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British Airways: ‘Yes, you can travel a few hours earlier – if you pay £900’

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5 days ago

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The musicians struck up on Friday afternoon in the middle of the airside departures level at Heathrow Terminal 5. The guitar and double bass combo were called The Cash Cows – a name which will raise a hollow laugh from airline bosses who say the French, Qatari, Saudi and Australian owners of the UK’s biggest airport enjoy a licence to print money.

The first song, as I recall, was Brown Eyed Girl. Van Morrison’s classic contains the line “In the misty morning fog”. But outside the skies were clear and air-traffic controllers were coping with the busiest day of the year so far.

Entertaining though the band was, I wished I was halfway to Istanbul. And, as I discovered later, someone else would have been glad if I had been airborne.

The back story: I had paid £266 for the early evening British Airways flight to Turkey’s largest city. There was an afternoon flight, but it was priced at over £400. And besides, work commitments meant I probably wouldn’t make it to the airport on time.

For once, the Tube and Elizabeth line journey from central London to Heathrow proved smooth and swift. As a result I turned up ridiculously early for my booked flight – and just in time for the earlier departure to Istanbul.

The flight to Istanbul had cost £266 (Getty Images)

As (almost) always, I had only cabin baggage and could easily speed through security. I found a helpful BA agent and asked if there might be any space aboard the afternoon flight.

Yes, he said, there are two seats left. For a moment I pictured myself enjoying a drink beside the Bosphorus on Friday evening, rather than touching down after midnight as my ticket prescribed.

“But unfortunately they’re not in your class of travel.

I have no interest in BA’s short-haul business class for a three-hour flight. From what I can seek, economy class on Turkish Airlines is more than a match. Yet I bet there were economy passengers on that flight with better British Airways Club status than me (not a high bar) who would have been delighted with a free upgrade. It might have cost BA a few pounds in complimentary drinks, but the lucky passenger would be more likely to choose British Airways in future.

Such an upward move would create a space in economy . For the pleasure of an evening in Istanbul I would gladly have paid, say, £60. That would constitute free money for BA. But the only option I was offered: upgrading to Club Europe on payment of over £900.

I thanked the agent and wandered off, puzzled about the British Airways policy. I can see that allowing passengers to board earlier flights for little or no extra cost could impact revenue. People (including me) would routinely book later, cheaper flights and then try to switch at the airport.

British Airways offered an upgrade to Club Europe – for a payment of over £900 (Getty Images)

Charging a £60 fee would offset any losses, with a crucial added benefit: freeing up space for a flight several hours later. With 50 minutes remaining before the afternoon Istanbul flight was due to depart there was no possibility of BA selling either of the two empty seats to a new customer. But had I been moved earlier, there was some chance of selling a ticket to someone desperate to travel at short notice for many hundreds of pounds.

One more reason for allowing passengers to switch is summed up for me by a former British Airways manager of overseas bases. “If someone wanted to travel earlier I would always let them,” he told me.

“That stopped them being a potential problem later.”

As you may have noticed, stuff frequently goes wrong with flying: from technical problems to crew sickness. (Earlier this year I had two flights in a row cancelled – one from each of these causes.) Moving people to earlier flights that are poised to depart reduces the airline’s exposure to extra costs.

British Airways might riposte: “How the heck are we supposed to micromanage all this as the minutes tick away to departure?”

Well, US airlines seem able to handle such requests – either free or for the odd $75 (£56), as I was charged by Delta at Atlanta last time I arrived in time for an earlier departure. And I know for a fact that one passenger would have been delighted if I had already been in Istanbul at the time the later flight was taking off.

He was the gentleman travelling on a staff ticket. With no space remaining, he was assigned a “jump seat” – provided mainly for cabin crew. Unfortunately, on the Airbus A321 his assigned place was the jump seat built into the door of one of the rear toilets.

Had BA made me a reasonable offer to travel on the earlier flight, he would have had my seat. As it was, he had to spend most of the flight standing up. But at least he got on board.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast



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Flynas Joins Azerbaijan Airways, Air Arabia and Etihad, Boosts Travel with Its Direct Flights from Riyadh to Moscow: Here’s What You Need To Know

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2 hours ago

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August 3, 2025

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Home » Latest Travel News of Saudi Arabia » Flynas Joins Azerbaijan Airways, Air Arabia and Etihad, Boosts Travel with Its Direct Flights from Riyadh to Moscow: Here’s What You Need To Know

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Flynas has just launched direct flights from Riyadh to Moscow, and this is big news for tourism in Saudi Arabia. Starting August 1, 2025, these three weekly flights are a game-changer, making Riyadh more accessible to Russian tourists. Not only does this make it easier for travelers to visit the Kingdom, but it also strengthens the city’s status as a tourist destination.

This new service will allow visitors from Russia to experience Riyadh’s rich history, modern attractions, and cultural sites without the hassle of connecting flights. It’s an exciting time for tourism in Riyadh, and this move opens up new doors for travelers.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Goals

This isn’t just about a flight route – it’s part of a larger strategy to boost Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. The Kingdom has set an ambitious goal to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030, and this new route is helping to make that vision a reality. By connecting Riyadh directly with Moscow, Flynas is making it easier for tourists to visit and for Saudi Arabia to meet its tourism targets.

The new flights also fit perfectly into the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy, which focuses on enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global connectivity. This makes Riyadh more accessible, inviting, and a major player in the global tourism scene.

Riyadh’s Growing Passport Ranking and Global Appeal

Saudi Arabia’s passport has climbed to 54th place in the global passport rankings for 2025, making it easier for Saudi citizens to travel and positioning the Kingdom as an attractive destination for international tourists. This growth in passport ranking reflects Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence and its efforts to increase global tourism.

The rise in passport strength is a sign that Saudi Arabia is becoming more connected with the world, and the new Riyadh to Moscow flight route is a perfect example of how the country is enhancing its appeal for both leisure and business travel.

Boosting Cultural and Business Tourism

Beyond leisure tourism, the new Riyadh to Moscow flight is expected to boost business tourism as well. Saudi Arabia and Russia share strong business ties, and direct flights make it easier for Russian professionals to visit Riyadh for meetings, conferences, and trade events. This strengthens the bond between the two nations and opens doors for more investment and collaboration.

Culturally, Saudi Arabia has a wealth of experiences to offer. Riyadh is home to stunning historical landmarks like Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and modern attractions that showcase the Kingdom’s growth. Russian tourists, in particular, are keen to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich culture, and now, it’s more convenient for them than ever.

Flynas: Making Riyadh More Accessible

Flynas has been at the forefront of expanding Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity. With a focus on affordable, high-quality travel, Flynas is making it possible for more people to visit Riyadh. The airline’s low-cost model ensures that flights remain affordable, attracting budget-conscious travelers who might not have considered visiting Riyadh otherwise.

Flynas’ new direct route to Moscow is part of its growing network, which connects Riyadh to a variety of international destinations. This helps put Riyadh on the map as a city that’s not just a national capital, but a global tourism hub.

The Future of Tourism in Riyadh

Looking ahead, the future of tourism in Riyadh looks bright. As Saudi Arabia continues to grow as a tourism destination, more international routes and collaborations are expected. The Riyadh to Moscow flight is just the beginning. As the Kingdom invests in infrastructure and promotes tourism, Riyadh will continue to attract more global visitors.

This is a pivotal time for Riyadh. With Vision 2030 guiding the way, the Kingdom is positioning itself to be a top tourist destination. And with airlines like Flynas expanding connectivity, Riyadh’s tourism sector is set to thrive in the years to come.



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Tuticorin Airport’s New Terminal Officially Operational; All IndiGo Flights Now Operate From The Upgraded Facility

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3 hours ago

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August 3, 2025

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Great news for air travellers in South Tamil Nadu! IndiGo, India’s leading airline, has officially moved all its flight operations in and out of Tuticorin Airport to the brand-new terminal building, starting today. Say goodbye to the old terminal and get ready for a refreshed airport experience the next time you fly!

IndiGo Shifts To New Terminal At Tuticorin Airport

From August 3 onwards, every IndiGo flight, whether you’re arriving in Tuticorin or flying out, will use the new terminal building. The older terminal is no longer in use, so make sure you head to the right location to avoid any last-minute confusion. Tuticorin Airport also shared a warm welcome to passengers on X (formerly Twitter). The new terminal is expected to offer more space, better facilities, and a smoother travel experience. 

IndiGo also took to X and posted a travel advisory, asking passengers to update their contact details in their booking. The travellers are advised to ensure they receive all important updates, including flight delays, gate changes, or boarding announcements, right on their phone or email.

Here’s what the airline said: “Effective August 3, all IndiGo flights to/from Tuticorin (TCR) will operate from the New Terminal Building, offering a refreshed and enhanced airport experience. Please update your contact details and monitor your flight status for a smooth journey.”

Also Read: Nagpur Airport Loses Fourth Route In Months As Star Air Pulls Kolhapur Flight

IndiGo’s Strong Performance Despite Challenges

This upgrade comes at a time when IndiGo is doing quite well financially, even with tough global conditions affecting the airline industry. InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, reported a net profit of ₹2,176 crore for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025–2026, just one day prior to this terminal shift, according to News18.

Between April and June 2025, IndiGo carried over 3.1 crore passengers, a 12% increase compared to last year. It maintained a strong 84.6% load factor, even with a slight dip, and reported revenues of ₹20,496 crore

If you’re planning to fly from Tuticorin anytime soon, whether it’s a business trip, a holiday, or a visit home, head to the new terminal at the airport. All IndiGo flights are now operating from this new space, designed to make your journey more comfortable and efficient.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Prime Minister’s Office

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First Published: August 03, 2025 1:15 PM





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Emirates Joins Cathay Pacific and Air China Expands its Reach in China with New Daily Flights to Hangzhou: Here’s What You Should Know

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August 3, 2025

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Home » Airlines News of China » Emirates Joins Cathay Pacific and Air China Expands its Reach in China with New Daily Flights to Hangzhou: Here’s What You Should Know

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Emirates is now flying to Hangzhou, making it our fifth entry point in China and expanding even further our East Asian network. This new link to Hangzhou is testament to the strength of Emirates in China and offers further growth opportunities for us in our Far East operations.’ The first flight, EK310 was welcomed by local officials and dignitaries as well children from the Airport at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International on 30th July 2025.

This launch follows a significant expansion for Emirates, as the airline recently began services to Shenzhen, making Hangzhou the second new destination in just one month. Emirates’ commitment to increasing its presence in China underscores the airline’s strong confidence in the growing demand for both leisure and business travel between China and the Middle East.

New Route to Hangzhou Offers Convenient Flight Options

The convenient link up is offered by the new daily Emirates service between Dubai and Hangzhou. EK310 is timed to leave Dubai at 09:40 and land in Hangzhou at 22:00. The return flight, EK311 will depart Hangzhou at 00:10hrs arriving in Dubai at 04:55 hrs. The schedule is designed to meet the needs of passengers and enables seamless travel options for guests, connecting through key destinations in Europe.

The announcement was made during a ceremony held on Monday at the US cities both in presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group. Emirates will operate its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft between Dubai and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The flight will reciprocally showcase regionally inspired menus with the choice of popular Chinese dishes and desserts, adding to its overall appeal.

Connecting Global Passengers to Hangzhou

Emirates’ new flight to Hangzhou opens up a range of travel options for passengers from across the globe. The airline’s extensive network enables seamless connections via Dubai to over 40 destinations in Europe, 21 in Africa, 13 in the Middle East, and beyond. Passengers from key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Spain, Nigeria, and Brazil will benefit from this enhanced connectivity to Hangzhou, which is quickly becoming an important hub for business and leisure travel in China.

The route will also offer passengers the opportunity to connect with other major cities in the region. Convenient connections to destinations like Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg are available via Dubai, making it easier than ever for travelers to explore various global destinations. Emirates’ network is designed to meet the demands of business and leisure travelers, providing an optimal travel experience for everyone.

Enhanced Passenger Experience in Hangzhou

Emirates is bringing its world-class services to Hangzhou, enhancing the travel experience for all passengers flying to and from this dynamic tech hub. In addition to its high-quality in-flight services, Emirates offers a complimentary chauffeur-drive service for First and Business Class passengers in Hangzhou. This service is available within an 80-kilometer radius of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, providing a seamless, luxurious journey to and from the airport.

The airline’s commitment to providing exceptional service extends to Hangzhou, with a focus on passenger comfort and convenience. The introduction of this new service further reflects Emirates’ growing commitment to the region and its aim to make travel between the Middle East and China more accessible.

Hangzhou: A Growing Hub for Global Travelers

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and rapidly growing technological and e-commerce sectors. The city’s growing prominence as a global business and tourism hub has made it an attractive destination for travelers worldwide.

The launch of Emirates’ daily flights offers global tourists and business travelers better access to Hangzhou, making it easier for them to explore the city’s attractions, including its iconic West Lake, and to tap into the city’s booming digital economy. Hangzhou is also famous for being home to Alibaba, one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies, which has further cemented the city’s status as a global tech powerhouse.

Strengthening Emirates’ Presence in China

Emirates’ expansion into Hangzhou is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in China. The airline already operates flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, offering passengers a comprehensive network of options for traveling to and from the Chinese mainland. The addition of Hangzhou brings the total number of weekly Emirates flights to China to 49, further expanding the airline’s reach across the region.

The airline’s ability to offer convenient, daily flights to Hangzhou will help meet the rising demand for travel between China and the Middle East. With an ever-increasing number of passengers seeking to explore China’s growing tourism and business sectors, Emirates is positioned to be a key player in this thriving market.

Commitment to Connecting People and Cultures

Emirates remains committed to fostering greater connections between China and the rest of the world. The launch of this new route, along with the addition of Shenzhen, reflects the airline’s strategic focus on building stronger trade and tourism ties between China, the Middle East, and other key regions.

In addition to its aviation services, Emirates is actively promoting cultural exchanges between China and the UAE, further strengthening the relationship between the two nations. Through initiatives like partnerships with cultural organizations, the airline is helping to promote China as a major destination for global travelers.

Bottom Line

Emirates’ new daily service to Hangzhou is a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion in China. By offering enhanced connectivity to one of China’s most important cities, Emirates is opening new doors for travelers to explore this thriving region. The airline’s focus on passenger comfort, convenience, and seamless connectivity ensures that travelers flying to Hangzhou will experience the best of what Emirates has to offer.

As Emirates continues to expand its network across China, passengers can expect even greater access to the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and beyond. The new flights to Hangzhou are just the beginning of Emirates’ ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of its global customers.



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