Renegade Air has announced the resumption of its Nairobi–Homa Bay route, restoring an important regional air link that is expected to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity in western Kenya. The airline confirmed that flights between Wilson Airport and Homa Bay will restart on Thursday, April 2, 2026, with bookings already open for travelers.

The service will initially operate four times a week on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, offering passengers a convenient schedule linking the capital with the Lake Victoria region. According to the published timetable, flights will depart Wilson Airport at 1:30 p.m., arriving in Homa Bay at 2:15 p.m. The return flight will depart Homa Bay at 2:35 p.m. and arrive back in Nairobi at 3:20 p.m. The Thursday flight on April 2 will mark the official relaunch of the service before the regular weekly schedule continues.

The restoration of the route is expected to provide a faster and more reliable travel option for business travelers, government officials, development partners and residents who frequently move between Nairobi and western Kenya. By air, the journey takes less than an hour, compared with several hours by road depending on traffic and road conditions. Improved access to Homa Bay is also expected to support growing economic and tourism opportunities around Lake Victoria, where fishing, agriculture, regional trade and emerging hospitality investments continue to drive activity.

Industry observers say the decision by Renegade Air to reintroduce the route reflects renewed confidence in Kenya’s domestic aviation market, where demand for regional connectivity has been gradually increasing. Wilson Airport remains the country’s busiest hub for domestic and regional charter operations, serving multiple destinations across Kenya through a network of local airlines. Domestic carriers such as Jambojet and Safarilink Aviation have also expanded routes in recent years as travelers seek faster access to regional business centers and tourism destinations.

The return of scheduled flights to Homa Bay is also expected to support county-level development by making the region more accessible to investors, government officials and tourists. Homa Bay County sits along the shores of Lake Victoria and serves as a gateway to several destinations in western Kenya, including fishing communities, agricultural zones and emerging tourism circuits linked to the lake and surrounding landscapes.

For the travel industry, the resumed service represents another step toward strengthening domestic air connectivity in Kenya, particularly to destinations that historically relied heavily on road transport. As airlines continue to evaluate demand and operational costs, route restorations such as the Nairobi–Homa Bay service are seen as critical to supporting regional mobility and economic integration.

Passengers can already book seats for the route through Renegade Air’s reservation channels, with the airline encouraging travelers and travel agents to secure bookings ahead of the inaugural flight scheduled for April 2. Industry stakeholders say the resumption of the service will not only shorten travel times but also open new opportunities for tourism and business engagement between Nairobi and the Lake Victoria region.

The rise of bleisure travel, the combination of business and leisure during corporate trips, has become a transformative trend in the tourism industry. Increasingly, professionals are adding personal vacation days to their business trips, extending their stays, and contributing to the local economies of key business destinations across the globe. This shift in corporate travel behaviour has been rapidly integrated into travel policies, with companies, airlines, and hotels responding to the demand for longer, more flexible stays.

The blending of business and leisure travel is reshaping the tourism landscape worldwide. Surveys and reports suggest that in recent years, an increasing number of professionals have opted for bleisure trips, with a sharp rise in both extended stays and spending.  Travel destinations are seeing an uptick in weekday tourism, with businesses not only hosting meetings but also encouraging employees to explore the region once work commitments conclude. This extended stay trend is not only beneficial for employees seeking a work-life balance but also helps tourism-dependent cities see economic growth as they cater to the growing demand for both business and leisure services.

Shifting Corporate Travel Policies to Accommodate Bleisure

As bleisure travel grows, corporate travel policies are evolving to accommodate longer stays that blend work with leisure. Many organizations have begun to incorporate this model into their business trips, offering more flexible booking options, especially for those travelling to major business hubs across Europe and North America. These changes are reflective of broader shifts towards work-from-anywhere policies, where the focus is not only on the task at hand but also on employee well-being, satisfaction, and work-life balance.

Businesses are increasingly open to employees adding leisure days to their business trips, and some have even defined bleisure travel policies. These updated policies are not only aimed at improving employee satisfaction but also contributing to the local tourism industry. Cities and hotels are adapting, offering business travellers tailored packages that provide access to both work-friendly amenities and leisure activities, such as spa services, sightseeing tours, and cultural experiences.

Airlines and Hotels Adjust Strategies for Bleisure Tourists

Airlines and hotels are strategically adjusting their offerings to capture this growing segment of bleisure tourists. Hotels, particularly in major corporate hubs like London, New York, and Paris, are now catering to the need for extended stays by enhancing their amenities for business travellers. Many hotels are integrating leisure-focused offerings such as pools, gyms, and entertainment packages alongside reliable workspaces, high-speed internet, and conference facilities.

Airlines are following suit by offering more flexible fare options, allowing travellers to extend their stays without incurring steep additional costs. These adjustments are opening up new revenue streams for both hotels and airlines while also offering convenience and added value for business travellers who wish to combine work with leisure.

Bleisure Travel and the Growth of Local Economies

The economic impact of bleisure travel is profound, particularly for tourism-dependent destinations. Major metropolitan areas such as Lisbon, Berlin, and Rome are benefiting from the influx of extended business travellers, with local hotels, restaurants, and attractions seeing longer-term benefits. The additional days that bleisure travellers spend in these destinations result in higher overall spend, benefiting a wide range of businesses in the area. As this trend continues, destinations around the world are looking at how they can tailor their offerings to accommodate the growing demand for longer stays that blend business and leisure.

Long-Term Projections for the Bleisure Segment

The future of bleisure travel looks promising, with analysts predicting that the segment will continue to grow at a rapid pace. According to projections, bleisure trips are expected to account for up to one-third of all corporate travel by the end of the decade. This growth is supported by the rise of remote working, where individuals can work from various locations while still fulfilling their professional obligations. As companies adopt more flexible policies, tourism professionals and travel managers are finding innovative ways to balance work and play, ensuring that both business objectives and leisure opportunities are maximized.

The trend toward bleisure travel is not just a fad; it represents a lasting shift in the way people approach corporate travel. With the lines between work and personal life becoming increasingly blurred, tourism destinations worldwide are embracing this new form of travel and adjusting their infrastructure and services to meet the needs of the modern business traveller.

The Growing Importance of Bleisure in Global Tourism

As bleisure travel continues to reshape corporate tourism, it is clear that this hybrid travel model has a lasting impact on both travellers and the tourism industry. With extended stays, increased spending, and a shift in corporate policies, bleisure travellers are making significant contributions to the local economies of major business destinations. With more companies supporting this trend, and airlines and hotels continuing to adjust their offerings, bleisure is poised to remain a driving force in the future of global tourism.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

In the middle of East Africa, the tourism scene is going through a huge change. For decades, the “Big Five” have drawn millions of people to the savannah, but a warning story has come out that calls for a change in how these encounters are set up. More and more, both tourists from other countries and local officials agree that protecting the natural heritage of Kenya depends a lot on not using it for profit. Moving from passive observation to active, ethical involvement is no longer just a niche choice; it is becoming the gold standard for modern adventurers.

The Regulatory Framework for Sustainable Protection

 

The stewardship of Kenya’s diverse ecosystems is governed by a robust set of national policies. Under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (2013) and the subsequent National Wildlife Strategy 2030, the Kenyan government has prioritized the integration of community participation with rigorous conservation standards. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the mandate is clear: tourism must serve as an enabler of conservation rather than a threat to it.

Standardization and quality service delivery are overseen by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), which ensures that facilities and operators adhere to sustainable practices. These regulations are designed to prevent the commercialization of wildlife at the expense of animal welfare. By choosing operators who are licensed and graded by the TRA, tourists contribute to a system where revenue is reinvested into habitat protection and anti-poaching initiatives.

Distinguishing Sanctuary from Exploitation

 

A critical distinction must be made between genuine rescue centres and profit-driven attractions. Legitimate sanctuaries are defined by their commitment to rehabilitation and, where possible, the eventual release of animals back into the wild. In contrast, facilities that encourage direct physical contact—such as cub petting or walking with lions—are often flagged by conservationists as exploitative.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) emphasizes that wild animals should be observed in their natural habitats with minimal human interference. Research indicates that close proximity and noise from high-density tourism can cause significant psychological stress to species like elephants and cheetahs, potentially disrupting their breeding and social structures. Ethical travellers are encouraged to seek out “low-impact” experiences, such as those found in private conservancies where vehicle numbers are strictly limited to protect the tranquillity of the environment.

Empowering Communities Through Responsible Choices

 

The success of conservation is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the people who live alongside wildlife. It has been observed that when local communities benefit directly from tourism revenue, the incentives for poaching and land degradation are significantly reduced. Ethical tourism models, such as the community-owned conservancies in the Maasai Mara and Samburu, ensure that land-lease payments and employment opportunities reach the residents.

By opting for destinations that prioritize community benefit-sharing, travellers help foster a “wildlife economy” that is both sustainable and equitable. These initiatives are supported by government frameworks that encourage the development of eco-lodges and community-based enterprises, ensuring that the fruits of tourism are shared by those who serve as the frontline guardians of the wilderness.

Guidelines for the Ethical Explorer

 

To ensure a positive impact during a visit to Kenya, several guidelines should be followed:

1. Observation Over Interaction: Direct contact with non-domesticated animals should be avoided. If an activity involves touching or feeding wildlife, it is likely detrimental to the animal’s welfare.
2. Support Certified Operators: Tours should be booked through members of recognized bodies like the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), who are committed to ethical codes of conduct.
3. Respect Habitat Boundaries: Off-road driving and overcrowding around sightings are discouraged, as these actions destroy vegetation and distress animals.
4. Vetting Sanctuaries: Facilities should be researched to ensure they do not engage in captive breeding for entertainment purposes.

A Legacy for Future Generations

 

The decisions of each visitor are changing the story of Kenya’s wildlife. People are starting to appreciate the natural world more deeply and respectfully instead of using animals for “selfie culture”. The National Wildlife Strategy 2030 says that the goal is to make an ecosystem that can withstand change and where biodiversity and a strong, ethical tourism industry can both thrive. When places that put profit ahead of safety are turned down, the industry gets a strong message: the real value of wildlife is in its freedom, not in how useful it is.

The Kenyan government, conservation groups, and responsible travellers are all working together to change what the “African Safari” means. It’s not just a trip to see things anymore; it’s a trip with meaning—one that will make sure the thundering hooves and quiet roars of the savannah are heard for years to come.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Flights to and from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Airport were disrupted on Sunday morning as wider regional tensions continue to impact aviation.

Residents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai were urged to take shelter after a missile warning was sent to mobile phones on Sunday morning. The safety alert was sent around 7am, followed by audible booms.

The alert was the second of the day, following one around 1am.

The UAE on Saturday intercepted 20 ballistic missiles and 37 drones launched from Iran, the Defence Ministry said. Since the start of Iran’s attacks, the UAE air defence systems have intercepted 398 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,872 drones.

Several flight arriving into Zayed International Airport were impacted on Sunday morning.

Delayed Etihad arrivals included EY844 and EY842 from Moscow Sheremetyevo, EY411 from Phuket, EY010 from Chicago, EY160 from Warsaw, EY156 from Prague and EY078 from Manchester.

Etihad flight EY042 scheduled to arrive from Amsterdam was cancelled.

Delayed Air Arabia Abu Dhabi arrivals included 3L128 from Kochi, 3L112 from Ahmedabad and 3L316 from Faisalabad.

Several Air Arabia Abu Dhabi flights were also cancelled including 3L016 and 3L018 from Bahrain, 3L268 from Salalah, 3L021 and 3L023 from Kuwait, 3L753 from Moscow Domodedovo, 3L442 from Yerevan, 3L764 from Tashkent, 3L715 from Tbilisi, 3L782 from Almaty, 3L382 from Giza and 3L731 from Baku.

Cancelled IndiGo arrivals included 6E1411 from Chennai, 6E1431Z from Ahmedabad, 6E1419 from Bangalore, 6E1448 and 6E1407 from Hyderabad, 6E1433 from Kannur, 6E1444 from Vishakhapatnam, 6E1497 from Coimbatore and 6E1415 from Lucknow.

At Dubai International Airport, delayed Emirates arrivals included EK048 from Frankfurt, EK802 from Jeddah and EK797 from Dakar.

Delayed flydubai arrivals on Sunday morning included FZ1942 from Tashkent, FZ430 from Kozhikode, FZ1854 from Almaty, FZ1134 from Kathmandu, FZ906 from Al-Ula, FZ1710 from Bucharest, FZ326 from Multan and FZ1840 from Warsaw.

Emirates airline said previously that it was operating a reduced flight schedule and urged travellers to check their flight status, even after they check in. The airline is offering customers who booked to travel between February 28 and April 15 the option to rebook on alternate flights until May 31 or request a full refund for free.

For Etihad, tickets issued for travel between February 28 and April 15 can be refunded or rebooked free of charge on alternate flights until May 15.

Airlines in the Gulf are slowly ramping up operations after the conflict began on February 28. According to data from Flightradar24, Emirates operated 384 flights on March 28, compared with only 24 on March 1 – a day after the war began. Etihad operated 143 flights, Qatar Airways 144 and flydubai 127.

Source: thenationalnews.com

Non-IATA travel agencies in Kenya and across the region are set to benefit from expanded airline booking capabilities following the announcement that they can now access New Distribution Capability (NDC) content from Kenya Airways through the Amadeus travel technology platform.

The move represents a significant step toward modernizing airline distribution and widening participation in the evolving digital travel marketplace.

Growing Travel Market and Digital Distribution

Kenya’s travel industry continues to grow as air connectivity, tourism demand, and digital booking channels expand across Africa. According to data shared by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Kenya’s Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) sales reached approximately $567 million (about KSh 74 billion) in 2025, reflecting the strong role travel agencies play in airline ticket distribution.

However, not all agencies operate under the IATA accreditation system. Many smaller or independent agencies rely on partnerships or alternative identifiers to access airline content and issue bookings.

The introduction of NDC access for non-IATA agencies through Amadeus, therefore, represents an important opportunity to bridge that gap and allow more travel businesses to participate in modern airline retailing.

What the New Access Means for Travel Agencies

Through the integration, eligible non-IATA agencies will be able to search, price, and book Kenya Airways NDC offers directly within the Amadeus system.

NDC, an industry initiative led by IATA, enables airlines to distribute richer and more personalized offers compared to traditional Global Distribution Systems (GDS). These offers may include additional fare families, seat options, ancillary services, and dynamic pricing that were previously not always visible through conventional booking channels.

For travel agencies, this development means:

• Access to richer airline content and more flexible fares
• Improved ability to retail ancillary services such as seats and baggage
• Enhanced competitiveness with IATA-accredited agencies
• Greater transparency in pricing and product offerings

Industry analysts say the move aligns with global airline distribution trends, where carriers are increasingly shifting toward NDC-based retailing models.

Eligibility Requirements

To access Kenya Airways NDC content through Amadeus, non-IATA agencies must meet specific eligibility criteria.

These include:

• A valid Travel Industry Designator Service (TIDS) number issued by the International Air Transport Association
• An ES (Security Entry) or EOS (Extended Ownership Security) agreement configured within the Amadeus platform

Once these requirements are met, agencies can request access by contacting Kenya Airways through NDC@kenya-airways.com, while copying their Amadeus account manager.

Agencies that do not yet have a TIDS number can apply through the IATA Travel Industry Designator Service program.

KATA Welcomes Expanded Access

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), the umbrella body representing travel agencies in Kenya, has welcomed initiatives that broaden access to airline distribution technologies.

Industry leaders within the association have consistently advocated for more inclusive digital solutions that enable agencies of different sizes to remain competitive as airline retailing evolves.

KATA has emphasized that enabling non-IATA agencies to access NDC content strengthens the overall travel ecosystem by ensuring more agencies can provide modern booking experiences, competitive fares, and personalized travel options to customers.

The association has also encouraged travel agencies to embrace digital transformation and invest in training and technology to fully leverage emerging distribution models.

A Step Toward the Future of Airline Retailing

Industry stakeholders say the integration reflects the broader transformation underway in airline distribution, where digital technologies are reshaping how travel products are sold and packaged.

By enabling non-IATA agencies to access NDC content from Kenya Airways through Amadeus, the initiative opens the door for a wider range of travel businesses to participate in modern airline retailing while delivering greater choice and transparency to travelers.

As airlines and travel technology providers continue to expand NDC adoption globally, Kenyan travel agencies are increasingly positioning themselves to take advantage of these innovations in order to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving travel market.

Key players in Kenya’s travel and payments ecosystem gathered at the PrideInn Azure Hotel for the Kenya Travel Industry Payment Summit (KTRIPS 2026)on March 25, 2026, organized by the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA). The summit brought together industry leaders, regulators, airlines, payment providers, and technology firms to confront the growing challenge of fraud and risk management in the travel sector’s rapidly evolving digital payment environment.

Industry Leaders Warn of Rising Fraud Risks

In his opening remarks, KATA Chairman Joseph Kithitu cautioned that while travel payments have become faster and more intelligent, fraud risks have evolved even more rapidly.

He explained that the nature of travel transactions, high-value bookings, cross-border payments, and rapid settlement,  makes the sector particularly attractive to fraudsters.

“Fraud today goes far beyond stolen credit cards,” Dr. Kithitu said. “We are now dealing with account takeovers, fake booking platforms, and even loyalty point theft.”

He stressed that while payments move money, trust moves industries, urging travel agencies to invest in stronger risk management systems and networked defenses to safeguard confidence in the sector.

Dr. Kithitu also emphasized the importance of protecting digital access points.

“If you are locking your cheque books, you are locking the wrong things,” he said. “The people with your logins can wipe you clean in seconds. Lock your logins.”

KATA Leadership Highlights the Importance of Payment Security

In his welcoming address, Nicanor Sabula, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents, underscored the importance of dedicating a full industry forum to the subject of payments.

Sabula noted that payments sit at the core of every travel transaction and that the industry must remain vigilant as fraudsters increasingly target travel businesses.

He emphasized that while the travel sector continues to grow, its digital transformation has also made it more vulnerable to financial crime, making collaboration between policymakers and industry players essential.

Earlier, KATA Vice Chairman Hamisi Hassan welcomed delegates and urged travel professionals to adopt a forward-looking mindset when addressing emerging risks in the sector.

He highlighted geopolitical uncertainties, including tensions in the Middle East, and rising operational costs that could impact the travel industry in the coming months. Hassan called on agencies to strengthen risk-proofing measures by investing in staff training, improving payment security, and remaining vigilant against phishing attacks, API integration vulnerabilities, and risks arising from third-party access.

While acknowledging the growing role of artificial intelligence in improving efficiency, he cautioned that fraudsters are also leveraging the same technologies to launch more sophisticated attacks.

Cybersecurity Experts Outline Compliance Risks

A key session at the summit was delivered by Salil K, Senior Sales Manager – Africa at SISA Information Security.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience in digital security across Africa, EMEA and South Asia, Salil addressed the growing risks surrounding payment card security and the need for travel agencies to strengthen compliance frameworks.

His presentation focused on the implications of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) v4.0, highlighting compliance gaps that could expose travel businesses to fraud and regulatory penalties.

Salil outlined emerging threats targeting cardholder data and shared a practical 90-day action plan designed to help agencies strengthen customer data protection, reduce fraud exposure and move toward full regulatory compliance.

He noted that as travel businesses increasingly rely on digital payment channels, safeguarding customer data must become a strategic priority rather than just a technical requirement.

Technology and Payment Experts Offer Solutions

During a panel discussion featuring Peter Wachira, Tejpal Bedi, Basil Kithinji and Sabula, speakers explored how travel businesses can better protect transactions in an increasingly digital ecosystem.

Wachira, CEO of travel technology company Triply, outlined some of the most common fraud risks facing travel agencies today. These include reverse ticketing, friendly chargebacks, internal collusion, and challenges in proving service delivery.

He also warned about emerging fraud patterns such as card-not-present transactions, phishing, impersonation, fake business documentation, and refund abuse.

According to Wachira, the solution is not necessarily to add more security layers that slow operations, but to embed fraud prevention directly into every stage of the business process, from onboarding and identity verification to real-time monitoring of transactions.

“Transparency and accountability within workflows significantly reduce the risk of fraud and chargebacks,” he noted.

Airlines and Travel Technology Firms Stress Vigilance

Representing the airline sector, Hussein Mohamed from Kenya Airways explained how airlines are using decision-management tools to assess risk and determine whether suspicious transactions should be approved or rejected.

He urged travel agents to conduct proper checks on credit cards, payment links, and customer interactions before issuing tickets.

“Security is not a feature—it is an investment the industry must be willing to make,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Kyalo from Travelport highlighted that travel security must extend beyond Global Distribution Systems (GDS).

He encouraged agencies to implement multi-factor authentication, secure company domains rather than free email services, and ensure employees receive continuous cybersecurity training.

Payment Networks and Industry Bodies Raise Alarm

Representing global payment network Visa, Basil Kithinji warned that fraudsters are increasingly deploying bots to generate and test payment card details through merchant systems.

“As technology evolves, fraudsters evolve with it,” he said. “The industry must stay informed and proactive.”

Tejpal Bedi of Peach Payments added that innovations such as cross-border payments have transformed the travel industry but also opened new avenues for fraud.

“Artificial intelligence is learning, fraudsters are learning, and we are learning,” he said. “The good guys must win.”

Cybersecurity and Regulatory Perspective

The summit’s chief guest, Dennis Loyatum from the Communications Authority of Kenya, highlighted Kenya’s accelerating digital transformation and the growing cyber threats facing businesses.

He pointed to ransomware attacks, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and social engineering scams as some of the key risks organizations must prepare for.

Loyatum urged companies to invest in cybersecurity awareness, data protection and resilient systems to maintain trust in the digital economy.

Protecting Billions in Travel Revenue

Agnes Mucuha from the International Air Transport Association emphasized the scale of financial flows within the travel industry.

She revealed that Kenya’s 2025 Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) sales reached $567 million (approximately Sh74 billion), highlighting the need to protect travel funds through layered security systems and a zero-trust approach.

Mucuha encouraged agents to adopt secure-by-design platforms, comply with data protection standards, and continuously upgrade their cybersecurity capabilities.

Government Reaffirms Support for Industry

Also speaking at the summit was John Ololtuaa from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya, who reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the travel sector through strong public-private partnerships.

He said collaboration between government and industry players will be essential in strengthening Kenya’s tourism ecosystem and ensuring sustainable sector growth.

A Call for Collective Vigilance

Throughout the summit, participants emphasized that protecting the travel payment ecosystem requires collaboration, innovation, and constant vigilance.

As the industry continues to digitize, speakers agreed that secure payments, informed staff, and stronger verification systems will be critical to sustaining trust and growth in the travel sector.

KTRIPS 2026 ultimately reinforced a clear message: while digital payments are shaping the future of travel commerce, security and trust must remain at the heart of every transaction.

The ongoing conflict in Iran has led to mass flight delays and cancellations, disrupting the travel plans of thousands of passengers.

Following US and Israeli attacks on Iran launched on February 28, Gulf states, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran, Israel, and Iraq, introduced full or partial airspace closures and temporary flight restrictions. Flights have since begun to gradually resume through controlled aviation corridors in parts of the Middle East, with limited departures available from Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.

Flights to and from Dubai International Airport (DXB) gradually resumed to select destinations on Monday, March 16, following a drone-related fire that temporarily grounded flights. In a March 17 interview with CNN, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said that DXB has “facilitated the journeys of over a million passengers over the last 17 days” and that the airport is “back up to about 40-45% of normal traffic movements,” a recovery rate he credits to being able to detect and respond to threats in real-time.

Passengers are being advised to not travel to the airport unless they have been directly contacted by their airline with confirmed flights. If you’re traveling in the region, here’s what you need to know.

Which airlines have suspended flights?

Flights continue to be disrupted at Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, Bahrain International Airport, Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. Airlines are advising passengers to only travel to the airport if you are contacted directly by your carrier with a confirmed flight booking.

El Al: Beginning March 16, Israel’s flag carrier El Al began operating a total of six non-stop flights from Tel Aviv to New York designated exclusively for American citizens. “Thousands of American citizens whose flights back to the United States were canceled due to the war with Iran are currently staying in Israel,” the airline said in a statement. “EL AL will proactively contact U.S. citizens holding valid EL AL flight tickets whose flights were canceled and have not yet been reassigned, and will offer them placement on these dedicated flights at no additional cost.” All US citizens in Israel in need of recovery flights should complete this form, whether or not they have already purchased a ticket.

Emirates: Emirates is back to operating a reduced flight schedule after a brief pause in flights due to a drone related fire at DXB on March 16. “If your travel plans have been affected, we’ll do our best to rebook you on the next available Emirates flight. This applies to most disrupted tickets, including journeys connecting beyond Dubai,” the airline said in the most recent update on its website.

Etihad Airways: Etihad has resumed operating with a limited schedule to 70 destinations that is in place until March 19. Tickets are now on sale via the Etihad website to several destinations across the globe, with additional destinations set to be added as conditions permit. These flights will run in addition to special repatriation flights for stranded passengers. Passengers with Etihad flight tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026 for travel scheduled up to March 10, 2026 may change their booking without a rebooking fee on Etihad-operated flights departing up to March 31, 2026.

Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways has announced a limited number of flights to and from Doha after Qatar Civil Aviation Authority authorized “limited operating corridors.” The flights are scheduled for March 17 and 18 with a range of international departures and destinations, including Cairo, Casablanca, New York, Frankfurt, Madrid, London and Mumbai. For the full list of routes, see the Qatar Airways website. The temporary schedule is being offered to “passengers who have been affected by the current disruption, and to help them reunite with family and friends as quickly and safely as possible” and “do not constitute a confirmation of the resumption of scheduled commercial operations,” the airline advised.

Flydubai: Flydubai “is gradually resuming its operations with a reduced schedule” after the fire at DXB on March 16. “Some scheduled flights have been affected by the temporary suspension of operations,” the airline wrote in a statement. “We are contacting customers who have been impacted to notify them if their flight has been canceled or rescheduled.”

Oman Air: Oman’s state-owned flag carrier has canceled flights to and from Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad, and Khasab until Sunday, March 22, when the airline says another update will be provided.

Air Arabia: Air Arabia has started operating a limited number of flights to and from the UAE through March 22, subject to operational and regulatory approvals. Destinations on the updated line-up include Vienna, Athens, Cairo, Kathmandu, Muscat, Islamabad, Jeddah and Bangkok, and the full list can be viewed and booked on the Air Arabia website.

Air India: Air India and Air India Express canceled all flights to and from Dubai on Tuesday, March 17. The airline has begun operating a limited number of flights from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Salalah. The majority of these flights are being run on an ad-hoc basis, and are not following the airline’s regular schedule. Flights to Jeddah and Muscat are running as scheduled, per the airline’s latest update.

IndiGo: Indian carrier IndiGo has temporarily suspended its flights to Doha, Kuwait City, Sharjah, Bahrain, Dammam, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah until Saturday, March 28. On March 16, the airline said on X that “as per the latest update issued by Dubai Airport authorities, landing permissions for aircraft operating into DXB have been suspended until further notice in view of the prevailing situation in the region.”

British Airways: British Airways canceled all flights between London Heathrow and Amman, Bahrain, Dubai, and Tel Aviv up to and including May 31. Its Doha route will be reinstated at the end of April. Its daily flight between London and Abu Dhabi has been suspended until later this year. “We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are in touch with our customers to offer them a range of options,” the airline said in an update on Monday, March 16.

Gulf Air: Gulf Air flights from Bahrain remain indefinitely suspended while Bahraini airspace remains closed. However, passengers can now book flights from Dammam to Frankfurt, Nairobi, London, Mumbai, and Bangkok for travel until March 28, 2026,” the airline said. “Transport between Bahrain and Dammam will be arranged for passengers with confirmed tickets.”

Lufthansa: German carrier Lufthansa has ⁠suspended ⁠all flights to ​and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Amman, and Erbil until Saturday, March 28; flights to and from Tel Aviv until Thursday, April 2; and flights to Tehran until Monday, April 30.

Virgin Atlantic: British carrier Virgin Atlantic has suspended its seasonal flight route from London to Dubai for the rest of the winter (the route was originally scheduled to run until March 28) and paused its flights to Riyadh until March 25. In a March 11 statement the British carrier said it expects “to have returned all customers who are away from home by early next week” and will be reaching out directly to impacted customers to discuss the options available to them. No new updates have been posted since.

KLM: Dutch airline KLM has canceled all flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam through Saturday, March 28. “Passengers whose flights have been canceled will be notified and can rebook their tickets free of charge or request a refund via My Trip,” the airline said in a statement issued on Thursday, March 12. “KLM remains available for the repatriation of stranded travelers. This is coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

SalamAir: Oman’s SalamAir is offering flights between Fujairah International Airport and Muscat, with connecting journeys to Lucknow, Calicut, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Karachi and Cairo. Tickets should be purchased directly from the airline’s website or an authorized travel agency. Flights to Iraq, Lebanon and Iran are suspended until April 30, while flights to Kuwait, Sharjah, Doha and Dammam are set to resume on March 31.

Kuwait Airways: Commercial arrivals and departures at Kuwait International Airport (KWI) are currently on hold. Kuwaiti citizens with existing bookings with the airline are being flown to Jeddah as part of an emergency repatriation plan. From Saudi Arabia, passengers are required to complete the final leg of their journey to Kuwait by land.

Air Canada: Air Canada has canceled all flights to Dubai through March 28 and suspended service to Tel Aviv through May 2. Passengers with flights booked through March 15 to Abu Dhabi (AUH), Amman (AMM), Beirut (BEY), Dammam (DMM), and Erbil (EBL) can change their trip to another date between now and March 31, 2026.

Which countries have closed their airspace?

The United Arab Emirates has partially reopened its airspace after a drone related fire on Monday, March 16. Dubai Airports, the authority that oversees both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), are operating a small number of flights. Passengers are urged to not go to the airport unless they have been directly contacted by their airline about rebooking.

Qatar has partially reopened its airspace to allow a limited number of repatriation flights to take place; however, scheduled commercial flights remain temporarily suspended.

Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Bahrain have all closed their airspace. Kuwait also closed its airspace following a drone attack on its airport reported on February 28.

According to the US Department of State, Saudi Arabia‘s airspace is open with commercial flights currently operating out of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran. However, travelers should anticipate “frequent air traffic restrictions to address continued missile and drone threats,” the US embassy said in a March 17 travel alert, which may lead to flight cancellations and delays.

Which destinations are impacted?

The impact has widened to include major regional hubs and key transit corridors:

• Tel Aviv: Israeli airspace remains heavily restricted, with many international carriers continuing to suspend services or pause routes.
• Dubai and Abu Dhabi: UAE airspace has partially reopened, with a limited number of flights operating from Dubai International (DXB), Dubai World Central (DWC) and Zayed International Airport (AUH). Services remain selective and passengers are being contacted directly by airlines if booked on operating flights.
• Iran and Iraq: Airspace remains closed or largely avoided by international airlines, with most carriers continuing to reroute around both countries.
• Kuwait: Airspace remains closed and commercial operations at Kuwait International Airport are suspended following a drone strike that damaged Terminal 1.
• Doha: Qatari airspace remains closed; however, the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority has approved limited operating corridors for repatriation flights.
• Bahrain: Bahraini airspace remains closed as mandated by the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority.

How will this impact my flight?

Travelers should expect a range of practical disruptions, including:

Technical stops: Particularly on low-cost carriers, with unscheduled fuel stops in southern Europe

Flight cancellations: While airspace is closed, airlines have no choice but to ground flights

Schedule shifts: If and when flights resume, expect there to be a knock-on impact on flight schedules as airlines scramble to get passengers back in the air

Rerouting delays: longer flight durations even on services that remain operational

Airlines are offering refunds and flexible rebooking options, though policies vary by carrier.

Source: cntraveler.com

Kenya Airways (KQ), the national carrier of Kenya, has officially entered into a strategic interline partnership agreement with CemAir (5Z), a prominent regional airline in South Africa, to greatly boost connectivity in Africa. This partnership will greatly boost the operations of Kenya Airways, as the airline will be able to offer seamless travel from South Africa to other destinations in Africa. This partnership will make Kenya Airways the best regional airline in Africa.

The interline partnership agreement between the two airlines will allow Kenya Airways passengers to fly to various destinations offered by CemAir, including domestic routes in South Africa and regional routes such as Maun, Victoria Falls, and Harare. On the other hand, CemAir passengers will be able to fly to various destinations offered by Kenya Airways, including Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, Entebbe, Accra, and Abidjan, among others.

Strengthening Travel Connectivity in Africa’s Expanding Market

The agreement reflects the growing importance of increased connectivity in Africa’s aviation market, where regional airlines are collaborating to provide more travel options and improved access to key destinations. By offering single-ticket itineraries and coordinated connections, Kenya Airways and CemAir are helping to drive forward the growth of African travel connectivity, reducing friction for passengers traveling between different regions of the continent.

In recent years, Africa’s aviation sector has seen significant expansion, with increasing demand for both business and leisure travel. As more travelers seek to explore multiple African destinations on a single trip, partnerships like this one between Kenya Airways and CemAir are critical in meeting that demand, enhancing accessibility and convenience for passengers.

New Horizons for South African and East African Travel

The partnership will provide direct access from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Kenya Airways’ extensive African network, offering travelers a broader range of connections across the continent. For CemAir passengers, this partnership opens up new options for exploring East Africa, while Kenya Airways customers gain easier access to South African destinations and regional travel hubs in Southern Africa.

For business travelers, increased connectivity means smoother travel for meetings, conferences, and industry events across both regions. For tourists, this agreement offers more options to explore the diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences that Africa has to offer. As a result, this partnership contributes to the broader growth of travel and tourism across the continent, reinforcing the significance of air travel as a catalyst for economic development.

Enhancing Africa’s Role in the Global Travel Market

By expanding its regional connectivity, Kenya Airways is also positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s growing role in the global travel market. As a hub for travel across East Africa, Kenya Airways is strengthening its ability to link the African continent with the rest of the world. With more seamless connections to Southern Africa, West Africa, and Central Africa, Kenya Airways is reinforcing its strategy to connect Africa with key global markets, attracting both business and leisure travelers.

This agreement with CemAir is part of Kenya Airways’ larger strategy to expand its network through strategic partnerships. By focusing on increased connectivity, Kenya Airways is meeting the growing demand for cross-border travel and ensuring that Africa remains an accessible and competitive destination on the global stage.

A Stronger Future for African Airlines and Travelers

The collaboration between Kenya Airways and CemAir also signals the potential for greater collaboration among African airlines in the future. As the continent’s aviation market continues to expand, the need for interline agreements and partnerships will only increase, allowing airlines to create stronger networks that benefit regional economies, tourism growth, and local industries.

Passengers will benefit from a more integrated travel network across the continent, with increased flight options, coordinated schedules, and easier access to destinations that were previously harder to reach. This growth in connectivity is not only a boon for travelers but also a significant step toward building a more cohesive and integrated African air transport system.

A New Era of Travel Connectivity for Africa

The interline agreement between Kenya Airways and CemAir is an important milestone in the journey toward improving connectivity for the people of Africa. The agreement provides passengers with the opportunity to reach new destinations without having to face the hassle of traveling. Therefore, the partnership is an improvement for the African air transport industry, and Kenya Airways and CemAir are pioneers in the quest for the growth of the African air transport industry.

With the emergence of new strategic partnerships in the continent, the future of the African air transport industry is bright. The connectivity between East and South Africa is an important factor that will boost the growth of the continent. It will be easier for tourists to visit the continent, thereby boosting the tourism industry.

Source: travelandtourworld.com