Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his delegation to travel to Cairo on Thursday to continue Gaza ceasefire talks. Under the first phase, Hamas freed 25 Israeli hostages and returned the bodies of eight more in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians. Israeli forces have withdrawn from most areas, and humanitarian aid has surged. The second phase will involve the release of the remaining hostages for more prisoners, a full Israeli withdrawal, and a lasting ceasefire. The third phase will focus on exchanging remains and starting Gaza’s reconstruction. Professor Simon Mabon from Lancaster University provides his perspective.
This story originally appeared on France24
Gaza ceasefire: Israeli delegation head to Cairo to see if there is common ground to negotiate
Campbell Scott: Kenyan police ‘confident’ of catching killer of Scottish man found in sack of pineapples | UK News
Police have said they are “confident” they will catch whoever murdered a Scottish businessman whose body was found in a sack of pineapples in Kenya.
Campbell Scott, believed to be from Dunfermline in Fife, was last seen attending a conference at the JW Marriot Hotel in Nairobi on 16 February.
His body was days later discovered in a sack of pineapples in a forest around 66 miles southeast of the city.
His death is being treated as murder and two people have been arrested as inquiries continue.
A National Police Service spokesperson described it as a “heinous, heinous crime”.
The case is being investigated by the homicide unit of Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
The police spokesperson added: “It’s really tragic, but we’re all told that the authorities are going to get to the bottom of this.
“We are confident somebody will be held accountable for this.”
Thomas Maitha, a local administrator and Kivani location chief, previously told Kenya’s The Standard newspaper that Mr Scott’s hands had been tied at the back.
He added: “He appeared to have been tortured. The body, which was in bad state, prompted us to escalate the matter further.”
Read more from Sky News:
Oscar-winning actor and wife found dead at home with their dog
Tate brothers have left Romania for the US
Mr Scott was a senior director at credit scoring firm Fico.
After his death was confirmed, a Fico spokesperson said: “We are devastated by this tragic news. Campbell was a leader in our international Scores business.
“He joined Fico in 2014 and was instrumental in introducing Scores to new markets and growing our business with existing partnerships.
“We mourn his passing and will miss his humour and kindness.
“Our thoughts are with Campbell’s family and friends.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it is supporting Mr Scott’s family and is in contact with the local authorities in Kenya.
This story originally appeared on Skynews
Syrian Jews return to Damascus, hoping to build bridges : NPR
Rabbi Yusuf Hamra steps into the more than 500-year-old Faranj synagogue in Damascus for the first time in more than three decades. He left Syria, along with most of the country’s historic Jewish population, in 1992.
Ayman Oghanna for NPR
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Ayman Oghanna for NPR
DAMASCUS — If there is a verbal expression of heartache, Rabbi Yusuf Hamra uttered it as he stepped inside the Faranj synagogue in the Syrian capital last week. It was the last place he had said prayers before leaving Syria 33 years ago in a wave of emigration by Syria’s Jews.
“Ach, ach, ach,” said the 77-year-old, dressed in a white shirt and black suit as he stepped gingerly into what had been a center of the Syrian capital’s once-thriving Jewish community.
Built more than 500 years ago by Jews who fled the terrors of the Spanish Inquisition, the synagogue was renovated in the 1960s. Dusty blue velvet benches were piled against walls with peeling paint. A pile of prayer books — some 300 years old — lay moldering under a cream-colored prayer shawl.
“I remember my father, the last day before we left here, he was praying,” said his son Henry Hamra, a cantor. “He was crying when he was praying the last prayer over here.”
The prayers Rabbi Hamra said last week were the first since the synagogue closed in the 1990s, after almost the entire Syrian Jewish population of more than 30,000 left. The Hamra family emigrated to the U.S. and settled in Brooklyn.
“It was very hard,” said the rabbi. “For children, they can learn to live anywhere. But this was my home for 45 years.”
Members of the Jewish delegation, accompanied by former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large Stephen Rapp, carry an historic Torah in the Faranj synagogue in Damascus.
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Cantor Henry Hamra lights a candle at the 400-year-old grave of Rabbi Hayyim ben Joseph Vital, a key figure in mystical Judaism.
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Hamra’s visit this month was historic. A small delegation of Jewish religious officials and a former U.S. diplomat were invited by the new Syrian government, as it tries to include those it believes can help to rebuild the country after decades of regime rule fell last December.
Almost all of Syria’s Jews left in a two-year period starting in 1992, when then-President Hafez al-Assad allowed them to emigrate. Now members of the country’s dwindling Jewish community say only seven individuals are left from what had been a thriving community for thousands of years.
Henry Hamra, 46, pointed out a Spanish Jewish feature of one of the synagogues — a women’s section on the second floor, accessible through a separate outside staircase. It’s a legacy of the Jewish exodus to the Arab world, when they were expelled from Spain in the late 15th century during its campaign against those it considered heretics.
Rabbi Yusuf Hamra says prayers in the Faranj synagogue in Damascus — the first prayers there in more than 30 years.
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Last week’s visit was organized by Syrian American activist Mouaz Moustafa, founder of the Syrian Emergency Task Force. The aim was to pave the way for Syrian Jews to return — and to press the United States to lift sanctions it imposed on the former regime of Bashar al-Assad, toppled in December.
“You know, there’s a big Jewish influence on the new [U.S.] administration,” said Rabbi Asher Lopatin, laughing. “If the Syrian Jews have some connections — and they do — they will have a voice in the administration, and I think it will resonate.”
Lopatin, from Detroit, is not of Syrian origin, but says he came in solidarity with Rabbi Hamra. Advised by Moustafa to wear ball caps over their kippahs — traditional Jewish head coverings — for security reasons, Lopatin covered his with a Detroit Pistons basketball cap.
“This is unbelievable, to be in Damascus as a Jew and invited by the government,” said Lopatin. “I hope America takes this opportunity of supporting this government and sending love to this government.”
Moustafa said the visit was controversial among some U.S. officials and even in the Syrian Jewish community, where many view with concern the roots of Syria’s interim leader.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa is a former member of the militant group al-Qaida, which carried out the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He has renounced that group’s ideology and made clear that Syrians of all faiths are to be an integral part of the country. The U.S. and European countries, however, have been slow to lift devastating trade sanctions imposed on Syria during the al-Assad regime.
The delegation refrained from commenting on Israel during its four-day visit to Syria, and the Syrian government refrained from asking them.
“This is purely about Syria,” said Moustafa.
The delegation’s first stop after flying into Damascus last Monday was the Jewish cemetery — partially destroyed after the government built a highway through it in the 1960s.
Rabbi Asher Lopatin and Rabbi Yusuf Hamra walk among tombstones engraved in Hebrew in the historic Jewish cemetery of Damascus.
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Rabbi Yusuf Hamra kisses a tombstone belonging to his teacher in the historic Jewish cemetery of Damascus.
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Rabbi Hamra said prayers at his father’s grave and then walked slowly among the tombstones, reading the Hebrew inscriptions in search of his grandfather’s tomb.
“I can’t find him,” he said. “I’ve looked and looked. It’s been 34 years — I need time to remember.”
In a small concrete shrine, a prominent grave remains intact — that of an influential figure in Kabbalah, a type of Jewish mysticism. The grave of Ḥayyim ben Joseph Vital, a 17th century rabbi who disseminated the principles of Kabbalah around the world, is some 400 years old.
“You know, if the doors are open, I know a lot of people will come here just to see the rabbi,” said Henry Hamra. “I promise, they would love to come here.”
Even after more than 30 years in Brooklyn, Rabbi Hamra seems thoroughly Syrian. He is more comfortable speaking Arabic than English. His son calls him “baba” — Arabic for dad.
Asked how he feels coming back, the rabbi utters the exact words almost every other Syrian says on finally being able to return: “Is there anything more beautiful than your home?”
The ball caps turn out not to be needed as a security precaution. The Syrian government has sent lightly armed fighters, who pose for photos with the rabbis, to accompany the delegation.
In the winding, narrow streets of the capital’s old Jewish quarter, almost everyone is openly welcoming. Former neighbors from three decades ago stop Rabbi Hamra to ask about members of his family. Many of them are Palestinian, descendants of those who became refugees after the creation of Israel in 1948.
There are 22 synagogues left in Syria, all closed. The delegation visited half a dozen of them.
The winding streets of Damascus’ old Jewish quarter.
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Rabbi Yusuf Hamra reconnects with a former neighbor from the Jewish quarter, which he left 33 years ago.
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In one, Rabbi Hamra reverently held a prayer book he himself had copied out long ago, and in accordance with Syrian law at the time, had taken to the information ministry for approval to print.
In the courtyard of another synagogue, he inhaled the scent of a lemon just plucked from a tree and pointed out a large citrus fruit known as kabbad, used for making sweets he has not seen or tasted in more than 30 years.
A guard collects naranj, or bitter orange, with the help of a stick in Old Damascus.
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Rabbi Yusuf Hamra smells a citrus fruit with former neighbors in Old Damascus.
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“The scent of Damascus was orange blossoms and jasmine,” said his son Henry.
The Syrian president sent a key advisor, Moussa al-Omar, to join the delegation on a tour of a destroyed synagogue in the Damascus suburb of Jobar. Along with mosques and churches, it was reduced to rubble by Syrian regime forces during the country’s civil war.
Henry Hamra said his community would press Israel to return priceless Jewish texts that were taken there from Syria during previous decades, including by alleged looters during Syria’s civil war.
In a meeting in the courtyard of Syria’s national museum, where antiquities officials have jurisdiction over heritage sites, al-Amr assured the visiting delegation that Syrian authorities would help any citizens who wanted to return.
A view of what remains of a historic synagogue in Jobar, a Damascus suburb, destroyed by regime forces along with mosques and churches during Syria’s civil war.
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Damage inside a historic synagogue complex in Damascus’ old Jewish quarter.
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“Everyone who has a right to his land will have it returned to his family,” he said. He added that the Syrian government would also help restore Syrian citizenship to former citizens. “Now what we want from you is that you raise the issue of sanctions on Syria.”
The delegation had hoped to be able to get together 10 Jewish men for a minyan, a quorum to be able to hold prayers in one of the synagogues.
They were close — they needed only five other Jewish men apart from the delegation. But in the end, two of the surviving Jewish residents of the city did not attend. Two other young Syrian Jews who had arrived from the U.S. after the delegation landed were unreachable. And two others whose mothers were Jewish were deemed unacceptable by Rabbi Hamra because they did not practice the faith.
Syria’s new leader sent a key advisor, Moussa al-Omar (right), to meet the delegation in a trip to Syria organized by Syrian-American activists Mouaz Moustafa (second from left). In the background is the destroyed Damascus suburb of Jobar.
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Still, said Lopatin, “This is a miracle to be able to be here, and hopefully bigger crowds can come. Now we have something to pray for. All of Syria is about proof that things can miraculously change.”
Asked what he hopes for from this visit, Rabbi Hamra said he wants Syrian Jews to be able to come back and live in the homes they left here, if they want to.
“A normal, comfortable life. I wish this for everyone,” he says. “They can make up for the days they lost.”
Sangar Khaleel contributed reporting from Damascus.
Rabbi Yusuf Hamra says prayers in the 500-year-old Faranj synagogue in Damascus.
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This story originally appeared on NPR
No foul play suspected after Gene Hackman, wife, dog found dead, officials said
Authorities are investigating the deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog at their home in New Mexico but do not suspect foul play.
Their bodies were discovered in Santa Fe Wednesday afternoon during a welfare check, officials said.
Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department said they discovered Hackman, 95, his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, and the dog.
The office said a full investigation is underway and that no cause of death has been established.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told the Santa Fe New Mexican that it was unclear when the couple died.
The NBC station in New Mexico reported a neighbor had called authorities out of concern about their welfare.
This story originally appeared on LA Times
Suspended! Fan-brawling UFC fighter blows off NSAC hearing, threatened with lifetime ban in Nevada
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight Dennis Buzukja blew a gasket at the UFC 310 pay-per-view (PPV) event last Dec. in Las Vegas, throwing hands with a mixed martial arts (MMA) fan who was taunting bantamweight titleholder Merab Dvalishvili. Both combatants were heading backstage after cornering teammate Aljamain Sterling.
Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) handed down its punishment on Weds., slapping Buzukja with a $2,500 fine and nine-month suspension, which includes $157.04 in attorney fees. “The Great” will be eligible to return on Sept. 6; however, Buzukja can reduce his suspension to six months by competing community service in the state of Nevada.
“I don’t go for this,” commission chairman Dallas Haun said (via MMA Fighting). “Someone taking a swing at the crowd. We can’t have this. I know we have a precedent, the fact that he’s not on the phone, hasn’t shown up, this is his one chance with us. Anything more like this and he won’t be in Nevada ever again. Swinging in the crowd is unacceptable. We cannot have it.”
Buzukja no-showed his NSAC hearing.
“Our No. 1 priority here is the safety of the fighters and right behind that is the safety of the fans,” Haun continued. “I think going forward, while we’ve set precedent, I want us to take a good hard look at it if this happens again The nine month [suspension], the six months, the community service, luckily no one was hurt. But tragically someone may be hurt so I want the commission and executive director [Jeff] Mullen for us to review how we look at this thing going forward. We may set precedent aside. We can’t have that.”
Buzukja, 27, represents the second UFC fighter in 2024 to brawl with MMA fans during a live event. The former Bellator bruiser went 1-1 on Dana White’s “Contender Series” before earning a UFC contract in summer 2023. In four trips to the cage, “The Great” has failed to live up to his nickname, posting a 1-3 record in just over 12 months with the promotion.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
Congo loses war crimes case against Apple in France
France appears to have dismissed a complaint that Apple has been using “conflict minerals” in the iPhone
The Democratic Republic of Congo has reportedly lost its case over Apple suppliers using conflict materials in the iPhone, at least as far as one court has decided.
For months in 2024, Apple was accused of allowing its suppliers to allegedly use the so-called 3T Materials — tin, tungsten and tantalum — from the Congo, and thereby funding violent groups. Lawyers representing the Republic first asked Tim Cook and Apple’s French subsidiary for a response, then in December 2024 they took the matter to court.
According to a first and very brief report by Reuters, it appears that French authorities have dismissed the case. Specifically, a report seen by the news agency says that the Paris prosecutor has closed the case against Apple.
The complaint alleged that Apple should be held accountable for crimes against humanity, because of how conflict materials are being used. The accusations also said that conflict mineral tracking body ITSCI should be discredited for being funded by the metals industry instead of being independent.
There are no further details and at time of writing there is also no record on the Paris prosecutor office’s website. However, if the prosecutor had done anything but dismiss the case, it would presumably have continued on appeal, if nothing else.
Regardless of the details of the French decision, however, an identical complaint was filed simultaneously in Belgium. As yet, there is no news of what stage that Belgium case has reached.
Apple has not commented on the closing of the French case. However, in 2020 the company staged that it had dropped 18 suppliers for abusing conflict materials rules — and then in 2022, it dropped a further 12.
This story originally appeared on Appleinsider
Influencer Who Inspires Millions Through Lifestyle – Hollywood Life
In the constantly changing world of digital content, Isabella Garcia built a colorful platform attracting followers on multiple social media sites. She is more than simply an influencer; she is a content creator who blurs the lines between fitness, movement, and lifestyle and creates a world of inspiration and motivation. Whether challenging herself in kickboxing classes, posting gym regimens, or living life to the fullest in festival settings, Isabella’s content is representative of living life in activity and expressing herself.
Fitness: A Fount of Endless Inspiration
Life presents everyone with their individual unique trials, and Isabella is no exception. These, however, have made their fitness regime for her one of endurance and strength. For Isabella, kickboxing and gym exercises are more than physical activity; discipline, dedication, and personal development define them.
“Whenever life gives me challenges, I resort to fitness. It energizes me and makes me motivated, focused, and always ahead of time,” says Isabella.
Her willingness to express herself, not only on personal health but on life in general, resonates powerfully with her readers, encouraging them to overcome and overcome their personal struggles. Lessons from the Journey
After years of content creation, Isabella realized that persistence is where true success lies.
“The most important thing I’ve learned is to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. If you love what you do, stay consistent, and enjoy the process, success will follow.”
Her unwavering dedication and strong work ethic have earned her a place in the world of fitness and lifestyle, and today Isabella continues to build a strong career in her field.
What’s Next for Isabella Garcia?
In contrast to many professionals who take structured professional routes, Isabella chooses to take a natural approach. Rather than focusing on clear goals, she devotes herself to writing content that stirs and energizes readers. With a rapidly expanding base and expanding ever-broader, Isabella Garcia is constantly on the rise and is only getting started.
This story originally appeared on Hollywoodlife
‘Best’ airport in the world with ‘smooth’ and ‘easy’ experience | Travel News | Travel
Travelling through an airport can certainly be a pain, whether you’re arriving or departing, with long queues at security and border control.
But some airports are known to run just that bit more smoothly than others, with discovercars.com having recently conducted a study to discover which airports around the world offer the best experience, according to reviews left by travellers.
As part of this research, 3,500 travellers left feedback and ranked the airport they visited on a scale of one to ten and of the 19 that received 50 or more reviews, New Zealand’s Christchurch Airport came out on top.
Christchurch scored an impressive 9.21 out of ten for offering the best airport experience, and travellers reported having a pleasant overall experience, including excellent customer service and the airport’s easy navigation.
One holidaymaker commented on their “smooth and easy experience” at Christchurch Airport, with another saying that it was “easy to locate places.”
New Zealand took both first and second place on the rankings, with second place going to Queenstown Airport, which scored 9.18 out of ten. Those who flew in and out of Queenstown reported having pleasant experiences overall.
Similar to Christchurch Airport, one traveller who landed in Queenstown said that this airport was “great, easy to get around and no hold ups.”
Queenstown was closely followed by Madeira Airport in Portuga, with a score of 9.07. After travelling from Madeira, one commenter wrote: “The airport has all the amenities we need and is a comfortable place to wait for a flight.”
However, on the other end of the spectrum, Marrakech Airport came in last place, although still with a relatively okay score of 7.58. It was preceded by Bergamo and Rome Fiumicino, with 8.10 and 8.24, respectively.
Commenting on the findings, Aleksandrs Buraks, head of growth at discovercars.com, said: “We were interested to see which airports around the world offer the best experience for travellers.
“Flying can be a stressful experience for many people, so having trouble in the airport once you land is the last way you want to start your trip.
“From our research, we found that travellers valued a smooth and easy experience when getting through the airport, which is something that both the New Zealand airports in our top five offered.
“Having no issues, and an overall speedy experience seemed to be what travellers wanted the most from their airport experience.
“Which makes sense, as when landing or departing from an airport, you want to start your holiday or get home as quickly as possible.”
Full airport rankings
- Christchurch, New Zealand (9.21)
- Queenstown, New Zealand (9.18)
- Madiera, Portugal (9.07)
- Lanzarote, Spain (8.91)
- Fuerteventura, Spain (8.89)
- Athens, Greece (8.88)
- Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain (8.69)
- Malaga, Spain (8.61)
- Milan Malpensa, Italy (8.54)
- Auckland, New Zealand (8.49)
- Bari, Italy (8.48)
- Porto, Portugal (8.47)
- Mauritius (8.33)
- Lisbon, Portugal (8.32)
- Tenerife South, Tenerife, Spain, and Catania–Fontanarossa, Italy (8.28)
- Rome Fiumicino, Italy (8.24)
- Bergamo, Italy (8.10)
- Marrakech, Morroco (7.58)
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
Health expert warns one carb is ‘more dangerous than sugar’
It can cause blood sugar levels to spike due to its high GI value (Image: Getty)
A health expert has issued a stark warning about a certain type of carbohydrate that could be wreaking havoc on your blood sugar levels, claiming it’s “more dangerous than sugar” and can cause significant spikes. Dr Eric Berg DC delved into the dangers of maltodextrin on blood sugar.
Dr Berg is a renowned specialist in ketosis and intermittent fasting with a YouTube following exceeding 13 million. He is also the author of the best-selling book ‘The Healthy Keto Plan’ and Director of Dr Berg Nutritionals.
Ketosis, the metabolic state where fat is burned for energy over glucose, is associated with numerous health benefits, including weight loss, better blood sugar management, and a reduced risk of heart disease. It’s also known to curb hunger, boost energy levels, and enhance skin health, reports Surrey Live.
In a recent video, Dr Berg pointed out how those looking to maintain stable blood sugar should steer clear of maltodextrin. “There is this carb that is way more dangerous than sugar,” he said. “Now, people tend to think sugar is the worst, but there are other things that are even worse than sugar.”
He continued to explain the severity of its impact by referencing the glycemic index. He said: “This specific carb is bad, and I’m going to tell you why. Let’s take a look at the glycemic index, where is sugar? Well, table sugar is about 65, not terribly high. Where’s glucose? 100. Where is this carbohydrate? Between 116 and 136 on the glycemic index.
“So in other words, it’s a carb that’s not classified as a sugar, but acts like a sugar in a much more deadly way. As far as what it can do to your blood sugars, it just will really spike it. And this carb is called maltodextrin.”
Maltodextrin is found in many diet staples. Dr Berg said: “It’s in other forms, too. It’s in modified food starch and modified corn starch. It’s in many foods. They put it in a lot of sugar-free products as ‘no sugar’, even though it really, to me, it is a sugar.”
The video concluded with essential advice for viewers: “So start reading the labels and avoid maltodextrin.” But what exactly is maltodextrin, what does it feature in, and should consumers be wary?
It can cause blood sugar levels to spike due to its high GI value (Image: Getty)
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According to experts at health retailer Holland and Barrett maltodextrin is “actually a polysaccharide, which is a specific type of carbohydrate made from a cluster of sugar molecules” that are all bonded together. It adds: “Generally speaking, maltodextrin is a starch that’s made from multiple sugars, which tend to come from corn, wheat, rice, potato or tapioca.”
Despite not being classed as a sugar, maltodextrin can lead to sharp increases in blood sugar due to its high glycemic index, surpassing that of ordinary sugar. When derived from wheat, maltodextrin may contain traces of gluten, presenting additional concerns for those with gluten sensitivities.
Maltodextrin is a white, starchy powder and versatile ingredient in food products. It enhances flavour, texture, and shelf life and serves as a filler, extender, stabiliser, and preservative. Maltodextrin is frequently added to processed foods, such as:
- Baked goods – such as pastries, crackers, and granola bars
- Cooked cereals and breakfast drinks
- Soft drinks, candies, and other sweets
- Dairy – including instant pudding and other ready-made meals
- Salad dressings, especially creamy varieties
- Soups and frozen meals
- Meat substitutes
- Sports drinks
- Pasta, rice, beer, and artificial sweeteners
For lactose-intolerant infants, maltodextrin can replace lactose in their diet. It’s also frequently found in sports drinks and supplements, providing a quick energy boost for athletes and bodybuilders.
While maltodextrin may not be a sugar, it is very similar to sugar (Image: Getty)
However, some people believe that maltodextrin could be harmful to health, while organisations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deem it a safe food additive. Overconsumption of foods containing maltodextrin can lead to a diet high in sugar, low in fibre, and filled with heavily processed items.
This dietary pattern can increase the risk of high cholesterol, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes development. Maltodextrin has a higher glycemic index (GI) than table sugar, meaning that eating foods with maltodextrin can cause a swift rise in blood sugar levels post-consumption.
Such a surge in blood glucose can pose significant risks for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance, particularly if their blood sugar stays elevated for a prolonged period or reaches dangerously high levels.
A high GI indicates that the sugars from these foods swiftly infiltrate the bloodstream, facilitating speedy absorption by the body. Conversely, complex carbohydrates such as beans and whole-wheat pasta present healthier alternatives, given their slower absorption rate.
This quick-digesting carbohydrate, often used to replicate fat content, should not be mistaken for MSG. While maltodextrin and MSG are intended to improve food products, they serve different purposes.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
Etihad Airways Launches A380 on Abu Dhabi–Toronto Route
There’s some very exciting news out of Abu Dhabi today for Canadians, as Etihad Airways has revealed that it will operate the A380 on its Toronto route as of later this year.
As of June 24, 2025, the behemoth aircraft will fly between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ), offering passengers a range of elevated travel experiences.
Etihad Airways Launches A380 on Abu Dhabi–Toronto Route
Etihad Airways is set to operate the Airbus A380 between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ) as of June 24, 2025. This represents an upgrade in capacity from the Airbus A350-1000, which currently flies between the two cities.
Once launched, Etihad Airways will offer passengers a choice of economy, business class, First Class, and the beyond premium The Residence on the ultra-long-haul route.
The flight times for the route, which is set to run daily, are as follows:
- EY21, departing Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 2:40am and arriving in Toronto Pearson (YYZ) at 9am
- EY22, departing Toronto Pearson (YYZ) at 1:40pm and arriving at Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 1:40pm the next day
Westbound from Abu Dhabi, the flight is set to run 14 hours 45 minutes, while eastbound from Toronto, the flight is blocked at 13 hours 20 minutes.
The A380 offers 337 standard seats in economy, as well as 68 economy seats with extra legroom. On the upper deck, there are 70 business class seats, complete with The Lobby, which is a lounge and bar area situated between the First Class and business class cabins.
Also on the upper deck are nine First Class seats, known as the First Apartments, which offer one of the most exclusive experiences in the skies. You’ll benefit from the privacy of a sliding door, a huge amount of personal space, access to the onboard shower, excellent food and drink, and more.
Passengers will also have the option of flying in The Residence, which is a three-room suite complete with a living room, bedroom, ensuite bathroom, shower, and a dedicated cabin crew.
Etihad Airways is offering promotional cash fares to celebrate the launch of the service, with round-trip sample prices as follows:
- Economy: $1,380 (all figures in CAD)
- Business class: $3,380
- First Class: $10,380
Booking Etihad Airways Premium Cabins on Points
If you’ve got your eyes on flying the A380, the good news is that you can book Etihad Airways business class and even First Class Apartments using points.
When it comes to booking business class, you can use the following programs to book flights:
As it stands, the only way to book Etihad Airways First Class Apartments on ultra-long-haul routes is using Etihad Guest miles.
In Canada, Etihad Guest is a transfer partner with American Express Membership Rewards at a 1:0.75 ratio, while in the United States, you can transfer points in from American Express US Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
A one-way flight in either direction costs a minimum of 200,000 Etihad Guest miles, plus around $800 in taxes and fees.
While it’s not possible to book The Residence directly with miles, you may be offered a cash upgrade with a First Class redemption ticket. Expect to pay a few thousand dollars for the elevated experience.
There are a few important notes to keep in mind about Etihad Guest:
- It has an extremely punitive cancellation policy, whereby you’ll lose 25–75% of the miles used for a flight if you cancel
- 200,000 miles for the flight is only when there’s “saver”-level GuestSeat availability (you may see the flight for much more)
If you’re sitting on a stash of Etihad Guest miles, the good news is that there appears to be wide open GuestSeat availability in both directions, with two seats available.
Conclusion
As of June 25, 2025, Etihad Airways will fly the mammoth Airbus A380 between Abu Dhabi and Toronto. This marks the first time the ultra-exclusive Etihad Airways First Class Apartments and The Residence will be available on the route.
Fortunately, there’s fairly wide-open GuestSeat availability for Apartments, though it costs a tidy sum of miles.
If you decide to book, you’ll be handsomely rewarded for your efforts with one of the most exclusive in-flight experiences available in commercial aviation.
This story originally appeared on princeoftravel