Friday, July 19th saw a global IT outage wreak havoc on travelers worldwide. Banking, healthcare, and most concerning for many, air travel were significantly impacted. This IT outage resulted in cancellations, delays, and long queues at airports across the globe.
While the IT outage situation seems dire, there’s a glimmer of hope for those flying with UAE carriers. Both Emirates and Etihad Airways, major airlines based in the United Arab Emirates, have assured passengers that their flights are currently operating as scheduled. However, they caution travelers to expect potential minor delays.
An Emirates spokesperson acknowledged the global IT outage and stated they are closely monitoring the situation. Similarly, Etihad Airways confirmed normal operations but advised passengers of possible delays due to issues at other airports that could affect their flights.
IT Outage: Here’s what you need to do if you are booking a flight
- Stay Informed: Closely monitor your chosen airline’s website, app, or social media channels for the latest updates regarding your specific flight.
- Prepare for Delays: While the UAE airlines seem unaffected from the IT outage for now, be prepared for the possibility of delays caused by issues at other airports on your itinerary, particularly for connecting flights.
Beyond the disruption, let’s highlights some recent positive developments for these UAE airlines:
- Increased Boston-Abu Dhabi Flights: Etihad Airways recently announced an upgrade on their Boston-Abu Dhabi route, going from four flights a week to daily service. This caters to both business and leisure travelers seeking to explore either city or the surrounding regions.
- Seamless Connections and US Customs Convenience: Etihad’s strategic flight timing facilitates smooth connections within their network, making travel to various destinations in the UAE, the Gulf region, India (with 11 non-stop routes), and even North America (through their partnership with JetBlue) much easier. Notably, Zayed International Airport boasts the only US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in the Middle East. This allows passengers to clear US immigration and customs before boarding their flight, enabling a quicker and smoother arrival experience in the US.
- Free Ice Cream at Dubai International Airport: To add a touch of sweetness to the travel experience, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is offering complimentary ice cream to passengers transiting through Terminal 3 every weekend until July 28th. Look out for the bright red-striped carts between noon and 6 pm to grab your free cone or lolly.
While the global IT outage may cause some travel disruptions, passengers flying with Emirates or Etihad can take comfort in the airlines’ continued operations and proactive communication. Additionally, the recent service improvements and the delightful ice-cream giveaway at DXB offer a refreshing perspective amidst the travel chaos.