Kuwait’s International Airport was reportedly hit by drone strikes, causing disruptions to airport operations and raising security concerns in the region. No official casualty reports have been released yet. The attack comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, highlighting the growing risk to civilian infrastructure amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.


Breaking: Kuwait's International Airport Hit by Drone Strikes

If you are a person who loves to travel or even a frequent traveller against your will, losing your luggage once you land in a different country or even a city away from home can be an incredibly frustrating experience. However, an airport in Japan claims that it has not misplaced even a single piece of luggage in its 30-year history.&nbsp;

<h2>About the airport</h2>

In a press statement, Japan’s seventh busiest airport Kansai International Airport located in the city of Osaka, said that it has not lost a single piece of baggage since it opened in 1994.&nbsp;

“We believe that the record of having no baggage lost since the opening of the airport is the result of the daily efforts and careful work of everyone involved, including airlines and handling companies,” said the airport which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in September this year.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/big-worlds-highest-astronomical-observatory-is-finally-open-and-sits-atop-chiles-andes-mountains-717365">Big! World's highest astronomical observatory is finally open and sits atop Chile's Andes Mountains</a>

The airport, last month, was crowned as the World’s Best Airport for Baggage Delivery, by the United Kingdom-based airline and airport rating website, Skytrax for the eighth time.&nbsp;

According to reports, the airport serves 28 million passengers in a year and in the last financial year it handled about 10 million baggage items.&nbsp;

<h2>How does it work?</h2>

“We don’t feel like we have been doing something special,” Kenji Takanishi, a public relations officer for Kansai, told CNN.

He added, “We have been working as we normally do. We only do our work on a daily basis and we are recognized for it. We are certainly happy to receive the award. I think our staff, especially those working on the ground, feel more pleased.”

The airport also said that their staff or baggage handlers and ground staff have never lost a bag, and if any luggage does get lost on Kansai it is typically the fault of the individual airline.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-study-hints-at-earth-like-condition-on-ancient-mars-717501">New study hints at Earth-like condition on ancient Mars: 'These findings point to...'</a>

A report by Nikkei Asia has attributed this amazing feat by the airport to their multilayered system where at least two or three staffers check the number and types of bags for each plane.

Additionally, a manager for one of the airport’s operators, CKTS, told the weekly news magazine that they aim to get all the items to baggage claim within 15 minutes of arrival. They also have a manual describing rules specific to each airline in order to do this.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

If you are a person who loves to travel or even a frequent traveller against your will, losing your luggage once you land in a different country or even a city away from home can be an incredibly frustrating experience.

If you are a person who loves to travel or even a frequent traveller against your will, losing your luggage once you land in a different country or even a city away from home can be an incredibly frustrating experience. However, an airport in Japan claims that it has not misplaced even a single piece of luggage in its 30-year history. About the airport In a press statement, Japan’s seventh busiest airport Kansai International Airport located in the city of Osaka, said that it has not lost a single piece of baggage since it opened in 1994. “We believe that the record of having no baggage lost since the opening of the airport is the result of the daily efforts and careful work of everyone involved, including airlines and handling companies,” said the airport which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in September this year. Also Read | Big! World's highest astronomical observatory is finally open and sits atop Chile's Andes Mountains The airport, last month, was crowned as the World’s Best Airport for Baggage Delivery, by the United Kingdom-based airline and airport rating website, Skytrax for the eighth time. According to reports, the airport serves 28 million passengers in a year and in the last financial year it handled about 10 million baggage items. How does it work? “We don’t feel like we have been doing something special,” Kenji Takanishi, a public relations officer for Kansai, told CNN. He added, “We have been working as we normally do. We only do our work on a daily basis and we are recognized for it. We are certainly happy to receive the award. I think our staff, especially those working on the ground, feel more pleased.” The airport also said that their staff or baggage handlers and ground staff have never lost a bag, and if any luggage does get lost on Kansai it is typically the fault of the individual airline. Also Read | New study hints at Earth-like condition on ancient Mars: 'These findings point to...' A report by Nikkei Asia has attributed this amazing feat by the airport to their multilayered system where at least two or three staffers check the number and types of bags for each plane. Additionally, a manager for one of the airport’s operators, CKTS, told the weekly news magazine that they aim to get all the items to baggage claim within 15 minutes of arrival. They also have a manual describing rules specific to each airline in order to do this. (With inputs from agencies)

This Japanese airport has not lost a single piece of baggage since it opened 30 years ago

Today, the world's largest office, the Surat diamond exchange, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, surpassing the Pentagon in size. Completed in July at a cost of ₹ 32 billion, it has a construction area of 6.7 million square feet. The US landmark has 6.5 million square feet in size and was first inaugurated in 1943.

PM Modi visits Surat, inaugurates Surat Diamond Bourse and Surat International Airport

PM Modi inaugurates Surat Diamond Bourse and Surat International Airport

Dubai plans to replace the world's busiest airport - Dubai International with an even larger one on the city's outskirts.

Dubai airports futuristic plan for 2030s expansion

Goa brings up images of long expanses of beaches filled with frolicking tourists. To fulfil the demands of the flood of visitors, India has taken a step forward. The sole airport in the state till now was Dabolim Airport, located near the Goan village of Dabolim. On Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the first phase of a new international airport at Mopa in north Goa, which brought about a shift. The new airport, Manohar Parrikar International Airport, is named in honour of the late Goa Chief Minister who passed away in March 2019.&nbsp;

While inaugurating the airport, Modi said that the state-of-the-art airport in Mopa will significantly improve connectivity as well as boost tourism in Goa. Manohar Parrikar International Airport is proof of the changed government thinking and approach towards infrastructure in the country today, he said. Modi added that India took this initiative to take air travel to the smallest cities in the country.

<img alt="Goa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="351740f0-5faf-44e4-8afd-1ce23eceb9b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-12T114335.855.png" />

Tourism Push&nbsp;

The airport in Mopa in north Goa, which is being constructed at a cost of 2,870 crores by the GMR Group, would be the state's second facility after the airport at Dabolim. The airport's initial capacity is 44 lakh passengers per year, and after the entire facility is finished, that number will increase to one crore. Dabolim Airport can accommodate 85 lakh people annually, however it lacks the cargo transportation infrastructure that the new airport would offer.

Flights details

Commercial operations at the airport will start on January 5, 2023. According to media outlets citing authorities, international flights will start in March. With two operating airports, Panaji is currently the nation's first capital city. Mumbai would have a second airport in Navi Mumbai, whilst Delhi will get a second airport in Jewar. Flights to and from the new airport have already been announced by airlines including IndiGo and GoFirst. The cost of flying to Goa might be reduced with more flights. GoFirst has announced intentions to begin operating 42 flights weekly from the new airport beginning next month, while IndiGo has planned the debut of 162 flights each week.

<img alt="North Goa " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875a9bc9-b0a2-408c-a673-d8b15ea734ec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-12T114313.642.png" />

Boost to local economy&nbsp;

Given that north Goa is already a well-liked tourist destination, the new airport in Mopa will enhance both the local economy and tourism significantly. In November 2016, Prime Minister Modi laid the airport's cornerstone. In a series of tweets, GMR Goa International Airport Limited claimed that the facility will help the state's socioeconomic growth.&nbsp;

Goa brings up images of long expanses of beaches filled with frolicking tourists. To fulfil the demands of the flood of visitors, India has taken a step forward.

Goa brings up images of long expanses of beaches filled with frolicking tourists. To fulfil the demands of the flood of visitors, India has taken a step forward. The sole airport in the state till now was Dabolim Airport, located near the Goan village of Dabolim. On Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the first phase of a new international airport at Mopa in north Goa, which brought about a shift. The new airport, Manohar Parrikar International Airport, is named in honour of the late Goa Chief Minister who passed away in March 2019. While inaugurating the airport, Modi said that the state-of-the-art airport in Mopa will significantly improve connectivity as well as boost tourism in Goa. Manohar Parrikar International Airport is proof of the changed government thinking and approach towards infrastructure in the country today, he said. Modi added that India took this initiative to take air travel to the smallest cities in the country. Tourism Push The airport in Mopa in north Goa, which is being constructed at a cost of 2,870 crores by the GMR Group, would be the state's second facility after the airport at Dabolim. The airport's initial capacity is 44 lakh passengers per year, and after the entire facility is finished, that number will increase to one crore. Dabolim Airport can accommodate 85 lakh people annually, however it lacks the cargo transportation infrastructure that the new airport would offer. Flights details Commercial operations at the airport will start on January 5, 2023. According to media outlets citing authorities, international flights will start in March. With two operating airports, Panaji is currently the nation's first capital city. Mumbai would have a second airport in Navi Mumbai, whilst Delhi will get a second airport in Jewar. Flights to and from the new airport have already been announced by airlines including IndiGo and GoFirst. The cost of flying to Goa might be reduced with more flights. GoFirst has announced intentions to begin operating 42 flights weekly from the new airport beginning next month, while IndiGo has planned the debut of 162 flights each week. Boost to local economy Given that north Goa is already a well-liked tourist destination, the new airport in Mopa will enhance both the local economy and tourism significantly. In November 2016, Prime Minister Modi laid the airport's cornerstone. In a series of tweets, GMR Goa International Airport Limited claimed that the facility will help the state's socioeconomic growth.

Visting North Goa? New International Airport in Mopa to ease travel, Here's everything you need to know

Uganda has lost its only international airport to China after it failed to repay its loan. Uganda is the latest African country to fall into China's debt trap and had to give up national assets to China.

Uganda loses only international airport to China

Uganda might soon join the list of countries victimised by China's famed debt trap technique.

The country's only international airport, Entebbe International Airport, is under danger of being taken over by China.

In 2015, China's Export-Import Bank (EXIM) gave Uganda $207 million at a 2% interest rate upon distribution.&nbsp;

The loan, which was intended for the development of Entebbe Airport, included a 20-year payback schedule and a seven-year grace period. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: India's development diplomacy exposes China's debt trap

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-development-diplomacy-exposes-chinas-debt-trap-396068/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The government has failed to modify the loan arrangement with the Chinese that had repayment restrictions that included the attachment of the country's sole airport.

According to reports in African media, Entebbe International Airport and other Ugandan assets were attached and agreed to be taken over by Chinese lenders when the debt was arbitrated.

President Yoweri Museveni dispatched a delegation to Beijing in the hopes of renegotiating the harmful terms, the reports said.

The visit was fruitless because Chinese authorities refused to approve any changes to the deal's initial parameters.

On November 17, 2015, the Uganda government, represented at the time by the finance ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority, signed an agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank) to borrow US $207 million at 2% upon disbursement, with a 20-year maturity period and a seven-year grace period.

The agreement reached with the Chinese financiers effectively "surrendered" Uganda's most important airport to China, reports said.

Some stipulations in the Financing Agreement, according to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), subject Entebbe International Airport and other Ugandan assets to being attached and taken over by Chinese lenders following arbitration in Beijing.

Uganda's request to amend the loan's hazardous conditions was denied by China, putting Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's administration in uncertainty.&nbsp;

The Ugandan government sacrificed international immunity in the agreements it made to acquire the loans, exposing Entebbe International Airport to takeover without international protection, according to the Daily Monitor of Uganda.

Uganda's Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, apologised to parliament last week for the "mishandling" of the $207 million loan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Uganda might soon join the list of countries victimised by China's famed debt trap technique. The country's only international airport, Entebbe International Airport, is under danger of being taken over by China.

Uganda might soon join the list of countries victimised by China's famed debt trap technique. The country's only international airport, Entebbe International Airport, is under danger of being taken over by China. In 2015, China's Export-Import Bank (EXIM) gave Uganda $207 million at a 2% interest rate upon distribution. The loan, which was intended for the development of Entebbe Airport, included a 20-year payback schedule and a seven-year grace period. Watch | Gravitas: India's development diplomacy exposes China's debt trap The government has failed to modify the loan arrangement with the Chinese that had repayment restrictions that included the attachment of the country's sole airport. According to reports in African media, Entebbe International Airport and other Ugandan assets were attached and agreed to be taken over by Chinese lenders when the debt was arbitrated. President Yoweri Museveni dispatched a delegation to Beijing in the hopes of renegotiating the harmful terms, the reports said. The visit was fruitless because Chinese authorities refused to approve any changes to the deal's initial parameters. On November 17, 2015, the Uganda government, represented at the time by the finance ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority, signed an agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank) to borrow US $207 million at 2% upon disbursement, with a 20-year maturity period and a seven-year grace period. The agreement reached with the Chinese financiers effectively "surrendered" Uganda's most important airport to China, reports said. Some stipulations in the Financing Agreement, according to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), subject Entebbe International Airport and other Ugandan assets to being attached and taken over by Chinese lenders following arbitration in Beijing. Uganda's request to amend the loan's hazardous conditions was denied by China, putting Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's administration in uncertainty. The Ugandan government sacrificed international immunity in the agreements it made to acquire the loans, exposing Entebbe International Airport to takeover without international protection, according to the Daily Monitor of Uganda. Uganda's Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, apologised to parliament last week for the "mishandling" of the $207 million loan. (With inputs from agencies)

China's debt trap strategy: Uganda set to lose its only international airport to Beijing

Sri Lanka's cabinet minister for Youth and sports Namal Rajapaksa and hundred plus members of the Buddhist clergy will be in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar at the inauguration of its international airport.

Kushinagar is key to Buddhist pilgrim circuit. It is believed that the founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, attained Mahaparinirvana at this location.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister of the state, Yogi Adityanath, both, will be present at the location. Several other foreign envoys will also be present at the grand opening.

Namal Rajapaksa is the son of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and a member of parliament (MP). His presence at the event shows increased engagement between the two sides.

This comes a little after the Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane and foreign secretary Harsh Shringlavisited Sri Lanka. &nbsp;Later this year, Sri Lanka will be hosting BIMSTEC summit, and PM Modi is expected to attend in-person, depending on circumstances.

Lately, there has been an increased focus on strengthening the&nbsp;Indian and Sri Lankan Buddha connect. Recently, in a conversation with WION, Sri Lankan Consul General in Mumbai Ambassador Dr. Valsan said, "Buddhism is the biggest link given to us by India. Dream of every Buddhist in Sri Lanka is to pay homage at least once in a lifetime at pilgrimage sites in India."

Another focus of the two countries is on the Ramayana link. The new Sri Lankan high commissioner Milinda Marogoda has brought with him a stone from "Sita Eliya" in Sri Lanka. This stone will be used during the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya.

Sita Eliya is believed to be the place where Goddess Sita was held captive by Demon King Ravana. In Ramayana, the area has been mentioned as Ashok Vatika.

Sri Lanka's cabinet minister for Youth and sports Namal Rajapaksa and hundred plus members of the Buddhist clergy will be in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar at the inauguration of its international airport.

Sri Lanka's cabinet minister for Youth and sports Namal Rajapaksa and hundred plus members of the Buddhist clergy will be in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar at the inauguration of its international airport. Kushinagar is key to Buddhist pilgrim circuit. It is believed that the founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, attained Mahaparinirvana at this location. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister of the state, Yogi Adityanath, both, will be present at the location. Several other foreign envoys will also be present at the grand opening. Namal Rajapaksa is the son of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and a member of parliament (MP). His presence at the event shows increased engagement between the two sides. This comes a little after the Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane and foreign secretary Harsh Shringlavisited Sri Lanka. Later this year, Sri Lanka will be hosting BIMSTEC summit, and PM Modi is expected to attend in-person, depending on circumstances. Lately, there has been an increased focus on strengthening the Indian and Sri Lankan Buddha connect. Recently, in a conversation with WION, Sri Lankan Consul General in Mumbai Ambassador Dr. Valsan said, "Buddhism is the biggest link given to us by India. Dream of every Buddhist in Sri Lanka is to pay homage at least once in a lifetime at pilgrimage sites in India." Another focus of the two countries is on the Ramayana link. The new Sri Lankan high commissioner Milinda Marogoda has brought with him a stone from "Sita Eliya" in Sri Lanka. This stone will be used during the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya. Sita Eliya is believed to be the place where Goddess Sita was held captive by Demon King Ravana. In Ramayana, the area has been mentioned as Ashok Vatika.

Namal Rajapaksa, 100+ Lankan Buddhist clergy at inauguration of Kushinagar international airport

Skytrax, the world's largest airline consultancy group, has published its 2021 World Airport Awards, presenting rankings for the most popular international airports around the world.&nbsp;Hamad International Airport in Doha has been honoured as the world's best airport.&nbsp;

In addition to this, it has also won the Best Airport in the Middle East award. The airport was honoured with three more awards, the World's Best Airport in the category of 25 to 35 million passengers,&nbsp;Doha’s Hamad International Airport has been named the world’s best airport, as well as the Best Airport Staff in the Middle East in the 2021 World Airport Awards.

The rankings are based on traveller experience between August 2020 and July 2021, which formed the basis of this year's awards.

From check-in to arrivals to transfers, the survey evaluated different parameters such as shopping, security and immigration. Other parameters like ease of baggage claim, departure at the gate, were also evaluated in this survey that examines traveller experiences across a range of airport services and products.

Since the global pandemic began nearly 18 months ago, many industries have faced the challenge of survival. Instead of focusing on profits, businesses and industries had to focus on merely staying afloat.&nbsp;It was essential for them to invest in the safety of both their customers and employees.

The world air transport industry has also experienced the most challenging and financially difficult period it has ever seen.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> impacted some airports and regions more than the others, with many located in areas with no or few international flights for more than a year.

Taking into account the state of travel during the pandemic i.e, in&nbsp;2020-21, this year's survey also included a COVID-19 section.

The second and third position was bagged by&nbsp;Tokyo Haneda Airport and&nbsp;Singapore Changi Airport.

Skytrax, the world's largest airline consultancy group, has published its 2021 World Airport Awards, presenting rankings for the most popular international airports around the world.

Skytrax, the world's largest airline consultancy group, has published its 2021 World Airport Awards, presenting rankings for the most popular international airports around the world. Hamad International Airport in Doha has been honoured as the world's best airport. In addition to this, it has also won the Best Airport in the Middle East award. The airport was honoured with three more awards, the World's Best Airport in the category of 25 to 35 million passengers, Doha’s Hamad International Airport has been named the world’s best airport, as well as the Best Airport Staff in the Middle East in the 2021 World Airport Awards. The rankings are based on traveller experience between August 2020 and July 2021, which formed the basis of this year's awards. From check-in to arrivals to transfers, the survey evaluated different parameters such as shopping, security and immigration. Other parameters like ease of baggage claim, departure at the gate, were also evaluated in this survey that examines traveller experiences across a range of airport services and products. Since the global pandemic began nearly 18 months ago, many industries have faced the challenge of survival. Instead of focusing on profits, businesses and industries had to focus on merely staying afloat. It was essential for them to invest in the safety of both their customers and employees. The world air transport industry has also experienced the most challenging and financially difficult period it has ever seen. COVID-19 impacted some airports and regions more than the others, with many located in areas with no or few international flights for more than a year. Taking into account the state of travel during the pandemic i.e, in 2020-21, this year's survey also included a COVID-19 section. The second and third position was bagged by Tokyo Haneda Airport and Singapore Changi Airport.

Hamad International Airport honoured as world's best airport

Helmets are a common sight in Rome, worn by the thousands of vespa riders whizzing around the ancient city. But now you’ll see them inside the main international airport too. Fiumicino is now the first in Europe to use ‘smart helmets’ to check the temperature of travellers.

Robocop-style helmets help Rome airport check passenger temperatures from a distance

Flight operations were halted at Nepal's sole International airport in capital Kathmandu on Friday due to adverse weather condition and power outage, an airport official said.

The visibility at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu slumped to 1200 metres on Friday afternoon due to the dense fog, airport official Devendra KC said.

Several flights to and fro other domestic airports in the Himalayan country were also disrupted due to poor visibility since Friday morning.

Flight operations were halted at Nepal's sole International airport in capital Kathmandu on Friday due to adverse weather condition and power outage, an airport official said.

Flight operations were halted at Nepal's sole International airport in capital Kathmandu on Friday due to adverse weather condition and power outage, an airport official said. The visibility at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu slumped to 1200 metres on Friday afternoon due to the dense fog, airport official Devendra KC said. Several flights to and fro other domestic airports in the Himalayan country were also disrupted due to poor visibility since Friday morning.

Flight operations at Nepal's international airport halted due to weather condition, power outage

Beijing's new international airport makes air-rail transfers easier

With the beginning of the new year Maldives re-branded its main&nbsp;airport.

Ibrahim Nasir International Airport was officially re-named &quot;Velana International Airport&quot; and&nbsp;inaugurated&nbsp;by tPresident Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom at&nbsp;12 am&nbsp;on January 1.

At a ceremony held at Hulhule&#39; island, the Aerodrome license of Velana International Airport was handed over to the Maldives Airports Company Limited by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.

President Yameen decided to re-brand the airport&nbsp;during a cabinet meeting held&nbsp;last&nbsp;Monday after&nbsp;Cabinet consultations; focusing on the transformation of the airport in line with&nbsp;the Administration&#39;s economic&nbsp;vision.

According to the&nbsp;President&#39;s office, Ibrahim Nasir International Airport was renamed as part of the efforts being made by&nbsp;the administration to make the airport a gateway for future development and growth.

There is a huge, ongoing project to develop the airport and the government says&nbsp;upon completion of this project&nbsp;the tourism sector will see significant growth while at the same time the airport would work towards becoming a major hub for distance travel.

For the vital role played by late&nbsp;president and prime minister Ibrahim Nasir in realisng the airport, the re-branded name still represents him,&nbsp;&quot;Velana&quot; is a reference to him.&nbsp;

This is the third time&nbsp;Maldives has changed the name of its airport. The initial name &quot;Hulhule Airport&quot; was changed to &quot;Male&#39; International Airport&quot; in early 1980&#39;s and then it was changed to &quot;Ibrahim Nasir International Airport&quot; during former president Mohamed Nasheed&#39;s administration.

(WION)

&nbsp;

The airport was renamed as part of the efforts being made by to make the airport a gateway for future development and growth

With the beginning of the new year Maldives re-branded its main airport. Ibrahim Nasir International Airport was officially re-named "Velana International Airport" and inaugurated by tPresident Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom at 12 am on January 1. At a ceremony held at Hulhule' island, the Aerodrome license of Velana International Airport was handed over to the Maldives Airports Company Limited by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. President Yameen decided to re-brand the airport during a cabinet meeting held last Monday after Cabinet consultations; focusing on the transformation of the airport in line with the Administration's economic vision. According to the President's office, Ibrahim Nasir International Airport was renamed as part of the efforts being made by the administration to make the airport a gateway for future development and growth. There is a huge, ongoing project to develop the airport and the government says upon completion of this project the tourism sector will see significant growth while at the same time the airport would work towards becoming a major hub for distance travel. For the vital role played by late president and prime minister Ibrahim Nasir in realisng the airport, the re-branded name still represents him, "Velana" is a reference to him. This is the third time Maldives has changed the name of its airport. The initial name "Hulhule Airport" was changed to "Male' International Airport" in early 1980's and then it was changed to "Ibrahim Nasir International Airport" during former president Mohamed Nasheed's administration. (WION)

Maldives renames its international airport

Three suicide bombers opened fire before blowing themselves up in the main international airport in Istanbul on Tuesday night, killing 36 people and wounding close to 150, officials said. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that initial indications point at Islamic State as being responsible for the attack. 
 
&quot;According to assessments so far, 36 people have lost their lives and there were also many wounded,&quot; Yildirim told reporters at the site of the attack on Europe&#39;s third-busiest airport. The attack took place shortly before 10 pm local time when two gunmen opened fire at a security checkpoint at Ataturk airport, The New York Times quoted officials. 
 
Police fired shots to try to stop two of the attackers just before they reached a security checkpoint at the arrivals hall at Ataturk airport, but they detonated their explosives, one of the officials said. 
 
Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin said authorities believed there were three suicide bombers, an account corroborated by witnesses. 
 
A Turkish official said the vast majority of those killed were Turkish nationals, but foreigners were also among the dead. 
 
&quot;There was a huge explosion, extremely loud. The roof came down. Inside the airport it is terrible, you can&#39;t recognise it, the damage is big,&quot; said Ali Tekin, who was at the arrivals hall waiting for a guest when the attack took place. 
 
A woman named Duygu, who was at passport control having just arrived from Germany, said she threw herself onto the floor with the sound of the explosion. Several witnesses also reported hearing gunfire shortly before the attacks. 
 
&quot;Everyone started running away. Everywhere was covered with blood and body parts. I saw bullet holes on the doors,&quot; she said outside the airport. 
 
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest in a string of suicide bombings in Turkey this year, but the Dogan news agency said initial indications suggested Islamic State may have been responsible, citing police sources. 
 
A Turkish official said it was too soon to assign blame. 
 
The attack bore some similarities to a suicide bombing by Islamic State militants at Brussels airport in March which killed 16 people. A coordinated attack also targeted a rush-hour metro train, killing a further 16 people in the Belgian capital. 
 
Paul Roos, 77, described seeing one of the attackers &quot;randomly shooting&quot; on the departures floor of the terminal. 
 
&quot;He was just firing at anyone coming in front of him. He was wearing all black. His face was not masked. I was 50 metres (55 yards) away from him,&quot; said Roos, a South African on his way back to Cape Town with his wife after a holiday in southern Turkey. 
 
&quot;We ducked behind a counter but I stood up and watched him. Two explosions went off shortly after one another. By that time he had stopped shooting,&quot; Roos told Reuters. 
 
&quot;He turned around and started coming towards us. He was holding his gun inside his jacket. He looked around anxiously to see if anyone was going to stop him and then went down the escalator ... We heard some more gunfire and then another explosion, and then it was over.&quot; 
 
&quot;Could have been anywhere&quot; 
 
President Tayyip Erdogan said the attack should serve as a turning point in the global fight against militant groups. 
 
&quot;The attack, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, shows that terrorism strikes with no regard for faith and values,&quot; he said in a statement. 
 
&quot;The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world,&quot; he said, urging all governments to join forces against terrorism. 
 
Speaking in Parliament earlier, Turkish justice minister Bekir Bozdag said initial reports suggested one attacker had initially opened fire with a Kalashnikov then detonated explosives. 
 
Ataturk is Turkey&#39;s largest airport and a major transport hub for international travellers. Pictures posted on social media from the site showed wounded people lying on the ground inside and outside one of the terminal buildings. 
 
A helicopter buzzed overhead as police evacuated the building. Dozens of passengers walked back down access roads with their luggage, trying to hail cabs. The US embassy urged US citizens to avoid the area. 
 
Flights halted 
 
Authorities halted the take-off of scheduled flights from the airport and passengers were transferred to hotels, a Turkish Airlines official said. Earlier an airport official said some flights to the airport had been diverted. 
 
The airport will be closed for up to 48 hours, Turkey told one foreign government. 
 
In the United States, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reacted to the explosions by putting armed, high-visibility patrols at the three main airports in the New York metropolitan region. 
 
Turkey has suffered a spate of bombings this year, including two suicide attacks in tourist areas of Istanbul blamed on Islamic State, and two car bombings in the capital, Ankara, which were claimed by a Kurdish militant group. 
 
In the most recent attack, a car bomb ripped through a police bus in central Istanbul during the morning rush hour, killing 11 people and wounding 36 near the main tourist district, a major university and the mayor&#39;s office. 
 
Turkey, which is part of the US-led coalition against Islamic State, is also fighting Kurdish militants in its largely Kurdish southeast. 
 
One person was killed on December 23, 2015, when an explosion hit Istanbul&#39;s second airport, Sabiha Gokcen, located on the Asian side of the city. That attack was claimed by a Kurdish militant group. 
 
(Agencies)

Three gunmen with suspected links to IS fired indiscriminately in Turkey's international airport before blowing themselves up

Three suicide bombers opened fire before blowing themselves up in the main international airport in Istanbul on Tuesday night, killing 36 people and wounding close to 150, officials said. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that initial indications point at Islamic State as being responsible for the attack. "According to assessments so far, 36 people have lost their lives and there were also many wounded," Yildirim told reporters at the site of the attack on Europe's third-busiest airport. The attack took place shortly before 10 pm local time when two gunmen opened fire at a security checkpoint at Ataturk airport, The New York Times quoted officials. Police fired shots to try to stop two of the attackers just before they reached a security checkpoint at the arrivals hall at Ataturk airport, but they detonated their explosives, one of the officials said. Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin said authorities believed there were three suicide bombers, an account corroborated by witnesses. A Turkish official said the vast majority of those killed were Turkish nationals, but foreigners were also among the dead. "There was a huge explosion, extremely loud. The roof came down. Inside the airport it is terrible, you can't recognise it, the damage is big," said Ali Tekin, who was at the arrivals hall waiting for a guest when the attack took place. A woman named Duygu, who was at passport control having just arrived from Germany, said she threw herself onto the floor with the sound of the explosion. Several witnesses also reported hearing gunfire shortly before the attacks. "Everyone started running away. Everywhere was covered with blood and body parts. I saw bullet holes on the doors," she said outside the airport. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest in a string of suicide bombings in Turkey this year, but the Dogan news agency said initial indications suggested Islamic State may have been responsible, citing police sources. A Turkish official said it was too soon to assign blame. The attack bore some similarities to a suicide bombing by Islamic State militants at Brussels airport in March which killed 16 people. A coordinated attack also targeted a rush-hour metro train, killing a further 16 people in the Belgian capital. Paul Roos, 77, described seeing one of the attackers "randomly shooting" on the departures floor of the terminal. "He was just firing at anyone coming in front of him. He was wearing all black. His face was not masked. I was 50 metres (55 yards) away from him," said Roos, a South African on his way back to Cape Town with his wife after a holiday in southern Turkey. "We ducked behind a counter but I stood up and watched him. Two explosions went off shortly after one another. By that time he had stopped shooting," Roos told Reuters. "He turned around and started coming towards us. He was holding his gun inside his jacket. He looked around anxiously to see if anyone was going to stop him and then went down the escalator ... We heard some more gunfire and then another explosion, and then it was over." "Could have been anywhere" President Tayyip Erdogan said the attack should serve as a turning point in the global fight against militant groups. "The attack, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, shows that terrorism strikes with no regard for faith and values," he said in a statement. "The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world," he said, urging all governments to join forces against terrorism. Speaking in Parliament earlier, Turkish justice minister Bekir Bozdag said initial reports suggested one attacker had initially opened fire with a Kalashnikov then detonated explosives. Ataturk is Turkey's largest airport and a major transport hub for international travellers. Pictures posted on social media from the site showed wounded people lying on the ground inside and outside one of the terminal buildings. A helicopter buzzed overhead as police evacuated the building. Dozens of passengers walked back down access roads with their luggage, trying to hail cabs. The US embassy urged US citizens to avoid the area. Flights halted Authorities halted the take-off of scheduled flights from the airport and passengers were transferred to hotels, a Turkish Airlines official said. Earlier an airport official said some flights to the airport had been diverted. The airport will be closed for up to 48 hours, Turkey told one foreign government. In the United States, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reacted to the explosions by putting armed, high-visibility patrols at the three main airports in the New York metropolitan region. Turkey has suffered a spate of bombings this year, including two suicide attacks in tourist areas of Istanbul blamed on Islamic State, and two car bombings in the capital, Ankara, which were claimed by a Kurdish militant group. In the most recent attack, a car bomb ripped through a police bus in central Istanbul during the morning rush hour, killing 11 people and wounding 36 near the main tourist district, a major university and the mayor's office. Turkey, which is part of the US-led coalition against Islamic State, is also fighting Kurdish militants in its largely Kurdish southeast. One person was killed on December 23, 2015, when an explosion hit Istanbul's second airport, Sabiha Gokcen, located on the Asian side of the city. That attack was claimed by a Kurdish militant group. (Agencies)

Istanbul airport suicide attack: 41 dead, 239 wounded, Turkish PM says initial findings point to Islamic State

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