Dubai airport: Full schedule resumes after flooding chaos

Dubai’s major airlines say they have resumed a full flight schedule after torrential rain hit the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries causing chaos at Dubai airport.

Emirates and flydubai said operations were back to normal on Saturday but a passenger backlog remained.

The boss of Emirates said the airline’s response was not perfect.

The storm battered the UAE on Tuesday, causing flash floods and bringing travel through the airport to a halt.

Priority will be given to passengers whose travel plans had been disrupted.

A flooded taxiway meant planes were unable to reach the runway to take off and passengers were left stranded in the terminal building,at Dubai International Airport.

The president of Emirates, Sir Tim Clark said: “Passengers previously stranded in the airport transit area have been rebooked and are en route to their destinations.”

The open letter posted on the airlines’ website on Saturday, announced that regular flight schedules had been restored, but it would take them “some days” to clear the backlog of rebooked passengers. A taskforce has also been established to sort and deliver the around 30,000 pieces of luggage left behind.

“We ask for our customers’ patience and understanding,” Sir Tim said. Apologising to their customers, he acknowledged that their response was not “perfect”, citing a lack of information and confusion in the terminals.

Earlier this week, air passengers stuck at the airport told the BBC of the “pure chaos” they saw.

Sarah Jane Cahill from Dublin, had planned to board her connecting flight from Sydney to Dublin on Thursday afternoon, but was still at the airport on Friday night.

She said that “thousands are stranded” and that the airport was “a sea of bodies on every surface”.

“There were people in chairs, couches, on the floor outside bathrooms, sleeping on cardboard,” she told the Press Association.

Over the past three days, the airline has cancelled nearly 400 flights and delayed many more.

Some inbound flights resumed on Thursday, while outbound flights continued to be delayed. They later announced that check-in was open at Terminal 3 for Emirates and flydubai flights.

Flydubai’s travel update on Saturday said they had returned to operating its full flight schedule from Terminal 2 and 3, with priority over the next few days to be given to their “passengers whose travel plans have been impacted.”

Similarly, Emirates said their focus was on those who have faced travel disruptions.

Sir Tim added they had suspended check-in for departing passengers, embargoed ticket sales and stopped connecting passengers from arriving to make sure the focus was on affected customers.

With flights running on their regular schedules, Paul Griffiths, the head of Dubai airports, said departure flow is “improving”.

Dubai International Airport is the world’s second busiest airport, serving more than 80 million passengers in 2023. This year, nearly 90 million are expected to pass through the hub, which is a major connecting point between Europe and Asia.

Source: BBC

Navigating the Future: Empowering Travel and Tourism Through Online Payments

18 Apr 2024 – By Bryan Obala.

In the fast-evolving landscape of travel and tourism, the role of online payments has become more vital than ever before. Projections indicate that by 2033, the industry will soar to a staggering $15.5 trillion, contributing significantly to the global economy bloomberg. Particularly in developing markets across Africa, where new destinations are emerging as hotspots, the potential for growth in the travel industry is immense.

To capitalize on this growth, travel merchants must align with consumer expectations by offering seamless and reliable payment systems, with online sales projected to constitute 74% of total revenue by 2027. Here are five essential strategies that can help travel merchants meet these increasingly high consumer demands:

  1. Transparency: Be clear and specific about the payment options available to consumers. Transparency builds trust and enhances the buying experience.
  2. Security: In an era of burgeoning travel e-commerce, robust cybersecurity measures are indispensable. Offering secure payment options helps instill confidence and protects against fraud, which saw a concerning 156% increase in the global travel and leisure industry in 2021.
  3. Convenience: Tailor payment options to meet consumer preferences. Personalized services, including currency options and bundled offerings like travel insurance, enhance convenience and satisfaction.
  4. Reliability: High authorization rates are key indicators of success. Optimizing authorization rates not only drives incremental revenue but also fosters customer loyalty and repeat business. Even a slight improvement in authorization rates can translate into significant additional revenue, enabling businesses to fund expansion and innovation initiatives.
  5. Flexibility: Embrace Buy Now, Pay Later options to accommodate the diverse financial needs of travelers. Offering flexible payment solutions encourages purchase completion and enhances the overall shopping experience.

Looking ahead, the future of travel and tourism is brimming with possibilities. As businesses chart their course forward, prioritizing transparency, security, convenience, reliability, and flexibility will be paramount. By embracing these principles, merchants can navigate the dynamic landscape of global travel and ensure that everyone reaps the economic benefits of this thriving industry.

Accessible Tourism Emerges as A Vital Growth Opportunity for Africa’s Travel Industry.

The untapped potential of inclusive tourism to drive the growth of Africa’s travel industry was in focus at this year’s Africa Travel Week 2024 part of WTM Africa. A diverse panel of advocates, experts, and tourism suppliers engaged in a discussion, highlighting the significant economic benefits that travelers with disabilities can bring to the continent.

Inclusive travel is a billion-dollar industry that Africa can tap into, and the panelist’s emphasized the unique spending patterns of this market segment. Travelers with disabilities often spend more, travel with companions, and stay for longer periods, making them a lucrative target for the industry.

According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide, or 15% of the global population, live with disabilities. This vast demographic encompasses a range of visible and invisible conditions, from mobility issues to cognitive and sensory challenges. As the world’s population ages, with the number of people over 60 expected to double by 2050, the need for accessible travel is only expected to grow.

“It’s not just a social imperative, it’s a financial one,” said Tarryn Tomlinson, CEO of LiveAble. “The onus is on property owners to make their facilities as accessible as possible.”

Panelists highlighted the unique challenges faced by travelers with disabilities, from a lack of information about accessible amenities to physical barriers that limit their ability to fully enjoy their travel experiences. “Disability doesn’t mean the same for everyone,” said Lois Strachan, host of podcast A Different Way of Seeing. “Needs are different, and we need to engage with them to find out what they need. Information about how you can accommodate their needs is the most important thing for travelers with disabilities.” She stated that guesthouses and hotels should incorporate this into their marketing to attract differently abled travelers. 

Jabaar Mohamed, the Provincial Director for DeafSA Western Cape, shared the specific challenges faced by deaf travelers, such as being offered wheelchairs at airports despite their hearing impairment. “It’s important for all those that work in hospitality to be trained to ask individual travelers what their needs are, rather than making assumptions,” he said. 

Panelists shared inspiring success stories and best practices from destinations and businesses that have embraced inclusive tourism. Briony Brookes, representing the City of Cape Town, highlighted the city’s “Limitless CT” initiative, which includes features like braille QR codes at street art and audio options on the tourism website.

“We want to appeal to all travelers, not only those that are fully abled,” Brookes stated. “We’ve seen fantastic results since we made small changes to showcase how we are a welcoming and inclusive destination.”

The session concluded with a call to action for the African tourism industry to recognize the significant opportunities presented by the accessible travel market and to work towards making the continent a more inclusive and welcoming destination for all.

Source:   Africa.com

Etihad Airways Unveils Daily Service to Nairobi reconnecting East Africa with the UAE.

12 Apr 2024 – By Bryan Obala.

Etihad Airways is gearing up to reconnect East Africa with a brand-new daily service to Nairobi, slated to kick off on May 1, 2024.

In partnership with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), Etihad Airways is pulling out all the stops for a spectacular launch event. This exclusive occasion will take place at the newly inaugurated JW Marriott Hotel, the tallest hotel in Kenya boasting an impressive 35 storeys.

This non-stop flight will whisk passengers from Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi to Nairobi, with departure scheduled for 9:05 and arrival at 13:15 local time. Return flights will depart Nairobi at 18:10, arriving back in Abu Dhabi at 00:20.

Operating this route will be the Airbus A320 aircraft, boasting both business and economy cabins to cater to diverse passenger needs.

Beyond simply facilitating travel, this service heralds a vital reestablishment of direct commercial connections between these two vibrant cities. It’s poised to catalyze a surge in cross-business collaborations and trade opportunities between the United Arab Emirates and Kenya.

Excited to embark on this journey? Tickets are already available for purchase via Etihad Airways’ website. Secure your seat now and get ready to explore the wonders of East Africa like never before!

WTM Africa 2024 opens to 53% increase in attendees.

WTM Africa, which takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 10-12 April, opened its 10th edition with a remarkable surge of 53% in attendance compared to the previous year. The increase in participation, with preliminary figures suggesting representation from 88 countries globally, heralds a bright future for the African tourism industry.

Africa Travel Week, under which the World Travel Market is a part also comprises shows like the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA), and Equal Africa among others. The show also features seven networking events and the support of 53 partners.

Carol Weaving, managing director of RX Africa, comments: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Africa Travel Week with such a phenomenal turnout. This growth is a testament to the resilience and rising global appeal of the African tourism industry. We’re excited to contribute to the continued success and positive transformation of travel on the continent.”

The addition of first-time participants, including Greece, Iran, Switzerland, Lithuania, Tunisia, Benin, Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand, Japan, Colombia, and Peru, brings fresh energy and diverse perspectives to the event.

Minister Patricia De Lille, though unable to attend in person, officially opened the conference via video call. She welcomed attendees and highlighted the need for collective efforts to continue the momentum of tourism in Africa: “This year represents a year where we can take measures to break new ground and achieve exponential growth in our numbers.”

Charting a sustainable future

Minister De Lille emphasised the importance of safety, sustainability, and expanding tourism beyond well-known destinations to include the hidden gems of lesser-known towns and villages across the continent. She also noted: “Tourism is one of the most significant contributors to our economy, but we can do much more. One of the areas where the department is investing in supporting economic sustainability is through our various tourism incentive programmes.”

A highlight of the opening day was the lively content discussions, where topics like responsible animal interactions sparked crucial ethical debates. Cathrine S. Nyquist, Co-founder of Panthera Africa, made a powerful statement: “Just because it’s legal does not make it right.”

The day also featured a dynamic Responsible Tourism session hosted by Harold Goodwin, World Travel Market’s Responsible Tourism Advisor. Three of the five African winners from the 2023 Responsible Tourism Awards shared their inspiring stories, demonstrating the continent’s commitment to sustainable travel practices.

The conference day closed with the inaugural Media Awards, recognising excellence in African travel journalism. Winners included:

• Sustainability Feature Award: Alexander Okere – Illegal Animal Trade

• Visual Tourism Award: Kelly Hammond

• Destination Feature Award: Phoebe Smith

• Tourism News Award: Adele Mackenzie – Tourism Update

“Africa Travel Week 2024 serves as a testament to the continent’s vast potential in tourism. It highlights the collective commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability. As Minister De Lille declared, ‘We are open for business. We are open for tourists’, extending an invitation to the world to experience the rich diversity and beauty of Africa,” concludes Weaving.

Source: Bizcommunity.

Kenya Airways launches new Route to Maputo.

In response to growing demand for travel between East and Southern Africa, Kenya Airways (KQ) has launched a brand-new route connecting Nairobi directly to the vibrant city of Maputo, Mozambique.  This exciting expansion takes flight from 14th June 2024, further solidifying KQ’s commitment to strengthening its network and offering seamless travel experiences across the continent.

“The demand for air travel is soaring, and we’re determined to meet it by expanding our reach and fostering connections between Africa’s rich cultures and thriving economies,” says Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways. “The addition of Maputo to our network strengthens ties between Kenya and Mozambique, opening doors for increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.”

Beyond its designation as a major trade hub for southern Africa, Maputo enchants visitors with its rich tapestry of history and culture. Portuguese colonial influences are evident in the city’s architecture, while vibrant markets and a flourishing art scene offer a glimpse into contemporary Mozambican life.  Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches or exploration of fascinating museums, Maputo promises an unforgettable experience.

Starting 14th June, KQ will operate three flights per week to Maputo, with Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays becoming the flexible gateways to exploring this dynamic city.  Beyond Maputo, this expansion complements KQ’s broader network strategy for FY2024, which also boasts increased frequencies to popular destinations like New York, Paris, Lagos, Accra, and Freetown.

Source:   Airspace-Africa

New entry rules hurting Kenya’s tourism – travel agents.

Kenya stands to lose on international visitors despite the government’s visa-free initiative, travel agents have cautioned.

This is as a result of a “tedious” process in the acquisition of the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which replaced the visa requirement in January.

Most affected are those initially exempted from obtaining an entry visa, the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has said, where there were at least 41 countries whose citizens were allowed to visit Kenya visa-free, including the East African Community member states.

While the government has removed the visa requirement for all, most of the countries that enjoyed visa-free access have been thrown back to the eTA platform, with their citizens required to pay the $30 processing fee.

Industry players are concerned that the eTA introduced fresh costs and paperwork, with travelers also required to share proof of air ticket and hotel booking.

When applying for the eTA, the traveler must provide their arrival and departure dates.

Persons holding previously issued e-visas, including East Africa travel visas are however exempted from the requirement of applying for eTA.

“Countries that were allowed visa-free into the country have been impacted as they have to undergo the tedious process and payment. This is the segment that we must address otherwise we could lose out,” KATA chief executive Nicanor Sabula told the Star.

He spoke on the sideline of the inaugural two-day Kenya Travel Industry Payments Summit in Nairobi, which has brought together industry players, fintechs and other players in the payment landscape, to explore the intersection between payments and the travel industry.

According to KATA, there is a need for the government to simplify the process and reduce the requirements, especially on the paperwork (required online submissions).

“The effect and impact is not what we had anticipated as a market and therefore our call to the government is that can we facilitate and make it easier for people to travel to Kenya. We need to tweak it and lessen the process. Find a mechanism that will make the process easier,” Sabula said.

Tanzania for instance issues visas on arrival with lesser requirements, KATA noted.

The travel agents’ lobby has also raised concerns over the “unpredictable” tax environment in the country, which it says is impacting the industry.

“We sale travel in advance sometimes up to one year early so every time there is a change in the taxation framework, that affects the costs of our products. It means we have to bear that cost or when we pass it to the client, they complain as they feel cheated,” Sabula said.

Meanwhile, the association is pushing for a wider adoption of the latest payment systems including cryptocurrency, to ensure Kenya remains competitive in the fast-changing travel industry.

According to KATA chairman Joseph Kithitu, the industry is witnessing the convergence of technological innovations, changing consumer behaviors, and regulatory shifts that are reshaping the payments landscape not only in Kenya but across the globe.

“From traditional credit cards to a myriad of digital payment options, the expectations of travelers have evolved. We must adapt to these changing dynamics, ensuring that our payment systems meet the evolving needs and expectations of our customers,” Kithitu said.

Source: The Star.  

Kenya Airways Resumes Eldoret Flights.

In a bid to bolster its presence in the local market and fortify regional connectivity, Kenya Airways will resume flight services to and from Eldoret, effective March 25th, 2024.

The decision comes as Eldoret, a bustling economic hub in Uasin Gishu County, continues to attract a diverse array of travellers, ranging from business executives to tourists eager to explore the region’s vibrant economy and cultural heritage.

With flights scheduled five days a week, passengers will now conveniently travel between Eldoret and major destinations, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and international connections, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways, emphasized the strategic significance of reinstating flights to Eldoret, underlining the airline’s commitment to fostering economic growth and regional integration.

“Our renewed focus on the domestic market reaffirms Kenya Airways’ pivotal role in advancing Africa’s economic prosperity. By connecting Eldoret to our extensive network, we aim to stimulate growth and foster lasting socio-economic development in the region,” Kilavuka stated in a statement on Wednesday.

The revival of Eldoret routes signifies a crucial milestone in Kenya Airways’ recovery journey post-COVID-19. As the airline strives to provide reliable and efficient air travel services, it remains dedicated to supporting the nation’s economic resurgence and promoting connectivity within the continent.

“As Kenya Airways prepares to resume operations to Eldoret, travelers can expect exceptional service, world-class amenities, and the utmost commitment to safety and comfort. The airline remains committed in its mission to connect people, cultures, and markets, contributing to the prosperity and well-being of communities across Africa and beyond,” Kilavuka said.

In a bid to ensure accessibility for all travellers, competitive airfares will be offered for flights to and from Eldoret, aligning with Kenya Airways’ commitment to affordability and inclusivity in air travel.

Source: Citizen Digital

KQ To Increase New York Flights To Nine Per Week During Summer

Kenya Airways (KQ) has increased its weekly flights to New York City in the United States from seven to nine in a bid to cater for travel demand and boost tourism during the summer.

In a statement on Thursday night, KQ announced that two additional flights would be introduced beginning June 15, 2024, to September 28, 2024.

The airline noted that the move came following a partnership with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) which will be marked through a roadshow next week in New York, Boston, and Toronto cities in the US.

“KQ has partnered with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to strategically position Kenya as a tourist destination in North America through a trade roadshow. The roadshow, scheduled to take place from 19th-21st March 2024 in New York, Boston, and Toronto, aims to showcase Kenya and stimulate travel demand for the country,” read the statement.

“To complement the growing appetite for travel to Kenya, Kenya Airways has introduced two (2) additional flights on the New York route between 15th June 2024 to 28th September 2024, covering the summer peak season.”

Kenya Airways said the two new flights introduced would also offer travellers in New York an addition of two trips a day (morning and afternoon) on Thursday and Saturday only.

Similarly, following the introduction of a direct route between New York and Nairobi in 2018, KQ says the new schedule will also provide guests with a ‘unique, convenient same-day arrival flight option where one can depart from Nairobi in the morning and arrive in New York in the afternoon.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife projections, the new move will boost international tourist arrivals by 825,000 annually. In 2023, the ministry says international tourist arrivals into Kenya hit 1.75 million in 2023, up from 1.48 million recorded in 2022.

Source: Citizen Digital

Lufthansa Group and United Airlines to turn Brussels into US-Africa hub.

According to reports that have appeared in German media, Lufthansa Group and its Star Alliance partner United Airlines are working on a project to boost air connectivity between the US and Africa by way of Brussels Zaventem airport (BRU).

As yet few details are known about their plans, although German aviation news site aero.de has quoted Lufthansa’s CEO Carsten Spohr stating that the scope of the project is going to be significant and that it will involve Brussels Airlines, the group’s Belgian subsidiary. 

Brussels Airlines currently serves 18 destinations across Africa. Like its predecessor, Sabena, Brussels Airlines has traditionally been a major player in the Europe-Africa market, linking the Belgian capital to multiple destinations across the continent.

Spohr reportedly claimed that, after a period of retrenchment, the time has come to boost Brussels Airlines African business again. This is also in line with what Brussels Airlines’ CEO, Dorothea von Boxberg, told Dutch airlines news site Luchtvaartnieuws.nl in an interview in February 2024, outlining the plan to strengthen the role of Brussels as an Africa-focused hub.

The general thrust of this plan seems to be to facilitate the channeling of traffic between this extensive African network and Transatlantic flights operated by United Airlines, and possibly Air Canada, which is also a Star Alliance member.

As of March 2024, United Airlines operates daily flights to Brussels from three of its US hubs, New York-Newark (EWR), Washington-Dulles (IAD) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Brussels Airlines, in turn, flies daily to New York-JFK.

Source: Aerotime