South Africa’s Travel & Tourism’s growth to outpace the national economy for the next 10 years

south Africa travel & tourism

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the South African Travel & Tourism’s GDP will drive the national economic recovery over the next decade.

The forecast from WTTC’s Economic Impact Report (EIR) shows the South African Travel & Tourism sector is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 7.6% annually over the next decade, significantly outstripping the 1.8% growth rate of the country’s overall economy.

By 2032, the sector’s contribution to GDP could reach more than ZAR 554.6 billion (7.4% of the total economy), injecting nearly ZAR 287 billion into the national economy.

The sector is also expected to create more than 800,000 jobs over the next decade, to reach more than 1.9 million by 2032.

Although the data reveals a bright future for South Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector, the recovery was seriously hampered after the detection and surge of the Omicron variant.

Many countries around the world placed severe and damaging restrictions on African countries, which caused even further damage to those economies and put thousands more livelihoods at risk.

By the end of this year, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP is expected to grow 37.2% year on year, to nearly ZAR 268 billion (4.3% of total economy).

Employment in the sector is set to grow by 3.8%% to reach more than 1.1 million jobs.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Although the future looks bright for the South African Travel & Tourism sector, the recovery this year will be slower than expected.”

“Knee-jerk travel restrictions imposed over South Africa and other African destinations were impulsive and unjustified. Instead of punishing, these countries should have been praised for discovering the variant early.”

“However, with GDP contribution and jobs on the rise, the long-term forecast looks very positive.”

In 2019, the South African Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to GDP as a share of total economy was 6.4% (ZAR 405.2 billion), falling to just 3.1% (ZAR 180 billion) in 2020, which represented a staggering 55.6% loss.

The sector also supported more than 1.5 million jobs across the country, before suffering a 29.9% drop, falling to just over one million.

WTTC’s latest EIR report also reveals that 2021 saw the beginning of the recovery for South Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector.

Last year, its contribution to GDP climbed 8.4% year on year, to reach just over ZAR 195 billion.

The sector also saw a recovery of 20,000 Travel & Tourism jobs, representing a 1.9% rise to reach almost nearly 1.1 million.

Source: Hospitalitynet

Canada extends border restrictions for inbound travellers

border restrictions

The federal government announced Wednesday all existing border restrictions to enter Canada will remain in place until at least Sept. 30. That means foreign travellers will still need to provide proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the country and unvaccinated Canadians or permanent residents will need to provide a molecular Covid-19 test taken prior to entering and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The government is also still requiring all travellers, regardless of citizenship, to upload their vaccine information and travel documents to the ArriveCan app. The restrictions were last extended on May 31.

In addition, the pause of mandatory random testing will continue at all airports until mid-July, for travellers who qualify as fully vaccinated. The pause was put in place on June 11, 2022, and is allowing airports to focus on streamlining their operations, while the Government of Canada moves forward with its planned move of COVID-19 testing for air travellers outside of airports to select test provider stores, pharmacies, or by virtual appointment. Mandatory random testing continues at land border points of entry, with no changes. Travellers who do not qualify as fully vaccinated, unless exempt, will continue to test on Day 1 and Day 8 of their 14-day quarantine.

Moving testing outside of airports will allow Canada to adjust to increased traveller volumes while still being able to monitor and quickly respond to new variants of concern, or changes to the epidemiological situation. Border testing is an important tool in Canada’s detection and surveillance of COVID-19 and has been essential in helping us slow the spread of the virus. Data from the testing program are used to understand the current level and trends of importation of COVID-19 into Canada. Border testing also allows for the detection and identification of new COVID-19 variants of concern that could pose a significant risk to the health and safety of Canadians. In addition, this data has and continues to inform the Government of Canada’s safe easing of border measures.

All travellers must continue to use ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours before their arrival in Canada, and/or before boarding a cruise ship destined for Canada, with few exceptions. Additional efforts are being undertaken to enhance compliance with ArriveCAN, which is already over 95% for travellers arriving by land and air combined.
Quotes

“As we move into the next phase of our COVID-19 response, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over. We must continue to do all that we can to keep ourselves and others safe from the virus. It is also important for individuals to remain up to date with the recommended vaccinations to ensure they are adequately protected against infection, transmission, and severe complications. As we have said all along, Canada’s border measures will remain flexible and adaptable, guided by science and prudence.” The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health

“Today’s announcement would not be possible without Canadians’ continued efforts to vaccinate themselves, wear their masks, and follow public health advice while travelling. Our Government’s commitment will always be to protect passengers, employees, and their communities from the impacts of COVID-19, while keeping our transportation system strong, efficient, and resilient for the long-term.”, The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport

Source: Breaking Travel News

Dubai Expo City will host COP28 Climate Summit

Under the directive of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) will be hosted at Dubai Expo City.

The directive underlines the venue’s unique proposition as a state-of-the-art destination, which brought the world together in the UAE for six months. Both Expo 2020 and COP28 share similar objectives: achieving sustainability and promoting international action as essential steps towards facing global challenges.

COP28 focuses on key pillars, including the implementation of climate commitments and pledges, inclusion, working together to take concrete action and identifying solutions that contribute to overcoming challenges, and seizing opportunities to ensure a sustainable future for present and future generations.

The selection of Dubai Expo City as a venue for COP28 builds on the legacy and message of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, and affirms commitment to the themes of sustainability, opportunity, and mobility, while showcasing its advanced and sustainable infrastructure, in line with the UAE’s vision for COP28.

The conference is expected to see over 45,000 participants daily, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts and representatives of civil society organizations.

The new city, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will be a global hub for innovation and creativity. It will represent a model for the future city that preserves the UAE’s legacy as an active contributor to the progress of the region and the world.

The UAE has a proven track record in climate action and multilateral cooperation. It is the permanent host country for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the first country in the region to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement, and the first in the region to commit to an economy-wide reduction in emissions.

In addition, the UAE has also established itself as a world-class destination for hosting high-level international events focusing on climate action and sustainable development.

Over the past 15 years, the UAE has emerged as a regional leader in renewable and clean energy investments, both domestically and internationally. It invested US$50 billion in clean energy and has recently announced its plans to invest more than US$50 billion over the next decade in additional projects, including hydrogen and ammonia.

The UAE operates three of the world’s largest and lowest-cost solar plants and has invested in renewable energy projects in 70 countries. These investments include more than US$1 billion in grants and loans to 27 island countries that are resource-stressed and particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The UAE leverages effective and innovative climate action as a key driver to building a new, low-emissions economic growth model, underpinned by sustainability, and one that will create meaningful employment opportunities in new sectors thereby driving the ambitions of the UAE, the region, and the world.

COP28 represents a moment of vital significance as the world seeks to maximise progress since the Paris Agreement. The conference will witness a critical stocktaking moment for climate action under the Paris Agreement, in addition to defining future Nationally Determined Contributions.

With Egypt hosting COP27 in November 2022, the UAE is committed to working closely with the host government to accelerate global progress in climate action and adapting to the repercussions of climate change.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was launched in 1992 in Brazil. The conferences are formal meetings, held annually since 1995, which aim to find solutions to reduce the impacts of climate change. At COP26 in Glasgow, the UAE was chosen to host COP28 in November 2023.

Source: Travel and Tour World

BA cuts thousands of summer flights amid “significant challenges” for industry

BA

British Airways is removing a further 10,300 short-haul flights from the start of August until the end of October, to build resilience into its schedules amidst ongoing disruption across the industry.  

The latest cuts come just days after reports BA was trimming 1,000 flights to destinations this summer across Greece, Spain and Portugal from its London hubs. Airlines including easyJet and Lufthansa Group airlines have also been removing flights in light of ongoing staff shortages at airlines, airports and air traffic control.   

Long-haul flights are unaffected by the latest round of BA adjustments. In total, BA has now altered 13% of its summer schedule.  

The British flag carrier said it decided to trim schedules after the government said it would ease slot rules – where airlines have to use valuable take-off and landing slots at airports or face giving them up.  

“The whole aviation industry continues to face into significant challenges and we’re completely focussed on building resilience into our operation to give customers the certainty they deserve,” the carrier said in an emailed statement on July 7, 2022.  

“While taking further action is not where we wanted to be, it’s the right thing to do for our customers and our colleagues.”  

BA said the new slot flexibility means it can consolidate some of its less busy services in order to protect holiday flights.  

“While most of our flights are unaffected and the majority of customers will get away as planned, we don’t underestimate the impact this will have and we’re doing everything we can to get their travel plans back on track,” BA said, saying it was getting in touch with passengers about rebooking or refunds.  

The carrier is also facing the threat of strikes at London Heathrow (LHR), its main hub. Plane refuelers at the airport have voted to strike while check-in staff represented by two unions have also voted in favor of walkouts in a row over reversing pandemic pay cuts.  

Source: Aerotime Hub

Travel insurance: Air passengers warned to check for strike cover

Travel Insurance

Four in 10 travel insurance policies offer no protection for air passengers if holidays are cancelled owing to strikes, Which? has warned.

While airlines are required by law to refund the cost of a cancelled flight, some holidaymakers could lose money spent on hotels and other expenses.

The consumer group is urging people to look closely at their policy ahead of expected summer disruption.

Package holidays are covered in full if any part of the trip is cancelled.

Which? said that travellers who organise flights, accommodation, car hire and so on separately should always buy suitable travel insurance when they book.

If your flight is cancelled, customers have the right to either a full refund or a replacement flight. Many hotels also offer cancellation policies without a penalty.

However, many travellers could find themselves in need of a travel insurance claim if their holiday is thrown into disarray by a flight cancellations.

Which? assessed 199 policies offered by 71 providers and found 120 of them offered cover if travellers have to cancel a trip owing to strike action.

Of the remainder, 78 did not provide cover for cancellations owing to strikes, while for one policy it was an optional extra.

The consumer group said there were also significant disparities between policies for holidays affected by Covid.

Jenny Ross, money editor at Which?, said: “With many airlines warning of widespread disruption this summer and Covid cases on the rise, travellers should ensure they have taken out adequate insurance to cover any losses or unexpected costs they might face.

“We advise travellers to always check policies carefully to ensure they offer the cover that will be most appropriate to their trip, and to ensure they have cover in place from the time of booking.”

Can you get compensation if your flight is cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled, you have the right to either a full refund, or a replacement flight.

“That different flight does not need to be with the same carrier – it can be an alternative, as long as it flies on the same day,” says Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership.

If you and the airline can’t agree on a new flight, it will refund you.

If the flight was cancelled with 14 days or less notice, you may also be entitled to compensation – but only if the airline is at fault.

“If it’s a direct result of the airline, you’re entitled to compensation, but if it’s the airport, your compensation doesn’t kick in,” says Mrs Lo Bue-Said.

Cancellation plan

Last month, hundreds of British Airways workers at Heathrow Airport voted to go on strike over pay.

In addition to strikes, many businesses have struggled to recruit enough new staff to deal with resurgent demand for travel following the easing of Covid rules.

Airlines are expected to announce a series of cancellations to UK summer flights this week aimed at minimising disruption in the peak holiday season.

A government “amnesty” to the rules on airport slots is in place until Friday, allowing airlines to change schedules without facing a potential penalty.

Gatwick has already said it will be reducing the number of flights during the summer. Heathrow to date has not announced similar plans although last week it ordered 30 flights to be cancelled, saying it was expecting more passenger numbers than it could cope with.

Manchester Airport warned it would not be able to return to its pre-pandemic standards until the autumn.

On Monday, EasyJet said its chief operating officer, Peter Bellew, had resigned after a series of flight cancellations and disruption at the airline in recent weeks.

Source: BBC

Dubai to cancel fees imposed on airline agents and offices

Dubai is to cancel fees imposed on airline agents and offices, in a resolution issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

In the Resolution No. (32) of 2022 it “cancels fees levied on airline agents and their branches, and airline offices operating in the emirate, which were imposed pursuant to regulations issued on 12th March 1985 and Resolution No. (4) of 1998.”

The new Resolution is effective from its date of its issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

The move by Sheikh Hamdan will support the travel industry which has suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent downturn in tourism.

However, travel has started to rebound from the impact of the Covid pandemic, and Emirates airline is preparing for its busiest period yet.

The UAE’s flagship airline is expecting more than 550,000 travellers to fly out from the UAE between June and July on more than 2,400 weekly network-wide departures.

The airline has continued to add flights and frequencies where possible as it ramps up its summer schedule.

Emirates will be operating at close to 80 percent of its pre-pandemic capacity, or more than one million weekly seats, this summer, to serve demand.

Daily booking volumes are accelerating as summer holidays draw closer, and Emirates is urging customers who haven’t planned their holidays or made travel arrangements to get ahead and book now to ensure they are able to travel on their preferred dates and flights.

This year, travellers from the UAE will be heading to Emirates’ six UK destinations, Cairo, Amman, Emirates’ nine Indian points, Manila and Beirut.

Leisure travel traffic from the UAE will also be at an all-time high, with scores of travellers, mainly families and couples, making their way to Bangkok, Istanbul, Vienna, Zurich, Nice, Phuket, Singapore, Oslo, Kuala Lumpur, Brisbane and the west coast of the US for extended summer holidays.

Source: Arabian Business

The Lufthansa Group Model Offers Opportunity For African Airlines

As SAA and Kenya Airways make plans for a new pan-African airline, AviaDev Africa plays host to the discussions of opportunity and inspiration.

One of the biggest stories of African aviation this year is the tie-up between leading international carrier Kenya Airways and the rebirthed flagship airline South African Airways. Signed in November, the Strategic Partnership Framework anticipates improving profitability and bolstering financial strength for both airlines.

While details on the exact shape and size of this partnership remain to be seen, the venture is intended to provide strength in scale. Both carriers have lost traffic to African juggernaut Ethiopian Airlines, with Kenya posting a loss of $130.5 million in 2021. The story of SAA is well known, but with private investors now holding a majority stake, there is much hope for a better future.

Since the partnership agreement was firmed up, the two airlines have struck out in search of investors to support the new venture. They have also launched a headhunt for more airlines to join the cause, specifically seeking a third partner in the West Africa region, most likely from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana or Senegal.

This new airline group intends to unveil itself in 2023. But what will it look like, what will it be called, and will it work? Speaking at today’s AviaDev Africa conference, Simon Newton-Smith, Chief Operating Office for South African Airways, shed some more light on the plans for this new pan-African airline, and might have just found himself a new airline partner.

The Lufthansa model is applicable for Africa

Simon, although new to South African Airways, is an old hand in the aviation world. Among his previous appointments, he was a Vice President at Virgin Atlantic for a decade and a half, during which time the airline launched its joint venture with Delta. Harking back to those days, he provided us with some color on what we can expect from the new KQ/SAA venture.

“This is a model that exists around the world. And the most successful models that I’ve seen leverage the local brands, and the distribution of those brands in the home markets. I was fortunate enough to work within the Virgin Atlantic/Delta Air Lines joint venture, Virgin didn’t become Delta and Delta didn’t become Virgin. They both got unique strengths, and the goal is to leverage that.”

With this in mind, Simon anticipates both SAA and Kenya Airways retaining their own branding, Both have strong images and customers who are emotionally attached to those brands, so why would they want to change that? Any other airlines joining the venture would also retain their own identity. This is something that has not been tried in Africa in quite such a way in the past, but something we’re pretty familiar with in Europe.

“If you look at what the Lufthansa Group has achieved in Europe – these are airlines that, 20 years ago, figured out that they had to come together to be effective and efficient. They’ve done that really well. The Lufthansa Group is collective of multiple European brands, and there is absolutely a foundation for that model in Africa.”

The other thing Lufthansa does well is its segmentation, catering to all traveler markets. While SWISS, Brussels, Austrian and Lufthansa offer full-service options and business travel perks, Eurowings is one of the few low-cost offshoots from a full-service airline that has actually been a success. And now, long-haul low-cost is being tackled through the new Eurowings Discover brand.

How can this be replicated in Africa? Kenya Airways and SAA are both full-service airlines, offering valuable connectivity in long-haul leisure and business markets. But when it comes to that shorter haul, lower-cost travel, there’s a gap to be filled.

Is Air Botswana Africa’s answer to Eurowings?

Also, on the panel at AviaDev Africa was Getaneh WoldeMichael, Commercial Director of Air Botswana, who noted,

“Air Botswana is an airline that has been here for over 33 years. It has remained with the route network it is serving today, more or less, for all of those years.”

An airline that is not growing is not in a strong position, and WoldeMichael firmly believes that the route network should be grown. But justifying the need to go to further away destinations and launch new routes can be difficult.

Air Botswana has struggled to get into the black, running at a loss for more than a decade. It is 100% government-owned, despite efforts to privatize it several times in the past. It is around a year into a three-year strategic recovery plan, and privatization is on the table once more. But something else is on the table too, and that’s deeper partnership working, as WoldeMichael noted,

“Alliance partnerships are required to fill that gap [in the route network]. As you all know, Lufthansa came up with a new arm called Eurowings, which targets tourist destinations. There is no answer from Africa for that – Air Botswana would be very happy to be part of such a response.”

Before the panel closed, Simon Newtown-Smith beautifully illustrated the situation facing African airlines,

“Frankly, a lot of loss-making Airlines on this continent need to come together in some shape or form to have a sensible conversation with institutional investors … you can have a very different conversation with a good plan about connecting a continent that has got a runway of 10, 20, 30 years … that is the conversation need to have not a conversation about two aeroplanes for next year. That’s not going to work.”

Turning to WoldeMichael, Newton-Smith added, “We need to start talking soon.” Could Air Botswana become the next addition to the KQ/SAA pan-African alliance? While that remains to be seen, right there is a demonstration of the power of getting back together in person and the positive outcomes it can bring.

Source: Simple Flying

The UK Launches A 22 Point Plan To Tackle Air Travel Disruption

Travel Disruption

The UK government has announced a new plan to address travel disruption in the aviation industry. The 22-point plan aims to avoid a repeat of the problems seen across UK airports over the past few months.

UK tackles aviation travel disruption

In response to the severe travel disruption across the UK this year, particularly over the busy Easter period, the UK government has launched a series of measures to support the aviation industry and passengers.

The joint initiative from the Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) aims to “minimize disruption in the aviation sector and protect passengers if it does happen.”

Staff shortages and rising travel demand caught many airlines and airports unaware, leading to long delays and thousands of canceled flights.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said,

“The 22 measures we’ve published today set out what we’re doing to support the industry. It’s now on airports and airlines to commit to running the flights they’ve promised or cancel them with plenty of time to spare, so we can avoid the kind of scenes we saw at Easter and half-term.”

The 22-point plan

As laid out on the UK government website, the 22-point plan is split into three broad categories – industry support, passenger support, and recruitment and training support.

Key takeaways from the plan include:

Industry Support

  • New regulations on airport slots, including an “amnesty” to hand back slots that can’t be fulfilled.
  • Weekly committees, including a Strategic Risk Group and Summer Resilience Group.
  • Weekly updates on schedule viability to ensure airline schedules can be fulfilled.

Passenger Support

  • A new Aviation Passenger Charter offering guidance on the rights and responsibilities of an air passenger.
  • Reviewing current airline practices on passenger care, compensation and legal responsibility.
  • Strengthening consumer protection, including expanding the CAA’s enforcement powers and written warnings to airports and airlines.

Recruitment and Training Support

  • Legal changes to enable airlines and airports to train and deploy staff more quickly.
  • Building partnerships with colleges and universities to attract interest in aviation.
  • Launching the Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme (AGOSS) backed by £161 million in grants.

Aviation Minister Robert Courts said,

“The action we’ve taken to support airlines and airports isn’t just about minimizing disruption this summer, but helping the sector recruit the staff it needs for the long term. I look forward to continuing to support them in this effort where we can.”

Consumer group Which? responds

In June, Simple Flying reported on UK consumer rights group Which? warning that the government’s proposals on passenger compensation will weaken passenger rights.

Which? has responded to the government’s new 22-point plan, reiterating its belief that the CAA should be granted the power to directly fine airlines.

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said,

“The shameful scenes at UK airports show why passengers need their rights to be strengthened and enforced by a strong regulator and compensation regime. The government should give the CAA powers to fine airlines directly when they flout the law, and drop plans to cut passenger compensation for delayed and cancelled domestic flights.”

Source: Simple Flying

Heathrow flight cancellations cause queues and ‘chaos’

Heathrow flight cancellations

Passengers have complained of queues and “total chaos” at Heathrow after the airport asked airlines to remove 30 flights from Thursday’s schedule.

The UK’s largest airport asked airlines to cut the flights because it was expecting more passenger numbers than it can currently cope with.

Some passengers did not know that their flights were cancelled until they arrived at the airport.

Heathrow said the cancellations were necessary for safety.

Travel writer and broadcaster Andy Mossack tweeted that there was “total chaos” and “zero customer service” at the airport on Thursday morning.

Mr Mossack, who was due to fly to Geneva at 08:25am, told the BBC he was told of the cancellation via an email about 6.00am which he didn’t see until he arrived at the airport.

“There are no flights to Geneva until Sunday or Monday. So I’ve had to come home”.

Terminal 5 was “awful… there were hundreds of people there. Some sleeping on the floor”.

Another passenger tweeted that terminal 5 was a “disgraceful shambles” after he arrived on Thursday morning to find his flight cancelled.

PA reported that one passenger, Andrew Douglas, said he had spent four hours in queues to find out at check-in that his flight had been cancelled with no prior notifications.

Other travellers complained of poor customer service and a lack of help when trying to rebook their flights.

A Heathrow spokesman said: “We will work with airlines to get affected passengers rebooked onto other flights outside of the peak so that as many as possible can get away, and we apologise for the impact this has on travel plans.

“We are working hard to ensure everyone has a smooth journey through Heathrow this summer, and the most important thing is to make sure that all service providers at the airport have enough resources to meet demand.”

A spokesman from British Airways, one of the airlines affected, said: “As a result of Heathrow’s requirement for all airlines to reduce their schedules, we’ve made a small number of cancellations.”

The airline said it was in contact with affected customers to “apologise, advise them of their consumer rights and offer them alternative options, including a refund or rebooking.”

Virgin Atlantic said one of their Heathrow to New York return services had been cut in each direction, while Air France, KLM, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, Brussels Airlines and Air Canada are also affected.

Meanwhile, the government is calling on the industry to run “realistic” summer schedules and alert passengers to any flight changes as “early as possible” to minimise disruption.

“It’s now on airports and airlines to commit to running the flights they’ve promised or cancel them with plenty of time to spare so we can avoid the kind of scenes we saw at Easter and half term,” said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

Among the 22 measures the Department for Transport introduced on Thursday is a plan to give airlines a short window to hand back plane parking slots for the rest of the summer season.

This is aimed to help manage capacity at the busiest airports.

Earlier this month, around 5,000 people were hit by Heathrow cancellations because of technical issues affecting baggage.

Before that, tens of thousands of passengers had been affected by disruption at UK airports and flight cancellations during the week of the Platinum Jubilee and half-term holidays.

The disruption was caused by several factors, but staff shortages have left the aviation industry struggling to cope with resurgent demand.

Last week when Heathrow made a similar move, it was for a different reason – because of the knock-on impact of a technical problem with baggage.

This time, it’s linked to staffing; it realised more passengers were going to come through the airport the next morning than it has capacity for right now.

But why was the decision only announced on the afternoon of the day before?

The airport says it’s seeing increasing numbers of last-minute bookings following cancellations or disruption at other airports – and this is pushing up passenger demand. Thirteen percent more passengers were booked to fly today than Thursday last week.

Heathrow says it’s constantly talking to airlines, working with them to make sure the right amount of airline, airport and ground handling resources are in place to cope with the number of flights operating.

Gatwick has already announced it’s limiting flight numbers for July and August. Heathrow hasn’t done that, but points out that since Gatwick’s announcement, the government has announced a one-off “amnesty” on airport slot rules, and airlines are expected to use this to cut more flights to try to make schedules more resilient.

Source: BBC

How to plan a stopover in Dubai

stopover in Dubai

As the world’s busiest airport, Dubai International (DXB) might be a sight in itself, but there’s a whole world of wonder waiting outside its doors. Whether you’re staying for a few hours or overnight, plan ahead to find out everything you need to know to make your stopover in Dubai as smooth as possible.

First off, how do I book a stopover?

Adding a break in your journey in Dubai couldn’t be simpler. If you’re flying with Emirates Airline, you can easily book a stopover in Dubai and they will take care of everything, starting with a meet and greet at the airport to 24-hour check-in, tours, excursions and more. Once you’ve purchased your flight, you’ll need to contact your local Emirates office or travel agent to make the arrangements. They will also help with visas if required.

Additionally, there are a number of local travel agents who can assist with your stopover, hassle-free. Talk to them about adding a break in your journey to Dubai and arranging your visa. To be eligible for a transit visa, travellers must have a confirmed hotel booking for the duration of their stay, as well as a confirmed flight ticket departing from Dubai, within the duration of their transit.

I’ve just arrived – can I still book?

If you’ve just arrived and want to explore Dubai before heading to your next destination, you can do that too. Travellers can apply for transit visas directly at the airport, subject to immigration approval and security clearance.

Alternatively, Emirates offers special ‘Stopovers on Arrival’ packages that are on sale exclusively at the ‘Hotels & Visas for Dubai’ desk at Dubai International. You’ll find it in the Arrivals area, prior to Passport Control/Immigration.

Do I need a visa to visit Dubai?

Visitors from most countries are allocated a 30-day visit visa on arrival to Dubai, which is free and stamped on your passport at immigration. Find out if you’re eligible by contacting your local travel agent or the nearest UAE Embassy.

For shorter stays, consider a stopover or a transit visa, which is available for most passport holders for a duration of 48 to 96 hours. Applications can be made easily through travel agents and airlines. Please contact your local travel agent for up-to-date information and to apply for visas in advance.

How can I get connected when I land in Dubai?

Whether you’re looking for places to visit or simply want to get in touch with your friends and family, you can log on to the internet with ease at Dubai International (DXB) or Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) thanks to the airport ‘WOW-Fi’ network, which is fast, free and convenient.

When on your stopover, don’t forget to request your complimentary SIM card at the immigration counter. Available to all Dubai tourists, these cards are preloaded with minutes and data, and can be easily topped up for the entire duration of your stay. 

How long does it take to get to and from the airport?

Dubai International is conveniently located in the centre of the city. Generally it takes anywhere from 15 to 35 minutes to get to most places in the city, depending on where you’re going. A trip to Downtown Dubai is usually around 15 minutes in a car, while Dubai Marina is around 30 minutes from the airport. Old Dubai is around 15 minutes in a taxi.

You can also hop onto the Dubai Metro directly from the airport. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes direct from Terminal 1 and 3, from 5am to midnight (please note timings vary on weekends). Fares start at AED2 and smart public transport cards known as Nol, can be purchased at the stations. Most metro stations are connected to the public bus network as well.

What are the quickest transport options?

Local taxis are the most convenient option for quick trips and are now fitted with free Wi-Fi, so you can check your flight times while on the go. You can also easily hire an Uber taxi or use the local car ride-hailing service, Careem, which offers competitive rates and comfortable vehicles.

Is it worth leaving the airport if I only have a few hours?

Yes, absolutely. As well as being in close proximity to Old Dubai, the city’s most historic area, the airport is only a 15-minute drive to some of the city’s top attractions, including the Burj KhalifaThe Dubai Mall and Dubai Canal, making a two-hour round trip entirely achievable (and not overly expensive).

If I’m in town overnight, where should I stay?

Located in the centre of Downtown Dubai and a stone’s throw from the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, Rove Downtown Dubai is an affordable option with a hip vibe. As well as being central, it’s a good place to explore the city on foot, with a short taxi ride taking you to the historic districts of Dubai or the upmarket gallery and restaurant precinct, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

What should I wear?

The UAE is a Muslim country and it’s advised to dress modestly and wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders, especially when visiting the malls and religious and cultural sites. Layers are a good option and lightweight fabrics are essential in summer. If you’re spending time outdoors, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must.

What can I do with my luggage?

Those planning a short stopover can store their bags in the ‘left luggage’ facilities at Terminal 1 or 3. It costs from just AED35 (US$10) per bag for 12 hours, and can be used by both arriving and departing passengers.

What language do most people speak in Dubai?

English is the most widely-spoken language in Dubai, due to the melting pot of cultures that live here. It’s good to brush up on some basic Arabic phrases to get an appreciation of the culture, but taxi drivers, wait staff, shop assistants and customer service people most often speak English.

Source: Visit Dubai