News to Know

How Safe Air Corridors Keep Flights Moving Amid Middle East Airspace Closures
SOURCE: TRAVEL TOMORROW, 3/12

Flights in the United Arab Emirates and across the Middle East have faced major disruption in recent weeks as tensions escalated following military strikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Several countries temporarily closed or restricted their airspace as a safety precaution. Thousands of flights were cancelled, and hundreds of thousands of passengers were left stranded across global travel networks. Despite these restrictions, some aircraft have continued flying through what aviation authorities call safe air corridors. 

Global Entry Restarts and GBTA Voices Made a Difference

The U.S. Administration’s announcement yesterday to restart the Global Entry program is welcome news for business travelers and the travel managers who support them. Global Entry plays a critical role in making international border crossings faster and more predictable.

Recently, GBTA formally urged action by sending a letter to the four leaders of Congress and by engaging with relevant Congressional committees. Our message was clear: trusted traveler programs like Global Entry matter to U.S. business travel, competitiveness and economic growth.

Just as important was the power of our members’ voices.

GBTA thanks all members who took the time to engage in our email advocacy campaigns this past month. As a result, over 1,000 emails were sent to Congress. This is proof that when our community speaks up, policymakers listen.

And our work continues.

Long TSA airport security lines remain a serious concern, especially with recent reports that 300 TSA officers have left the agency since the start of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shutdown. Help us again by sending a strong message to Congress and advocate for a secure, well-staffed, and efficient travel system.

Industry Spotlight

GBTA Foundation
The 2025 SAF Surge: Is Your Program Keeping Pace? 

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has officially shifted from "niche concept" to a core corporate priority. New data reveals that 20% of travel programs purchased SAF in 2025 – an impressive 30% year-over-year growth. With another 11% of companies identified as "intent-ready," the momentum is building fast. 

Unlocking this demand isn't just about intent; it's about reducing friction in contracting and investing in market confidence. Whether you are managing a global program or a regional one, the tools to transition from ambition to action are now available. 

• Download the SAF Insights Report 
• Join the SAF Corporate Connect Community 

GBTA Convention 2026
Your Case for Chicago Starts Here

Buyer Access+ Maps Out the Sessions, Tools, and Connections at Convention 2026

Convention is packed, and knowing where to focus makes all the difference. Buyer Access+ walks you through buyer-only sessions, Braindates, education tracks, and pre-scheduling expo appointments, each with details and timing so you can plan with purpose. Whether you need talking points for your manager or a clear picture of what three days in Chicago can deliver, it's all in one place.

Reminder: Rates increase on April 8 at 11:59 PM ET.