NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort to Reopen After Six-Month Renovation

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the Asia

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Image Source: NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort © Minor International

Minor Hotels has announced the reopening of the NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort on December 18, 2025, following an extensive six-month renovation. Located in the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll, the resort returns with redesigned villas, expanded dining concepts, and new leisure facilities aimed at enhancing the guest experience.

Formerly known as Reethi Beach Resort, the property has been rebranded under the NH Collection banner, marking a significant milestone for Minor Hotels’ expansion in the Indian Ocean. Accessible via a 35-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, the resort is also close to Hanifaru Bay, renowned for its marine encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles.

The upgraded resort now features 105 villas, including 16 new pool villas offering private plunge pools. Beach Villas provide direct access to the shoreline, while Overwater Villas deliver uninterrupted lagoon views and seclusion. The redesign blends traditional Maldivian elements with contemporary comforts to appeal to a broad range of travelers.

Culinary offerings have been expanded to seven venues. Highlights include Alifaan, a beachfront grill specializing in flame-cooked dishes; Kaiyo, an overwater restaurant serving Asian-inspired cuisine; and Jumla, an all-day dining venue with global selections. Additional options include Madumaithri, set beside a new beachfront infinity pool, and Aqua Bar, offering casual bites by the main pool. Evening entertainment is centered at Atardecer, a sunset bar with tapas, cocktails, and live DJ sets, while Handhuvaru, a rum bar, provides a more intimate atmosphere. Exclusive dining experiences are also available at the Fine Dining wine cellar and through Adrift, a private dining service.

Beyond dining, the resort introduces a diverse lineup of activities. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and water sports such as flyboarding, windsurfing, and hydrobiking. On land, the REVIVE Spa offers wellness programs inspired by natural surroundings, complemented by a fitness center, games room, Kids’ Club, and courts for tennis, badminton, volleyball, and pickleball.

U.S. Government Shutdown Triggers Flight Delays Amid Staffing Shortages

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: AP Photo/John Locher

Airports across the United States faced mounting flight delays on Tuesday as the federal government shutdown entered its seventh day, straining already thin staffing levels at air traffic control towers and security checkpoints.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing shortages at major airports in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as at air traffic control centers in Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Takeoffs into several of those cities were temporarily slowed to maintain safety standards.

While about 92% of the 23,600 flights scheduled for Tuesday departed on time, aviation analysts warned that the disruption could worsen if the shutdown drags on. “The risk of broader impacts on the U.S. aviation system is growing by the day,” said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst, who cautioned that holiday travel could be at risk if the deadlock persists.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there has already been an increase in air traffic controllers calling in sick. On Monday, staffing shortages forced the Hollywood Burbank Airport control tower in California to close for several hours, causing average delays of two and a half hours.

Union leaders representing air traffic controllers and TSA officers voiced growing concern. “It’s not like we have extra controllers we can move around,” said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. “Our system is critically understaffed.”

TSA workers are also feeling the strain, with some calling in sick as paychecks lapse. “Employees are struggling to make ends meet,” said Johnny Jones, a TSA union official. Airports including Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson have begun offering food vouchers and parking assistance for unpaid federal staff.

Industry groups and unions continue to urge lawmakers to end the shutdown, warning that continued disruptions could severely impact air travel safety and efficiency nationwide.

Tesla Delivers Strong Q3 Results Amid Shifting EV Market Dynamics

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business

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Image Source: AP Photo/Noah Berger/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tesla reported stronger than expected third-quarter results, delivering 447,450 vehicles globally and deploying a record 12.5 gigawatt-hours of energy storage products. The figures underscore Tesla’s resilience in an increasingly competitive electric vehicle (EV) market, even as industry analysts caution about looming challenges.

The company’s performance comes on the heels of solid EV sales from rivals including GM, Ford, and Rivian. Analysts note that many buyers likely accelerated purchases before the Republican-led U.S. government phased out the federal $7,500 EV tax credit a policy shift expected to weigh on future demand.

“While the numbers were better than expected, the data is backward looking,” CFRA analyst Garrett Nelson said, warning that the end of subsidies could dampen sales momentum. He added that Tesla’s limited pipeline of new vehicle models raises further concerns about sustaining growth in an unsubsidized market.

CEO Elon Musk had previously warned investors of “a few rough quarters” as the company delayed launching its lower-cost EVs until after the tax credit expired. At the same time, Tesla faces headwinds in Europe, where registrations fell 22.5% in August compared with last year. By contrast, overall EV sales in the region jumped 26.8%, highlighting Tesla’s weakening foothold amid intensifying competition and political backlash against Musk’s public stances.

Despite those pressures, Tesla shares have surged more than 30% in September, buoyed by investor enthusiasm for the company’s artificial intelligence and robotics ventures. Products such as the Cybercab robotaxi service are increasingly viewed as future growth drivers.

“What really matters is autonomy,” said Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management. “There are a lot more Teslas on the road today than just three months ago. Meanwhile, other automakers remain in denial about the importance of EVs in capitalizing on autonomy.”