Wednesday, 01 April 2026

Top 10 Destinations Around the World to Experience the Thrill of Flyboarding

Explore the Best Flyboarding Spots Across the Globe for an Unforgettable Adventure
Published: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Top 10 Destinations Around the World to Experience the Thrill of Flyboarding
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Flyboarding, an exciting water sport where you use a jet-propelled board to soar above the water, is gaining popularity worldwide. Combining elements of jet skiing and wakeboarding, flyboarding gives you the thrill of flight while staying connected to the water.

If you're eager to try it, here are some of the best destinations for an unforgettable flyboarding experience.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona isn’t just known for its stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife—it's also a top spot for water sports. With sunny weather and clear waters, flyboarding here offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there are sessions for all levels.

Newcomers can start with a 15-minute session, while those looking to refine their skills can opt for 30 minutes or even an hour. The Zapata Racing flyboard, with five jets for enhanced stability, ensures you have a safe and thrilling experience over the Mediterranean.

Malta

Known for its pristine waters and a hub for water sports, Malta is a fantastic destination for flyboarding. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, the island offers a variety of water-based activities, with flyboarding being a popular choice.

Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced rider, instructors are on hand to guide you as you glide over the crystal-clear waters of St. Julian’s Bay. You’ll reach speeds of up to 20 km/h, with safety ensured by your life jacket and a professional instructor.

French Riviera, France

The French Riviera’s Mediterranean coastline offers the perfect backdrop for flyboarding. With water temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C, you’ll be soaring above clear, warm seas as you enjoy panoramic views of the Boches-du-Rhône coastline and stunning landscapes.

Flyboarders can expect to reach impressive heights while taking in the breathtaking scenery, including the Golden Isles and Pre-Squillan De Giencen. A professional instructor ensures safety throughout the session, allowing you to enjoy the adventure with peace of mind.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic islands, offers a flyboarding experience like no other. Fly above the volcanic waters while enjoying spectacular views of the island’s whitewashed buildings and rugged cliffs. With the calming Mediterranean breeze and crystal-clear water, Santorini provides the perfect setting for both beginner and advanced riders.

You can fly up to 8 meters above the water, experiencing the beauty of the island from a unique perspective. Some practice might be needed for balance, but the reward is worth it as you glide through the warm waters of the Aegean Sea.

Canary Islands, Spain

The Canary Islands offer year-round sunshine, making them a top spot for flyboarding. With their warm temperatures and volcanic landscapes, the islands provide a stunning backdrop for this thrilling sport. Locations like Puerto Rico and Mogán on Gran Canaria are particularly famous for flyboarding, where you can soar over clear waters and take in coastal views.

These islands are known for their vibrant atmosphere, so be sure to bring your camera—professional photographers are available to capture your flyboarding adventure.

Lake Garda, Italy

Situated in northern Italy, Lake Garda is renowned for its natural beauty and is a favorite for water sports enthusiasts. With its clear blue waters and towering mountains, it offers an ideal environment for flyboarding. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Lake Garda provides a safe and enjoyable setting for all levels.

You can reach impressive heights of up to 12 meters while surrounded by picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Apart from flyboarding, the area is also great for other water sports like rafting and wakeboarding.

Corsica, France

Corsica, with its stunning Mediterranean beaches and clear waters, is perfect for a flyboarding adventure. Known for its rugged coastline, calm seas, and warm temperatures, this island offers the ideal environment for flyboarding enthusiasts.

Professional instructors ensure safety, and the stunning views of the island's beaches and mountainous terrain make the experience unforgettable. Whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful day on the water, Corsica offers the perfect blend of both.

Hvar, Croatia

The island of Hvar in Croatia provides the perfect setting for flyboarding, with its clear waters and lively atmosphere. Known for its vibrant social scene and beautiful beaches, Hvar offers a unique combination of water sports and relaxation.

As you glide above the Adriatic Sea, enjoy the spectacular views of the coastline and the colorful sunsets. Flyboarding in Hvar is an exciting way to experience the island's natural beauty from a new perspective.

Algarve, Portugal

Algarve, located in southern Portugal, is famous for its golden sandy beaches and clear waters. The region offers perfect conditions for flyboarding, with its warm Mediterranean climate and tranquil seas. In addition to flyboarding, you can explore the beautiful coastline, including sea caves and natural rock formations, making it an adventure worth remembering.

With professional instructors available, the experience is both thrilling and safe. Take a 20-minute session and soar above the iconic beaches of Benagil and Arco Natural.

French Polynesia

For those seeking an exotic flyboarding experience, French Polynesia offers a truly magical setting. Bora Bora, known as the “Magic Island,” is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and volcanic peaks, making it an ideal spot for flyboarding.

With small lakes and mountains as your backdrop, you’ll feel like you’re soaring in paradise. The warm Pacific waters offer the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of flyboarding while taking in the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or someone looking to try something new, flyboarding offers a unique experience. With crystal-clear waters, stunning coastlines, and professional instructors available around the world, these destinations provide the perfect settings to soar above the water and create unforgettable memories.

Emirates Offers Rebooking and Refund Options for Passengers Affected by Disruptions

Published: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Emirates Offers Rebooking and Refund Options for Passengers Affected by Disruptions
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Passengers holding Emirates bookings for travel between 28 February and 15 April 2026 who experience flight disruptions — or who wish to change their travel plans — can choose between rebooking and requesting a refund.

Rebooking: Customers may move to an alternative Emirates service to reach their intended destination for travel on or before 31 May 2026. If the original departure is within 72 hours, travellers can make changes through Manage Your Booking or via the Emirates mobile app. For travel dates beyond the 72‑hour window, Emirates asks customers to seek help through its support channels.

Refunds: Passengers may request refunds by completing the online refund form. Emirates advises allowing up to 15 days for refund requests to be processed.

Customers who purchased tickets through travel agents should contact their agent for assistance with rebooking or refunds. Emirates also reminds travellers to verify their flight status before travelling to the airport and to consult the latest operational information.

Saudi Arabia Sets Deadlines for Umrah Visas and Pilgrim Departures

Published: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Saudi Arabia Sets Deadlines for Umrah Visas and Pilgrim Departures
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Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced key deadlines for the current Umrah season, specifying that the issuance of Umrah visas will end on the first day of Shawwal. Pilgrims will be permitted to enter the Kingdom until Shawwal 15, while all Umrah pilgrims must depart by the first day of Dhul Qada.

The announcement was made during the ministry’s 17th periodic virtual meeting with licensed Umrah companies, held on Saturday. Officials used the session to reiterate compliance requirements ahead of the Hajj season, emphasizing that Hajj rituals must only be performed with a valid Hajj visa and not under an Umrah permit.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah praised service providers for their coordination during Ramadan, highlighting their role in assisting pilgrims, resolving cases involving stranded visitors, and ensuring their safe return home.

He also called for continued adherence to operational guidelines, including managing staggered arrival schedules at airports and regularly updating departure information through the Nusk Masar platform.

In addition, the minister encouraged companies to take part in the third Umrah and Visit Forum scheduled for 2026, aimed at strengthening collaboration and sharing expertise across the sector.

The meeting featured a review of performance indicators from the current Umrah season, along with discussions on preparations for the upcoming forum. Participants examined opportunities to enhance partnerships and improve service delivery for pilgrims.

These regular meetings form part of the ministry’s broader effort to maintain coordination with industry stakeholders and to advance service standards, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to improve the overall experience for Umrah pilgrims and visitors.

Iran Conflict Disrupts Middle East Air Travel, Affecting Nearly Six Million Passengers

Published: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Iran Conflict Disrupts Middle East Air Travel, Affecting Nearly Six Million Passengers
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Nearly six million airline passengers have been affected by widespread flight cancellations across the Middle East following the outbreak of the Iran conflict that began on February 28.

Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium indicates that between February 28 and March 13, airlines scheduled more than 98,000 flights to and from destinations across the Middle East. However, over 52,000 of those flights were canceled during the period, significantly disrupting regional and international travel.

The cancellations include routes connecting the Middle East with destinations outside the region, as well as inbound flights from other parts of the world. Domestic and intra–Middle East services were not included in the analysis.

Cirium’s estimates are based on an average passenger load factor of 80 percent — a metric representing the proportion of occupied seats relative to total seat capacity. Airlines operating in the region typically deploy aircraft averaging about 242 seats per flight, although some larger aircraft, including Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, can accommodate significantly more passengers.

The scale of the cancellations highlights the wider impact on global aviation. Industry data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that international passenger demand had been steadily rising prior to the disruptions. In January 2026, global international travel demand increased by 5.9 percent compared with the same month in 2025, while airline capacity grew by 5.8 percent year-on-year. During the same period, the average load factor reached 82.5 percent, a slight increase of 0.1 percentage points.

Airlines based in the Middle East experienced even stronger growth earlier in the year. Regional carriers reported a 7.2 percent year-on-year increase in passenger demand in January, alongside a 7.8 percent rise in capacity. The load factor for Middle Eastern airlines stood at 83.2 percent, representing a modest decline of 0.4 percentage points compared with the previous year.

Commenting on the situation, IATA Director-General Willie Walsh called for efforts to protect civilian aviation amid the ongoing conflict.

“We all hope for an early peaceful resolution to the current hostilities,” Walsh said. “In the meantime, states must respect their obligation to keep civilians and civil aviation free from harm.”

Jazeera Airways Opens Kuwait–Istanbul Route via Saudi Arabia’s Qaisumah Airport

Published: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
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Jazeera Airways has introduced a temporary travel route linking Kuwait and Istanbul through Qaisumah Airport in Hafar Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, as the airline works to maintain passenger connectivity following the suspension of operations at Kuwait International Airport for safety reasons.

The Kuwaiti low-cost carrier said it is currently the only airline from Kuwait facilitating travel through this alternative arrangement. The move is part of the airline’s efforts to ensure mobility for passengers amid the ongoing regional situation.

The first flight on the new route operated on March 15. Passengers departing from Kuwait were transported by bus to Qaisumah Airport, where they boarded the flight to Istanbul Airport. For the return journey, travelers flew from Istanbul to Qaisumah before continuing their trip to Kuwait by road.

Jazeera Airways said it is coordinating closely with aviation authorities and operational partners in both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to ensure the safety and efficiency of the temporary travel arrangements.

“As a Kuwaiti national carrier, maintaining connectivity for Kuwait during this period is extremely important for us,” said Jazeera Airways Chief Executive Officer Barathan Pasupathi. “Following the launch of flights to Egypt and Jordan, we are pleased to extend our operations to Istanbul, allowing more passengers to travel to and from Kuwait despite the current operational situation.”

Pasupathi added that since March 11 the airline has transported more than 6,000 passengers under the adjusted operations. Flights to Colombo have also been introduced and are currently fully booked.

To meet strong travel demand, the airline plans to increase flight frequencies on existing routes while gradually adding new destinations, including cities in India and the United Arab Emirates.

Pasupathi also acknowledged the support of aviation authorities and operational partners. “We are grateful for the strong collaboration and support of the Kuwait Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, and our operational partners in establishing a safe and coordinated travel solution for passengers during this time,” he said.

Gulf Air Opens Dammam Routes to London, Mumbai and Bangkok

Published: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Gulf Air Opens Dammam Routes to London, Mumbai and Bangkok
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Gulf Air has started accepting bookings for international flights departing from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, as the airline adjusts its operations during the ongoing closure of Bahrain’s airspace.

The carrier announced that passengers can now reserve seats on flights from Dammam to three major international destinations: London Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, India, and Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. The flights are currently available for travel between March 15 and March 16 through Gulf Air’s website and mobile application, with additional travel dates expected to be announced soon.

Gulf Air said it will also facilitate transportation for passengers traveling between Bahrain and Dammam who hold confirmed flight bookings. The airline will assist eligible travelers with obtaining Saudi transit visas when required. However, passengers planning to enter Saudi Arabia must independently obtain a valid visa.

The airline further advised customers not to travel to departure airports without confirmed tickets. Flights operating to and from Bahrain International Airport remain temporarily suspended until Bahrain’s airspace reopens.