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Air travel has never been more global, yet some of the most obvious city pairs still have no non-stop flights. These gaps persist not because demand is weak, but because distance, aircraft performance, economics, and geopolitics still shape which routes airlines are willing to fly. Some of the world’s most heavily travelled long-haul flows remain entirely one-stop. Others, long ignored, have recently been connected for the first time — and often with immediate success.“Unserved” does not mean “unused”. Many of these city pairs move hundreds of passengers a day via Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, London, Singapore, or Los Angeles. What they lack is a nonstop operation that can be sustained year-round at a commercially acceptable margin. In some cases, the aircraft exist but the risk appetite does not. In others, geopolitical realities or bilateral restrictions make the route impossible. And in many cases, the demand exists but is too fragmented across seasons to support a single ultralong-haul aircraft tied up for 16-18 hours.One of the clearest examples is Cairo–Los Angeles. Egypt and the United States have strong tourism flows, a sizeable diaspora, and rising business links. Yet there is still no nonstop between Cairo and LAX. Passengers instead travel through Europe or the Gulf on itineraries that stretch to 18 hours or more. The issue is not the absence of passengers, but the absence of year-round premium demand that could support the cost of deploying an A350 or 777 on such a long mission.London–Canberra is another intriguing gap. The UK and Australia have never been closer in aviation terms; Qantas now flies nonstop from London to Perth. Yet the national capital, Canberra, still has no direct link to London. Canberra’s runway length, altitude, and relatively modest local catchment limit its viability for an ultralong-haul operation. Sydney is nearby, and passengers overwhelmingly connect through there instead, making point-to-point Canberra a difficult commercial proposition.Asia to South America is full of large unserved flows. Tokyo–Lima is a prime example. The Japanese-Peruvian community is substantial, and trade between the two countries has grown. But the route is too far for current aircraft to operate nonstop without severe payload penalties. Travellers route through the United States or Mexico, adding hours to the trip.India also has significant long-haul gaps. São Paulo–Delhi stands out as one of the most important missing connections between two major emerging-market economies. The traffic exists, but it is fragmented across Europe, the Gulf, and Africa. No airline has yet found the right combination of aircraft, schedule, and connecting feed to justify the nonstop. Mumbai–Los Angeles is another example. Despite the strong commercial and cultural ties between India and the West Coast of the United States, the route remains unserved. It is within the range of the 777-200LR or A350-900, but ultralong-haul flights require consistently strong premium demand, and Indian carriers have historically focused on more established long-haul markets.In Southeast Asia, Jakarta–Los Angeles remains one of the most obvious missing nonstops. Indonesia is the region’s largest economy, and Los Angeles is a major gateway for Pacific Rim travel. Yet carriers still route passengers through Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, or the Gulf because no airline has the right long-haul fleet mix or network structure to support a dedicated service.While some major gaps remain, the last decade has seen formerly unserved routes become commercially viable for the first time. Technology, network sophistication, and changing demand patterns have created new possibilities.New York–Auckland is perhaps the clearest example. For years, the route was dismissed as too far and too thin. Today, both Air New Zealand and Qantas operate it with modern long-range aircraft, supported by a combination of premium leisure traffic and strong connecting markets at both ends.Perth–London went through a similar evolution. The idea of a nonstop “Kangaroo Route” was discussed for decades, but only became feasible when Qantas deployed the 787-9 in a low-density configuration and invested in connecting flows via Perth. The route has become one of the airline’s most successful long-haul launches.Doha–Auckland, one of the world’s longest commercial flights, redefined what a Gulf hub could support. Qatar Airways connected New Zealand directly to a vast network spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. By aggregating multiple mid-sized flows rather than relying solely on point-to-point traffic, the airline turned a theoretical route into a consistent performer.Africa has also seen long-ignored routes return. Lagos–Washington Dulles sat unserved for years, with travellers connecting through Europe or the Middle East. United Airlines has now launched a nonstop service, demonstrating how a strong hub on the US side can make West Africa more accessible without a stop. Meanwhile, São Paulo–Johannesburg, withdrawn when South African Airways restructured, has been relaunched by LATAM, restoring a direct link between South America and southern Africa.These examples show how quickly the map can change once aircraft technology improves and an airline with the right network sees an opportunity. The A350, 787, and 777-200LR have opened possibilities that were once beyond reach. The next generation — including the A350-900ULR variants and long-range narrowbodies — will push the limits further.But the world’s unserved routes persist for reasons that technology alone cannot solve. Geography matters. Ultralong-haul flights tie up expensive aircraft for long periods, magnifying the financial impact of any delay or operational disruption. Demand profiles matter too. Many of the world’s largest indirect markets have strong economy-class flows but weaker year-round premium yields, which makes nonstop service unviable. And geopolitics can be decisive; airspace restrictions in Russia or parts of the Middle East add hours of flying time and alter the economics of east–west long-hauls.Many of today’s major unserved routes will eventually launch as aircraft improve and markets mature. Others may remain one-stop indefinitely, not because of a lack of desire from travellers, but because even the most advanced aircraft cannot change the underlying economics of global aviation.The author is an aviation analyst. X handle: @AlexInAir. 

A record number of Americans had been expected to fly during Thanksgiving, but a 43-day government shutdown dampened demand for one of the year's busiest travel seasons.Many skittish travellers rethought their plans as cancellations and delays mounted while the shutdown wore on."It's not worth the mental strain and worry and what-ifs and if I get stranded, where am I going to get stuck?" said Elizabeth Kelley, 45. During the shutdown, she decided she would not fly home to Maine to visit family for Thanksgiving because she feared delays and cancellations. Her plans have not changed.About 6mn US travellers were expected to take domestic flights during the holiday, up 2% from 2024, according to the AAA. But bookings slowed after the shutdown hit the one-month mark. The steepest drop came during the final week when the Federal Aviation Administration ordered flight cuts at 40 major airports.As of November 24, flight bookings for the five-day holiday period are down 4.48% from a year ago, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Bookings were up 1.56% on October 31, but have steadily declined.At Newark Airport on Monday, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said at a press conference that travelers should be confident but prepare for busy airports and potential weather issues."For us, this week is our Super Bowl, and I'm here to tell you, we've got a great plan," Beford said. "Please know you should fly with confidence."Southwest Airlines said the shutdown and economic uncertainty made it difficult to forecast Thanksgiving demand. Delta Air Lines expects to fly roughly 6.5mn customers, similar to last year. Some airlines were planning for a surge in last-minute bookings as travelers regain confidence.United Airlines said it expected about 6.6mn customers over a 13-day period, the most passengers the airline has ever flown during a Thanksgiving holiday. American Airlines said it will operate nearly 81,000 flights during the same period, up from 77,000 in 2024.The FAA said it anticipates that this Thanksgiving holiday travel period will be the busiest in 15 years, with the most passengers expected on Tuesday, November 25."I don’t usually get such quick and last minute bookings," said Kimberly Hillard, co-owner of Front Porch Travel in Annapolis, Maryland. "I had two last-minute bookings this week, one to Aruba and the other for Costa Rica," she said, after many of her clients put their travel plans on hold during the shutdown.Many airline travelers plan to avoid major hubs. For instance, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, the busiest US airport, will see 7.6% fewer Thanksgiving travellers.Amtrak said it expects record train travelers this year after 1.2 million Americans booked trips with the railroad last year. Bus and train marketplace Wanderu has seen demand rise 17% year-over-year, led by bus bookings.The effects of the shutdown may drag into Christmas. During the shutdown, bookings were trending about 0.42% lower year-over-year, according to an early analysis by Cirium.

Qatar Airways has increased capacity to Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, Shanghai, and Singapore this winter season to meet the global demand on these routes. This increase in flight frequency is part of the airline's broader winter schedule enhancements, which have already introduced additional frequencies to more than 15 major destinations, including Cape Town, Dublin, London, Phuket, and Toronto.In a statement, the airline said that the growing demand for Qatar Airways' travel experience resulted in the airline offering nearly 3,000 additional flights this year. Starting 17 December 2025, Qatar Airways flights to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) will increase from 14 to 17 weekly flights. The additional services will offer seamless connections between Southeast Asia and Jeddah, London, and Paris through Doha.Effective 15 December 2025 until 28 March 2026, Qatar Airways' services to Lagos (LOS) will increase from 10 to 14 weekly. The increased frequency enhances connectivity between the Nigeria and Qatar Airways' extensive global network of over 170 destinations, facilitating smoother travel for both business and leisure passengers to Delhi, Guangzhou, and London. Effective 01 January to 28 March 2026, services will rise from 7 to 10 weekly flights to meet growing inbound and outbound demand from China. This frequency increase will further enhance connectivity between Asia and Qatar Airways' key destinations across Algiers, São Paulo, and Warsaw.From 12 January 2026, Qatar Airways will deploy the Airbus A380 on select flights to Singapore, offering enhanced capacity and an elevated premium experience. The airline's global connectivity is supported by its diverse fleet of aircraft that includes a mix of Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 equipped with ultra-high-speed Starlink on-board Wi-Fi. Qatar Airways is the first airline in the world to fully equip and operate over 100 widebody aircraft with Starlink, and the first carrier in the MENA region to offer the service. Passengers in both Premium and Economy cabins enjoy free, gate-to-gate Wi-Fi, with speeds of up to 500 Mbps per aircraft.

Qatar Chamber (QC) announced the formation of a Sub-committee for Travel and Tourism Agencies, operating under its main Tourism and Exhibitions Committee.This came during a meeting of QC's Tourism and Exhibitions Committee headed by HE Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Committee, Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al-Thani, with the attendance of other committee members.The sub-committee is tasked with addressing the most important challenges facing the travel and tourism agencies, coordinating closely with the main Tourism and Exhibitions Committee to solve the obstacles, and to identify the most important views of travel and tourism agencies owners on ways to develop the tourism sector.During the meeting, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al-Thani said that the formation of the sub-committee aims to overcome the difficulties facing travel and tourism agencies and to coordinate, via QC, with the concerned authorities in the country to resolve these obstacles.He noted that the sub-committee will be a unified platform for coordination and cooperation among travel and tourism agencies, which will significantly streamline the main committee's work in identifying proposals in order to raise it to the relevant authorities, stressing QC's keenness to support the private tourism sector and enhance its contribution to developing the tourism sector and raising the efficiency of tourism services in Qatar.

Beyond the TarmacAirports around the world are exploring new ways to improve security, ease congestion, and enhance the travel experience. One of the most promising innovations under consideration is the use of biometric digital ID technology to manage the segregation of international and domestic departing passengers. As airports become busier and travel rebounds globally, this technology could offer a more efficient and secure alternative to traditional methods. Recently, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released a study showing substantial cost savings, operational efficiencies, passenger experience and sustainability gains can be made by using biometric digital ID technology to manage the segregation of international and domestic departing passengers at airports where they are currently separated by physical barriers. The Domestic and International Passenger Integration Programme (DIPIP) report was a joint effort with AtkinsRéalis, an engineering services and project management company. IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security Nick Careen said: “Regulatory requirements and technology limitations have meant that domestic and international departure passenger flows need to be physically separated at many airports. That’s no longer the case. Digital ID powered by biometrics can achieve the needed segregation without creating a physically separated flow with duplicated facilities which is inefficient and costly. “The study shows that segregating passengers with digital ID will lead to a better travel experience for travellers, reduce costs for airports and airlines, and maintain security and border control requirements. It’s a compelling case for a much-needed modernisation.” “The publication of this report is key in understanding how the concepts of digital identity and use of biometrics can play a significant role in improving passenger experience and creating substantial cost savings which will have benefits across the aviation sector. We have a strong working relationship with IATA and were delighted to work on this study, drawing on our own broad experience of integrating biometrics into the passenger journey,” said Gareth Vest, UK&I Aviation Market Director at AtkinsRéalis. The study quantified the following benefits from segregating departing passengers with biometric enabled digital ID. Improved passenger experience: Removing physical barriers between domestic and international departure flows will improve passenger satisfaction with simplified journeys and shorter processing times. Minimum connection times, for example, could be reduced by nearly 20% with the efficiencies gained. Cost savings: Shared facilities eliminate duplication in infrastructure, utilities, and staffing, reducing maintenance, operating, and construction costs for airports, airlines, and ground handlers. Case studies at major international airport identified up to a 11% reduction in airport staff costs, while a ground handing company estimated a $5.3mn annual saving at another leading airport. More efficient use of airport infrastructure: Enabling departing passenger flows to use the same physical space allows airports to serve more passengers within existing terminal footprints, optimising use of space and the services within it. Sustainability benefits: Consolidation reduces energy use and construction-related emissions. Operational flexibility: Shared facilities allow airports, airlines, and ground handlers to better manage fluctuating passenger volumes and deploy resources where needed. This is particularly important given that international and domestic departures often concentrate at different times during the day. “The savings quickly add up. A medium-sized airport serving 10mn passengers annually could save up to $80mn of future capital expenditure and considerable annual operational savings through the removal of duplicate facilities and improved operational flexibility, while reducing its annual carbon footprint by 18,000 tonnes — the equivalent of removing 4,000 cars from the road for a year. The case for change is clear. Managing departing passengers with digital ID instead of physical barriers delivers efficiency, emission reductions, and a smoother experience for travellers,” Careen noted. Biometric digital ID technology is certainly not a distant concept - it is becoming a central feature in the future of aviation. While privacy protections and regulatory frameworks remain crucial, the potential benefits for security, passenger flow, and operational efficiency are compelling. Analysts say that if adopted widely, the segregation of international and domestic passengers may one day happen not through barriers and manual checks, but through a smart, seamless, and highly secure digital system — quietly operating in the background from the moment the passenger enters the terminal!

US authorities confirmed the beginning of a recovery in air transportation following the end of the government shutdown that lasted for more than a month, considering yesterday, Friday, to be one of the best days for aviation in the country since last October.US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stated in a post on his account on the platform X that the nation's air traffic had begun to recover from the disruptions caused by the government shutdown. He explained that Friday had been one of the best days the airspace had seen in some time, with only a very small number of air traffic controllers absent from work. He added that the department is reviewing the submitted data and working diligently to return airspace operations to normal.Restrictions had been imposed on air traffic because of the longest government shutdown in US history, which began on October 1 and ended last Wednesday after President Donald Trump signed legislation extending government funding following its approval by Congress.The shutdown resulted in hundreds of thousands of federal employees being furloughed and forced authorities to call back other essential employees, who had to work without pay, including thousands of air traffic controllers. However, absenteeism increased among this workforce, which had already been struggling with significant staff shortages.With operations returning to normal, a six-percent reduction in domestic flights remains in place at 12 of the country's busiest airports under a decision implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration starting Nov. 13.Aviation analytics data company Cirium estimated in its assessment of the shutdown's impact that only two percent of scheduled flights in the United States were canceled yesterday. It noted that the airports most affected were Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare, Newark, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver, each of which saw approximately 20 percent of flights canceled.

If watching Muhteşem Yüzyıl or Aşk-ı Memnu ever made you dream of visiting Türkiye; to walk the same cobbled streets where empires once rose, or to breathe in the same air that carries centuries of stories, then you’re in the right place.Whether your trip is inspired by your favorite drama or just a need to pause, heal, and explore, this guide will be your gentle companion. These are lessons, tips, and secrets from an expat who’s spent long enough in İstanbul to learn how to see it not just through a tourist’s eyes, but through a local’s heart.So pack your bags and fasten your seatbelt, and get ready to fall in love, slowly, deeply, and unexpectedly.The Historic Heart: Where time stands stillStart your morning with a warm Turkish kahvaltı in Cihangir, a table full of olives, cheeses, fluffy menemen, and bread fresh from the oven. The kind of breakfast that doesn’t rush you. The kind that makes you sit still and just be.From there, take the tram (T1) to Sultanahmet, and suddenly you’re standing where worlds once collided: Byzantium, Constantinople, and now, İstanbul.The first sight that takes your breath away is Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). Its dome rises gently above the city, with soft light shining through golden mosaics that have watched over İstanbul for centuries. Step inside, and you can feel the calm, the quiet beauty and the whispers of prayers that have filled this place for generations.Across the square stands the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), its six slender minarets reaching for the sky. Inside, the walls bloom with thousands of İznik tiles blues, greens, and whites dancing under soft light. It’s peaceful, humbling, and quietly beautiful.If you love mosque architecture, your next stop should be the elegant Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by Mimar Sinan, where soaring domes, calm courtyards, and gentle calligraphy create a sense of quiet grace. From its terrace, you get a wide, breezy view over Fatih and the Golden Horn, and yes, you’ll probably spot influencers taking photos with flowy dresses and curious seagulls floating in the skyline (and honestly, you might want one too).From Blue Mosque, walk a little further and you’ll reach Topkapı Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans. Its gardens are silent, its halls filled with jeweled daggers, silk robes, and sacred relics; a glimpse into a world where faith and luxury lived side by side.Before the day ends, step into the Basilica Cistern; an underground forest of stone pillars reflected in still water. The air is cool and damp, the space lit by a quiet, golden glow. Two Medusa heads guard the corners, watching silently over the centuries.End your evening in Gülhane Park, where tulips bloom in the spring. Sit on a bench, sip on Turkish tea, and let the city slow down around you.**media[375981]**Markets, shopping and moreİstanbul teaches you that shopping can be storytelling.Head to Eminönü’s Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), relatively cheaper than the Grand Bazaar but richer in the smell of cinnamon, saffron, and rose.Then lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Lanterns dangle like captured sunsets, handwoven shawls sway in the air, and shopkeepers call out, “Abla, just look!” Bargaining is a must here to be safe from tourist traps.When you’re ready for something modern, walk through İstiklal Caddesi in Taksim, İstanbul’s beating heart. Street performers play violins, children chase pigeons, and a red nostalgic tram glides past like it’s from another time. Step into St. Anthony of Padua Church, especially near Christmas, when its lights glow softly against the stone walls.If you want to explore more of Istanbul’s unique churches, make your way to the Saint Stephen’s Orthodox church also called Iron Church in Balat, a neo-Gothic masterpiece made entirely of cast iron, its delicate arches and intricate details set against the neighborhood’s colorful streets. It’s a hidden gem for architecture lovers and photographers alike, offering a different, European-flavored side of the city.**media[375977]**And for a more refined taste of the city, wander through Nişantaşı. Elegant windows lined with boutiques, cafés filled with people talking softly over espresso, it’s the city’s quieter, polished side. Even if you’re just window shopping, Nişantaşı feels like walking through a dream painted in sunlight.Hidden Corners and Local SecretsIf you’ve already seen the famous sights and want to experience the real İstanbul, the one locals love, then take the ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side.**media[375979]**The ferry ride alone is a poem. Feed the seagulls, feel the Bosphorus breeze, and watch the skyline shimmer like it’s waving goodbye. Kadıköy greets you with color wall art, bookshops, vinyl stores, and cafés that smell of coffee and roasted sesame. Grab a simit or midye dolma (stuffed mussels) and wander aimlessly. That’s the best way to know Kadıköy.Walk toward Bull Square (Boğa Heykeli) and turn into Çilek Street, a local favorite for affordable shopping, a blend of brand knockoffs, trendy outfits, and authentic little stores where you can find amazing collections for a fraction of the price.From there, hop on a ferry to Beşiktaş, a neighborhood filled with laughter, food, and football flags fluttering above narrow lanes. Many tourists skip straight to Ortaköy for the view of the Bosphorus Bridge and Kumpir, but don’t rush. Beşiktaş’s local eateries serve lahmacun, mantı, and kebaps that taste like home-cooked stories.**media[375978]**Nearby, the Dolmabahçe Palace stands by the water like a dream of marble and glass. It was once home to Ottoman sultans and later, to Atatürk himself. Inside, chandeliers sparkle above silk carpets, and every room feels like it’s holding its breath. It’s history, beauty, and heartbreak under one roof.Art, Legends, and Quiet Magicİstanbul isn’t only about monuments, it’s a city that lives and breathes art.Visit Pera Museum, Meşher, or Anna Laudel for exhibitions that capture the soul of Turkish creativity.Then walk to Galata Tower, standing tall over Beyoğlu like an old guardian. Legend says Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi once flew from its top, gliding over the Bosphorus with wings he built himself. Some say Galata is also the tower of love, visit it with someone you care for, and fate will do the rest.**media[375982]**Climb up for the city’s panoramic view, or skip the ticket and enjoy the same beauty from a nearby café. Sit by the window with Turkish coffee, and you’ll understand why people fall in love with this city again and again.For something more colorful, wander through Balat. Its colourful houses, cobbled lanes, and hanging laundry create a scene so charming it feels unreal. Stop at a rooftop café, order a croissant and latte, and let the view of the Golden Horn sink in.**media[375974]**A few tram stops away lies Eyüp, home to the sacred tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari. The area feels spiritual, still, and deeply moving. From there, take the Teleferik (cable car) up to Pierre Loti Hill. One tap of your İstanbulkart, and suddenly you’re sipping Turkish tea above the city stretching endlessly beneath your feet.By the Sea, With the CatsFor mornings by the sea, skip the Princes’ Islands and go to Bebek. Rent a bike, cycle along the waterfront, and feel the Marmara breeze on your face. The villas by the coast are as beautiful as they are familiar; one of them even starred in Kara Para Aşk as Elif’s house.If you want a peaceful Bosphorus view without the crowd, head to Duattepe Park in Sarıyer or Nakkaştepe Park in Üsküdar. Both are hidden gems where the sound of the city fades into the rustle of trees and gentle laughter of picnicking families.**media[375976]**And of course, the cats. İstanbul belongs to them. They curl up on shop counters, nap on mosque steps, and look at you like they’ve been here far longer than you. Visit Kedi Parkı in Harbiye if you want to spend an afternoon surrounded by furry company. Bring treats so they’ll find you before you find them.**media[375975]**The Goodbye That Isn’t OneWhen your trip nears its end, visit a relaxing hamam in Sultanahmet. The marble, the steam, the sound of dripping water, it feels like stepping back in time. As you leave, wrapped in the warmth of the city, you’ll realize something: İstanbul doesn’t let you go easily.Because this isn’t just a city you visit, it’s a feeling that follows you home. The sound of ferries, the smell of Turkish coffee, the call to prayer at sunset they all stay somewhere inside you.And maybe, one day, you’ll come back. Not to see more, but simply to feel it all again.

Qatar is experiencing an unprecedented wave of cultural, economic, and sports activities in November, as Doha prepares to host a series of international conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and championships, highlighting its position as a regional hub for innovation, sustainability, and excellence.From Sustainability Week to the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, Doha Film Festival, and Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism, the events cover sectors such as sports, economy, health, education, and culture, reflecting Qatar's vision of promoting international dialogue and supporting sustainable development.Nov 1-7: Qatar Sustainability Week led by Earthna, 10th edition of Qatar Sustainability Week will highlight sustainability efforts.Nov 3-27: FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Qatar is set to host its third global tournament under the supervision of FIFA, after it has been awarded the hosting rights for the FIFA U-17 World Cup November 4-8: KIDS EXPO 2025 Under the theme "Our Children are the Greatest Treasure," the second edition of the Expo will be held to raise awareness about children's rights.Nov 5-8: Qatar Boat Show 2025 Held at the Old Doha Port, the second edition of Qatar Boat Show 2025 will combine heritage, luxury, and innovation in yachting.Novr 11-13: Qatar Medicare 2025 Qatar Medicare stands as Qatar's first International Healthcare and Medical Trade Exhibition and Conference, convening an extensive network of healthcare stakeholders.Nov 17-19: Rowad 2025 Conference Under the theme "Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding," Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2025 is considered the most influential event in the State of Qatar's entrepreneurship sector. This year's edition will focus on the requirements for international growth and expansion beyond local markets.Nov 20-22: 17th Gulf Heart Association Conference The conference will cover numerous topics of advanced and general cardiology. It aims to bring together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share knowledge and research on all aspects of heart disease prevention, diagnosis, and management.Nov 20-23: 5th Qatar Taekwondo Open Championships The Championship will bring together international athletes.Nov 20-28: Doha Film Festival Doha Film Festival upports talent, promots cultural dialogue, and showcases innovative visions.Nov 24-25: 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) The 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12) centers around the theme "Humanity.io: Human Values at the Heart of Education." WISE 12 aims to deepen discussions on the purpose of education and its pivotal role in serving humanity.Nov 24-26: Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism 2025 (QTM 2025) QTM 2025 is a prominent platform in the field of travel and tourism, bringing together leading global destinations to showcase the latest trends in sports tourism, conferences and exhibitions tourism, business and cultural tourism, and leisure tourism.Nov 25-26: MWC Doha 2025 MWC25 Doha is the first-ever edition of the GSMA's MWC Series to be held in the Middle East and North Africa. The event marks a key milestone in positioning Qatar as a regional hub for digital innovation and transformation.The conference will explore three key themes: AI Nexus, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in powering innovation; Intelligent Economies, centered on secure digital infrastructure and next-generation networks; and Connected Industries, highlighting the growing impact of emerging technologies on daily life and economic systems.Nov 27-29: 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC Qatar 2025) The Conference brings together specialists, policymakers, and researchers to exchange knowledge and best practices in the field of primary health care.Nov 28-30: 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship It is one of the season's most anticipated races.This vibrant calendar underscores the State of Qatar's commitment to solidifying its position on the global events map, attracting international expertise, and affirming its leadership in building a future driven by innovation and knowledge.

Air travel disruptions in the United States worsened as the federal government shutdown entered its 27th day, with nearly 7,000 flights delayed nationwide on Monday due to a growing shortage of air traffic controllers.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing shortages that necessitated ground delay programs, affecting operations at multiple airports.Around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have been working without pay amid the budget deadlock between Republican President Donald Trump and Democrats in Congress, which led to the government shutdown.A US Department of Transportation official said that 44 percent of the delays were attributed to the shortage of air traffic controllers, a sharp rise from the usual 5 percent.The mounting flight delays and cancellations have deepened public frustration and intensified scrutiny of the shutdown’s impact, increasing pressure on lawmakers to resolve the political impasse.The FAA is currently short about 3,500 air traffic controllers, many of whom were already working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks before the shutdown began.During the previous 35-day government shutdown in 2019, rising absenteeism among unpaid air traffic controllers and TSA officers led to longer wait times at airport checkpoints and further slowed air travel across the country.

Visit Qatar is set to participate in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, from Nov 4–6 at ExCeL London, leading a delegation of 48 partners, including hotels, resorts, and destination management companies.As one of the world’s leading global travel and tourism exhibitions, WTM serves as a strategic platform to spotlight Qatar’s diverse tourism offering, strengthen partnerships, and attract new business and investment opportunities in line with the country’s national tourism strategy.Visit Qatar will present the country’s expanding tourism ecosystem within the dedicated Qatar Pavilion, located at Stand S8-210.The Qatar Pavilion will feature a two-level design covering 700sq m with an additional 150sq m mezzanine, offering engaging spaces for networking and business meetings.The stand will immerse visitors in Qatar’s rich culture and modern experiences through a series of creative activations and showcases.Highlights include a range of engaging and interactive activations including a dedicated cultural zone featuring live demonstrations of calligraphy, Kohl and perfume making, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Qatari traditions and craftsmanship. Guests will also enjoy a taste of Qatari hospitality through the Qinwan coffee and dates experience.To further enhance visitor engagement, a special 4D immersive activation will bring Meryal Waterpark to life through multi-sensory visual, audio, and water effects, providing an exhilarating preview of one of Qatar’s newest attractions. In addition, a dedicated Qatar Calendar showcase will offer insights into the country’s upcoming events, festivals, and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

Bidding farewell to my parents at the Karachi airport; tears glistened in the eyes of my mother, sister, and brother as they gathered around me, their emotions concealed beneath a veil of composure. My dad was accompanying me for a month to settle me in Istanbul, he gave a reassuring hug to my mom as he silently conveyed, "Don't worry; I'll take care of her.” Mother handed me a box of her freshly baked chicken buns as if fearing the airlines might forget to feed me.I avoided a final wave to conceal tears rolling down my cheeks to spare my mother the pain, who I knew couldn't bear to see me cry.At 21, I was moving to Istanbul for college. Turkey is a popular destination for Pakistani college students, Turkey is the 3rd destination country in Asia for Pakistani students according to UNESCO and currently, Turkey is hosting 2,948 students from Pakistan according to Turkey's ministry of education.Being the youngest in my family, I had a close connection to my home and family. I felt pangs of sadness especially during festive times like Ramadan and Eid, which were always the joyous occasions in our household. We all used to sit on the "dastarkhwan," which is a beautiful tablecloth spread on the carpet, and happily savor the yummiest meals together while discussing what's new in our lives. However, amidst this sea of change, I was at peace knowing that there was one constant source of comfort that was accompanying me to this foreign land -my beloved cup of Pakistani chai. Packed within my luggage, a carefully sealed container of tea leaves journeyed with me to the far-off land.Chai has always been a part of my life, from my sister sneaking an extra teabag in my cup away from my dad's attention at the age of 4 to my first sip of chai away from home in Turkey, sitting on the bare floor between unpacked boxes, watching my dad assembling pieces of my bed, it all hit me with a wave of nostalgic feeling of familiarity and comfort. However, the unique taste of Pakistani tea is hard to replicate elsewhere; the perfect blend of cardamom, the right amount of tea leaves, the perfect ratio of milk to tea and just knowing how long to brew is an art to master. In foreign countries like Turkey, the scarcity of raw ingredients often makes it a luxury. In chai the main and most important component is the “chai patti” tea leaves, even though Turkey ranks third highest in tea consumption as per the Food and Agriculture Organization, the çay drank here is quite different than Pakistani chai, the tea leaves in Turkish cay is much lighter with a unique aroma, whereas Pakistani tea leaves are way more rich and intense.While Turkish çay is undoubtedly refreshing, it doesn’t quite match the satisfying hit of Pakistani chai. The craving for chai intensified when I went without it for two days which caused moodiness, and headaches, as Pakistani tea leaves are not readily accessible in this new place. However, the thought of tea leaves arriving soon brought a sense of calmness but my friends were the happiest because apparently I’m a real life Grinch without chai.In conversation with Shahana Khalid, 49, a Pakistani expat living in Istanbul Turkey, a housewife, and mother of two who accompanied her daughter who is enrolled in university, also expressed her concerns regarding the difficulty of having chai in a foreign country, “prices of the raw ingredients are ridiculously high compared to Pakistan, but the sacrifices are worth it”, Shahana sighed, gently shaking her head pondering about the cost she had to pay to hold onto something dear to her heart, as she continues to bargain the price of tea leaves and other spices from the shop owner. The shop, Memons Trading, a Pakistani market located in the touristy Fatih district, the air was filled with the scents of exotic spices that were transported back to the street of Karachi's spice bazaar. It was a small store with neatly organized shelves that showcased an array of diverse spices and goods. Imran Musa, 42, the shop owner, explained why the price for patti is so high, “The expense of covering their flight fare is added onto the product”.This isn't the first time Pakistanis are paying high prices for their chai drinking habit, as per the Guardian the Pakistani government spends about £500m annually from the central bank’s hard currency reserves for tea imports. It's gotten to be such a back-breaking issue that Pakistan's federal minister Ahsan Iqbal urged locals to cut back on its chai as Pakistan has had to resort to borrowing funds to meet its tea import expenses.Nonetheless, this never stopped a true Pakistani from savoring their chai, even in a foreign land. When I noticed my patti supplies are getting dangerously low, I asked my dad to send in 5kg of Pakistani tea leaves from Qatar with the help of his friend, I took a three-hour trip to the outskirts of Istanbul pick up the tea and on my ride back home in the bus, I joyfully carried a huge bag filled with tea leaves, attracting curious glances from fellow passengers.“People come from far away just to have a cup of tea,” Mustafa Ahsan, 32, a manager at Karachi Darbar restaurant based in Taksim, Istanbul said. Mustafa said that not just Pakistanis but people from Middle Eastern countries show up at the restaurant just for “karak chai”, even though the restaurant is famous for its Pakistani cuisine mainly chicken biryani and karahi the majority of people end their meal with the hot cup of chai.Just like Pakistan's street side “chai dhabas”, in Turkey, people gather in çayhane, for çay sessions.**media[368607]**At a çayhane in Kadikoy, the clinking of tea glasses fills the air as people sit across from one another at a tiny table, stirring sugar in their cay, alongside smoking cigarettes and chit chatting.“Seeing a kettle makes me think of my family, specifically about my close connection to my father,” says Ayse Gurel, a 22-year-old classmate. For her, tea is a comforting link to her childhood. “I drink 2 liters çay a day”, she says proudly.“I can't survive a single day without Pakistani chai,” I told Shahana after we left the store with a kilo of patti that she finally bought after bargaining with the shopkeeper for 10 minutes. She was excited to brew with the fresh leaves and sit down to watch her favorite Pakistani series with her daughter later that night. “I cannot do without it,” she said. “Chai for me is the comfort of familiarity in an alien land”

Beyond the TarmacAn improvement in both passenger and cargo volumes in the global air transport industry during July suggests renewed economic momentum, stronger global trade, and growing travel demand clear signs of resilience and confidence in the global air transport sector.Data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed global passenger demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 4% in July compared to the same period in 2024.Similarly, total demand in global air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), rose by 5.5% in July compared to July 2024 levels.Industry analysts see increased passenger and cargo activity in July reflecting restored international mobility, expansion of route networks, and better global connectivity between markets.In the passenger segment, the July load factor was 85.5% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).International demand rose 5.3% in July compared to July, 2024. Capacity was up 5.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.6% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).Domestic demand increased 1.8% in July compared to the same month in 2024. Capacity was up 2.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.2% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).In the global air cargo segment, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased by 3.9% compared to July 2024 (+4.5% for international operations).IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted, “Air cargo demand grew 5.5% in July, a strong result. Most major trade lanes reported growth, with one significant exception: Asia–North America, where demand was down 1.0% year-on-year.“A sharp decline in e-commerce, as the US 'de minimis' exemptions on small shipments expired, was likely offset by shippers frontloading goods in advance of rising tariffs for imports to the US. August will likely reveal more clearly the impact of shifting US trade policies.“While much attention is rightly being focused on developments in markets connected to the US, it is important to keep a broad perspective on the global network. A fifth of air cargo travels on the Europe–Asia trade lane, which marked 29 months of consecutive expansion with 13.5% year-on-year growth in July.”According to IATA, several factors in the operating environment should be noted.First, the global goods trade grew by 3.1% year-on-year in June.The July jet fuel price was 9.1% lower year-on-year and has remained below 2024 levels so far this year, easing airlines’ operating costs. However, it was 4.3% higher than in June.Global manufacturing contracted in July with the PMI falling to 49.66, the second dip below the 50-mark growth threshold since January.Also, new export orders also remained negative at 48.2 for the fourth month, reflecting waning confidence amid US trade policy uncertainty.“It has been a good northern summer season for airlines. Momentum has grown over the peak season with July demand reaching 4% growth. That trend appears across all regions and is particularly evident for international travel, which strengthened from 3.9% growth in June to 5.3% in July. Moreover, with flight volumes showing a 2% year-on-year increase for September after five months of decelerating growth, airlines are positioned to take advantage of this market momentum into the coming months,” Walsh noted.Rising cargo volumes typically reflect growth in international trade, manufacturing, and supply chain demand. Passenger growth points to higher consumer confidence, business travel recovery, and robust tourism.July is usually a peak travel season in the Northern Hemisphere, but stronger-than-usual growth suggests that the industry may be moving beyond past slowdowns triggered by pandemic aftereffects, geopolitical disruptions, or supply chain constraints.Sustained improvements in both segments signal that stakeholders (governments, investors, airports, and logistics firms) see the industry on a stable growth trajectory, supporting investment and fleet expansion.Clearly, the improvement in passenger and cargo volumes in July highlights a rebound in the global air transport industry. Higher passenger traffic reflects strong travel demand, while increased cargo volumes point to healthy global trade flows.The dual rise in passengers and cargo confirms that the industry is on a path of resilience and long-term growth, supported by both consumer demand and global economic activity.Together, they indicate renewed economic momentum, rising consumer and business confidence, and a continued recovery in international connectivity.