Delays are expected tomorrow at Uk airports as immigration and customs officers join 750,000 teachers and civil servants in strike action over pension reforms. The Uk border agency is warning travellers the walkout will cause mass delays and travelling on different dates if possible is advised.
BAA have confirmed there airports will be delayed after receiving confirmation from the border agency stating the strike intentions. Thousands of teachers who go on strike tomorrow has will cause heartache for parents who will be forced to have the day off work or make arrangements with child minders.
David Cameron the English prime minister has called the strikes unnecessary as the pension reforms were fair. A poll carried out by the Sun newspaper has the country divided with backing slightly in favour of the strikers
Showing posts with label Airport News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Airport News. Show all posts
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
HIA Staff In Strike Threat
Over 150 staff at 10 Scottish airports are threatening to go on strike over a row over pay, the staff work for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and the first strike date has been earmarked for the 4th July right in the middle of the busy summer period and is also the same week the Scottish Open is taking place.
A 1% pay rise has been severely rebuffed as some staff are only on £6.85 at the moment, security staff are not even entitled to sick pay, shift pay or any pension benefits. Whilst other HIA staff they work alongside get all of the previous benefits.
To make matters worse there are reports the airport is recruiting strike-breakers to cover the absence of staff and even paying them a higher wage than they pay there own workers. This has caused outrage among strikers however the airport denies this is taking place.
A 1% pay rise has been severely rebuffed as some staff are only on £6.85 at the moment, security staff are not even entitled to sick pay, shift pay or any pension benefits. Whilst other HIA staff they work alongside get all of the previous benefits.
To make matters worse there are reports the airport is recruiting strike-breakers to cover the absence of staff and even paying them a higher wage than they pay there own workers. This has caused outrage among strikers however the airport denies this is taking place.
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Plymouth City Airport to close
The last flights will be taking off and arriving at Plymouth City Airport in December of this year. The owner of this hub announced that it would be closing as a result of the economic downtown which has affected the UK regional aviation market. At present, there are less than 100 passengers flying out of this hub on a daily basis which is just not enough to keep it in business.
Newquay and Exeter Airports will benefit from the closure, but Plymouth still needs an airport in the future. In the meantime, all the bodies involved are endeavouring to find a way to save the airport and its only airline will continue to sell airline tickets and operate flights to and from the hub until closure.
Newquay and Exeter Airports will benefit from the closure, but Plymouth still needs an airport in the future. In the meantime, all the bodies involved are endeavouring to find a way to save the airport and its only airline will continue to sell airline tickets and operate flights to and from the hub until closure.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Lee Westwood In Emergency Landing
Lee Westwood the World number 2 Golfer and Ryder Cup teammate Ross Fisher were forced to make an emergency landing after their private jet caught fire shortly after take-off. The Ryder Cup winning golfers had just finished participating in the Houston Open and are taking part in the this week’s US Masters Championship.
Westwood gave running commentary on his twitter account showing his humorous side with tweets including "Do the [fire] engines normally follow you down the runway? Only when there's smoke in the cabin I guess!!!” and "They're not here to put my putter out! That's not on fire!"
The plane landed safely, with no injuries to any crew or passengers a problem in the instruments panel caused the fire, which forced the emergency landing.
Monday, 7 March 2011
Girls Just Wanna Take Off
Cyndi Lauper wowed passengers at Buenos Aires airport last Friday as tempers were starting to flair over delays and cancellations to flights. The 57 year old star who was in the country following a sell out world-wide tour grabbed a airport microphone and started sing her well known classic.
Dressed in black headscarf and glasses the singer began her rendition prompting fellow passengers to join in and sing along with legendry star. The bizarre events can be seen below.
Dressed in black headscarf and glasses the singer began her rendition prompting fellow passengers to join in and sing along with legendry star. The bizarre events can be seen below.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Panic Grips Tripoli
Scenes of panic have gripped Tripoli airport as thousands and thousands of foreigners try to flee the country. Hundreds of protesters have already lost their lives in the battle against Colonel Gaddafi’s loyal forces as they try to force the dictator out of power.
The first rescue plane provided by oil giant BP for its Libya workers arrived at Gatwick airport this morning with some 70people on board, one of the workers described Libya as going into meltdown with constant gunfire which has now spread to the airport as flocks of people try to escape.
David Cameron has apologised to stranded Brits for the delay in deploying evacuation planes though three Hercules Military aircrafts have now been deployed with the first expected at Gatwick this evening.
The first rescue plane provided by oil giant BP for its Libya workers arrived at Gatwick airport this morning with some 70people on board, one of the workers described Libya as going into meltdown with constant gunfire which has now spread to the airport as flocks of people try to escape.
David Cameron has apologised to stranded Brits for the delay in deploying evacuation planes though three Hercules Military aircrafts have now been deployed with the first expected at Gatwick this evening.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
EU plan to transfer air passenger data
The European Commission is proposing to create a bigger exchange of air passenger data between national authorities at arrival or departure destinations within the EU. The motive for this plan is to prevent terrorism and other crimes such as drug trafficking.
This plan must first be examined by EU Parliament and EU governments before it is put in force. The Commission also assures that the information will be treated with confidentiality in accordance with European Human Rights Standards.
Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, which includes information about the travel dates, travel itinerary, airline tickets, contact details, travel agent who booked the flight, method of payment used, seat number and baggage information, will be transferred to the national authorities on request and it will be kept for 30 days after the flight. The proposal will not apply to flights within the EU or domestic flights, but rather all international flights arriving in or departing from an EU country.
This plan must first be examined by EU Parliament and EU governments before it is put in force. The Commission also assures that the information will be treated with confidentiality in accordance with European Human Rights Standards.
Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, which includes information about the travel dates, travel itinerary, airline tickets, contact details, travel agent who booked the flight, method of payment used, seat number and baggage information, will be transferred to the national authorities on request and it will be kept for 30 days after the flight. The proposal will not apply to flights within the EU or domestic flights, but rather all international flights arriving in or departing from an EU country.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
35 Dead In Moscow Airport Bomb
35 people were killed yesterday including two Brits after a suicide bomber walked into Moscow’s busiest airport Domodedovo and detonated a bomb thought to be hidden in a suitcase with the equivalent power of 7kg of TNT.
The bomber originally thought to be male is now widely being reported as a female suicide bomber. A further 168 people were injured as a result of the terror attack, the bomb is thought to have been detonated at 4.32pm local time 45 minutes after British airways flight 872 had landed and just seconds after a BMI plane had touched down. A BA plane bound for Moscow was returned to Heathrow after being half way to its destination.
An investigation is now underway, with endless CCTV being monitored and claims are being made that warnings of bombings had been made a week ago and police were tracking three men. However recent reports are focusing on a female bomber.
The bomber originally thought to be male is now widely being reported as a female suicide bomber. A further 168 people were injured as a result of the terror attack, the bomb is thought to have been detonated at 4.32pm local time 45 minutes after British airways flight 872 had landed and just seconds after a BMI plane had touched down. A BA plane bound for Moscow was returned to Heathrow after being half way to its destination.
An investigation is now underway, with endless CCTV being monitored and claims are being made that warnings of bombings had been made a week ago and police were tracking three men. However recent reports are focusing on a female bomber.
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Gloucester And Manx2 In World Record Attempt
Guinness World Record adjudicators will be at Gloucester airport this summer as the airport attempts to set a world record for the fastest transit through an airport, the airport is to team up with Manx2 an Isle of Man based airline.
Manx2 chairmen stated his customers receive a service that is second to none at the Gloucester airport. With passengers having their luggage in their hands within 5 minutes of landing, the airline operates 14 flights a week at the airport.
The attempt will take place this year, the time will start from the second the aircraft lands and finish when all passengers have been re-united with their bags. Hopefully there won’t be any mix ups.
Manx2 chairmen stated his customers receive a service that is second to none at the Gloucester airport. With passengers having their luggage in their hands within 5 minutes of landing, the airline operates 14 flights a week at the airport.
The attempt will take place this year, the time will start from the second the aircraft lands and finish when all passengers have been re-united with their bags. Hopefully there won’t be any mix ups.
Monday, 29 November 2010
Torrid Weather Causes Havoc In Scotland
Torrid weather conditions have caused havoc in Scotland and Northern parts of England. Glasgow airport cancelled a number of flights this morning whilst Edinburgh airport was closed all together. Aberdeen airport is also expecting cancellations and delays this morning.
Other airports suffering from delays this morning include Durham Tees Valley airport and Newcastle airport. Temperatures are expected to drop to -20 later in the week. Train services in Scotland have also been affected, resulting in 2 services per hour.
The Met Office has delivered severe weather warnings for the entire eastern coast including London and Scotland. Police have called for motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
Other airports suffering from delays this morning include Durham Tees Valley airport and Newcastle airport. Temperatures are expected to drop to -20 later in the week. Train services in Scotland have also been affected, resulting in 2 services per hour.
The Met Office has delivered severe weather warnings for the entire eastern coast including London and Scotland. Police have called for motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
Monday, 1 November 2010
Explosive Devices Found On Cargo Planes
Two explosive devices have been found on US bound aircrafts as terrorist once again rock the aviation industry. Disaster was avoided when security were tipped off by an al-quaed member who had turned himself in 2 weeks earlier.
The devices were aboard cargo planes and had both passed security checks before a second screening found them. The first device was sent from Yemen and was found at East Midlands airport, the second was discovered in Dubai, where it had already travelled on two passenger planes, both devices had been hidden in an ink refill cartridge inside a printer.
David Cameron the UK Prime Minister confirmed the device had been designed to go off in mid-air but it was unclear as to when. All packages have been banned from Yemen and a woman has been arrested on suspicion of posting the packages.
Yemen authorities have also shut down the local shipping offices of the US cargo firms FedEx and UPS, both companies have pledged full cooperation while an investigation takes place.
It is a major blow to the UK travel industry as airline bosses were only last week saying security should be toned down a bit. But security will now be on full alert.
The devices were aboard cargo planes and had both passed security checks before a second screening found them. The first device was sent from Yemen and was found at East Midlands airport, the second was discovered in Dubai, where it had already travelled on two passenger planes, both devices had been hidden in an ink refill cartridge inside a printer.
David Cameron the UK Prime Minister confirmed the device had been designed to go off in mid-air but it was unclear as to when. All packages have been banned from Yemen and a woman has been arrested on suspicion of posting the packages.
Yemen authorities have also shut down the local shipping offices of the US cargo firms FedEx and UPS, both companies have pledged full cooperation while an investigation takes place.
It is a major blow to the UK travel industry as airline bosses were only last week saying security should be toned down a bit. But security will now be on full alert.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Strikes in France
Strikes in France
The French are known for striking and the government's pension reforms are just the latest reason for taking to the Parisian streets to protest. On Tuesday 12th October 2010, around 3.5 million people took part in the protests against the French President's proposals to raise the age of retirement from 60 to 62 and the state pension age from 65 to 67 years.
These strikes affected the transport system with half of all flights to and from Paris Orly airport, and one third of all flights to and from Charles de Gaulle and Paris Beauvais airports being cancelled. Sixteen Ryanair flights to and from East Midlands Airport and 37 flights in total departing from the UK were also cancelled.
Three national strikes in one month - things are expected to normalise, but hopefully the French will get what they want to avoid further disruptions to the transport system.
The French are known for striking and the government's pension reforms are just the latest reason for taking to the Parisian streets to protest. On Tuesday 12th October 2010, around 3.5 million people took part in the protests against the French President's proposals to raise the age of retirement from 60 to 62 and the state pension age from 65 to 67 years.
These strikes affected the transport system with half of all flights to and from Paris Orly airport, and one third of all flights to and from Charles de Gaulle and Paris Beauvais airports being cancelled. Sixteen Ryanair flights to and from East Midlands Airport and 37 flights in total departing from the UK were also cancelled.
Three national strikes in one month - things are expected to normalise, but hopefully the French will get what they want to avoid further disruptions to the transport system.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Spanish Air Strikes To Cause Problems
Strikes at Spanish airports will cause major problems today for any inbound travellers to the country, British airways has confirmed it has cancelled several flights to spain as a result of the strike. Whilst Ryanair has cancelled all domestic flights and many International flights in and out of Spain. Among the casualties will be Manchester United fans travelling to Valencia for tonight’s Champions League clash.
Easyjet has also been forced to cancel many of its flights but stressed they had written to customers in advance advising them to change their travel plans. All travellers should check their airlines website to see the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.
The strike is being carried out by Unions UGT and CCOO who are protesting at proposed wage cuts, new labour laws making it much easier for the airport to hire and fire workers and a raise in the retirement age from 65 to 67.
Easyjet has also been forced to cancel many of its flights but stressed they had written to customers in advance advising them to change their travel plans. All travellers should check their airlines website to see the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.
The strike is being carried out by Unions UGT and CCOO who are protesting at proposed wage cuts, new labour laws making it much easier for the airport to hire and fire workers and a raise in the retirement age from 65 to 67.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Car Bomb At Somalia Airport
Two people have been killed at Somalia airport after a suicide bomber drove into the main entrance and explosion ensued. Early reports suggest two people have been killed but locals claim the number is as high as 8.
The airport in Mogadishu is normally under the guard of the African Union peacekeepers and some reports suggest some of the dead are AU soldiers.
One local resident said the car powerfully rammed past the AU control point soon after there were 2 explosions killing 8 people. However AU Military have only confirmed two women begging outside the airport are the only fatalities.
Al-Qaeda group al-Shabab are being blamed for the attack and are currently battling the AU backed Government for control of Mogadishu.
The airport in Mogadishu is normally under the guard of the African Union peacekeepers and some reports suggest some of the dead are AU soldiers.
One local resident said the car powerfully rammed past the AU control point soon after there were 2 explosions killing 8 people. However AU Military have only confirmed two women begging outside the airport are the only fatalities.
Al-Qaeda group al-Shabab are being blamed for the attack and are currently battling the AU backed Government for control of Mogadishu.
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Sydney Airport Blasted
Sydney airport in Australia has been blasted by the International Air Transport Association director Giovanni Bisignani for being one of the top 10 most expensive airports in the world and demanded the new incoming government rain them in and make a decision on the proposed plans to be build a second airport in the city.
Mr Bisignami pointed out that in the year 2000 Sydney was ranked 34th in the world for expensive airports, now they have climbed to 9th position. Toronto airport is ranked number 1.
Sydney has also been voted the worst airport in Australia for 4 years running, which Mr Bisignami said was an embarrassing situation considering the airport owner is reporting high earnings yet the airport seems to be going downhill.
Airport parking was also criticised with the short stay having nearly doubled in the last year. Also a report found that rates were well higher than other airports.
However the airport hot back by claiming if it wasn’t for a strong exchange rate the airport would be in 22nd position.
Mr Bisignami pointed out that in the year 2000 Sydney was ranked 34th in the world for expensive airports, now they have climbed to 9th position. Toronto airport is ranked number 1.
Sydney has also been voted the worst airport in Australia for 4 years running, which Mr Bisignami said was an embarrassing situation considering the airport owner is reporting high earnings yet the airport seems to be going downhill.
Airport parking was also criticised with the short stay having nearly doubled in the last year. Also a report found that rates were well higher than other airports.
However the airport hot back by claiming if it wasn’t for a strong exchange rate the airport would be in 22nd position.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Security Alert At San Francisco Airport
A security alert at San Francisco International airport forced all passengers to vacate American Airlines Flight 24 bound for New York yesterday and passengers were forced to go through security a second time, while 2 individuals were removed from the plane altogether.
The flight which was due to takeoff at 0730 hours was delayed already when it was grounded at 1000 and uniformed police boarded the plane and handcuffed a man and a woman. They were then escorted from the plane along with all 163 passengers and 11 crew.
They were taken back to the terminal for a second security check, while the man and woman were detained for questioning. It is unclear what the threat entailed as no details have been released.
The flight which was due to takeoff at 0730 hours was delayed already when it was grounded at 1000 and uniformed police boarded the plane and handcuffed a man and a woman. They were then escorted from the plane along with all 163 passengers and 11 crew.
They were taken back to the terminal for a second security check, while the man and woman were detained for questioning. It is unclear what the threat entailed as no details have been released.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
New Maritius Terminal To Improve Tourism
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) international airport of Mauritius, was originally built around WWII to serve as an RAF airfield/base on the island. With time and the island's development, it changed its purpose and became a passenger airport, serving as the national carrier's, Air Mauritius hub.
In the mid 80s, with tourists arrivals on the rise and in order to better prepare for the future, the airport had its first renovation and expansion works with a new passenger terminal and the extension of the current runway so as larger jets be able to land and take off.
In the past couple of years, it has known several small renovations in order to ease passenger traffic.
In the 1980s, nobody thought that the Mauritian airport would see huge amounts of traffic as it has been the case for the past 8-10 years. In 2008 only, over 2.6 million passengers went through its gates! As so and in view of offering a quality service to airlines and passengers, the management company, AML (Airports of Mauritius Ltd) teamed with an subsidiary company of ADPG (Aeroports De Paris Group) to build the new passenger terminal in December 2009.
The project, valued at over 300M US$, is expected to be delivered about 3 years later (late 2012-early 2013).
The new terminal will have a passenger capacity of nearly 4 million per year (1640/hour at peak), a larger surface area of around 57 000 square meters (3400 M2 for commercial use, 2200 M2 for lounges), 8 contact stands (Airbus A380 compatible!), 52 check-in desks, 9 telescopic bridges, 6 baggage carrousels, tour operator counters, modern parking lot, closer and larger taxi parking zone and many more facilities.
The new terminal is also expected to help the national carrier Air Mauritius become an important force in the region and improve transits for both airlines and tourists visiting the paradise island of Mauritius.
In the mid 80s, with tourists arrivals on the rise and in order to better prepare for the future, the airport had its first renovation and expansion works with a new passenger terminal and the extension of the current runway so as larger jets be able to land and take off.
In the past couple of years, it has known several small renovations in order to ease passenger traffic.
In the 1980s, nobody thought that the Mauritian airport would see huge amounts of traffic as it has been the case for the past 8-10 years. In 2008 only, over 2.6 million passengers went through its gates! As so and in view of offering a quality service to airlines and passengers, the management company, AML (Airports of Mauritius Ltd) teamed with an subsidiary company of ADPG (Aeroports De Paris Group) to build the new passenger terminal in December 2009.
The project, valued at over 300M US$, is expected to be delivered about 3 years later (late 2012-early 2013).
The new terminal will have a passenger capacity of nearly 4 million per year (1640/hour at peak), a larger surface area of around 57 000 square meters (3400 M2 for commercial use, 2200 M2 for lounges), 8 contact stands (Airbus A380 compatible!), 52 check-in desks, 9 telescopic bridges, 6 baggage carrousels, tour operator counters, modern parking lot, closer and larger taxi parking zone and many more facilities.
The new terminal is also expected to help the national carrier Air Mauritius become an important force in the region and improve transits for both airlines and tourists visiting the paradise island of Mauritius.
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Air Steward In Emergency Exit
Air steward Steven Slater has become an internet phenomenon by exiting a Jetblue via the emergency chute with beer in tow after falling out with a passenger.
The dispute started before take off at Pittsburgh airport. When 2 women were arguing about the storage of their bags, Mr Slater stepped in only to be cursed by the woman
When the aircraft landed at JFK International airport another altercation took place which resulted in Mr Slater being hit on the head by the women’s bag.
After she refused to apologise and once again swore at the steward, he flipped out. Taking to the passenger announcement system he thanked customers for their dignity and respect, grabbed some beer from the galley and opened the emergency chute and slid down to the ground. He then proceeded to his car and drove home.
He was later arrested at home and now faces a jail sentence, though he has become a sensation on the internet with facebook pages attracting over 90,000 fans already. T-shirts have been printed picturing him sliding down the chute drinking beer. He is being described as a hero for working people.
The dispute started before take off at Pittsburgh airport. When 2 women were arguing about the storage of their bags, Mr Slater stepped in only to be cursed by the woman
When the aircraft landed at JFK International airport another altercation took place which resulted in Mr Slater being hit on the head by the women’s bag.
After she refused to apologise and once again swore at the steward, he flipped out. Taking to the passenger announcement system he thanked customers for their dignity and respect, grabbed some beer from the galley and opened the emergency chute and slid down to the ground. He then proceeded to his car and drove home.
He was later arrested at home and now faces a jail sentence, though he has become a sensation on the internet with facebook pages attracting over 90,000 fans already. T-shirts have been printed picturing him sliding down the chute drinking beer. He is being described as a hero for working people.
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Philippines In Bomb Scare
A suicide bomb attack has taken place in the Philippines at Zamboanga airport, reports suggest there was one fatality and numerous injured. Though not claimed by ant terrorist groups it is thought to be the work of terrorists.
The attack took place hours before the United States ambassador to the Philippines Henry Thomas was due to arrive. That trip has now been cancelled with Mr Thomas citing extra security issues and giving the authorities time to investigate the incident as the reason.
The only fatality of the bomb scare was indeed the bomber himself, early suggestions are linking the attack to the Abu Sayyaf, an Islamic organisation which was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people in a 2004 bombing.
The attack took place hours before the United States ambassador to the Philippines Henry Thomas was due to arrive. That trip has now been cancelled with Mr Thomas citing extra security issues and giving the authorities time to investigate the incident as the reason.
The only fatality of the bomb scare was indeed the bomber himself, early suggestions are linking the attack to the Abu Sayyaf, an Islamic organisation which was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people in a 2004 bombing.
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Ireland West Airport Knock Announces 300 New Jobs
The Minster for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation of Ireland, Batt O'Keefe has announced that the Ireland West Airport Knock is soon going to open its doors for 300 new people searching for jobs.
The airport, opened all the way back in 1986, is supposed to be quite successful and it serves the surrounding areas perfectly. Various world-famous airlines operate there, including Ryanair, EasyJet, MyTravelLite, Aer Arann and so on.
The top traveling destinations of the airport are usually the nearest aiports in the UK, where afterwards the passengers can switch flights, but lately, it has also started to perform transatlantic services, with travelling destinations to Boston and New York.
As mentioned previously, the airport is going to offer 300 more jobs to the people of the area. This is seen as a big advantage for both, the people on the surrounding areas as well as the airport.
On the one hand, the people who live nearby can get a steady job on the airport and this is a very good news for them, as in the area there is a high percentage of unemployment. On the other hand, the airport badly needed the extra 300 people in order to offer its services in a more convenient way.
The airport, opened all the way back in 1986, is supposed to be quite successful and it serves the surrounding areas perfectly. Various world-famous airlines operate there, including Ryanair, EasyJet, MyTravelLite, Aer Arann and so on.
The top traveling destinations of the airport are usually the nearest aiports in the UK, where afterwards the passengers can switch flights, but lately, it has also started to perform transatlantic services, with travelling destinations to Boston and New York.
As mentioned previously, the airport is going to offer 300 more jobs to the people of the area. This is seen as a big advantage for both, the people on the surrounding areas as well as the airport.
On the one hand, the people who live nearby can get a steady job on the airport and this is a very good news for them, as in the area there is a high percentage of unemployment. On the other hand, the airport badly needed the extra 300 people in order to offer its services in a more convenient way.
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