Dave

BRAZIL – Country Alert

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Due to the current situation with political demonstrations and civil unrest taking place in 12 Brazilian cities.

The UK Foreign Office advises all travellers to the country to be mindful of the situation, to take heed of official warnings and to avoid known trouble spots or planned demonstrations.

The Brazilian Government has announced that it is to deploy the National Security Force in 5 cities – Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Fortaleza and the capital, Brasilia.

Travellers should stay close to media updates.

Paul

Finnair Mega Far East Summer Sale!

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For a short period only Finnair has some amazingly low air fares on sale to the Far East. Eff immediately, and until 27th June 2013, you can book economy class air fares from just £71 (plus airport taxes).

The offer is valid for travel from 31st August – until various dates in November and December 2013. Finnair’s Far East route network, flying via Helsinki, from either London or Manchester, includes the following destinations : Delhi, Bangkok, Singapore, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Chongqing, Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Osaka, Nagoya & Tokyo.

Business Class fares are equally low, starting at just £628 to Xi’an, or £728 to Chingqing (both plus airport taxes).

Remember the sales period only runs until 27th June – so what are you waiting for?!

Paul

Portugal – General Strike.

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A general strike has been called in Portugal on 27th June 2013. Please anticipate some disruption to local travel services.

Paul

Air Traffic Controllers Cancel Third Day of Strikes.

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The union representing France’s air traffic controllers has cancelled a planned third day of strikes for tomorrow, Thursday 13th June. The cancellation of the third day of strikes was in reponse to signs of encouraging support from the French & German governments over the EU’s Single European Sky project.

Whilst this is good news, please bear in mind that some aircraft and crew will still be out of position tomorrow, so some continued disruption should be expected. Check in online for the most up to date information from your airline.

Paul

Air-traffic Controllers begin three day strike.

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Further to our initial report yesterday (see below), confirmation that air-traffic controllers in France are beginning a three-day strike tomorrow (Wednesday) to protest against EU plans to create a single European airspace. The controllers say the Single European Sky (SES) project will affect public safety and their working conditions.

Strikes and walk-outs are expected to spread across Europe on Wednesday. France’s civil aviation authority has asked airlines to halve the number of flights serving major French cities to deal with the expected disruption.

Our advice as always is to check in online for your flight and to contact us should you not have heard if your flight/s have been affected.

Paul

French Industrial Action – Eurostar Services Unaffected.

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Further to our post below, regarding the SNCF industrial action later this week, please note that Eurostar services are unaffected. Further information concerning any possible onward journey on the French domestic rail network can be found at: www.infolignes.com

Paul

New British Airways Check-in Area In Paris CDG.

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From 17 to 30 June 2013, the British Airways check-in area at Paris Charles De Gaulle airport will be temporarily located in Hall 8 of the departure level in Terminal 2A. This is to accommodate a redesign of the existing check-in area.

Once completed the redesign will streamline the check-in area for British Airways customers, with new counters and seating areas, including a premium area for Club Europe and Silver and Gold Executive Club members.

From 1st July 2013, the new check-in area will be located at door 9, level 0, in Terminal 2A. Access to the new check-in area is via two entrances, firstly, two lifts in terminal 2A, or escalators and stairs from terminal 2C.

Lastly, and again from 1st July 2013, Club Europe, plus Silver & Gold Executive Club members will also have access to two new OneWorld lounges : the Cathay Pacific First & Business Class lounge, or the American Airlines lounge also opening 1st July.

Paul

France – ATC & Rail Strikes This Week.

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French Air Traffic Control has announced industrial action between Tuesday 11th June and Thursday 13th June 2013.

As a result some flights will be disrupted, or cancelled, please contact us (GTM) if you are due to travel to France during the aforementioned dates. As always, please also ensure that you do check in online for your flight/s too.

Rail Europe are also advising that SNCF, France’s national railway company, will go on strike from 2000 CET on Wednesday 12th June, running through until 0800 on Friday 14th June. SNCF are advising that their normal timetable cannot be guaranteed during the disruption.

 

Paul

Heathrow Terminal 2 To Open In One Year.

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Heathrow Airport will open its new Terminal 2 in less than a years time. The £2.5 billion facility will eventually serve 20 million passengers each year after opening its doors on June 4, 2014.

The first aircraft, a United Airlines flight from Chicago, is scheduled to land at 0555. Prior to the opening next June there will be six months of testing involving 14,000 people in 182 trials.

Terminal 2 will be home to 25,000 staff and 23 Star Alliance airlines, as well as Aer Lingus, Virgin Atlantic Little Red and Germanwings. It will open in phases, with the 26 airlines moving in over a period of six months. Just 10 per cent of flights will operate for the first three weeks of June before gradually building up to full operations.

Paul

European flooding alert.

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Please note that the flooding in Austria, the Czech Republic, parts of Germany and Slovakia has forced the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes.

Should you be due to travel in the near future to any of these countries, please check with your local contacts before travelling.

Heavy rains have swelled the Elbe, Danube and Vltava rivers resulting in the worst floods since those of 2002.