benefit from improved access between New York and Etihad’s global network of 70 destinations, particularly in the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, as well as connections beyond New York, to and from 46 destinations throughout the Americas, with Etihad’s codeshare partner — and New York’s Hometown Airline.

Etihad passengers travelling to the US will be able to take advantage of Etihad’s US pre-clearance facility, the only United States Customs and Border Protection facility in the Middle East. This allows passengers bound for the United States to process all immigration, customs and agriculture inspections in Abu Dhabi before they board their flight, avoiding immigration and queues on arrival in the US.

Flight schedule for Abu Dhabi – New York service, effective 15 November 2022:

Flight

Departing

Time

Arriving

Time

Aircraft

Days

EY101

Abu Dhabi

10:25

New York

16:10

A350

Daily

EY100

New York

22:00

Abu Dhabi

19:30 (+1)

A350

Daily

EY103

Abu Dhabi

03:55

New York

09:45

B787-9

Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun

EY102

New York

14:00

Abu Dhabi

11:30 (+1)

B787-9

Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun

Airlines

Air India Unveils New Changes to HALAL Meat in Inflight Meals

A 17-yr boy was arrested for making a hoax bomb threat, causing multiple flight diversions and delays.

Air India has introduced significant changes to its inflight meal policy, particularly regarding halal-certified non-vegetarian meals, in response to the diverse dietary preferences of its passengers.

Effective from Sunday, November 10, the airline announced that it will no longer provide halal-certified non-vegetarian meals for Hindu and Sikh passengers. Instead, passengers can pre-book a Muslim Meal (MOML), which will still be halal-certified, ensuring that those who specifically request halal options can continue to receive them.

Apply Now: British Airways Opens 2024 Graduate and Apprenticeship Schemes

The decision to adjust the meal offerings reflects Air India’s commitment to accommodating the various dietary needs of its diverse passenger base.

Under the new policy, the air india food menu will introduce non-halal non-vegetarian meal options, alongside its existing “Hindu Meal” that excludes beef and pork. This move is designed to cater to the dietary requirements of different faith groups while maintaining respect for their religious practices.

The announcement has been widely appreciated by many Hindu and Sikh passengers, who view the decision as a respectful gesture towards their cultural and religious traditions.

Etihad Airways Rolls Out Advanced Features on Digital Platforms

By discontinuing halal-certified meals for Hindus and Sikhs, Air India is seen as addressing the growing demand for more inclusive meal options.

This shift is also seen as a stand against the so-called “halal mafia,” which some believe has influenced meal policies on airlines in India.

In a press release, air india plane further clarified the details of the new meal offerings. “MOML (Muslim Meal): Pre-booked meals labeled with a ‘MOML’ sticker are considered special meals (SPML),” the airline explained.

“A Halal Certificate will be provided only for the pre-booked MOML meal. All meals on flights to Saudi Arabia will remain halal-certified, with a Halal Certificate available for sectors to Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, and Medina, including Haj flights.”