Airlines

Etihad Airways Unveils Newest Middle Eastern Destination

Etihad Airways Launches 8 New Destinations this month

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced the addition of Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia, to its expanding list of destinations, bringing its total number of Saudi gateways to four.

The move is part of an effort to expand the airline’s network and improve connectivity across the Middle East. The airline plans to increase its reach by starting flights to one of the most fascinating areas of Saudi Arabia. Starting on June 24, 2024, Etihad will operate four weekly flights directly connecting Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) between Al Qassim and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.

“A remarkable journey from beginning to end is guaranteed by the outstanding experience that awaits them at Zayed International Airport – Terminal A, new home, which redefines the standards for travel comfort and service excellence.”

Al Qassim, known for its vibrant markets, rich cultural history, and green date palm plantations, provides the ideal fusion of modern attractions with ancient Saudi culture. This new route is intended to satisfy the needs of tourists wanting a genuine exploration of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and historical heritage as well as business travellers looking for new opportunities.

Beginning on June 15, Etihad is launching flights to Antalya and Jaipur, which were announced in February, as well as expanding the frequency of its services to several important destinations.

There will be three more weekly flights to Thiruvananthapuram and Amman, for a total of 10 and 14, respectively. Three more flights to Cairo for a total of 24, an increase to 17 in Karachi, and 20 weekly flights to Colombo are among the additional services.

The most recent expansion increases Etihad’s weekly flight count by 33 per cent, from 642 in the summer of last year to 855 in 2024. It also broadens the airline’s destination network from 65 to 76, greatly improving global connectivity.

Airlines

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

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The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

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The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.