Download Newsflash – JANUARY 2020
SAA to be put into Business Rescue
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered that embattled National carrier SAA urgently go into voluntary business rescue.
Air Madagascar Suspends JHB Flights
Air Madagascar has suspended its twice-weekly service to Johannesburg from Antananarivo.
Qantas Opens Luxury Lounge
Qantas opened its luxury lounge brand First Lounge in Singapore’s Changi Airport. The lounge will operate in tandem alongside the existing International Business Lounge providing capacity for 240 customers.
Polynesia – Somaoa Travellers Must Vaccinate
Incoming travellers to Samoa will have to show proof of receiving a measles vaccination at least 14 days prior to their arrival date or they will be denied entry.
American Airlines Streamlines Boarding
American Airlines has launched a passport-scanning functionality on its mobile app. Passport chip scanning securely sends passport information directly to the Near Field Communication chip embedded in the passport. This means travellers can go directly to the terminal gate for international flights without having their passports rechecked by a customer service agent. The airline also launched other features to improve travellers’ experience such as biometric international boarding, virtual 3-D aircraft tours online and improved family seating.
AIR France Reintroduces Liberia Services
Air France will reintroduce its five weekly flights to Monrovia, Liberia, from the 20th of April 2020. The flights will be operated by a 224-seat Airbus A330-300.
Nigeria will Issue Visas on Arrival
Africans can gain visa-free entry into Nigeria, starting January 2020. President Muhammadu Buhari announced the new exemption law at the Aswan peace and development forum in Egypt. He said the country would begin issuing visas on arrival for all African nationals.
Australia – Measeles Travel Alert
The Victoria Department of Health and Human Services have issued a health alert due to several confirmed cases of measles in Victoria. Warnings have been issued for Melbourne’s Airport and visitors are advised to get vaccinated before travelling.
Philippines Travel Alert
The UK FCO advise against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups. The FCO also advises against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao excluding Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao Islands due to the threat of terrorism.
Qatar Airways Ramps up Services
Qatar Airways will add several new destinations and additional flight frequencies to its existing network. In the first half of 2020 the airline will begin offering services to Dubrovnik; Santorini; Osaka and non-stop direct flights to Kigali and Kilimanjaro.
New Zambia Flights
Wilderness Safaris will introduce daily flights to the Busanga Plains during August, September and October. The new service will offer flights between Kafue National Park and Lusaka or Livingstone in partnership with Wilderness Air Zambia. This initiative offers travellers easier access to one of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas in Zambia.
KLM Launches New Ireland Services
KLM will expand its network with a daily flight from Amsterdam to Cork, Ireland from March 2020.
New Lounge Opens at Netherlands Airport
Aspire Lounges has opened its latest lounge at the Netherlands’ second biggest airport Eindhoven Airport. The lounge offers seating for 60 guests free unlimited WiFi, complimentary food and a bar and is on the first floor of Terminal 1 departures. Aspire Lounges are open to all travellers regardless of class of travel. Access to the lounge can be pre-booked up to 24 hours ahead.
New Zealand Delays
Airports across New Zealand are experiencing issues processing passports. This is causing delays and cancellations of both domestic and international flights the majority of airlines are able to manually process passports or are being processed.
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PLEASE NOTE:
All prices quoted are subject to change without prior notice, due to airfare increases and / or currency fluctuations and subject to availability.
