Australia has been burning for weeks, despite the sincere efforts by the country’s firefighters and authorities. Over half a million animals died in the chaos. And now, the UAE is doing its bit to help the situation. Over 16,000 Australians live and work in the UAE, and Etihad, the Abu Dhabi-based airline has announced that it will waive off flight change charges for passengers affected by the ongoing chaos.
Meanwhile, here are 10 things you must try at the Dubai airport.
What’s It?
Over 14.5 million acres have burned, and 480 million animals have been affected. Worse yet, seems like this is just the beginning and residents fear about what’s in store. Those in Australia, trying to re-schedule their Etihad flight can do so without paying extra. Passengers who wish to reschedule their flight can contact Etihad Guest Services in the below mentioned numbers:
UAE – +971 600 555 666
Australia on (+61) 1300 532 215
Besides, Etihad is also in talks with Emirates Red Crescent in order to partner with them to raise funds within the UAE to for the bushfire relief.
Have you seen the Etihad airplane from junkyard which turned into a fancy holiday accommodation?
Meanwhile, the cabinet recently announced UAE’s national carrier. In a recent gathering, the UAE cabinet announced the country’s official carrier. And it’s not Emirates or Etihad! Air Arabia is officially the UAE’s national carrier. The country initiated the move in an effort to enhance civil aviation across the country. The resolution throws light on the importance the UAE government attaches to the aviation sector.
What Else?
Earlier, in a tweet, Dubai airports announced the elimination of single-use plastics starting 1 January 2020. Now that the year has begun, airport authorities are working closely with 250 of its partners to ensure the change is a smooth sail.
Dubai Airports will ban single use plastics from consumer spaces at DXB, effective from January 1, 2020 ?
Find out more ➡️https://t.co/ytPVoYyGJH pic.twitter.com/nfKiSpq0vE— Dubai International (@DXB) June 10, 2019
In case you’re planning a trip to Dubai, here’s everything you need to know about UAE Tourist Visa For Indians
The plastic ban is implemented in a phased approach starting off with cutlery, drinking straws, take-away food packaging and polythene bags from cafés, restaurants and shops at the airport.
Over the year, plastic usage inside the airport- at cafes, restaurants and in fact in the airport kitchen will be replaced with environmentally-friendly alternatives. Recycling facilities will also be added to ensure the transition is effective.
Eugene Barry, executive vice president of Commercial at Dubai Airports said: ““This pledge is another step on a long journey to becoming a more environmentally responsible airport. Along with our partners, we are committed to not only removing single-use plastics but in their place providing appropriate and importantly sustainable alternatives.
DXB announced a ban on paper receipts, plastic bags and utensils from 1 January 2020. The effort comes after about 16 tonnes of plastic bottles and caps were collected and disposed from DXB.