Airlines

Etihad offloads US-bound passengers, Indian students pay over two lakh for new tickets on other airlines

Numerous passengers, the majority of whom were students, who made reservations to travel to the US on Thursday from places similar to Mumbai and Bengaluru had their flights offloaded and their reservations cancelled by Etihad Airways. The airline allegedly refused to rebook the students on other flights with departure dates in the coming days. Since semesters are about to begin, the students have no choice but to pay out nearly two lakh rupees for a last-minute, one-way ticket on other carriers.

The cheapest one-way flight from Mumbai to the US for travel this week started at Rs. 1.40 lakh, but these flights were almost 27 hours long. The majority of tickets cost over Rs 2 lakh. The Abu Dhabi-New York flight operated by Etihad followed the same route and used the same type of aircraft, the A350, for a nearly comparable flight time. Abu Dhabi’s floor temperature wasn’t higher than usual. But over the last two days, its flights have started leaving late. On August 2, and again on August 3, Etihad’s EY101 aircraft from Abu Dhabi to New York took off with a five- and two-hour delay, respectively. Only one hour was added to the Thursday flight’s delay.

In order to minimise the inconvenience to the impacted customers, Etihad claimed that its groups are reaching out to advise them about the refused boarding. “We regret any difficulty caused by this last-minute change, and we will be providing compensation to anyone affected,” it said, adding that affected passengers should call their contact centre or visit their website or mobile app.

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Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.