Aviation News - 2021 Archive

Some 6,300 flights were cancelled by airlines across the world over Christmas weekend, with the Omicron variant of Covid-19 disrupting travel during the holidays, including pilots in quarantine.

In response to the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the International Air Transport Association has urged governments to follow World Health Organization travel advice to revoke the latest travel bans.

Even if the restrictions enacted to combat the Omicron variant are largely short-lived, they couldn't have come at a worse time for still struggling airlines that were expecting an enormous boost from the holiday season.

It is likely that the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.529, which is spreading in South Africa, will end up in Britain, the head of the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium said.

Saudi Arabian Airlines is in talks with Airbus (AIR.PA) and Boeing (BA.N) for a wide-body jet order, with a decision expected next year, its chief executive said.

Airlines are reopening airport lounges with higher-end service to lure back premium travelers after the pandemic, while increasingly opening the VIP experience to tourists – for a fee.

IATA urged governments to use the commitments reached at the ICAO High Level Conference on COVID-19 (HLCC) to make progress toward restoring global air connectivity.

The European Union and the State of Qatar signed a comprehensive air transport agreement, upgrading rules and standards for flights between Qatar and the EU. The agreement sets a new global benchmark by committing both sides to fair competition, and by including social and environmental protection. The signing means new opportunities for consumers, airlines and airports in Qatar and the EU.

During the two months of summer holidays, Brussels Airport recorded passenger numbers of more than 50% of 2019’s figures, a trend that continued through September with no fewer than 1.3 million passengers over the month, i.e. 52% of pre–crisis numbers. 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that air travelers are increasingly frustrated with the COVID-19 travel restrictions.