Travel is often at its best when there is a specific reason to go somewhere — though sometimes the joy of travel is reason enough.
But when it comes to occasions to travel for, this week has offered plenty, but also reminders that getting there is not always straightforward.
In London, a technical failure at the UK’s National Air Traffic Services on Tuesday brought airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, to a near standstill. More than 2,000 flights were cancelled and hundreds of thousands of passengers were caught in the disruption across two days.
The immediate problem was fixed, but the knock-on effects continued well into Wednesday as airlines and airports tried to put passengers, aircraft and crews back where they were supposed to be. Travel disruption was expected to be generally resolved today.
London was not the only major travel hub having a difficult week. In Jakarta, flights were disrupted after Mount Anak Krakatau erupted, sending volcanic ash into the atmosphere and forcing Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to suspend operations. The eruption affected airports across the region and more than 170,000 passengers, proving once again that when nature intervenes, even the best-laid travel plans can change very quickly.
The two events, as well as the Iran war, meant delays were felt at Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. Yet people keep travelling, often for specific reasons.
This weekend, Madrid will experience an influx of visitors as the city hosts the Spanish Grand Prix for the first time in more than 40 years. Meanwhile, thousands of music fans are travelling to see their favourite artists on tour. These include Jay-Z, wrapping up a short stint in Europe, and Harry Styles, who has begun a 30-show residency at Madison Square Garden in New York.
And then there is the art people travel for. There are myriad events in the UAE in the coming months, including Frieze Abu Dhabi, which has unveiled a roster of 84 international galleries for its inaugural art fair at Manarat Al Saadiyat in November. This week we had the exciting announcement that Nomad Abu Dhabi will return, also in November. The event, which blends travel and art, will again transform the former Terminal 1 of Abu Dhabi airport into a showcase for contemporary art and collectable design. Read more here.
And there are also announcements for attractions that are sure to draw in visitors.
This week we got an insight into the Harry Potter-themed lands coming to Abu Dhabi in 2029. The cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, the shadowy depths of the Forbidden Forest and the towers of Hogwarts Castle will all be part of the expansion that will increase the size of Warner Bros World Yas Island by almost 50 per cent.
“These will be the first Harry Potter-themed lands in the Middle East, located within the world's largest indoor theme park,” says Simon Robinson, president of global experiences and studio operations at Warner Bros Discovery. “That combination allows us to bring the wizarding world to a large and passionate fan base in the region while creating a compelling new reason for fans from around the world to visit Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.”
We’re lucky to have them on our doorstep on Yas Island.
Until next time, safe travels.
Travel news you may have missed
• Emirates airline has unveiled the world's first electric premium economy seat with a privacy screen. Read more here.
• Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas is to open in the Hajar Mountains on September 28.
• After a year away, Wizz Air has announced a return to Abu Dhabi and Dubai with new routes. Read more here.
• Arabian Travel Market 2026 takes place from September 14 to 17 at Dubai World Trade Centre, so expect plenty of regional travel news and updates in the coming days.
Six cosy autumn getaways
Autumn is the perfect season for a getaway, offering crisp air, colourful landscapes and cosy escapes without the deep cold of winter.
From the misty mountains and forests of Scotland to Kyoto’s fiery maple leaves, Iceland’s Northern Lights and Turkey’s Black Sea landscapes, there are plenty of destinations where you can embrace the season. Seoul combines autumn foliage with palaces, parks and cultural experiences, while Vermont delivers classic New England charm, scenic road trips and pumpkin-spiced treats.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, wildlife, culture or simply a cosy retreat, these six destinations showcase some of the best autumn experiences in the northern hemisphere. Read more here.
Travel buy
I am a loud proponent of a good pair of headphones for travel, and the Sennheiser HD 480 Pro ticks a lot of boxes.
At a very light 270g, they are easily packed in hand luggage for any upcoming trips. Read Alvin Cabral's full review here.
Spotlight destination: Taiwan
A driving licence mishap led to three weeks of adventuring around Taiwan by train, which David Dunn says is the best and most efficient way to see the destination.
From the colourful Rainbow Village in Taichung to bustling night markets and dramatic coastlines, the trip spans Taiwan, taking in nature, culture, history and modern creativity along the way. Read more here.
Top tip
Learn a lesson from this week's unexpected delays and build in buffer time on travel days. When connecting to flights, trains or ferries, avoid scheduling an important tour or event immediately after arrival. A delayed connection is far less stressful when you have a few hours to spare.
In the headlines
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