Chaos for thousands of passengers stranded at Doha airport, long queues in Dubai
By Luke Tyson, Amr Alfiky and Mark Bendeich
DUBAI/DOHA (Reuters) -Operations at two of the world's busiest airports in Doha and Dubai slowed to a crawl on Tuesday as thousands of travellers queued for hours, facing long delays and flight cancellations after the temporary closure of airspace a day earlier.
Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait shut their airspace late on Monday after Iran's strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar's capital Doha, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute hundreds of flights and creating a backlog of stranded passengers.
Airports across Dubai in the United Arab Emirates briefly halted operations.
U.S. President Donald Trump said a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was in place and asked both sides not to violate it, raising hopes of an end to the 12-day war, but hostilities continued, with deadly attacks reported in both countries.
"I haven't slept for 19 hours. And I've been in this line over nine hours," said Lily Rogers, 21, who was in an around 200 metres (656 feet) queue in Doha's Hamad International airport.
The psychology student, en route to an holiday in Southeast Asia, said those in line were only given water during the wait.
Virgin Australia estimated that over 25,000 passengers were stranded at Doha airport.
Lines were so long that arguments broke out as some passengers jumped queues, according to a Reuters witness.
Around 250 flights were cancelled at Hamad airport, while another 238 were delayed, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24.
Long queues formed also at Dubai International, the busiest airport in the world, where about 145 flights were cancelled and over 450 delayed, FlightRadar24 data showed.
Qatar Airways said it was "making progress in restoring its schedule" with possible disruptions until June 26.
Dubai Airports and the Dubai government media office were not immediately available for comment.
BUSY HUB
Airports in the Middle East are some of the busiest in the world, covering an area stretching from Iran and Iraq to the Mediterranean and serving as a connecting hub for flights between Europe and Asia.
The region has also taken on a more important role since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has forced airlines to avoid airspace over both countries.
Dubai transported 92.3 million passengers last year, with a daily average of over 250,000.
Israel's strikes against Iran on June 13 already prompted airlines from British Airways to Lufthansa to halt flights to some Middle East destinations due to air space closures and safety concerns.
Following the U.S. attacks on Iran on Sunday, many have also cut flights to typically resilient hubs such as Dubai.
The restrictions and closures have created ripple effects beyond the region, as most passenger traffic transits through Hamad airport to other destinations, said Asia-based independent aviation analyst Brendan Sobie.
Only 22% of passengers travelling through the airport had Qatar as their final destination in 2024, airport data shows.
On Monday, Air India suspended flights to and from the U.S. East Coast, Canada and Europe, which involve a tight corridor between those destinations and the Indian subcontinent.
That poses a challenge for Indian carriers because they do not have access to Pakistani airspace, analysts say. The two neighbours blocked access to each other's airspace in April after a brief military conflict.
Air India said on Tuesday it would resume those flights as soon as airspaces reopen, while other carriers such as flydubai warned that delays would persist due to airspace congestion.
"It's very frustrating," said Julien Moutte, a Paris-bound passenger who had been stuck at Doha's airport for around 15 hours.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
26 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Flight Delay Compensation Guide: Know Your Rights & Claim
light delays have become increasingly common in recent years, affecting millions of travelers worldwide. While some delays are unavoidable, many passengers are unaware that they may be entitled to compensation when their travel plans are disrupted. Understanding one's rights when a flight is delayed or canceled can make all the difference. This guide aims to inform travelers about flight delay compensation, empowering them to take appropriate action when facing unexpected setbacks. ✈️ Flight delayed or cancelled? Don't leave money on the table. Call Airline Help now at 800-594-4991 (OTA) — your compensation could be just a call away! Flight delay compensation refers to the financial reimbursement that airlines may be required to provide to passengers whose flights are significantly delayed. It is important to distinguish this from a simple refund or cancellation process. While refunds apply when a passenger chooses not to fly or cancels voluntarily, delay compensation is provided when the airline is at fault for the disruption. Laws such as EU261 and guidelines by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) set the standard for when and how compensation should be issued. These regulations are designed to protect passengers and ensure airlines remain accountable. Under EC 261/2004, passengers flying from an EU airport or with an EU-based airline may be eligible for compensation for flight delay if the delay exceeds three hours. Eligibility also depends on the flight distance and the reason for the delay. Compensation for delayed flight may range from €250 to €600, depending on the length of the journey and delay duration. Passengers must ensure the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., extreme weather). In the U.S., the situation is slightly different. There is no federal law mandating airlines to pay flight delays compensation. However, airlines do have internal policies. For example, rules around tarmac delays ensure passengers are not left stranded in planes for hours without basic necessities. Passengers can sometimes receive travel vouchers or other forms of goodwill gestures, but direct delay flight compensation is rare unless a formal complaint is made. In the UK, laws mirror EU261 due to prior alignment with European regulations. Canada introduced the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, which offer fixed amounts for delays depending on airline size and delay duration. In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) outlines rights regarding flight cancellation compensation and delays, including assistance and potential refunds. Understanding the cause of the delay can help determine eligibility for compensation for delayed flights. Common reasons include: Technical issues Weather conditions Air traffic control restrictions Crew scheduling problems Security concerns or operational delays If the delay is due to the airline's responsibility, passengers are more likely to qualify for compensation for flight delays. To claim compensation for flight delay, passengers should check: Duration of the delay (typically 3+ hours for EU) (typically 3+ hours for EU) Cause of the delay (airline's fault or extraordinary event) (airline's fault or extraordinary event) Route and airline's origin (relevant for EU rules) (relevant for EU rules) Supporting documents (boarding pass, delay notifications) Understanding these eligibility factors is crucial when considering a cancellation flight compensation or delay reimbursement. Here's a simple step-by-step process: Check eligibility based on the airline's policy and regulatory laws. Gather documents such as tickets, receipts, and email confirmations. Contact the airline and formally request compensation (email or online form). If denied, consider filing a complaint with aviation authorities or seek help from legal claim services. Ensure the claim is filed within the statute of limitations, which varies by country. In some cases, passengers may also be eligible for compensation for cancelled flight, especially when they are not rebooked on time. Under EU regulations, compensation ranges as follows: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km for flights up to 1,500 km €400 for flights between 1,500–3,500 km for flights between 1,500–3,500 km €600 for flights over 3,500 km (if delay exceeds four hours) Airlines may offer airline vouchers, but passengers should be aware they can often request cash compensation instead of vouchers for cancelled flight compensation. Some travelers choose to work with third-party claim services that handle the entire compensation process. These platforms: Pros: Save time Experts handle documentation and negotiation Cons: Take a percentage of the payout Not all services are legitimate Be sure to research service fees and success rates before signing up. In most cases, if the claim is straightforward, passengers can handle it directly. To maximize your chances of a successful claim: Save all documents : boarding passes, delay notifications, emails : boarding passes, delay notifications, emails Take notes or pictures of delay announcements or pictures of delay announcements Remain calm and respectful when communicating with airline staff when communicating with airline staff Use apps like FlightAware or TripIt to track and record flight delay info This proactive approach helps make a strong case for flight cancelled compensation or delays. Navigating flight delay compensation can feel overwhelming, but knowing your rights makes all the difference. Whether it's compensation for delayed flights or cancelled flight compensation, passengers should stay informed, act promptly, and not hesitate to seek what they are rightfully owed. Empowered with knowledge, travelers can now turn frustrating delays into compensated inconveniences—keeping their journey on track, even when the flight is not. 🛄 Don't stress the delay — claim what you're owed! Airline Help makes flight delay compensation simple. Reach out at 800-594-4991 (OTA) and let us handle the hassle. Yes, if the delay was caused by the airline and led to a missed connection, compensation may apply. Extraordinary circumstances like bad weather often exempt the airline from compensation for flight delay. Generally, no. Compensation is not considered income but confirm with local tax authorities. Yes, especially under EU laws or if stranded overnight. This is separate from flight cancellation compensation. Read Also: What is the Safest Seat on a Plane? TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
North Korea just opened a beach resort for 20,000 people. But who will visit?
Kim Jong Un personally cut the ribbon on a new resort hailed by state media as a 'national treasure-level tourism city' — a lavish seaside development set against what human rights observers describe as stark realities of hunger and hardship across North Korea. According to the country's official KCNA news service, Kim opened the sprawling Kalma beachside resort with waterparks, high-rise hotels, and accommodation for nearly 20,000 guests — a sweeping display of extravagance in one of the world's most reclusive nations. The Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, unveiled in a ceremony on June 24, is on North Korea's eastern coast. KCNA reported 'service for domestic guests will begin July 1,' but gave no details on eligibility or transportation. Earlier this month, North Korea announced the opening of Kalma train station, reporting it was built to 'ensure a high level of convenience for travelers to the coastal tourist area.' The Kalma beach resort is next to an international airport, another indication the project is aimed at attracting foreign currency. International attendance at the ribbon-cutting was limited to the Russian ambassador and staff, a nod to Pyongyang's growing alignment with Moscow amid deepening isolation from the West under Kim's authoritarian regime. In 2024 UN human rights chief Volker Turk described North Korea under Kim's rule as 'a stifling, claustrophobic environment, where life is a daily struggle devoid of hope.' Last year, small groups of Russian tourists visited North Korea for three-day ski holidays at Maskiryong resort, which has been a long-standing tourist attraction since its opening in December 2013. These, like all tourist experiences in North Korea, were heavily monitored and controlled by the government. Returning tourists told CNN that they were subject to strict rules about what they could and could not photograph and were required to watch a choreographed dance performance by North Korean children in addition to the outdoor activities. 'Wonsan-Kalma is open to just North Koreans for now, but we should not be surprised to see Russians at the resort in the not-too-distant future,' said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a non-resident fellow with the 38 North program at the Stimson Center. 'More broadly, the opening of a major beach resort like Wonsan-Kalma helps to reinforce the state media narrative of Kim's people-first policy and helps to balance out his greater focus on building up national defense,' Lee added. In a country where international tourism has been open mostly to Russian nationals since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and where domestic travel is heavily restricted, the new development raises familiar questions about access, audience, and economic feasibility. 'The initial target for this resort is going to be the privileged domestic elite of Pyongyang, such as party officials and other high-ranking figures,' said Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean Studies at South Korea's Kyungnam University. 'The ceremony of the Wonsan-Kalma resort reflects Kim Jong Un's vision of 'socialist civilization' and is part of his strategic effort to seek economic breakthroughs through the tourism industry.' North Korea's most notable experiment with international tourism came in the late 1990s, when it opened the scenic Mount Kumgang area on its southeastern coast to visitors from South Korea. The project was hailed as a rare symbol of inter-Korean engagement during a period of cautious rapprochement. Nearly two million South Koreans traveled to the site over the next decade, providing Pyongyang with a critical stream of hard currency. But the initiative came to an abrupt halt in 2008, after a North Korean soldier fatally shot a South Korean tourist who had reportedly wandered into a restricted military zone – an incident that underscored the fragility of cross-border cooperation and led Seoul to suspend the tours indefinitely. Many of the sites were demolished in 2022, including the Onjonggak Rest House hotel which had hosted cross-border family reunions. Kim had previously called the area 'shabby' and 'backward' during a visit. Indeed, a central question surrounding the new resort is if one of the world's most secretive and repressive countries is prepared to make a greater foray into international tourism, potentially adding to its foreign cash reserves and prestige. So far, Russians appear to be the only foreign tour groups granted access to the beach resort. Vostok Intur, a Vladivostok-based travel agency, is promoting three tour packages - one in July and two in August - priced at around $1,840. According to its website, the first tour is scheduled to begin on July 7 and will last eight days. Travelers will fly from Pyongyang to Wonsan, spend four nights at the resort, and visit the nearby Masikryong Ski Resort. Kim said an expansion of North Korea's tourism zones would be formalized during the ruling party's next congress, likely in the next few months. The lessons learned at Kalma would also be used to develop 'promising large-scale tourist and cultural zones' in other parts of the country, Kim noted. The personal investment of North Korea's leader was underscored by at least seven visits to the Kalma construction site, where Kim offered what state media called 'on-the-spot guidance' and pushed for 'world-class' standards. For Kim's regime, the resort's completion is perceived at home as a significant win and opportunity to showcase development amid stiff international sanctions. In another dimension of symbolism, the nation's leader was joined by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, who is widely seen as his likely successor. 'The apparent full attendance of Kim Jong Un's family at the event implies that the project is intended to carry forward the legacy of his predecessors and be sustained for future generations,' explained Lim of Kyungnam University. Plans for the resort were first announced in 2013 as part of Kim's broader vision to transform Wonsan, a historically significant port city, into a hub of economic and leisure activity. The project was delayed several times, most recently because of the pandemic and international sanctions targeting North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Despite the projections of glamour across the new resort and images of an enigmatic leader touring wave pools and waterslides, experts expressed skepticism about the destination's prospects. 'Whether this resort will provide Kim Jong Un with his much-needed economic gain in the long-term, however, remains to be seen: Wonsan-Kalma is hardly a tourist hotspot in the first place,' said Dr. Edward Howell, a North Korea expert at the University of Oxford. 'Of note, since 2020, Kim Jong Un has adopted an increasingly severe approach towards social control; quashing any signs of the virus of outside information and ideologies entering the DPRK,' Howell emphasized. 'If any Western tourists do come to the resort, the ruling regime will no doubt want to ensure that their actions and movements remain regulated and controlled.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Top 11 places at Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre to Ris-surrect your appetite
Pasir Ris — akin to the ends of the earth if you live in the West. But don't turn up your nose and say it's ulu before you've had a meal here. At Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre, you can get your fill of nostalgic local fare throughout the day. And if that's not enough for you, there's the Fareground — the second floor where younger hawker stalls reside. Still not convinced? Then come with me as I compile a list of the top stalls that are worth travelling across the country for! It's no wonder Wild Olives appears in almost every Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre review. With their modern twist on classic Western stall recipes, who could resist? Even with 1.5-hour queues, customers still come back for this hawker fare. You can get their Spaghetti Marinara (S$3.50) for a small bite or indulge in a Chilled NZ Sirloin Steak for only (S$13.90). No matter the occasion, there's something for you! Juicy, tender meat smothered in tangy glaze is the highlight of the Grilled Pork Chop (S$7.20). Their special Apple Cider Whole Grained Mustard Sauce cuts through the pork's richness with refreshing acidity. You can get two sides of your choice with menu items under the Western Food section. Paired with the fragrant Signature Mushroom Rice and crispy Grilled Herb Potatoes, the dish is elevated to a satisfying meal. +65 9684 0689 Wed to Mon: 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – 9pm Closed on Tue Soupy goodness never fails to perk me up on a rainy day. With the sudden downpours occurring across Singapore in the past weeks, Ah Yi Lao Huo Tang has become my go-to for a warm meal. The Buddha Jumps Over The Wall (S$7.50) lures you in with notes of sweet abalone and smoky shiitake mushrooms. One pot is filled to the brim with sliced abalone, chicken, shiitake mushrooms, wolfberries and fish maw. For S$5, the Lotus Root Peanut Pork Ribs Soup brings 5 thick slices of lotus root, 3 chunky pork ribs and soft peanuts to the table. With an add-on of White Rice (S$0.50) or Pumpkin Rice (S$0.80), this is a comforting meal that can't be missed. Wed to Mon: 11.30am – 8.30pm Closed on Tue Paofan, or 'submerged rice', is a popular dish in Teochew cuisine, featuring steamed rice immersed in a broth made from simmered pork, fish bones, and prawn. Liang Liang PaoFan and Ramen serves up this golden soup 6 days a week in Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre's Fareground. Their Batang Sliced Fish Collagen Broth (S$10.50) is a fan favourite for the sweet, fresh fish in thick collagen broth. You can also find braised rice at Liang Liang Collagen PaoFan and Ramen. The Signature Braised Pork Rice Combo (S$9.30) is topped with juicy pork belly, stir-fried peanuts, soft tau kua and a whole braised egg. Choose to have it with ramen instead of rice, and you get thick braising liquid coating chewy noodles that mesh well with the crunchy peanuts. +65 9690 5638 Tue to Sun: 11am – 2pm & 5pm – 8pm Closed on Mon Facebook | Instagram Order delivery: Deliveroo Peranakan cuisine never fails to scratch my itch for curry dishes. With the sound of a chicken's crow, 'pok pok kay', in the stall name, you can expect tantalising chicken-based dishes here. Spicy, hearty and sedap, the Ayam Curry Kapitan Set (S$8.20) does it all. The butterfly pea rice is speckled with bright blue rice granules, creating an inviting gradient. After all, we eat with both our eyes and our mouths. This set comes with Nyonya Chap Chye, Sambal Egg and Boneless Chicken Leg. Mixed, the boiled egg coats the chicken and rice in a creamy layer that's punctuated by savoury sambal spice. With this line-up, you'll never get tired of each bite! Tue to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 8pm Closed on Sun & Mon | Instagram In Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre's Fareground, a mix of local flavours and foreign delights takes place. If you're not in the mood for traditional Singaporean noodles, pop by Chi Sen Ramen for a light yet umami-rich broth made from clams and chicken. You can taste the fresh sweetness of seafood in every bite of the Clam Prawn Ramen (S$8.90). Don't even think about those stalls that dump suspiciously Maggi Mee-shaped noodles into a bowl, because it won't happen here. Supple ramen noodles soak up the rich broth enhanced by the prawns' orange hues. With meaty clams, a jammy ajitama egg, seaweed and black fungus, this bowl is top-notch restaurant quality in a hawker setting. #02-21 Fri to Wed: 11am – 9pm Closed on Thu Website Order delivery: foodpanda Between savoury meals, nothing beats a dose of dessert. Divine Bites brings sweet and fluffy baked goods to Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre to balance out your hearty mukbang. You're in for a surprise if you thought these were your regular treats because the Signature Longan Walnut Muffin (S$1.90) is anything but. Divine Bites mixes the traditional Chinese flavours of longan and walnut into moist muffin batter for a twist. Each bite is interspaced by a sweet pop of dried longan flesh, followed by the brittle crunch of walnut. If muffins aren't your thing, the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency of the Basque Burnt Cheesecake (S$6.70) will get you hooked. It's not every day you see café-style desserts in a hawker bakery, so go give it a try! +65 8152 2880 Daily: 11am – 9pm Instagram Order Delivery: foodpanda J & J Special Beef Noodle: 74-year-old uncle serving braised beef noodles & wagyu beef rice for past 16 years Simful Nasi Lemak reminds us that behind every sinful bite is 幸福 (xing fu) — bliss. Boasting plates loaded with goodies, you know they're ready to give you the most indulgent nasi lemak you'll have. The most popular Simful Set (A) (S$6.50) comes with a whole heap of ingredients. Otah, a fried sunny-side-up egg, chicken wings, stir-fried French beans, ikan bilis and cucumber join the party on your palate. The word 'hunger' isn't in Simful Nasi Lemak's dictionary, so once you step into Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre, you know you'll leave full! +65 8444 8878 Wed to Mon: 11am – 8pm Closed on Tue Facebook | Instagram | Website Order Delivery: foodpanda There are many prized cuts of meat in the food industry. Yon Ho Hainanese Cuisine whips up aromatic stock to go with delicate organ meat for a clean, healthy broth. Packed with protein, collagen and iron, this is the place to be if you've been feeling worse for wear. The Signature Claypot Herbal Mutton Soup (S$14) enriches every spoonful with simmered lamb ribs, black fungus and herbal wine. Soothing on the stomach, this warm soup is comfort in a bowl. Yon Ho Hainanese Cuisine uses every part of the pig in their dishes. From Braised Knuckles (S$10.50) to Braised Pork Skin (S$5), this zero-waste agenda is a tasty one. Wed to Mon: 11am – 9.30pm Closed on Tue Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo This may not be the House of Gucci, but gold's hidden within nonetheless. Jun Yuan House Of Fish focuses on bringing its Michelin Bib recipes to your table. Fresh seafood is placed in the spotlight here, enhanced by XO sauce and fragrant herbal stock. The Herbal Grouper Soup (S$13.80) features snow-white grouper slices in a light broth. With large prawns and chewy noodles, this bowl is nothing short of warm comfort. XO sauce is made with dried scallops, fish and shrimp cooked with chilli peppers, onions and garlic. It's the star of the show in the XO Fried Fish Soup (S$10.80), a perfect backdrop for crunchy chunks of fried fish. Silky strands of egg floss coat the tongue as you sip the milky-white broth, a duo you can't resist. Fri to Wed: 11.30am – 8.30pm Closed on Thu Facebook | Instagram | Website Order Delivery: Deliveroo Nothing says 'customisation' like yong tau foo. But if there is another way to change things up, it'd be the Hakka version of these delicious fish cakes. True to its name, 家 (jia) Authentic Hakka Yong Tau Foo lets you taste a traditional Hakka household's recipes right in Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre. The 6-piece Yong Tau Foo With Bee Hoon (S$5.50) is everything it claims to be and more. Fish or meat paste mixed with aromatics are stuffed into hollowed tofu or vegetables and cooked. The result is a juicy, savoury pocket that goes so well with soup and your carb of choice. For extra crunch and sweetness, get the Cabbage Rice instead of bee hoon. If you're looking for an after-work snack, the 6-piece Yong Tau Foo (S$5) will be a piping hot way to end the day! +65 8188 1868 Daily: 11am – 8pm Facebook | Instagram Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo Last but certainly not least, we have Uncle Penyet dishing up ayam penyet from 12 stores island-wide. Since 2005, tantalising Indonesian food has been served here daily, ensuring everyone gets a taste. The Nasi Ayam Penyet (S$9.50) gets a huge chicken drumstick, rice smothered in creamy curry sauce, fried tofu and fresh vegetables. The chicken is usually marinated and boiled in a variety of spices before it's fried in a rice flour batter. Sprinkled with bits of fried batter, the crunch of this drumstick is sensational. Pair it with the curry rice for a spicy kick or have a piece of refreshing, crisp lettuce to wash it down. Either way, this ayam penyet will not disappoint! For a list of locations, phone numbers and opening hours, please click . +65 9621 7358 Daily: 10.30am – 9.30pm Instagram | Website Order Delivery: foodpanda Basil King: Can this viral pad kra pao rival Phed Mark's? The post Top 11 places at Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre to Ris-surrect your appetite appeared first on
