NEW YORK: As if the travel industry needed more confirmation of its crisis, The New York Times travel section will temporarily stop appearing in the Sunday print edition. The reason for the pause is obvious: At present, no one can travel. The section will be replaced by a new quarantine-focused lifestyle section called At Home. The new section will debut this Sunday and will be edited by Amy Virshup, the Times’ travel editor, “at least through the duration of the pandemic,” according to a statement from Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet. While the rationale behind the move makes practical sense,…
Author: holidayweekly
RIYADH: Expatriates in Saudi Arabia who have an exit and re-entry visa or final exit visa to return to their countries can now submit an online application through the Absher platform, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced, said a report. Requests for travel from expatriates will be received and approved in coordination with the relevant authorities to complete their travel procedures on board international flights, a report in Saudi Gazette said. Based on this information, expats can then buy air tickets. Those who apply must provide a residency number (iqama), date of birth, cellphone number, the city they will…
PORT LOUIS: Air Mauritius has entered voluntary administration after coronavirus-related disruptions made it impossible for the airline to meet its financial obligations, its board said today. The 52-year old carrier, which flies 1.7 million passengers a year to 22 destinations, including London, said the pandemic had struck just as the company was seeking to change its business model to address existing financial problems. It said: “Unfortunately travel restrictions and the closure of borders in all our markets and cessation of all international and domestic flights in an unprecedented crisis has led to a complete erosion in the company’s revenue base.…
LONDON: In an open letter to Virgin Group employees, company founder Richard Branson said he would offer the private islands he owns in the Caribbean as collateral to save the airline and hospitality company, which is in financial straits during the coronavirus pandemic. Branson’s conglomerate operates in some of the hardest-hit sectors, including aviation, hotels and cruises. The billionaire tried to dispel criticism about asking for government aid despite his massive personal wealth. “I’ve seen lots of comments about my net worth but that is calculated on the value of Virgin businesses around the world before this crisis, not sitting…
CHICAGO: United Airlines on Monday reported a $2.1 billion pre-tax loss between January and March, the first U.S. carrier to place a dollar amount on first quarter carnage, a period in which demand went from strong to nearly non-existent within weeks because of a once-in-a-century global pandemic. First quarter generally is weakest for U.S airlines, but United has in recent years been making money, reporting $367 million in profit in the first three months of last year. As recently as January, executives expected another strong quarter, reporting reasonable demand in most markets, including China. Then it all came crashing down.…
KARACHI: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Sunday made it mandatory for passengers travelling between April 18-30 to submit their health forms, which include information on flu, cold, cough, and sore throat also states that passengers should enter quarantine if the relevant health officer deems it necessary. The authority stated that all standard operating procedures (SOPs) mentioned in the health forms will be strictly implemented and passengers are also bound to oblige if the quarantine period is extended and pay for food advised by officials. Moreover, passengers will be liable to penalties if they provide providing wrong or false information,…
The coronavirus outbreak has provoked a string of unsettling sights, such as the sudden widespread use of masks, shuttered businesses and deserted streets. Another unusual phenomenon is also playing out in the skies, near-empty airplanes flying through the air. Widespread travel restrictions around the world have slashed demand for air travel, with more than eight in 10 flights canceled. But there is a disparity in the US – while the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has reported a 96% slump in passenger volume, to a level not seen since 1954, this hasn’t been matched by the number of flights being scrapped.…
GENEVA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is offering free access to online training courses for up to 5,000 aviation workers as part of its efforts to help the industry through the COVID-19 crisis. Current employees – or those who wish to become a part of the aviation or related industries – can select one from eight of IATA’s most popular e-learning courses to strengthen their industry knowledge and skills: Aviation Competition Law Destination Geography Travel Agency Fees: A Professional Approach Accounting and Financial Management for Travel Agencies Geography in Travel Planning Distribution and Airline Retailing Diversity and Inclusion Aviation…
SINGAPORE: In continued response to the impact of the COVID-19 global outbreak and the recent order from the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Princess Cruises is canceling all voyages through June 30, 2020. The cruise line had previously announced a voluntary pause for two months (60 days), impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10, 2020. In addition, Princess Cruises can confirm modifications to the Alaska season, which includes the cancellation of all Princess Alaska Gulf cruise and cruisetours. The five wilderness lodges, trains and buses operated by Princess in Alaska will not open this summer. We will…
WASHINGTON: The U.S. travel industry has submitted a new list of policy requests to Congress as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the industry, the U.S. Travel Association announced on Friday. The policy measures proposed include adding $600 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and extending the coverage period through the end of the year. U.S. Travel also wants lawmakers to expand eligibility for the PPP to local and regional destination marketing organizations (DMOs) as well as small businesses with fewer than 500 employees operating in multiple locations. Plus, the organization is pushing for Congress to…