FLIGHTS across Europe remained grounded yesterday due to the plume of volcanic ash drifting over the continent since Thursday.
Airlines confirm there will continue to be severe disruption to schedules on Monday, April 19.
British Airways says all flights to and from London on April 19 remain cancelled.
Flights affected include (April 18):
*BA0056 JNB-LHR
*BA0054 JNB-LHR
*BA0033 LHR-JNB
*BA0055 LHR-JNB
*BA0057 LHR-JNB
*BA0059 LHR-CPT
*BA0058 CPT-LHR
SAA says its flights between SA and Frankfurt, Munich and London remain grounded.
Flights affected include (April 18):
*SA234 JNB-LHR
*SA236 JNB-LHR
*SA220 CPT-LHR
*SA260 JNB-FRA
*SA264 JNB-MUC
*SA235 LHR-JNB
*SA237 LHR-JNB
*SA221 LHR-CPT
*SA261 FRA-JNB
*SA265 MUC-JNB
Virgin Atlantic has cancelled all its flights to and from London on April 19, while Lufthansa and Air France confirm no flights will be operated until that date. KLM and British Airways are conducting test flights without passengers to check the impact of volcanic ash on the aircraft.
Most airlines confirm passengers may apply for a full refund, or reschedule their flights without penalties within a set period.
Monday, April 19, 2010
KSIA FUEL SHOCK
PASSENGERS flying from King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) may be in for a surprise when they see ticket prices hiked as airlines are forced to pay more to transport fuel to the new airport.
“The old Durban International Airport is situated right next to the Sapref refinery, so it was possible to have a direct pipeline from the refinery to the airport. However KSIA is 60 kilometres away and fuel will need to be transported by road to the fuel tank farms next to the new airport,” confirms Acsa manager communications and brand for the DIA, Colin Naidoo.
The fuel tank farm, from which a pipeline feeds KSIA, can hold six million litres of jet fuel.
“The old Durban International Airport is situated right next to the Sapref refinery, so it was possible to have a direct pipeline from the refinery to the airport. However KSIA is 60 kilometres away and fuel will need to be transported by road to the fuel tank farms next to the new airport,” confirms Acsa manager communications and brand for the DIA, Colin Naidoo.
The fuel tank farm, from which a pipeline feeds KSIA, can hold six million litres of jet fuel.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
NEW LODGE IN MALAWI
Robin Pope Safaris has announced the start of its new project in Majete Wildlife Reserve in the Lower Shire Valley.
Construction of a unique and luxurious lodge on the banks of the Shire River has begun and is expected to be completed next year.
Majete, recently rejuvenated under the management of the renowned African Parks Network, is a 70 000 ha tract of mature woodlands and granite-topped hills, bisected by the Shire River and its tributaries, which add river valleys and riverine forest.
In addition to breathtaking scenery, the reserve, which is a mere one-and-a-half-hour drive from Blantyre, boasts an impressive mammal and bird list including sable antelope, black rhino, elephant and Lichtenstein hartebeest.
Construction of a unique and luxurious lodge on the banks of the Shire River has begun and is expected to be completed next year.
Majete, recently rejuvenated under the management of the renowned African Parks Network, is a 70 000 ha tract of mature woodlands and granite-topped hills, bisected by the Shire River and its tributaries, which add river valleys and riverine forest.
In addition to breathtaking scenery, the reserve, which is a mere one-and-a-half-hour drive from Blantyre, boasts an impressive mammal and bird list including sable antelope, black rhino, elephant and Lichtenstein hartebeest.
OR TAMBO NEW CENTRAL TERMINAL BUILDING TO OPEN
ON Tuesday, April 20, President Jacob Zuma will officially open the newly constructed Central Terminal Building (CTB) at OR Tambo International Airport.
Gm of OR Tambo International Airport, Chris Hlekane, declares that the official opening of CTB marks the completion of the state-of-the-art airport facility well in time for the World Cup. “Acsa works closely with FIFA to share data on traffic volumes around key games and venues. The airports are prepared to run 24 hours a day to ensure the smooth flow of operations.”
Completed facilities at the airport include the International Pier and a multi-storey parkade for 5 200 vehicles, bringing the total number of parking bays within and offsite the precinct to 17 500. Other facilities comprise seven new aircraft apron stands and the Gautrain Rapid Rail link.
Cape Town international Airport, which forms part of Acsa’s network of 10 airports, has a new CTB, a 400-vehicle multi-storey parkade, five new aircraft apron stands, and improved access roads. Meanwhile, Port Elizabeth, Upington, Kimberley, East London and Bloemfontein have all undergone runway upgrades and terminal refurbishing, and operational plans are nearing completion fort final signoff by May.
“OR Tambo International, and the other nine Acsa-managed airports will create those first impressions vital to market South Africa as a preferred destination for investment and tourism, able to compete proudly with the best facilities in the world,” says Hlekane.
Gm of OR Tambo International Airport, Chris Hlekane, declares that the official opening of CTB marks the completion of the state-of-the-art airport facility well in time for the World Cup. “Acsa works closely with FIFA to share data on traffic volumes around key games and venues. The airports are prepared to run 24 hours a day to ensure the smooth flow of operations.”
Completed facilities at the airport include the International Pier and a multi-storey parkade for 5 200 vehicles, bringing the total number of parking bays within and offsite the precinct to 17 500. Other facilities comprise seven new aircraft apron stands and the Gautrain Rapid Rail link.
Cape Town international Airport, which forms part of Acsa’s network of 10 airports, has a new CTB, a 400-vehicle multi-storey parkade, five new aircraft apron stands, and improved access roads. Meanwhile, Port Elizabeth, Upington, Kimberley, East London and Bloemfontein have all undergone runway upgrades and terminal refurbishing, and operational plans are nearing completion fort final signoff by May.
“OR Tambo International, and the other nine Acsa-managed airports will create those first impressions vital to market South Africa as a preferred destination for investment and tourism, able to compete proudly with the best facilities in the world,” says Hlekane.
VOLCANIC ASH CONTINUES TO DISRUPT UK AIR TRAFFIC
AIRLINE passengers continue to face massive disruptions across Europe after an ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded flights since yesterday, April 15.
Flights to, from or connecting through British airports, including London’s Heathrow (LHR), were delayed or cancelled due to the volcanic activity in Iceland (see below for SA-affected flights).
Media reports state that the cloud of ash has affected airports in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland. There was also major disruption in Belgium, France, Finland, Germany and The Netherlands.
Further disruption is likely as a second eruption has occurred closer to Finland and Russia. The volcano is said to be still erupting and forecasters believe the cloud could take a number of days to disperse.
“It is very variable how long these eruptions last. Anywhere from a few days to over a year,” Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a professor of geophysics and civil protection adviser in Iceland, told the AFP news agency. “Judging from the intensity of this one, it could last a long time,” he added.
The movement of the plume, which has been drifting eastwards, is being monitored by Met Office, NATS, Eurocontrol and neighbouring countries.
British Airways spokesperson, Stephen Forbes, affirmed that flights scheduled to leave Heathrow on Thursday (April 15) night had been cancelled. As a result, the outbound flight, scheduled to depart South Africa tonight, has also been cancelled as there are no aircraft to transport passengers to the UK.
South African Airways cancelled its flights to and from London scheduled for departure on April 15. The following SAA flights scheduled to have departed today have been cancelled:
SA234 Johannesburg to London
SA235 London to Johannesburg
SA220 Cape Town to London
SA221 London to Cape Town
All other SAA’s international flights other than London are currently operating as normal.
Meanwhile Virgin Atlantic advises its flights have been cancelled:
VS601 15 Apr London Heathrow/Johannesburg
VS602 16 Apr Johannesburg/London Heathrow
"We are asking agents to advise their passengers travelling on any of these flights not to travel to the airport but rather check the website for updates and advise on what options are available (www.virginatlantic.com)," says marketing manager Caren Parkinson.
Lufthansa spokesperson, Karin Duncker, affirms the airports of Amsterdam and Brussels are also closed as they have reached capacity as a result of diverted aircraft landing at these airports. "For this reason Lufthansa has cancelled all flights to and from Brussels and Amsterdam. Delays and increased flight cancellations of Lufthansa aircraft to the affected areas have occurred. Passengers are currently being rerouted without charge or if preferred are receiving a full refund.
"Volcanic ash represents a significant safety threat to aircraft. The ash, which consists of pulverised rock and glass created by the eruptions, can damage the engines, causing them to shut down if an aircraft flies through the plume. Ash can also be sucked into the cabin itself, contaminating the passengers' environment as well as damaging the plane's electronic systems.
Flights to, from or connecting through British airports, including London’s Heathrow (LHR), were delayed or cancelled due to the volcanic activity in Iceland (see below for SA-affected flights).
Media reports state that the cloud of ash has affected airports in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland. There was also major disruption in Belgium, France, Finland, Germany and The Netherlands.
Further disruption is likely as a second eruption has occurred closer to Finland and Russia. The volcano is said to be still erupting and forecasters believe the cloud could take a number of days to disperse.
“It is very variable how long these eruptions last. Anywhere from a few days to over a year,” Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, a professor of geophysics and civil protection adviser in Iceland, told the AFP news agency. “Judging from the intensity of this one, it could last a long time,” he added.
The movement of the plume, which has been drifting eastwards, is being monitored by Met Office, NATS, Eurocontrol and neighbouring countries.
British Airways spokesperson, Stephen Forbes, affirmed that flights scheduled to leave Heathrow on Thursday (April 15) night had been cancelled. As a result, the outbound flight, scheduled to depart South Africa tonight, has also been cancelled as there are no aircraft to transport passengers to the UK.
South African Airways cancelled its flights to and from London scheduled for departure on April 15. The following SAA flights scheduled to have departed today have been cancelled:
SA234 Johannesburg to London
SA235 London to Johannesburg
SA220 Cape Town to London
SA221 London to Cape Town
All other SAA’s international flights other than London are currently operating as normal.
Meanwhile Virgin Atlantic advises its flights have been cancelled:
VS601 15 Apr London Heathrow/Johannesburg
VS602 16 Apr Johannesburg/London Heathrow
"We are asking agents to advise their passengers travelling on any of these flights not to travel to the airport but rather check the website for updates and advise on what options are available (www.virginatlantic.com)," says marketing manager Caren Parkinson.
Lufthansa spokesperson, Karin Duncker, affirms the airports of Amsterdam and Brussels are also closed as they have reached capacity as a result of diverted aircraft landing at these airports. "For this reason Lufthansa has cancelled all flights to and from Brussels and Amsterdam. Delays and increased flight cancellations of Lufthansa aircraft to the affected areas have occurred. Passengers are currently being rerouted without charge or if preferred are receiving a full refund.
"Volcanic ash represents a significant safety threat to aircraft. The ash, which consists of pulverised rock and glass created by the eruptions, can damage the engines, causing them to shut down if an aircraft flies through the plume. Ash can also be sucked into the cabin itself, contaminating the passengers' environment as well as damaging the plane's electronic systems.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
FURTHER MUDSLIDES THREATEN BRAZIL
OVER 2 000 families have had to be evacuated from at-risk areas as threats of new mudslides loom following the heavy rain and flooding that hit the Brazil last week.
The trolley that ferries tourists up the mountain to the Christ the Redeemer statue has also been closed until further notice as the land around the rail line is unstable at the moment. Tourists are able to reach the statue by car but will have to sacrifice the view that comes with going up on the trolley.
The trolley that ferries tourists up the mountain to the Christ the Redeemer statue has also been closed until further notice as the land around the rail line is unstable at the moment. Tourists are able to reach the statue by car but will have to sacrifice the view that comes with going up on the trolley.
The death toll from floods and mudslides near Brazil's Rio de Janeiro has reached 224, with authorities fearing that it could reach as high as 400 people.
Four bodies were pulled out of the rubble at dawn on Saturday in the Niteroi slum of Morro do Bumba, where up to 200 people are believed to be buried.
Officials said the heavy rain had forced about 50,000 people to leave their homes, either because their homes were damaged or because they were ordered to leave due to fear of fresh landslides.
Four bodies were pulled out of the rubble at dawn on Saturday in the Niteroi slum of Morro do Bumba, where up to 200 people are believed to be buried.
Officials said the heavy rain had forced about 50,000 people to leave their homes, either because their homes were damaged or because they were ordered to leave due to fear of fresh landslides.
YELLOW FEVER POLICY FOR THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
1. YELLOW FEVER POLICY FOR THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Yellow fever is an infectious vector-borne disease that is caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito vector such as Aëdes aegypti. South Africa has a risk of introduction of the disease as the mosquito vector exists in the country.
In order to prevent introduction of the disease into the country, South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all citizens and non-citizens over one year of age travelling from an infected area or having been in transit through infected areas. To assist passengers SAA will be checking the requirements leaving South Africa as they would be required to be in possession of this certificate on the return flight. Passengers making a return booking to or from these countries must be advised that they require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
List of countries for which a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into South Africa.
Angola
Argentina
Benin
Bolivia
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Colombia
Guinea-Bissau
Congo
Côte d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ecuador
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
French Guyana
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guyana
Kenya
Liberia
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Nigeria
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Sudan
Suriname
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Uganda
United republic of Tanzania
Venezuela
Yellow fever is an infectious vector-borne disease that is caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito vector such as Aëdes aegypti. South Africa has a risk of introduction of the disease as the mosquito vector exists in the country.
In order to prevent introduction of the disease into the country, South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all citizens and non-citizens over one year of age travelling from an infected area or having been in transit through infected areas. To assist passengers SAA will be checking the requirements leaving South Africa as they would be required to be in possession of this certificate on the return flight. Passengers making a return booking to or from these countries must be advised that they require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
List of countries for which a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into South Africa.
Angola
Argentina
Benin
Bolivia
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Colombia
Guinea-Bissau
Congo
Côte d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ecuador
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
French Guyana
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guyana
Kenya
Liberia
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Nigeria
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Sudan
Suriname
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Uganda
United republic of Tanzania
Venezuela
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