Airport workers represented by the trade union, Prospect, at Dundee Airport in Scotland are set to strike for 24 hours on 30 April. The 31 union members expected to join the strike action include firefighters, air traffic controllers and aircraft fuelling staff. Union leaders have warned that the strike will lead to the closure of the airport on 30 April; however, this has thus far not been confirmed by airport authorities.
The strike announcement follows stalled negotiations over wage increases. Union members argue that their salaries should be adjusted to the wage standard at other Scottish airports. Prospect leaders are scheduled to hold another meeting with airport management and the conciliation board, ACAS, on 24 April in an attempt to end the dispute. Dundee Airport handles scheduled flights to London, Birmingham and Belfast, and a strike is likely to disrupt flight services significantly at the airport.
Clients planning to transit through Dundee Airport on 30 April are advised to contact their airline, the airport or their travel provider prior departure to confirm the status of their flights(s).
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
12 Apr 2012
Issue 538
Tsunami watch lifted after quake in Aceh, Indonesia
The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cancelled its tsunami watch for the Indian Ocean on Wednesday hours after a massive 8.6-magnitude earthquake and several aftershocks struck off Aceh, Indonesia.
The initial 8.6-magnitude quake hit about 430 kilometres off the city of Banda Aceh in Sumatra at 0838 GMT, and was followed by another undersea quake measured at 8.2, the US Geological Survey said.
Panicky residents poured into the streets of Banda Aceh, which was near the epicentre of a 9.1-magnitude quake in 2004 that unleashed an Indian Ocean tsunami which killed 230,000 people including 170,000 in Aceh province.
Wednesday's quake was felt as far afield as Thailand, where skyscrapers in the capital Bangkok swayed. India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Reunion Island, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Burma all issued alerts or evacuation orders.
Small tsunamis hit Indonesia and Thailand, with waves of up to 80 centimetres in Aceh, but there were no reports of damage or casualties. US seismologists then cancelled the tsunami warning, saying the quakes had generated only small waves and were nowhere near the scale of the disasters that struck Asia in 2004 and Japan last year.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
22 Mar 2012
Issue 537
India: Kingfisher Airlines to suspend all international flights
India's Kingfisher Airlines has indicated that it will suspend all international flights from 25 March. The airline also indicated that it will further decrease domestic flights although did not indicate specific routes that may be affected.
The airline operates along several international routes, including Colombo, Dubai and London. The airline has been affected by unplanned industrial action by personnel since November 2011 amid ongoing financial difficulties which have resulted in intermittent flight disruptions and cancellations.
Previous reports have also indicated that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has suspended the airline from three payment systems due to unpaid fees. The Indian government has also stated that it will not loan any emergency funds to the airline. Further disruptions to remaining domestic flights are thus possible in the coming weeks.
Clients are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider for further information on the status of their flight(s).
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
21 Mar 2012
Issue 536
United States: Flight cancellations at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
As many as 160 American Airlines and American Eagle flights have been cancelled at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport due to ongoing thunderstorms in the US state of Texas. Access to the airport has also been affected by the closure of Mid Cities Boulevard between State Highway 360 and West Airfield Drive due to rising water levels. Dallas Love Field Airport has also been affected by the adverse weather conditions. Heavy rain is expected to continue on 20 March. Further flight cancellations and delays are possible at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Clients intending to transit through Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport are advised to contact their airline or travel provider for updates on the status of their flight(s).
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
01 Mar 2012
Issue 535
Thailand: Congestion at Bangkok Airport Immigration Area
Please note that Bangkok Airport now faced congestion at all of immigration areas. In order to secure Thai Airways flights on-time departure at Bangkok or remain passengers travel convenience and satisfaction, therefore we need your kind support and co-operation as following details.
1. Please kindly inform passenger to arrive Bangkok Airport on their flight at their earliest (3hours prior to standard is recommended) and immediately proceed to immigration formality with complete immigration card after check-in.
2. For visa on arrival process is now averagely taken 2hours, please advise passenger travel to Bangkok and other 6 CIQ domestic destinations (Chiang-Mai, Chiang-Rai, Hat Yai, Koh Samui, Krabi, Phuket) to get entry visa prior to travel to Bangkok, to ensure their seamless traveling accordingly.
3. For passenger destination is Bangkok, kindly suggest passenger to complete the arrival immigration card (mostly provide during the flight) prior to approach the arrival immigration area.
4. Please advise the through check passenger with destination 6 CIQ domestic stations to rush proceed to first port immigration area located at level 2 intersection between concourse C & D with completed arrival immigration card, passport and their second boarding pass.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
16 Feb 2012
Issue 534
Frankfurt: Announced strike at Frankfurt Airport for Thursday, 16.02.2012
The Gdf air traffic controllers union has announced a strike at Frankfurt Airport for Thursday, 16.02.2012 from 3 p.m. till 10 p.m. local time. Lufthansa regrets any inconvenience to Lufthansa passengers caused by the threatened strike measures by the GdF union and will do its utmost to minimise impacts on passengers. Passenger support and service has paramount priority.
Delays and flight cancellations have to be expected.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
10 Feb 2012
Issue 533
Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) of Amber - Signs of threat on Maldives
Security Bureau of the Government of HKSAR has already issued an Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) of Amber - Signs of threat on Maldives
A 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook the central Philippines, killing at least one and causing panic in nearby cities.
The quake hit 70 km north of the city of Dumaguete on Negros Island at 11:49 am (0349 GMT) at a depth of 20 km, the US Geological Survey said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued a tsunami alert for a metre high wave along the east coast and west of Cebu City.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a regional tsunami was not expected.
However, it said on its website that earthquakes of this intensity can sometimes trigger destructive local tsunami.
The late morning quake in the Negros and Cebu region caused panic in nearby cities, with people rushing out of schools, malls and offices. Officials in some areas suspended work and cancelled classes.
A child was crushed to death by a collapsed wall in Tayasan town in Negros, Benito Ramos, chief of the Office of Civil Defence told reporters.
Buildings in the cities of Cebu and San Carlos shook violently and sustained damages such as broken windows and cracks on the walls, he added.
Two aftershocks measuring 4.8 and 5.6 magnitude on the USGS scale followed within half an hour of the earthquake.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
06 Feb 2012
Issue 531
France: Air France employees to commence strike action
Unionised employees at France's national airline, Air France, are expected to participate in a series of strikes on 6, 7, 8 and 9 February. The industrial action, which will include pilots, crew, technicians and ground personnel, has already forced Air France to reduce scheduled flights on the affected days and may result in further unanticipated flight cancellations. The strike has been called in protest against government plans to limit strike-related disruptions by introducing a strike notice period as well as legal requirements for minimum services. Labour unions have described the measures as an infringement on worker's rights.
Clients should expect significant disruptions to Air France services as well as to operations at French airports on the respective days. Clients intending to make use of Air France services or to transit through any French airports from 6 to 9 February are advised to contact Air France or their travel provider prior to departure to enquire about the status of their flight(s).
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
06 Feb 2012
Issue 530
United Kingdom: Inclement weather causing travel delays
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for 5, 6 and 7 February. The warnings are for icy conditions following heavy snowfall on 4 February, and it has been forecast that the snow will turn to ice, creating hazardous driving conditions. Areas for which the warnings are in effect include Wales, north west England, north east England, Yorkshire and Humber, west Midlands, east Midlands, east England, south east England and the capital, London. The inclement weather has also affected other transport services, with several rail services being cancelled, and hundreds of flights being cancelled at Heathrow airport on 5 February; however, spokespersons at Heathrow have stated that further flights are not expected to be cancelled on 6 February.
Gatwick airport remains unaffected by the snow and there have been no reports of disruptions there. Trains services have also been affected, with delays and cancellations being reported, particularly in southern and south eastern England. London Underground train services are also experiencing delays.
Clients are advised to monitor local media for further updates and advisories. Clients intending to travel by road are advised to exercise extreme caution; those intending to travel by air are advised to contact their departure airport, airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flights.
For further information and travel arrangement assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your designated travel consultant. Thank you.
Delta Amends Various Baggage Fees and Allowances Beginning 01July
Effective July 1, 2011, Delta Air Lines is amending various baggage fees and allowances for Delta and Delta Connection flights. These amendments are in addition to previously-announced amendments to policies that began on June 1, 2011.
The changes, which are effective for tickets issued on or after July 1, 2011 for all applicable travel dates, are being implemented to provide fee simplification and harmonization for international travel regions.
Please Note: Fee decreases are effective for travel on or after July 1, 2011, regardless of ticket issue date.
Highlights of the allowance and fee changes and applicable travel areas that are affected: - The term “Plus 1” refers to allowing one additional bag over normal checked bag allowance for Elite members in certain cases. - Effective for tickets issued on or after July 1, 2011, the “Plus 1” baggage allowance benefit is extended to all SkyTeam Elite/Elite Plus passengers.
*For complete information on all of Delta's baggage policies, allowances, fees, restrictions or exceptions and for travel to/from other areas, visit Baggage at www.delta.com.
01 Jun 2011
Issue 502
Delta Amends Various Baggage Fees and Allowances
Effective June 1, 2011, Delta Air Lines is amending various baggage fees and allowances for Delta and Delta Connection flights. These changes, which are effective for tickets issued on or after June 1, 2011 for all applicable travel dates, are being implemented to provide fee simplification and harmonization for international travel regions.
*For complete information on all of Delta's baggage policies, allowances, fees, restrictions or exceptions and for travel to/from other areas, visit Baggage at www.delta.com.
26 May 2011
Issue 501
British Airways - Reward for New On Business Accounts
Just fly two return Club World business class flights from Hong Kong to London to redeem a reward flight on World Traveller economy class for new On Business accounts.
Please contact your travel consultant for On Business Accounts' enrollment details.
With effective 01June 2011, Thai Airways will levy a fuel surcharge of HKD236.00 per sector for sectors in / out Hong Kong until 30June 2011. This surcharge is applicable to all tickets issued or re-issued or sold in Hong Kong.
25 May 2011
Issue 498
Cathay Pacific - New Fuel Surcharge
All Cathay Pacific tickets issued or re-issued on / after 01 June 2011 for travel on/after this date will be subjected to new fuel surcharge:
USD144.10 / HKD1124 / CAD143.80 / NZD186 (From USD132.10 / HKD1030 / CAD130.70 / NZD168) for flights between Hong Kong and Southwest Pacific, North America, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent.
USD30.30 / HKD236 / NZD39 (From USD28.50 / HKD222 / NZD36) for flights not mentioned above, including flights to / from Japan, itineraries originated from Korea as well as flights between New York and Vancouver.
The surcharge will apply per flight sector, including children and infant fares.
25 May 2011
Issue 497
Air New Zealand - Passenger Fuel Surcharge
The fuel surcharge will be revised to HKD1124.00 per sector for all tickets to be issued and reissued between 01Jun - 30Jun2011.
04 May 2011
Issue 495
Vietnam: Hue Airport suspends service from May 13 to Jun 13
Please be advised of the following development(s) that may impact your travel programme:
Hue airport will be closed from 13 May 2011 00:01 till 13 June 2011 23:59 for runway maintenance.
If you have made any booking to Hue airport for the above mentioned period, please contact our travel consultant for further information.
29 Mar 2011
Issue 492
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements For Passengers Returning From Brazil (Sao Paulo) To Singapore On SQ67
Please note that Singapore is one of the countries that requires passengers returning from Brazil to produce proof of the Yellow Fever vaccination before allowing entry.
Customers who have intent to travel to Brazil on Singapore Airlines flight SQ68 and/or returning from Sao Paulo (GRU) on SQ67 are advised to take the Yellow Fever vaccination prior to travel ex-SIN.
For passengers who are allergic to the vaccine, they should obtain a Medical Contraindication to Vaccine form signed by their doctor.
The Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is considered valid if:
• At least 10 days after the date of vaccination
• Within 10 years of vaccination
Passengers bound for Sao Paulo (GRU) from Singapore (SIN) on SQ68
SIN airport staff checking passengers to GRU will check for the certificate if the passenger’s immediate onward/return destination needs one.
If passenger is not holding onto a valid yellow fever certificate, staff will recommend that passenger obtain his/her vaccination at least 10 days before departure from GRU.
Passengers will still be allowed uplift from Singapore.
Passengers returning from Sao Paulo (GRU) to Singapore (SIN) on SQ67
GRU airport staff will request that passengers traveling to SIN present the Yellow Fever certificate for sighting.
For passengers who are doing a stopover in Barcelona (BCN) from GRU, Yellow Fever vaccination is not required for entry into Spain.
Passengers traveling to SIN without a valid vaccination certificate will be handled as per the procedures for entry visas and denied boarding. This is also practiced by other airlines operating at GRU.
Please note that the vaccination certificate is considered valid only if the vaccination was done at least 10 days prior to the day of departure from GRU.
Exceptions are passengers who are allergic to the vaccine. Instead, the passengers should produce a Medical Contraindication to Vaccine form signed by their doctor.
16 Mar 2011
Issue 490
Japan: Japan races to contain nuclear crisis
Please be advised of the following development(s) that may impact your travel programme:
TOKYO – Radiation near the quake-hit Fukushima No.1 plant has reached levels harmful to health and was high overnight, officials said, advising thousands of people to stay indoors after two explosions and a fire at the facility Tuesday.
Four of the six reactors at the crippled facility, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast of Tokyo, have now overheated and sparked explosions since Friday's massive earthquake and tsunami knocked out their cooling systems.
The blasts at the seaside plant have shattered buildings housing the reactors but have apparently not penetrated the steel and concrete containers surrounding the fuel rods, reducing the risk of massive contamination.
Workers have used fire-fighting equipment to pump seawater into the reactors -- and fears have spiked sharply after separate containment pools holding spent fuel rods at reactor number four started to heat up, threatening to run dry. If the water in the deep pools evaporates, this would expose the fuel rods to the air, destroying them and sending radioactive materials into the air. The water in the containment pool of reactor number four may have been boiling earlier, Kyodo News reported.
Worsening levels of radiation on Tuesday forced the company to pull out most of its hundreds of workers who have been battling the emergency. They later evacuated the plant's central control room and were now monitoring the site remotely, Kyodo reported.
Tens of thousands have already been evacuated from within a radius of 20 kilometres (12 miles) of the 40-year-old plant, and Prime Minister Naoto Kan urged people living within 10 kilometres of that zone to stay indoors.
Radiation levels were monitored at 4.548 millisieverts per hour at 11:00 pm (1400 GMT) and rose further to 7.966 millisieverts less than an hour later at the plant's entrance, Jiji Press reported, quoting TEPCO officials. Levels fluctuated throughout the day. A single dose of 1,000 millisieverts -- or one sievert -- causes temporary radiation sickness such as nausea and vomiting.
Higher than normal radiation was detected in Tokyo on Tuesday, prompting many people to flee, but a city official said it was not considered at a level harmful to human health and the level fell later in the day.
Travelers are advised to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport
