Deepthi Nair Archives

Deepthi Nair is Skift’s Middle East Reporter, covering aviation, hospitality, tourism policy, and travel trends across the Gulf and wider region. Based in Dubai, she reports on how the region is reshaping global travel — from airline expansion and visa shifts to mega tourism projects. She regularly interviews top industry executives and government leaders. Outside of work, Deepthi is usually planning her next trip.

Hotels

UAE Hotels Slashing Prices To Off Peak Lows Due To Travel Crisis

Authorities and private partners are rolling out staycation discounts, free attraction access, and lifestyle‑focused discount programs to encourage residents to support the hospitality sector.

Deepthi Nair | 4 months ago

Tourism

With UAE Tourism In Crisis, Here’s Where Travelers Are Going Instead

Travellers from Europe and the U.S. are instead eyeing European Mediterranean locations, Morocco, and South America. But can airlines scramble to add capacity at such short notice? If else fails, staycations are on the up, too.

Deepthi Nair | 4 months ago

Airlines

Six Years After Covid, the Travel Industry Faces Another Stress Test

Even after the Covid shutdown forced airlines to rethink disruption management, the Middle East conflict shows the industry still struggles with the basics.

Meghna Maharishi, Adriana Lee, Deepthi Nair, Dennis Schaal, and Peden Doma Bhutia | 4 months ago

Hotels

Minor International Sees Q4 ‘Uplift’ for UAE Bookings After ‘Major Cancelations’

Minor International is confident in a rebound of travel to the UAE and is planning for a franchise-driven doubling of Middle East properties before 2030.

Deepthi Nair | 4 months ago

An Etihad Airways Boeing 787 taking off.

Airlines

5x, 10x, 20x – Airlines Hike Ticket Prices Out of Middle East

When a crisis hits, people crave comfort and stability. But for those caught in the Middle East conflict, with over 55% of flights canceled, a fare home came with a hefty price tag.

Peden Doma Bhutia and Deepthi Nair | 4 months ago

Hotels

Minor Hotels to Launch Wolseley in New York, Then Dubai

Minor is using Wolseley to test whether a storied restaurant brand can become a broader luxury platform, starting in New York and likely next in Dubai.

Luke Martin and Deepthi Nair | 4 months ago

Airlines

Iran War Is Costing Small Airlines $200,000 Daily, Insurer Estimates

Airlines have been impacted by the disruption caused by the war, and could now mitigate these costs by increasing future ticket pricing.

Deepthi Nair | 5 months ago

Hotels

Dubai Hotel Owner Al Habtoor Calls Out Trump Over ‘Dangerous’ Iran War

Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor’s comments carry weight because he is behind some of the UAE’s largest hotels and because he is one of the rare hoteliers to speak out about the war's disruption to business.

Deepthi Nair | 5 months ago

Airlines

300% Increase In Private Jet Demand In UAE, Charter Provider Claims

The ongoing war in the Middle East has led to airspace closures and grounded planes, causing ticket prices to surge on high demand, increased fuel costs and rising insurance premiums.

Deepthi Nair | 5 months ago

Tourists taking photos during a bus tour in Dubai

Hotels

Iran War Causing Sharp Shock To UAE Travel

Operators brace for a short-term slowdown in tourism and F&B revenue amid blanket cancellations and airspace closures.

Deepthi Nair | 5 months ago