Weekly travel agenda: Al Maktoum International Airport opens

The world's largest airport officially opens June 27 after receiving its first test flight June 21. The massive Al Maktoum International is capable of handling 160 million passengers annually and is expected to considerably ease the burden on Dubai International when it opens to passenger traffic in 2011. Independence Day sees the launch of two new cruise liners in New York and Venice.

Al Maktoum International Airport Opens
June 27
Dubai, UAE

At ten times the size of Dubai's existing airport, Al Maktoum International airport is set to be the world's largest passenger and cargo hub. With five runways, the airport will initially open to cargo traffic and passenger operations will be phased in gradually.
http://www.dwc.ae

Norwegian Epic July 4th Fireworks Display
July 4
New York, USA

The new Norwegian Epic is to host the annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks display, live from the ship's deck in New York's Hudson river at 9:00 PM EST. It will depart on its maiden voyage shortly after, carrying 4,200 passengers.
http://epic.ncl.com/

Nieuw Amsterdam Launch
July 4
Venice, Italy

The 86,000-ton Nieuw Amsterdam will feature 11 guest decks, a cyber coffee house, a teens-only loft and space for 2,106 passengers when it is delivered in Venice, Italy.
http://www.hollandamerica.com

InterContinental Times Square Opens
July 12
New York City, USA

The new flagship of the luxury InterContinental range will now officially open July 12, rising 34 storeys above the city. Facilities include the Ça Va restaurant by celebrity Chef Todd English, 607 guestrooms and a 371-square meter "Gotham Ballroom."
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com

Royal International Air Tattoo
July 17-18
RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

The Royal International Air Tattoo is the world's largest military air show and is held in Gloucestershire in the UK. Over 170,000 visitors are expected to attend to see displays from over 300 military aircraft from armed forces around the world.
http://www.airtattoo.com

Farnborough International Air Show
July 19-25
Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, United Kingdom

The Farnborough Air Show is a biennial exhibition of all things aviation, where major deals are often announced by the industry. For members of the public, the exhibition is also set to include some spectacular air shows on July 24-25.
http://www.farnborough.com

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
July 26 - August 1
Oshkosh, WI, USA

The AirVenture Oshkosh is America's largest air enthusiast event. Attendance is estimated at over 700,000, with 10,000 - 15,000 aircraft on display for keen enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. This makes the control tower the busiest in the world during the event - controllers are drafted in from across the US to safely marshall some 8,000 landings.
http://www.airventure.org