USA Today reported this week that a fire erupted in the cargo section of New Delhi’s international airport (IATA: DEL), but luckily there were no reports of injuries or deaths. According to the news article the fire, however, destroyed cargo awaiting clearance and gutted the offices of some airlines.

A few thousand kilometers Southeast of India, in Singapore, Changi Airport (IATA: SIN) was said to revamp its two-hour free bus tour of Singapore. The Strait Times wrote that the Changi Airport Group wants to refresh itineraries for the current two options – the Colonial Tour, which showcases the Singapore River and the civic district, and the Cultural Tour, which highlights Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. The refreshed tour is said to become available from April.

Over in the United States it was all good news when NJ.com wrote that JFK International Airport (IATA: JFK) is to take part in a quicker screening process. According to the article some passengers flying out of John F. Kennedy International Airport will soon be able to keep their shoes and belts on during screening, leave their laptops in their cases and even carry a full bottle of shampoo onto the plane. It was also said that the reprieve from those post-9/11 security measures will take effect sometime early this year when JFK becomes the region’s first airport to take part in a voluntary program to speed the screening process. We bet our New York bound travellers can’t wait for this to happen soon enough, right?

Moving on to something different: Well, you surely agree with us that birthdays in the small days of January aren’t exactly popular with the oh-so-hung-over-from-new-years-eve crowd, yet in the case of Abu Dhabi Airport (IATA: AUH), we make an exception and cheer loudly to the 30th birthday it celebrated on 4th January. Hip Hip Hurray!

To finish off the first airport news of the year, we want to leave you with not just one, but two of our famous, weird airport stories. First of all, there was this awesome little piece from 11alive.com that showed us some great examples of weird things people try to take through airport security. You’ll discover land mines, flares and improvised explosive devices to name just three.

And finally, on the same topic of smuggling stuff through security, there was this from Argentina: According to the CBS News a man tried to board a plane at Buenos Aires’ international airport (IATA: BUE) with almost 247 (nope, this isn’t a typo, two-four-seven!) poisonous snakes and endangered reptiles in his baggage. What was he thinking, we wonder?

That’s all for now – we wish you a great start into 2012 and, as always, travel safely! One more thing, make sure you visit us early next week as we’ll be launching something very exciting. You can even win some awesome prizes, so stay tuned!

[Photo from Flickr - Some rights reserved by Lars Plougmann]

Well, I guess you can say what you want about the recent problems resulting from the economic crisis and the UAE’s involvement but the fact is, some of the infrastructure they provide predominantly in the tourism sector and the subsequent transport industry does have a lasting, positive effect on people well beyond the Arabic state.

Let’s look at Dubai and its home carrier Emirates Airlines which set itself up as a “hub” airport mainly serving as a link between Europe and Asia. It’s probably become the 2nd most profitable route after Europe to North America and Emirates Airlines and Dubai are taking a large share of that, whilst providing service that challenge the far more established carriers such as Cathay Pacific or British Airways.

With that you would think Dubai’s airport (IATA: DXB) with its newest addition of Terminal 3 must be quite the landmark and that spending time there would be something to very much look forward to.

Sadly … it’s quite the contrary. I found the airport terminal 3 one of the dullest I’ve ever seen, despite being new and fairly well designed from a usability point of view. Structurally it’s similar to Heathrow’s Terminal 5 where all gates are directly located along the main building to allow passengers to spend more time shopping & dining and less time transiting to the gates. BUT the airport doesn’t offer much of anything beyond the shops and restaurants you see in all other airports.

Upon entering the terminal you are wowed by the sense of diversity and at first glance engaged in the difference but you’ll quickly discover that all the shops are the same; they just have a different name! As disappointing as it was, with an open mind & a bit of creativity you’ll always find things to do if – oh yeah – you suffer a LateDeparture.com!

So, here you go readers – my top selections if you get stuck in Dubai:

• Indulge on a “pain of chocolat” from the French bakery, Paul, near gate 212. Think of where you’d rather be at the moment. Did I hear Paris?
• Missing the Pulp Juice brand from your stay in Australia a few years ago? Even though this brand no longer exists down-under, you can still find an outlet in Terminal 3, near gate 219. This is certainly a very nice (healthy and refreshing) option between flights.
• Go crazy and stock up for your Arab themed return party: buy cheesy souvenirs from the shop in the middle of the terminal
• Get the most from your Emirates economy ticket and race to the free meal deal from 12am upstairs from Burger King near gate 212 (only passengers with a stop-over of more than 2 hours are eligible for a voucher). Oh yes people, l said FREE meal – Wicked! Hmmmm, let’s think .. Could it be possible that you paid for it in your ticket price somehow? As my economics professor would say, “there is no such thing as a free lunch”. Keep that in mind as you chomp into that meal & squeeze a few extra mini sandwiches into the remaining centimeter of your open mouth!
• Lastly, boring but essential to know – Spark up with your favourite coffee at one of two Starbucks (near gate 205 & near gate 231)!

Airport Name	Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3
Website	http://www.dubaiairport.com
IATA Code	DXB
Design
Shopping
Toilets
Overall
	DHS 448 (£82.60)
	DHS 172 (£31.70)

[Picture from Wikipedia]

But is everything a mirage in the airport of the capital of the United Arab Emirates? Not really. The shiny terminal 2 which was built to accommodate the fast growing number of passengers before the new Terminal 3 will be opened later this year is definitely real. It’s real but it lacks a bit of character. More of the latter can be found in Terminal 1 which reminds you of the days when this was a small desert airport serving mainly business people from the Emirates capital. These days the airport is the main hub for the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways. Founded in 2004 the airline already serves 45 destinations and has even ordered the new Airbus A380. It’s no surprise then that the airport is a 24-hour operation with shops and restaurants constantly serving the arriving and departing of mostly transiting passengers.

Besides looking for black gold or animals, there a some other things you can actually do between your flights:

• Check out the food court on the first floor of Terminal 2 – you will find something for everyone (Upper Crust, Burgerking, Gino’s Pizza, Yum Cha Asian Food, Oriental buffet, bars and coffee shop)
• Stretch your legs and walk to terminal one (about a 10 minute walk). There you will also find free internet terminals
• Visit the food store on the lower ground floor of Terminal 1 where you can find some products from the Emirates (dates, nuts, etc.)
• If you have some more time and are in desperate need of a shower, check in to the airport’s own transit hotel

Airport Name	Abu Dhabi International Airport
Website	http://www.abudhabiairport.ae/
IATA Code	AUH
Design
Shopping
Toilets
Overall
	AED 465.00 (£84.40)
	AED 270.00 (£49.00)

[Picture from Flickr - some rights reserved]