Today's Edition
A. SREEENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
A teenage pilot landed at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi on Friday as part of his bid to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe.
Byron Waller, from Queensland, Australia, began his journey in Brisbane, with stopovers in Singapore, Sri Lanka and India before arriving in Abu Dhabi. He had earlier set a record in 2024 as the youngest person to fly around Australia. Waller is accompanied on this world flight by a trainer for legal reasons.
Behind this mission lies the story of the Australian teen’s indomitable spirit. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic intestinal disorder, Waller was confined to a wheelchair for a period of time. Rather than allowing his illness to define him, he turned his health battle into a mission of hope and resilience, determined to inspire others facing similar challenges.
Speaking to Aletihad, the 15-year-old pilot described his Abu Dhabi landing as a symbolic moment. “To visit a country which is 50 years young and so progressive was inspirational for me. I was proud to bring my small aircraft into such a major aviation hub, surrounded by some of the world’s largest airlines,” Waller said.
He is spending several days in the UAE to rest and might stay in the country until Thursday. He said he is really enjoying Abu Dhabi and has also been to Dubai. “Looking out from my cockpit and seeing Emirates and Etihad aircraft nearby was surreal. It was a huge moment, and the welcome from everyone here made me feel at home straight away,” the young pilot said, visibly overcome by emotion.
Waller was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease last year. “With Crohn’s, some days are very difficult and it requires daily management,” he said. “I did not let my illness define me. Instead of waiting until I was older, I wanted to prove to myself — and to other young people — that illness doesn’t mean the end of your dreams.”
Flying has long been his passion. “It lifts me up, and this world flight is my way of showing what’s possible when you keep going, even through big challenges,” he said.
On raising awareness, Waller stressed that Crohn’s disease is often under-diagnosed. “If you have symptoms, see your doctor and be honest. There is no point in trying to hide it or ignore it.” He added that awareness in the region is still developing. “Hopefully my trip will inspire others who are unwell with diseases like Crohn’s to think past their illness and look at their futures when they are treated or better.”
During his stay, Waller joined the Emirates Falcon Aero Club in Al Ain for a flight in a lightsport aircraft not available in Australia. “I found it so interesting to have a pilot in command with a different accent. It was an amazing experience and I am so grateful to the Emirates Falcon Aero Club in Al Ain. Skimming over the desert dunes and seeing the landscape from that perspective was an incredible contrast to flying over the Australian coastline.”
He was also struck by the camaraderie among UAE aviators. “Everyone I met was so encouraging and proud to share their skies with me. Aviation brings cultures together, and that’s one of the main aims of this flight – to unite, connect and join people and cultures through a shared love of aviation and travel.”
Not every leg of the journey has been easy. “On one ocean stretch, the headwinds were stronger than expected, and I had to carefully manage my fuel and speed to make it to the destination. It taught me how important preparation and calm decision-making are,” he recalled.
Reflecting on his flight with the Emirates Aeroclub, he said: “I travelled in a smaller, lighter aircraft that felt like part of the wind itself.”
In Abu Dhabi, Waller also took part in a ceremony to announce the release date of an Indian movie titled Gejanana Crickerers. “It was surreal to go from flying across continents to standing on stage for a film launch. That shows how this trip is about connection and culture as much as flying,” he said.
“When I am back in Australia, I hope to go to my local cricket stadium, the Gabba, and watch some of the teams from the countries I am flying into play,” he added.
From the UAE, Waller will go to Egypt, Europe, Iceland, Canada, the US and eventually to his home country Australia.
Waller aims to complete his global journey by landing back in Australia on October 13 — his 16th birthday.
“To me, nothing could be more meaningful than celebrating my birthday by landing back home in Australia, having circumnavigated the world.”
