Middle East state carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways say it could take three years for air travel demand to return to levels seen just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. - UAE business council hosted a video conference with Emirates President Tim Clark and Etihad Chief Executive Tony Douglas on Wednesday, it said.

Emirates, Etihad say recovery in aviation sector could take three years

The United Arab Emirates on Monday temporarily suspended all passenger and transit flights to control the spread of novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

The Emirati officials "have decided to suspend all inbound and outbound passenger flights and the transit of airline passengers in the UAE for two weeks as part of the precautionary measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19", the official state news agency, WAM said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-reports-first-two-deaths-from-coronavirus-287746">UAE reports first two deaths from coronavirus</a>

They said that the move would be reviewed in two weeks and be enforced in 48 hours.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-reopens-mecca-medina-holy-sites-after-coronavirus-closure-report-284702">Saudi Arabia reopens Mecca, Medina holy sites after coronavirus closure: Report</a>

"Cargo and emergency evacuation flights would be exempt," the authorities said.&nbsp;

On Friday, the UAE reported its first two coronavirus deaths, with infections over 150 so far.&nbsp;

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have international airports and are considered as major travel hubs.&nbsp;

The latest announcement came hours after Dubai carrier Emirates said it would suspend all passenger flights by March 25.

However, it later reversed its decision, stating it "received requests from governments and customers to support the repatriation of travellers" and would continue to let passenger flights fly to 13 destinations.

Emirates had said it will continue its services to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, the United States and Canada.

"We continue to watch the situation closely, and as soon as things allow, we will reinstate our services," the airline's chairman and CEO, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said.&nbsp;

The Middle Eastern countries have taken various measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially in the air transport sector.&nbsp;

The UAE stopped granting visas on arrival and refused to accept foreigners who are legal residents but are outside the country.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates on Monday temporarily suspended all passenger and transit flights to control the spread of novel coronavirus. The Emirati officials "have decided to suspend all inbound and outbound passenger flights and the transit of airline passengers in the UAE for two weeks as part of the precautionary measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19", the official state news agency, WAM said.

The United Arab Emirates on Monday temporarily suspended all passenger and transit flights to control the spread of novel coronavirus. The Emirati officials "have decided to suspend all inbound and outbound passenger flights and the transit of airline passengers in the UAE for two weeks as part of the precautionary measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19", the official state news agency, WAM said. Also read | UAE reports first two deaths from coronavirus They said that the move would be reviewed in two weeks and be enforced in 48 hours. Also read | Saudi Arabia reopens Mecca, Medina holy sites after coronavirus closure: Report "Cargo and emergency evacuation flights would be exempt," the authorities said. On Friday, the UAE reported its first two coronavirus deaths, with infections over 150 so far. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have international airports and are considered as major travel hubs. The latest announcement came hours after Dubai carrier Emirates said it would suspend all passenger flights by March 25. However, it later reversed its decision, stating it "received requests from governments and customers to support the repatriation of travellers" and would continue to let passenger flights fly to 13 destinations. Emirates had said it will continue its services to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, the United States and Canada. "We continue to watch the situation closely, and as soon as things allow, we will reinstate our services," the airline's chairman and CEO, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said. The Middle Eastern countries have taken various measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially in the air transport sector. The UAE stopped granting visas on arrival and refused to accept foreigners who are legal residents but are outside the country.

UAE suspends all passenger, transit flights to halt COVID-19 spread

Dubai-based airline Emirates is asking its workers to take up to a month of unpaid leave as the coronavirus outbreak forces it and other carriers to cancel flights.

WION Wallet: Emirates hit hard by Coronavirus Outbreak

Dubai&nbsp;International, one of the world's busiest&nbsp;airports,&nbsp;cancelled, diverted and&nbsp;delayed&nbsp;flights&nbsp;on Saturday&nbsp;due&nbsp;to&nbsp;heavy&nbsp;rain&nbsp;and flooding,&nbsp;Dubai&nbsp;Airports said.

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Update: Operations at DXB are still affected due to heavy rain and flooding this morning. Flight delays are likely to continue throughout the day. Some flights have been cancelled or diverted to DWC. Check your flight status on <a href="https://t.co/7DoBPjBtrz">https://t.co/7DoBPjBtrz</a> or your airline’s website
— Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) <a href="https://twitter.com/DubaiAirports/status/1215922486522646529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Flights&nbsp;are likely to be&nbsp;delayed&nbsp;throughout the day and some have been&nbsp;cancelled&nbsp;or diverted to nearby Al Maktoum&nbsp;airport, state-owned&nbsp;Dubai&nbsp;Airports said on Twitter.

Video footage and images posted on social media showed part of the&nbsp;airport's runway area submerged underwater. But could not immediately be verified.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omans-sultan-qaboos-dies-council-starts-succession-process-273505">Dubai</a>&nbsp;airport&nbsp;is the base of airlines Emirates and flydubai.

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Heavy rainfall has caused disruptions to several flights departing from or arriving at <a href="https://twitter.com/DXB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DXB</a> today. Customers are requested to check their flight status on <a href="https://t.co/CE4AwEsjj5">https://t.co/CE4AwEsjj5</a> for the latest information regarding their flights. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
— Emirates Airline (@emirates) <a href="https://twitter.com/emirates/status/1215943475260207105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Emirates said several&nbsp;flights&nbsp;to and from&nbsp;Dubai&nbsp;had been&nbsp;delayed. Flydubai&nbsp;said its&nbsp;flights&nbsp;were also&nbsp;delayed, while some had been diverted.

Dubai International, one of the world's busiest airports, cancelled, diverted and delayed flights on Saturday due to heavy rain and flooding, Dubai Airports said.

Dubai International, one of the world's busiest airports, cancelled, diverted and delayed flights on Saturday due to heavy rain and flooding, Dubai Airports said. Update: Operations at DXB are still affected due to heavy rain and flooding this morning. Flight delays are likely to continue throughout the day. Some flights have been cancelled or diverted to DWC. Check your flight status on https://t.co/7DoBPjBtrz or your airline’s website — Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) January 11, 2020 × Flights are likely to be delayed throughout the day and some have been cancelled or diverted to nearby Al Maktoum airport, state-owned Dubai Airports said on Twitter. Video footage and images posted on social media showed part of the airport's runway area submerged underwater. But could not immediately be verified. Dubai airport is the base of airlines Emirates and flydubai. Heavy rainfall has caused disruptions to several flights departing from or arriving at @DXB today. Customers are requested to check their flight status on https://t.co/CE4AwEsjj5 for the latest information regarding their flights. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. — Emirates Airline (@emirates) January 11, 2020 × Emirates said several flights to and from Dubai had been delayed. Flydubai said its flights were also delayed, while some had been diverted.

Dubai airport flights delayed, cancelled and diverted due to heavy rain

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-report-on-737-max-crash-faults-boeing-design-says-lion-air-made-mistakes-258127">Boeing's 737 MAX</a> took centre stage at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday as airlines announced plans to order up to 50 of the jets worth $6 billion at list prices despite a global grounding in place since March.

Kazakhstan flag carrier Air Astana said it had signed a letter of intent to order 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets for its Fly Arystana subsidiary.

Air Astana, which operates <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ge-unit-orders-25-airbus-jets-including-12-rolls-powered-a330neo-260791">Airbus</a> and Embraer jets in its main network, said it was confident in Boeing's ability to resolve problems with the MAX.

Global regulators banned commercial flights of Boeing's fastest-selling jet in March after two fatal accidents.

Plans for the jet's return to commercial service have been pushed back to early 2020 as Boeing finalises software and training revisions that need regulatory approval.

"We are making flying affordable for the people of Kazakhstan," Air Astana Chief Planning Officer Alma Aliguzhinova told reporters, adding that budget carrier Fly Arystana would start taking the jets in late 2021.

The airline plans to hold 15 aircraft directly and may finance the rest through a lease transaction, she said, adding that Air Astana would not change the composition of its main fleet.

Separately, another airline signed a firm order for 10 Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 10 Boeing MAX 10 jets, a person familiar with the matter said. The airline's name was not disclosed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-ousts-airliner-chief-as-737-max-crisis-grows-257742">Boeing </a>has used the past two major industry events to try to secure market momentum for the grounded MAX, which is seen as key to the planemaker's financial health over the coming decade.

A letter of intent between Boeing and British Airways owner IAG for 200 jets, which grabbed the spotlight at the Paris Airshow in June, has yet to be finalised as the European holding company discusses the fleet change with subsidiaries that currently use Airbus for medium-haul operations.

In other business coinciding with the largest Middle East air show on Tuesday, Saudi budget airline Flynas agreed to buy long-range A321XLR jets.

The airline's chief executive had said on Monday that Flynas was in talks to exercise purchasing options for some or all of 40 Airbus A320neo narrowboday jets.

Airbus unveiled a provisional order in Dubai for 8 of its small A220 jets from Air Senegal. Britain's easyJet exercised options for 12 more Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Also coinciding with the show, leasing giant GECAS was expected to confirm an order for 25 Airbus planes, including 12 A330neo jets powered by engines from Rolls-Royce, a competitor to GECAS parent company General Electric.

However, there were no immediate signs that Dubai's Emirates was ready to finalise a provisional order for 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, part of a complex set of interlocking deals driving fleet changes at the world's largest international airline.

The fate of the order hinges on negotiations over the larger Boeing 777X, for which Emirates is the largest customer. Emirates has indicated it wants to restructure the order after delays and sources say it could use the pending 787 deal as leverage.

Boeing's 737 MAX took centre stage at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday as airlines announced plans to order up to 50 of the jets worth $6 billion at list prices despite a global grounding in place since March.

Boeing's 737 MAX took centre stage at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday as airlines announced plans to order up to 50 of the jets worth $6 billion at list prices despite a global grounding in place since March. Kazakhstan flag carrier Air Astana said it had signed a letter of intent to order 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets for its Fly Arystana subsidiary. Air Astana, which operates Airbus and Embraer jets in its main network, said it was confident in Boeing's ability to resolve problems with the MAX. Global regulators banned commercial flights of Boeing's fastest-selling jet in March after two fatal accidents. Plans for the jet's return to commercial service have been pushed back to early 2020 as Boeing finalises software and training revisions that need regulatory approval. "We are making flying affordable for the people of Kazakhstan," Air Astana Chief Planning Officer Alma Aliguzhinova told reporters, adding that budget carrier Fly Arystana would start taking the jets in late 2021. The airline plans to hold 15 aircraft directly and may finance the rest through a lease transaction, she said, adding that Air Astana would not change the composition of its main fleet. Separately, another airline signed a firm order for 10 Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 10 Boeing MAX 10 jets, a person familiar with the matter said. The airline's name was not disclosed. Boeing has used the past two major industry events to try to secure market momentum for the grounded MAX, which is seen as key to the planemaker's financial health over the coming decade. A letter of intent between Boeing and British Airways owner IAG for 200 jets, which grabbed the spotlight at the Paris Airshow in June, has yet to be finalised as the European holding company discusses the fleet change with subsidiaries that currently use Airbus for medium-haul operations. In other business coinciding with the largest Middle East air show on Tuesday, Saudi budget airline Flynas agreed to buy long-range A321XLR jets. The airline's chief executive had said on Monday that Flynas was in talks to exercise purchasing options for some or all of 40 Airbus A320neo narrowboday jets. Airbus unveiled a provisional order in Dubai for 8 of its small A220 jets from Air Senegal. Britain's easyJet exercised options for 12 more Airbus A320neo aircraft. Also coinciding with the show, leasing giant GECAS was expected to confirm an order for 25 Airbus planes, including 12 A330neo jets powered by engines from Rolls-Royce, a competitor to GECAS parent company General Electric. However, there were no immediate signs that Dubai's Emirates was ready to finalise a provisional order for 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, part of a complex set of interlocking deals driving fleet changes at the world's largest international airline. The fate of the order hinges on negotiations over the larger Boeing 777X, for which Emirates is the largest customer. Emirates has indicated it wants to restructure the order after delays and sources say it could use the pending 787 deal as leverage.

Sales of grounded Boeing 737 MAX gather pace at Dubai Airshow

Emirates, one of the world's biggest international airlines, said on Thursday profit nearly quadrupled in the first half of the year, bouncing back from a decade low half-year profit a year ago.

The dubai-based Emirates, which is owned by the state, benefited from a decline in global fuel prices although it said it was hit by unfavourable currency movements.

The airline, which said last month its profits would be considerably better, made 862 million dirhams&nbsp;in the six months to September 30, compared to the 226 million dirhams it made a year ago.

Revenue fell 3 per cent&nbsp;to 47.3 billion dirhams with operating costs cut by 8 per cent, helped by the decline in fuel costs.

Emirates carried 29.6 million passengers, a 2 per cent&nbsp;decline after the airline reduced the number of seats it offered by 5% in part due to a 45-day closure of a runway at its Dubai hub.

The amount of cargo it carried declined by 8 per cent&nbsp;to 1.2 million tonnes.

"The global outlook is difficult to predict, but we expect the airline and travel industry to continue facing headwinds over the next six months with stiff competition adding downward pressure on margins," said Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum.

Emirates Group, which includes the airline and airport services unit dnta, made 1.2 billion dirhams, up 8 per cent. Revenue shrank 2 per cent&nbsp;to 53.3 billion.

Sheikh Ahmed said the fuel bill was 2 billion dirhams cheaper than a year ago but said unfavourable currency fluctuations cost it 1.2 billion in profit.

Dnata, which operates at airports around the world, suffered a 64% fall in profit to 311 million dirhams. It booked an 84 million dirhams impairment on amounts it was owed following the collapse of Thomas Cook in September.

Thomas Cook's bankruptcy has had a broad impact, affecting hotel owners across Europe, holiday booking sites in Asia and airline support services around the world.

Emirates, one of the world's biggest international airlines, said on Thursday profit nearly quadrupled in the first half of the year, bouncing back from a decade low half-year profit a year ago.

Emirates, one of the world's biggest international airlines, said on Thursday profit nearly quadrupled in the first half of the year, bouncing back from a decade low half-year profit a year ago. The dubai-based Emirates, which is owned by the state, benefited from a decline in global fuel prices although it said it was hit by unfavourable currency movements. The airline, which said last month its profits would be considerably better, made 862 million dirhams in the six months to September 30, compared to the 226 million dirhams it made a year ago. Revenue fell 3 per cent to 47.3 billion dirhams with operating costs cut by 8 per cent, helped by the decline in fuel costs. Emirates carried 29.6 million passengers, a 2 per cent decline after the airline reduced the number of seats it offered by 5% in part due to a 45-day closure of a runway at its Dubai hub. The amount of cargo it carried declined by 8 per cent to 1.2 million tonnes. "The global outlook is difficult to predict, but we expect the airline and travel industry to continue facing headwinds over the next six months with stiff competition adding downward pressure on margins," said Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum. Emirates Group, which includes the airline and airport services unit dnta, made 1.2 billion dirhams, up 8 per cent. Revenue shrank 2 per cent to 53.3 billion. Sheikh Ahmed said the fuel bill was 2 billion dirhams cheaper than a year ago but said unfavourable currency fluctuations cost it 1.2 billion in profit. Dnata, which operates at airports around the world, suffered a 64% fall in profit to 311 million dirhams. It booked an 84 million dirhams impairment on amounts it was owed following the collapse of Thomas Cook in September. Thomas Cook's bankruptcy has had a broad impact, affecting hotel owners across Europe, holiday booking sites in Asia and airline support services around the world.

Emirates airlines first half profit surges on cheaper fuel, cost cuts

Air France, Emirates and Etihad Airways are continuing to operate flights to Cairo after British Airways and Lufthansa suspended services to Egypt's capital.

International Airlines Group's British Airways suspended flights on Saturday for seven days "as a security precaution" as it reviews security at Cairo airport.

Germany's Lufthansa later said it cancelled services from Munich and Frankfurt to Cairo and would resume flights on Sunday.

"In liaison with the French authorities and the local authorities in Egypt, Air France has decided to maintain its service to Cairo," a spokesman said in a statement sent to Reuters.

An Emirates spokeswoman said its flights were operating to schedule.

"We are closely assessing the situation and are in contact with the relevant aviation authorities with regards to our flight operations to Egypt," the spokeswoman said.

The website for Abu Dhabi's Etihad showed its services were also operating.

"Etihad Airways is monitoring the security situation in Cairo," an airline spokesman said.

Air France, Emirates and Etihad Airways are continuing to operate flights to Cairo after British Airways and Lufthansa suspended services to Egypt's capital. International Airlines Group's British Airways suspended flights on Saturday for seven days "as a security precaution" as it reviews security at Cairo airport.

Air France, Emirates and Etihad Airways are continuing to operate flights to Cairo after British Airways and Lufthansa suspended services to Egypt's capital. International Airlines Group's British Airways suspended flights on Saturday for seven days "as a security precaution" as it reviews security at Cairo airport. Germany's Lufthansa later said it cancelled services from Munich and Frankfurt to Cairo and would resume flights on Sunday. "In liaison with the French authorities and the local authorities in Egypt, Air France has decided to maintain its service to Cairo," a spokesman said in a statement sent to Reuters. An Emirates spokeswoman said its flights were operating to schedule. "We are closely assessing the situation and are in contact with the relevant aviation authorities with regards to our flight operations to Egypt," the spokeswoman said. The website for Abu Dhabi's Etihad showed its services were also operating. "Etihad Airways is monitoring the security situation in Cairo," an airline spokesman said.

Air France, Emirates maintain Cairo flights after British Air suspension

A British woman has been prevented from leaving Dubai, police in the Emirate said Monday, after her ex-husband's new wife pressed defamation charges over comments posted on Facebook.

Dubai police confirmed a 55-ye ar-old British woman was being tried for defamation under the UAE's cybercrime law.

Police said the woman had never been held in custody, but had confessed to making the statements and refused attempts to settle out of court.

While police would not disclose the woman's identity, the London-based group Detained in Dubai identified her as Laleh Sharavesh, saying she had described her ex-husband's new wife as 'a horse'.

Dubai police said that following a complaint by a Portugese man and his Tunisian wife in 2017, a warrant had been issued requiring the woman to present herself to the police.

"Upon her return to the country on 10 March 2019, the outstanding warrant prompted the immigration authorities at the airport to bring the matter to the British woman's attention," the police said in a statement.

"She was requested to attend the nearest police station."

Britain said it was in contact with the UAE about the case and offering help to the Sharavesh.

"We are offering consular assistance to Ms Sharavesh. We're very concerned about the situation," British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt told reporters in Luxembourg.

"Our diplomats in the UAE have enormous experience in dealing with consular cases ... so she is getting the best possible service" from the British authorities, he added.

The Detained in Dubai group said Sharavesh's Portuguese husband of 18 years divorced her to marry a Tunisian woman in Dubai.

The man died last month and Sharavesh flew to Dubai with their daughter for his funeral, according to the group.&nbsp;

While their teenage daughter was allowed to fly back, Sharavesh was not permitted to leave the country.&nbsp;

The group said the charges are based on two comments Sharavesh posted under her ex-husband's new wedding pictures on Facebook in Farsi.

"I hope you go under the ground, you idiot. Damn you. You left me for this horse," she allegedly wrote. "You married a horse, you idiot".

Sharavesh's attorney could not be reached for comment.

A British woman has been prevented from leaving Dubai, police in the Emirate said Monday, after her ex-husband's new wife pressed defamation charges over comments posted on Facebook.

A British woman has been prevented from leaving Dubai, police in the Emirate said Monday, after her ex-husband's new wife pressed defamation charges over comments posted on Facebook. Dubai police confirmed a 55-ye ar-old British woman was being tried for defamation under the UAE's cybercrime law. Police said the woman had never been held in custody, but had confessed to making the statements and refused attempts to settle out of court. While police would not disclose the woman's identity, the London-based group Detained in Dubai identified her as Laleh Sharavesh, saying she had described her ex-husband's new wife as 'a horse'. Dubai police said that following a complaint by a Portugese man and his Tunisian wife in 2017, a warrant had been issued requiring the woman to present herself to the police. "Upon her return to the country on 10 March 2019, the outstanding warrant prompted the immigration authorities at the airport to bring the matter to the British woman's attention," the police said in a statement. "She was requested to attend the nearest police station." Britain said it was in contact with the UAE about the case and offering help to the Sharavesh. "We are offering consular assistance to Ms Sharavesh. We're very concerned about the situation," British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt told reporters in Luxembourg. "Our diplomats in the UAE have enormous experience in dealing with consular cases ... so she is getting the best possible service" from the British authorities, he added. The Detained in Dubai group said Sharavesh's Portuguese husband of 18 years divorced her to marry a Tunisian woman in Dubai. The man died last month and Sharavesh flew to Dubai with their daughter for his funeral, according to the group. While their teenage daughter was allowed to fly back, Sharavesh was not permitted to leave the country. The group said the charges are based on two comments Sharavesh posted under her ex-husband's new wedding pictures on Facebook in Farsi. "I hope you go under the ground, you idiot. Damn you. You left me for this horse," she allegedly wrote. "You married a horse, you idiot". Sharavesh's attorney could not be reached for comment.

Feud between wife, ex-wife sparks slander case in Dubai

Virgin Atlantic female cabin crew are to be allowed to work without wearing make-up, the company announced and will be able to wear trousers as a standard option in their signature red uniforms.

Previously trousers, although permitted, had to be specially ordered from the airline's uniforms department.

"Not only do the new guidelines offer an increased level of comfort, but they also provide our team with more choice on how they want to express themselves at work," Virgin said in a statement.

It added: "Female cabin crew are no longer required to wear any makeup if they so choose. &nbsp;They are, however, still very welcome to wear any of our existing palette of make-up (including lipstick and foundations) set out in Virgin Atlantic’s guidelines."

Trousers are now available as an option for all women and will be provided as standard when joining Virgin Atlantic, it said.

The changes come after feedback from employees of the airline, and as some of its newer competitors are relaxing traditional cabin crew uniform rules.

Several airlines such as British Airways and Emirates still require female cabin crew to wear make-up while working, although in 2016 British Airways did drop its rule that women could not wear trousers.

Virgin Atlantic female cabin crew are to be allowed to work without wearing make-up, the company announced and will be able to wear trousers as a standard option in their signature red uniforms.

Virgin Atlantic female cabin crew are to be allowed to work without wearing make-up, the company announced and will be able to wear trousers as a standard option in their signature red uniforms. Previously trousers, although permitted, had to be specially ordered from the airline's uniforms department. "Not only do the new guidelines offer an increased level of comfort, but they also provide our team with more choice on how they want to express themselves at work," Virgin said in a statement. It added: "Female cabin crew are no longer required to wear any makeup if they so choose. They are, however, still very welcome to wear any of our existing palette of make-up (including lipstick and foundations) set out in Virgin Atlantic’s guidelines." Trousers are now available as an option for all women and will be provided as standard when joining Virgin Atlantic, it said. The changes come after feedback from employees of the airline, and as some of its newer competitors are relaxing traditional cabin crew uniform rules. Several airlines such as British Airways and Emirates still require female cabin crew to wear make-up while working, although in 2016 British Airways did drop its rule that women could not wear trousers.

Virgin Atlantic drops mandatory make-up rule for cabin crew

Arsenal cruised to victory over a disjointed Southampton thanks to two first-half goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Henrikh Mkhitaryan at the Emirates on Sunday, taking them back into the top four in the Premier League.

Arsenal took the lead in the sixth minute in bizarre circumstances, Lacazette neatly back-heeling in a pass from Mkhitaryan while the rest of the team were still appealing for a penalty after Lucas Torreira took a tumble in the box.

The goal came seconds after Saints' Nathan Redmond was through on goal at the other end, only to fire his shot straight at goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The home side doubled their advantage minutes later when Southampton keeper Angus Gunn, making only his second Premier League appearance, cleared the ball straight into the path of Arsenal's Alex Iwobi.

The Nigerian midfielder bolted forward and passed across the goal to the unmarked Mkhitaryan, who thumped his shot low into the corner.

Lacazette should arguably have had a hat-trick within the first half, but he was unable to take advantage of any of the numerous opportunities that came his way.

First he had a glancing header from a Granit Xhaka corner saved, then he blasted over the bar from within the six-yard box, and seconds later he spun away from his marker and shot straight into the outstretched leg of Gunn.

Southampton, by contrast, looked a shadow of the team that won the reverse fixture at St Mary's in December, registering only three shots in the half to the Gunners' 11.

They brought on Charlie Austin in the second half to see if he could maintain his record of scoring against Arsenal every time he has met them in the league, but the Saints were unable to break back into the game.

The result moves Unai Emery's side up into fourth place in the standings on 53 points after Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The Gunners remain unbeaten in 13 home league matches this season and have now won their last seven in a row at the Emirates.

Arsenal cruised to victory over a disjointed Southampton thanks to two first-half goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Henrikh Mkhitaryan at the Emirates on Sunday, taking them back into the top four in the Premier League.

Arsenal cruised to victory over a disjointed Southampton thanks to two first-half goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Henrikh Mkhitaryan at the Emirates on Sunday, taking them back into the top four in the Premier League. Arsenal took the lead in the sixth minute in bizarre circumstances, Lacazette neatly back-heeling in a pass from Mkhitaryan while the rest of the team were still appealing for a penalty after Lucas Torreira took a tumble in the box. The goal came seconds after Saints' Nathan Redmond was through on goal at the other end, only to fire his shot straight at goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The home side doubled their advantage minutes later when Southampton keeper Angus Gunn, making only his second Premier League appearance, cleared the ball straight into the path of Arsenal's Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian midfielder bolted forward and passed across the goal to the unmarked Mkhitaryan, who thumped his shot low into the corner. Lacazette should arguably have had a hat-trick within the first half, but he was unable to take advantage of any of the numerous opportunities that came his way. First he had a glancing header from a Granit Xhaka corner saved, then he blasted over the bar from within the six-yard box, and seconds later he spun away from his marker and shot straight into the outstretched leg of Gunn. Southampton, by contrast, looked a shadow of the team that won the reverse fixture at St Mary's in December, registering only three shots in the half to the Gunners' 11. They brought on Charlie Austin in the second half to see if he could maintain his record of scoring against Arsenal every time he has met them in the league, but the Saints were unable to break back into the game. The result moves Unai Emery's side up into fourth place in the standings on 53 points after Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Liverpool at Old Trafford. The Gunners remain unbeaten in 13 home league matches this season and have now won their last seven in a row at the Emirates.

Arsenal ease past Southampton to go fourth in Premier League

Wion Wings Visits Emirates Headquarters In Dubai

Emirates Airline on Thursday posted an 86 per cent drop in half-year profits as the Middle East's leading carrier was hit by a hike in oil prices and currency devaluations.

The Dubai-based airline in a statement its net profit in the six months to September 30 was also impacted by other challenges and expected tough months ahead.

Emirates said it recorded a profit of just $62 million in the first half of the 2018-2019 fiscal year compared with $452 million in the same period last year.

"The high fuel cost as well as currency devaluations in markets like India, Brazil, Angola and Iran, wiped approximately 4.6 billion dirhams ($1.25 billion) from our profits," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Group.

Emirates, one of the world's biggest airlines, said fuel costs rose by 42 per cent compared with the same period last year.

The company, which flies to more than 150 destinations, said the cost of fuel amounted to a third of its expenses.

Emirates is the world's largest operator of Airbus A380s with more than 100 of the superjumbos in its fleet.

"The next six months will be tough, but the Emirates Group's foundations remain strong," Sheikh Ahmed said in a statement.

In the six months to September 30, the airline carried 30.1 million passengers, a rise of three per cent on the last fiscal year, the company said.

Emirates' revenues were 10 per cent higher than the previous year at $13.3 billion.

"We are proactively managing the myriad challenges faced by the airline and travel industry, including the relentless downward pressure on yields and uncertain economic and political realities in our region and in other parts of the world," said Sheikh Ahmed.

Profit for the Emirates Group, which also includes Dnata, a leading air services provider, was also down by 53 per cent to $296 million.

Emirates Airline on Thursday posted an 86 per cent drop in half-year profits as the Middle East's leading carrier was hit by a hike in oil prices and currency devaluations.

Emirates Airline on Thursday posted an 86 per cent drop in half-year profits as the Middle East's leading carrier was hit by a hike in oil prices and currency devaluations. The Dubai-based airline in a statement its net profit in the six months to September 30 was also impacted by other challenges and expected tough months ahead. Emirates said it recorded a profit of just $62 million in the first half of the 2018-2019 fiscal year compared with $452 million in the same period last year. "The high fuel cost as well as currency devaluations in markets like India, Brazil, Angola and Iran, wiped approximately 4.6 billion dirhams ($1.25 billion) from our profits," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Group. Emirates, one of the world's biggest airlines, said fuel costs rose by 42 per cent compared with the same period last year. The company, which flies to more than 150 destinations, said the cost of fuel amounted to a third of its expenses. Emirates is the world's largest operator of Airbus A380s with more than 100 of the superjumbos in its fleet. "The next six months will be tough, but the Emirates Group's foundations remain strong," Sheikh Ahmed said in a statement. In the six months to September 30, the airline carried 30.1 million passengers, a rise of three per cent on the last fiscal year, the company said. Emirates' revenues were 10 per cent higher than the previous year at $13.3 billion. "We are proactively managing the myriad challenges faced by the airline and travel industry, including the relentless downward pressure on yields and uncertain economic and political realities in our region and in other parts of the world," said Sheikh Ahmed. Profit for the Emirates Group, which also includes Dnata, a leading air services provider, was also down by 53 per cent to $296 million.

Emirates Airline half-year profit slides 86% on oil hike

A midair collision was averted on February 7 between Vistara flight and Air India in Mumbai airspace.

The VIstara flight A320 Neo was flying to Delhi from Pune with 152 passengers at 27,000 of feet at the same Air India&#39;s Airbus A-319 was also flying in the opposite direction from Mumbai to Bhopal. The Vistara pilots were assigned to fly at 29,000 of altitude however, it was flying at the 27,000 of height same as the height of Air India&#39;s Airbus.

The collision was averted by a couple of seconds after Traffic collision avoidance system alarms went off in the cockpits of both planes.

Directorate General of Civil aviation has grounded two Vistara pilots following the incident.

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is also probing the matter.

According to reports, this near miss is the most serious airport accident of recent times.

This was the second such case in Maharashtra airspace; In January a collision was averted between IndiGo A-320 flying from Hyderabad to Raipur and the Emirates Boeing 777 was flying towards Dubai from Singapore.

Directorate General of Civil aviation has grounded two Vistara pilots following the incident

A midair collision was averted on February 7 between Vistara flight and Air India in Mumbai airspace. The VIstara flight A320 Neo was flying to Delhi from Pune with 152 passengers at 27,000 of feet at the same Air India's Airbus A-319 was also flying in the opposite direction from Mumbai to Bhopal. The Vistara pilots were assigned to fly at 29,000 of altitude however, it was flying at the 27,000 of height same as the height of Air India's Airbus. The collision was averted by a couple of seconds after Traffic collision avoidance system alarms went off in the cockpits of both planes. Directorate General of Civil aviation has grounded two Vistara pilots following the incident. Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is also probing the matter. According to reports, this near miss is the most serious airport accident of recent times. This was the second such case in Maharashtra airspace; In January a collision was averted between IndiGo A-320 flying from Hyderabad to Raipur and the Emirates Boeing 777 was flying towards Dubai from Singapore.

Mid-air collision between Air India and Vistara averted by couple of seconds

After the Indian cricketer took to Twitter, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/shikhar-dhawan-slams-airline-for-not-allowing-his-family-onboard-28076">slamming Emirates airline&nbsp;for causing inconvenience to his family</a>, the airlines issued an official statement.

Emirates stated that all passengers must adhere to the travelling regulations of the countries in which the airline operates.

The statement noted that passengers must carry relevant documents while travelling abroad.&nbsp;

&quot;Since 1 June 2015, according to South African regulations, anyone travelling to the country with a minor under 18 needs to prove parenthood or guardianship - while adults travelling alone with their children need to show that they have the consent of their non-travelling partner,&quot; Emirates noted in an official response.

&quot;Like all airlines, we must comply with the laws of every country in which we operate and this is a shared responsibility with passengers, who are required to hold valid travel documents for all countries on their itinerary,&quot; the statement further read.

The 32-year-old opening batsman tweeted and complained that his wife and child were not allowed aboard at the Dubai airport.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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We&#39;re sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We&#39;d like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. <a href="https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf">https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf</a>
&mdash; Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesSupport/status/946665505276026880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Absolutely unprofessional from @emirates. Was on my way 2 SA with my fam &amp; was told that my wife and kids can&#39;t board the flight from Dubai to SA. Was asked to produce birth certificates &amp; other documents for my kids at the airport which we obviously didn&#39;t have at that moment,&quot; he tweeted.&nbsp;

Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India&#39;s 56-day tour of South Africa.

India will play a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s against South Africa.&nbsp;

The first Test match will be played on January 5 in Cape Town.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The statement noted that all passengers must carry relevant documents while travelling abroad

After the Indian cricketer took to Twitter, slamming Emirates airline for causing inconvenience to his family, the airlines issued an official statement. Emirates stated that all passengers must adhere to the travelling regulations of the countries in which the airline operates. The statement noted that passengers must carry relevant documents while travelling abroad. "Since 1 June 2015, according to South African regulations, anyone travelling to the country with a minor under 18 needs to prove parenthood or guardianship - while adults travelling alone with their children need to show that they have the consent of their non-travelling partner," Emirates noted in an official response. "Like all airlines, we must comply with the laws of every country in which we operate and this is a shared responsibility with passengers, who are required to hold valid travel documents for all countries on their itinerary," the statement further read. The 32-year-old opening batsman tweeted and complained that his wife and child were not allowed aboard at the Dubai airport. We're sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We'd like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf — Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) December 29, 2017 × "Absolutely unprofessional from @emirates. Was on my way 2 SA with my fam & was told that my wife and kids can't board the flight from Dubai to SA. Was asked to produce birth certificates & other documents for my kids at the airport which we obviously didn't have at that moment," he tweeted. Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India's 56-day tour of South Africa. India will play a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s against South Africa. The first Test match will be played on January 5 in Cape Town. (With inputs from ANI)

Emirates airline gives befitting reply to disgruntled Shikhar Dhawan

Shortly after the Indian cricket team arrived in South Africa, Shikhar Dhawan took to Twitter expressing his distress over &quot;unprofessional from @emirates&quot;.

Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India&#39;s 56-day tour of South Africa.

According to the tweet, Dhawan&#39;s wife and kids were asked to produce their birth certificates &amp; other documents at the airport and were not allowed to board the flight to South Africa from the Dubai airport.&nbsp;

Disgruntled with the whole incident, the 32-year-old opening batsman noted that his family had to stay back at the Dubai&nbsp;airport.

&quot;Why didn&#39;t @emirates notify about such a situation when we were boarding the plane from Mumbai? One of the emirates&#39; employee was being rude for no reason at all,&quot; he tweeted.&nbsp;

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2/2.They are now at Dubai airport waiting for the documents to arrive. Why didn&#39;t <a href="https://twitter.com/emirates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@emirates</a> notify about such a situation when we were boarding the plane from Mumbai? One of the emirates&#39; employee was being rude for no reason at all.
&mdash; Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25/status/946660632547549189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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In an apology to Shikhar Dhawan, Emirates Support tweeted, &quot;We&#39;re sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We&#39;d like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176.&quot;

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We&#39;re sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We&#39;d like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. <a href="https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf">https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf</a>
&mdash; Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesSupport/status/946665505276026880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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India is all set to play against South Africa in a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s.

The tournament will begin with the first Test match on January 5 in Cape Town.

Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India's 56-day tour of South Africa

Shortly after the Indian cricket team arrived in South Africa, Shikhar Dhawan took to Twitter expressing his distress over "unprofessional from @emirates". Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India's 56-day tour of South Africa. According to the tweet, Dhawan's wife and kids were asked to produce their birth certificates & other documents at the airport and were not allowed to board the flight to South Africa from the Dubai airport. Disgruntled with the whole incident, the 32-year-old opening batsman noted that his family had to stay back at the Dubai airport. "Why didn't @emirates notify about such a situation when we were boarding the plane from Mumbai? One of the emirates' employee was being rude for no reason at all," he tweeted. 2/2.They are now at Dubai airport waiting for the documents to arrive. Why didn't @emirates notify about such a situation when we were boarding the plane from Mumbai? One of the emirates' employee was being rude for no reason at all. — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) December 29, 2017 × In an apology to Shikhar Dhawan, Emirates Support tweeted, "We're sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We'd like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176." We're sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We'd like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf — Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) December 29, 2017 × India is all set to play against South Africa in a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s. The tournament will begin with the first Test match on January 5 in Cape Town.

Shikhar Dhawan slams airline for not allowing his family onboard

An Emirates plane with 282 people on board was involved in an accident on landing Wednesday at Dubai airport but all the passengers were evacuated safely, the government said.&nbsp;?A firefighter was killed while trying to battle the flames, said the carrier&#39;s chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum said.&nbsp; Fourteen people were admitted to hospital with minor or moderate injuries.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;There was one fatality. It is actually one of the firefighters, a man at Dubai International Airport. But nothing from the people who are on board that aircraft from the passengers and also from the cockpit and cabin crews,&quot; confirmed Sheikh Ahmed. 
 
Footage on social media showed smoke billowing from the aircraft. 
 
The cause of the accident was not immediately clear. 
 
&quot;An Emirates plane coming from India has been involved in an accident on landing at Dubai International,&quot; the government&#39;s Dubai Media Office said on its Twitter account.&nbsp;
All departures from Dubai International Airport have been halted &quot;until further notice,&quot; it added.
Emirates confirmed the incident, saying that the plane was a Boeing 777.&nbsp;

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Emirates can confirm that there were 282 passengers and 18 crew on board. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EK521?src=hash">#EK521</a>
&mdash; Emirates airline (@emirates) <a href="https://twitter.com/emirates/status/760784701669928960">August 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&quot;We can confirm flight EK521 from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai has been involved in an accident at Dubai International,&quot; the carrier said on its Twitter account.
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We can confirm that there are no fatalities among our passengers and crew. All passengers and crew are accounted for and safe. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EK521?src=hash">#EK521</a>
&mdash; Emirates airline (@emirates) <a href="https://twitter.com/emirates/status/760784814194749440">August 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
 
Emirates said it had &quot;no further information on what may have caused the accident&quot;. 
 
&quot;Our priority remains with the passengers and crew involved,&quot; it said. 
 
Footage on social media showed thick black smoke coming out of the centre of the plane while the fuselage appeared to be lying on the runway with the escape slides opened. 
 
The Dubai Media Office said the fire &quot;has been contained,&quot; adding that emergency teams at the airport and Emirates are &quot;well trained to deal with such incidents&quot;. 
 
The accident comes almost four months after a plane belonging to Dubai&#39;s other carrier, flydubai, crashed and burst into flames as it was landing in Rostov-on-Don, in southern Russia, killing all 61 people onboard. 
 
On July 26, an Emirates Boeing 777-300 aircraft heading to the Maldives made an emergency landing in Mumbai because of a &quot;technical fault&quot;. 
 
Dubai International is the world&#39;s largest hub in terms of international passengers, and is the base for Emirates, from where it serves more than 153 destinations. 
 
Emirates, Qatar Airways and Abu Dhabi&#39;s Etihad have seized a significant portion of transcontinental travel, capitalising on the geographic locations of their Gulf hubs. 
 
Emirates is the largest single operator of the Boeing 777, as well as the Airbus A380 superjumbo, and has expanded its fleet to 250 aircraft last year. 
 
(AFP)

Footage on social media showed smoke billowing from the aircraft, but Emirates said all 282 passengers were safely evacuated

An Emirates plane with 282 people on board was involved in an accident on landing Wednesday at Dubai airport but all the passengers were evacuated safely, the government said. ?A firefighter was killed while trying to battle the flames, said the carrier's chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum said. Fourteen people were admitted to hospital with minor or moderate injuries. "There was one fatality. It is actually one of the firefighters, a man at Dubai International Airport. But nothing from the people who are on board that aircraft from the passengers and also from the cockpit and cabin crews," confirmed Sheikh Ahmed. Footage on social media showed smoke billowing from the aircraft. The cause of the accident was not immediately clear. "An Emirates plane coming from India has been involved in an accident on landing at Dubai International," the government's Dubai Media Office said on its Twitter account. All departures from Dubai International Airport have been halted "until further notice," it added. Emirates confirmed the incident, saying that the plane was a Boeing 777. Emirates can confirm that there were 282 passengers and 18 crew on board. #EK521 — Emirates airline (@emirates) August 3, 2016 "We can confirm flight EK521 from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai has been involved in an accident at Dubai International," the carrier said on its Twitter account. We can confirm that there are no fatalities among our passengers and crew. All passengers and crew are accounted for and safe. #EK521 — Emirates airline (@emirates) August 3, 2016 Emirates said it had "no further information on what may have caused the accident". "Our priority remains with the passengers and crew involved," it said. Footage on social media showed thick black smoke coming out of the centre of the plane while the fuselage appeared to be lying on the runway with the escape slides opened. The Dubai Media Office said the fire "has been contained," adding that emergency teams at the airport and Emirates are "well trained to deal with such incidents". The accident comes almost four months after a plane belonging to Dubai's other carrier, flydubai, crashed and burst into flames as it was landing in Rostov-on-Don, in southern Russia, killing all 61 people onboard. On July 26, an Emirates Boeing 777-300 aircraft heading to the Maldives made an emergency landing in Mumbai because of a "technical fault". Dubai International is the world's largest hub in terms of international passengers, and is the base for Emirates, from where it serves more than 153 destinations. Emirates, Qatar Airways and Abu Dhabi's Etihad have seized a significant portion of transcontinental travel, capitalising on the geographic locations of their Gulf hubs. Emirates is the largest single operator of the Boeing 777, as well as the Airbus A380 superjumbo, and has expanded its fleet to 250 aircraft last year. (AFP)

Emirates plane crash-lands at Dubai airport

Two Dubai-bound Emirates Airlines flights from here have been delayed by at least nine hours following the closure of the airport there in view of the crash landing of a flight from Thiruvananthapuram today. 
 
Both the flights originates from Dubai and in the return direction scheduled to take off from here at 8.40 pm tonight and 3.20 AM tomorrow, officials said. 
 
However, in view of the mishap involving the Emirates Airlines flight from Thiruvananthapuram and subsequent closure of the airport in Dubai, the two flights to Chennai have been delayed, they said. 
 
More than 300 passengers booked on the flights are staying in hotels and elsewhere and had been informed that their journey had been delayed by at least nine hours. The estimated time of departure would be intimated once the flights take off from Dubai, officials said. 
 
Three hundred people, mostly Indians, had a miraculous escape today when a packed Emirates flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai crash-landed and exploded on the runway there, shutting down one of the world&#39;s busiest airports. 
 
(PTI)

An Emirates flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai crash-landed and exploded on the runway, shutting down the world's busiest airports

Two Dubai-bound Emirates Airlines flights from here have been delayed by at least nine hours following the closure of the airport there in view of the crash landing of a flight from Thiruvananthapuram today. Both the flights originates from Dubai and in the return direction scheduled to take off from here at 8.40 pm tonight and 3.20 AM tomorrow, officials said. However, in view of the mishap involving the Emirates Airlines flight from Thiruvananthapuram and subsequent closure of the airport in Dubai, the two flights to Chennai have been delayed, they said. More than 300 passengers booked on the flights are staying in hotels and elsewhere and had been informed that their journey had been delayed by at least nine hours. The estimated time of departure would be intimated once the flights take off from Dubai, officials said. Three hundred people, mostly Indians, had a miraculous escape today when a packed Emirates flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai crash-landed and exploded on the runway there, shutting down one of the world's busiest airports. (PTI)

2 Dubai-bound Emirates flights from Chennai delayed post aircraft mishap

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