Alphabet Travel

28/10/2022

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27/10/2022

PRINCESS CRUISES REMOVES COVID REQUIREMENTS:
Princess Cruises has withdrawn all COVID vaccination and testing requirements for most of its sailings, effective October 21.

The cruise line recently updated the Cruise Health portal on its website to say that all guests were welcome, regardless of vaccination status. The changes apply to all itineraries, except where government regulations may vary and on a few ‘enhanced guidelines voyages’ that have their own vaccination and testing requirements.

According to the enhanced protocols, travellers 18 years and older must be fully vaccinated and have received one booster dose if their final dose had been administered five months or more beforehand, while those under 18 need not be vaccinated. Travellers who are five years and older must take a medically observed COVID test within three days prior to embarkation.

Itineraries where the changes do not apply include those to Australia and New Zealand. Those countries require travellers aged 12 to 17 to be fully vaccinated without a booster, while those aged 18 and above must be fully vaccinated, including one booster dose, if eligible. Travellers aged two years and older must also present a negative test result taken within 48 hours prior to embarkation.

Princess Cruises is represented by Discover the World Marketing in South Africa.

27/10/2022

MADAGASCAR EXTENDS SA FLIGHT BAN:
The Malagasy government has announced the indefinite extension of its ban on South African flights. The ban, which was implemented earlier this year, was extended on October 15.

There were signs of hope that the ban would be removed in June when it was reported that Madagascar’s Foreign Minister told SA President Cyril Ramaphosa that the government would soon allow South African flights to resume. However, this did not materialise.

Delta goes daily from Cape Town to Atlanta
According to the NOTAM, the ban applies to all flights to and from South Africa, not just those operated by South African entities. Airlink is among those that cannot operate Madagascar services.

The route is one of Airlink’s most profitable, and there is no indication that it will be resumed any time soon as the court case over allegedly smuggled gold shows no signs of being finalised, according to Daily Maverick.

Airlink’s agents in Madagascar had reportedly already been told last week by the Madagascan civil aviation authority that the ban would not be lifted until South Africa returned the 73,5kg of gold and the three Malagasy couriers.

CEO and MD of Airlink, Rodger Foster, expressed his disappointment to Travel News regarding the extension. "Airlink’s plans to resume flights to Antananarivo and Nosy Be have again been frustrated and delayed by the extension of Madagascar’s ban on flights from and to South Africa,” said Foster.

“It obliges our customers to incur far higher costs and make circuitous journeys via intermediate cities when travelling to or from Madagascar. It is not good for them or for Madagascar-South Africa trade, commerce, or tourism. We appeal to both governments to step up their efforts to resolve the impasse and allow Airlink and all other innocent bystanders to go about their business without being caught up in their diplomatic cross-fire.”

27/10/2022

OIL CRISIS DIMS CHRISTMAS CHEER:
As Europe battles an energy crisis in the face of ongoing climate change and soaring energy bills, the UK could be heading for a ban on domestic commercial flights where travellers could travel by train instead. The move would be intended to slash the nation’s carbon emissions from aviation by 53%.

This is according to a report from the Intergenerational Foundation, Trains over Planes: why the government should encourage domestic train travel, which claims that domestic aviation was responsible for emitting 2,7 megatonnes of CO2 and equivalents in 2019. The organisation claims that 62% of emissions as a result of UK domestic flights were between destinations already linked by rail networks.

The foundation is calling for the UK Government to ban domestic flights to encourage rail travel, encourage up to a 33% decrease in carbon emissions from all domestic flights, and directly urge travellers to choose the train while increasing capacity on rail routes.

“We are all aware of the risks posed by climate change, and reducing domestic flights is one way in which we can significantly reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Banning domestic flights with a viable alternative by train would be a faster route to our nett zero targets and a small but important contribution to protecting future generations from the effects of climate change,” says Co-Founder, Angus Hanton.

Xmas lights off?
Elsewhere in Europe, other countries are taking measures to reduce their own emissions outside of aviation.

Deutsche Umwelthilfe, a non-profit environmental and consumer protection association, is calling on the German Government to turn off the lights at Christmas markets that are popular tourist attractions around the country each festive season.

"We are not calling for Christmas markets to be cancelled," Jürgen Resch, DUH Federal MD, tells Euronews. "These can and should also be able to take place this year. But a festive mood does not include or**es of light and illumination as in earlier years."

Germany has already made strides to save energy in the coming months, encouraging local businesses to decrease room temperatures in their establishments and switching off lights at other attractions like the Brandenburg Gate.

"In Switzerland, several department store chains have decided to do without special Christmas lighting for their buildings – an example for Germany as well,” Resch adds.

Similarly, in Spain, Alicante Mayor Luis Barcala has proposed that citizens of the city turn off one-fifth of its Christmas lights this year to conserve energy.

The Eiffel Tower is set to dim its 20 000 lightbulbs earlier than usual this year for the same reason. Normally, the international attraction is illuminated until 01h00 each morning, but the new proposal will see the tower go dark at 23h45 each night, according to The Guardian.

Jean-François Martins, Head of the tower’s management, says: “It’s a highly symbolic gesture – part of the growing awareness around energy sobriety.”

27/10/2022

DURBAN-LUANDA FLIGHTS START NOVEMBER:

Angolan carrier TAAG has announced it will begin flights between its home base Luanda and Durban from November 17.

The thrice-weekly flights are scheduled to depart Luanda on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The aircraft to be used is a B737-700, configured in two classes – business and economy.

The airline announced it would also commence flights to Accra from November 9. These will depart from Luanda on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The same aircraft type will be used on that route.

14/10/2022

*You’ll now need a travel pass before departing or entering South Africa* 🇿🇦

Sars said the new travel pass is supposed to simplify passenger movement at South African airports throughout the country

South Africans will soon have to obtain a travel pass before they depart or enter the country after an international trip.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced that the country will be introducing a new online traveller declaration system from November 2022 with OR Tambo International the first airport to implement it.

Passenger movement

Sars said the new system is to simplify passenger movement at South African airports throughout the country.

According to Sars, the new system requires all travellers, including South African citizens and residents, children and infants, leaving or entering South Africa by air to complete and submit an online traveller declaration, as well as receive a traveller pass before they travel.

Collection of travel information

Sars said the new traveller declaration process is an online system that collects travel information and returns a traveller pass via email.

“Upon arrival in South Africa, there will be instructions at the airports that will guide and inform travellers what to do next.”
“The new online South African Traveller Declaration system will be rolled out to all South African international airports commencing with OR Tambo International Airport in November 2022,” Sars said.
Sars added the new online South African Traveller Declaration system will be added by other international airports in the first quarter of 2023.

As per:

Sars said the new travel pass is supposed to simplify passenger movement at South African airports throughout the country

03/10/2022

PREMIER LEAGUE TROPHY EVENT IN CAPE TOWN:
The 2021/2022 Premier League champions, Manchester City, will bring their Premier League winning trophy to Central Park, Cape Town on October 16.

The trophy will be accompanied by City legend Joleon Lescott, as part of the club’s Global Trophy Tour.

Fans at the Central Park festival will enjoy a live screening of Manchester City’s game against Liverpool, and will also have the opportunity to create a 360 degree video with the real Premier League trophy, stand a chance to become a part of their dream 5-a-side team in augmented reality, and meet the club’s mascot Moonchester. There is also a signed shirt to be won.

The festival will be open to all fans on a first come first served basis from 10h00 to 15h30.

The event will include the chance for 5-12 year olds to take part in coaching clinics with Manchester City coaches (participation via sign up at the event on the day).

The screening of the game will start 16h00 and have limited capacity, so fans must register here to secure their space for this part of the day.

The full line-up of events on the day is as follows:

10h00: Event and all activities open – first come first served entry.

10h10: Football clinics start (sign up on day, 5-12 year olds).

15h00: Q&A with Joleon Lescott.

15h00: Football clinics finish.

16h00: Screening event starts – pre-registration needed - wristband will be required.

16h30: Q&A and pre-match analysis with Joleon Lescott.

17h30: Liverpool v Manchester City kick off.

19h15: Full time and event closes.

The trophy and Joleon will also be visiting Totalsports, Canal Walk Mall, between 16h00 and 18h00 on October 15 for photos and signing.

03/10/2022

QATAR - VISAS FOR WORLD CUP TOURISTS ONLY:
As the host country for the 2022 Fifa World Cup, Qatar is closing its borders from November 1 to December 23, report Qatari press.

All land, sea and air borders will be shut to anyone not holding the Hayya Card – the fan ID issued by the government to anyone attending matches during the World Cup.

Hayya cardholders can enter the country from November 1 until December 23, said Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah, Director of Public Relations Department and Head of the Media Unit, World Cup Safety and Security Committee. Once they’ve entered, they can stay in the country until January 23, 2023.

The card is the only means for foreign visitors to enter the country during the build-up, duration and wind-down after the World Cup, which runs from November 20 to December 18. Cardholders are also permitted to bring up to three non-ticketed fans with them, who can then be linked to their cards.

The closure will not affect Qatari citizens and residents, GCC citizens holding a Qatari ID card, or anyone with a personal or work visa.

Fifa has already sold 2,45 million of the three million tickets available for the event. Although borders will be closed to non-soccer fans, hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected in nearby cities such as Dubai, which is building fan zones to accommodate them.

03/10/2022

CANADA OFFICIALLY REMOVES COVID-RELATED ENTRY REGULATIONS:

The Government of Canada has announced that it will remove all COVID-related entry restrictions from the beginning of October.

As of October 1, travellers will no longer have to submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website, provide proof of vaccination, or undergo pre- or on-arrival testing. COVID-related quarantine or isolation will be discontinued.

Transport Canada will remove its COVID requirements from the same date. Travellers will not need to undergo health checks for travel by air and rail or wear masks on aircraft and trains.

Cruise measures will also be lifted, with travellers no longer having to take a pre-boarding test, be vaccinated, or use ArriveCAN. However, certain guidelines, which will align with the approach used in the United States, will remain in place to protect passengers and crew.

03/10/2022

QATAR AND BRITISH AIRWAYS VENTURE FORMS MASSIVE NETWORK:

Qatar Airways and British Airways say the latest expansion of their partnership offers global connectivity between more countries than any other joint airline business.

Their partnership ensures access to more cities around the world than ever before, supporting global trade, tourism, investment, and cultural connection.

The two airlines have added 42 new countries to their shared network, including Italy, the Maldives, Norway, Singapore and Sweden, giving passengers greater access between Europe and the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

This gives customers added choices in prices and schedules, with options for direct flights as well as connections via hubs in London and Doha.

The development will enable seamless connecting journeys on single tickets through Doha and London, bringing the total number of destinations the two airlines serve to 185 across 69 countries.

Customers can now access both airlines’ exclusive lounges and have more freedom while engaging with both airlines’ loyalty programmes, earning and spending Avios, their common currency. Qatar Airways Privilege Club and British Airways Executive Club accounts can be linked to transfer Avios between the two, and combine balances to claim rewards offered by each programme.

Co-operation on a small number of routes remains subject to pending regulatory clearances.

03/10/2022

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FUEL SHORTAGE DISRUPTS AIRLINE SCHEDULES:
Despite Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) issuing two statements in which it claims that the fuel shortage at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is not having any impact on scheduled flights, Travel News has heard of at least two airlines reporting that the fuel situation has in fact, had a great impact on their scheduled services.

On Saturday evening, October 1, Acsa issued a new press statement warning of further delays for the delivery of jet fuel to the airport. Acsa says airlines have been requested to conduct technical stops to uplift fuel at alternative airports. In the press release, it said there had been no impact on scheduled flights

However, by this morning (Sunday, October 2) both United Airlines and Emirates have sent out communications regarding just how their schedules have been affected.

United on Saturday communicated with the passengers of at least two flights, warning them that the flights from Newark to the Mother City would be cancelled due to the CTIA fuel situation, according to News 24.

Emirates has sent out a trade release warning agents that, due to the non-availability of fuel at Cape Town from October 2 to October 4, certain flights from CPT will be re-routed/re-scheduled via JNB for uplift of fuel. Flight EK771 departs CPT at 14h50 and arrives in JNB at 17h10; the flight then departs JNB at 18h10 and arrives in DXB at 02h20.

NB EK772 DXB-CPT is not impacted and will operate as per the published schedule.

“The situation in Cape Town continues to be monitored and an update will be communicated as we get more information from the relevant authorities. All affected bookings have been rebooked and sent to the contact address in the booking but we suggest that you check your GDS to ensure all affected are informed,” says the EK trade release.

26/09/2022

UK RAIL STRIKES RESUME:
Strikes by railway workers across England, Scotland and Wales are set to resume next month, as long-running disputes over pay, jobs, and working conditions continue. The strikes could bring UK rail travel to a dead halt.

Planned strike action was set to take place on September 15 and 17, but was called off due to the death and subsequent mourning period for Queen Elizabeth II. New dates for the strikes have now been announced.

Members of the driver’s union, Aslef, will walk out on October 1 and 5, and Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) members will strike for 24 hours on October 1, reports the Belfast Telegraph.

The RMT has said that the walk-out will bring railways to an effective standstill.

It is understood that hundreds of members of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association will also strike on October 1, although the services that will be affected have not yet been confirmed, according to the Telegraph.

Train operators affected by the RMT walk-out include Chiltern Railways, Cross Country Trains, Greater Anglia, LNER, East Midlands Railway, c2c, Great Western Railway, Northern Trains, South Eastern, South Western, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, and GTR (including Gatwick Express as well as Network Rail).

Train companies affected by Aslef members striking are Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, Greater Anglia, Great Western Railway, Hull Trains, LNER, London Overground, Northern Trains, Southeastern, TransPennine Express, and West Midlands Trains.

Multiple strikes have been seen over the ‘summer of solidarity’, which is set to continue into autumn and winter should the union’s demands not be met.

More London Underground disruption is likely to occur in the remainder of this year, as a pay row between Transport for London (TfL) and union RMT continues. The RMT warned in August that more Tube strikes could take place due to concerns over workers’ pay and pensions.