Featured
Emirates offers Economy Class customers new option to buy empty adjoining seats
Emirates’ Economy Class customers can now enjoy even more personal space and privacy onboard with the ability to purchase up to three empty adjoining seats on their flight.
These seats will be offered to all Economy Class customers holding a confirmed booking.
Customers will not be able to pre-book empty seats, as these are subject to availability. Empty seats will only be offered for purchase at the airport check-in counter prior to flight departure, and costs range from AED 200 to AED 600 ($55 to $165) per empty seat, plus applicable taxes depending on flight sector.
Emirates has introduced this new seat product on the back of customer feedback, addressing the needs of a range of customers seeking extra privacy and space while still flying in Economy Class.
This includes couples who wish to have the entire row to themselves (maximum of three seats in same row), parents travelling with in-lap infants, or those who simply want the added assurance of more space while travelling during pandemic times.
In addition to the new empty seats option, Emirates currently offers a variety of seat products for Economy Class customers to choose their favourite seat based on their travel needs:
- Extra legroom seats: exit row seats offering additional space but subject to safety requirements
- Twin seats: seats in a row of two at the back of Emirates’ Boeing 777 aircraft, and on the upper deck of Emirates’ 2-class Airbus A380 aircraft
- Preferred seats: seats in the first section of the cabin and on the upper deck of A380 2 class
- Regular seats: all other Economy seats
These seats, available via Emirates.com, Emirates contact centres, at airport check-in, onboard, and through travel agent partners, are offered for free or at a charge, depending on the customer’s Emirates Skywards membership tier, fare type, time to departure, and other special needs.
Emirates has also introduced generous discounts on excess baggage rates, to help customers flying on essential trips take home what they need most.
These discounts range from 35 per cent up to 60 per cent off normal rates depending on sector and must be pre-booked and pre-paid up to four hours prior to flight departure via emirates.com, through contact centres or at an Emirates sales office.
Emirates customers flying for essential reasons can travel with the assurance that the latest health and safety measures are in place at every step of the journey. The airline has also recently introduced contactless technology to ease customers through Dubai airport.
Emirates continues to lead the industry with innovative products and services that address traveller needs during a dynamic time. These include customer care initiatives such as flexible booking policies, multi-risk insurance cover, helping loyal customers retain their miles and tier status, and a commitment to honouring refunds.
The airline provides the latest information on its Covid-19 information hub, including entry requirements, travel restrictions and all its initiatives for customer wellbeing.
Emirates resumed passenger flights to the Maldives after the pandemic-necessitated lockdown on July 16 and currently operates four daily flights between Dubai and Male.
Family
Ayada Maldives presents Easter week of family and wellness activities
Ayada Maldives has announced a series of experiences to mark the Easter season, inviting guests to celebrate the occasion through a week of activities centred on family time, relaxation and shared island moments.
As the season approaches, the resort will host a programme designed to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Families are encouraged to spend time together in the island’s natural surroundings, while children take part in a variety of activities and explore the island environment.
Throughout the week, Easter-themed experiences will be integrated into daily island life. At the Zuzuu Kids Club, younger guests will have access to a range of creative and interactive activities designed to encourage imagination and discovery. Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of wellness experiences including sunrise yoga sessions, spa treatments at AySpa, and quiet moments by private pools or along the beach.
Evenings will feature a range of social and culinary experiences, including beachside gatherings, live music and dining events set against the island’s coastal setting. These activities are intended to create a relaxed yet festive environment for guests to come together and enjoy the Easter holiday.
According to the resort, the Easter programme focuses on creating opportunities for guests to reconnect with family and friends while enjoying the island’s surroundings. The celebrations are designed to highlight shared experiences rather than a single event, allowing guests to enjoy the season at their own pace.
Through the programme, Ayada Maldives aims to offer visitors an opportunity to celebrate Easter in a setting defined by natural beauty, hospitality and time spent together.
Featured
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef marks International Women’s Day with beach celebration
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Sun Siyam Resorts Privé Collection, marked International Women’s Day by celebrating the contributions of female team members and guests, recognising their role in shaping the experiences that define the island.
The resort hosted a white-themed sunset cocktail gathering on the beach on 8 March, where guests and female colleagues came together to mark the occasion. The event provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of women across various roles within the resort.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef highlighted the role of its female team members in delivering guest experiences, from operational support and administrative roles to culinary and guest service positions. The resort noted that these contributions play a significant role in shaping the overall guest journey on the island.
As part of the evening’s programme, the resort’s resident artist conducted a live painting session, reflecting the creativity and energy women bring to the hospitality sector. Guests were also served a selection of specially curated “White Theme” cocktails prepared by the resort’s bartending team to mark the occasion.
Commenting on the celebration, Thoha Yoosuf said the resort’s female colleagues bring intuition and warmth to their roles, helping create memorable experiences for guests. He added that the celebration recognised their dedication, leadership and commitment.
Through the event, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef highlighted the diverse roles played by women within its team, while recognising the culture and individuality that contribute to the resort’s working community.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru plans Easter weekend of activities and dining
Angsana Velavaru is inviting guests to celebrate Easter with a two-day island programme featuring family activities, ocean experiences and seasonal dining from 4 to 5 April 2026.
Located within a lagoon in South Nilandhe Atoll, the resort will host a series of activities designed for families, couples and travellers seeking a seasonal getaway by the sea. The programme includes a combination of wellness sessions, marine experiences and leisure activities intended to bring guests together during the Easter holiday period.
Mornings begin with yoga sessions overlooking the lagoon, followed by opportunities to explore the island’s marine environment through guided snorkelling excursions and discovery experiences organised by the Endheri Marine Centre.
Throughout the day, guests can take part in a range of recreational activities across the island. These include beach kite flying, aqua aerobics sessions and bird feeding at the island’s sanctuary. Adventure-focused experiences are also available, with water sports such as family tube rides and sunset cruises offering guests the opportunity to explore the surrounding lagoon.
Dining experiences form a central part of the Easter programme. Guests can participate in interactive activities including cocktail-making sessions and the Wok & Toss dining experience, which allows visitors to engage with the resort’s culinary team. The programme also includes Easter buffet lunch and dinner at Kaani Restaurant, where seasonal dishes are served in a relaxed island setting.
Evening entertainment includes live music performances, DJ sessions and outdoor film screenings under the stars, creating a relaxed atmosphere for guests to gather and socialise.
Children’s activities are organised through the Ranger’s Club, where a dedicated Easter programme features creative workshops such as bunny mask making, Easter egg painting and string art. Traditional activities including Easter egg hunts and beach races are also planned for younger guests.
The Easter programme at Angsana Velavaru combines marine exploration, family-friendly activities and seasonal dining experiences, offering guests an opportunity to celebrate the holiday while enjoying the island’s natural surroundings.
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