Migrant charity defies Italy over surveillance plane restrictions
Rome, Italy Reuters A German rescue charity on Wednesday launched a fresh aerial surveillance mission from Italy to track down migrant boats in difficulty in the central Mediterranean, defying restrictions by Italian authorities. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) this week said it was banning small planes used by migrant charities from airports on the […]
Lula militarises Brazil’s main ports, airports amid rising crime
Brasilia, BrazilReuters Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday temporarily militarised security at some of the country’s most important ports and airports, as he seeks to tame rising crime after several deadly incidents in Rio de Janeiro state. Lula said soldiers will work with federal police officers to manage security operations at Latin […]
Fearing martial law or conscription, some Russians try to flee abroad
Moscow, RussiaReuters As Russian troops slowly advanced on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on Thursday, some people back in Moscow were attempting to flee to destinations abroad that have not banned flights from Russia, stomaching soaring prices in the rush to escape. The Kremlin dismissed speculation that Russian authorities plan to introduce martial law following the invasion […]
Omicron-related disruptions cause over 4,000 flight cancellations to kick off 2022
Reuters More than 4,000 flights were cancelled around the world on Sunday, more than half of them US flights, adding to the toll of holiday week travel disruptions due to adverse weather and the surge in coronavirus cases caused by the Omicron variant. The flights cancelled by 8pm GMT on Sunday included over 2,400 entering, […]
More than 60 countries say Afghans, others must be allowed to leave Afghanistan
Washington DC, USReuters More than 60 countries issued a joint statement saying Afghans and international citizens who want to leave Afghanistan must be allowed to depart and added that airports and border crossings must remain open, the US State Department said late on Sunday. The US Government and countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, […]
Airports advised to step up security efforts for COVID-19 vaccine cargo
Montreal, CanadaReuters Airports around the world are being advised to step up security efforts to protect COVID-19 vaccine shipments amid police warnings of potential targeting from criminal networks. The recommendation from a global airports body comes as pharmaceutical companies and airlines are carrying out the largest logistical operation of its kind to distribute vaccines designed […]
Airports reject vaccine requirement as travel debate intensifies
Montreal, Canada/Sydney, AustraliaReuters Aviation industry opposition to requiring mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for passengers has intensified as impending drug approvals trigger a debate over their role in air travel. Airports Council International, which represents airports worldwide, joined most airlines in calling for a choice between testing or vaccination, fearing a blanket rule imposing pre-flight inoculation would […]