June 4

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June 4

Maldives bans Israeli citizens from entering the country

In response to the war in Gaza, the government of the Maldives is planning to impose a travel ban on Israeli citizens. This was announced by the office of President Mohamed Muizzu. The relevant laws will be amended to implement the ban as soon as possible, said Interior Minister Ali Ihusaan. In addition, the president has appointed a special envoy to assess the needs of the Palestinians and wants to raise money for the people in the Palestinian territories, also in cooperation with UNRWA. The Israeli Foreign Ministry advised Israeli citizens not to visit the Maldives and recommended that those who are already there leave the country. Israel had already issued a travel warning for the Maldives in December. According to official figures, almost 11.000 tourists from Israel visited the Maldives last year, although the two countries do not have full diplomatic relations.

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Jet Airways withdraws legal objection

The Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC), prospective owner of Jet Airways, has withdrawn its appeal in India's National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). The dispute was over the transfer of Rs 2 crore owed by the consortium to the airline's lenders. The lawyers withdrew the plea after hinting that it might be dismissed as a similar case was already pending in the Supreme Court. Jet Airways went bankrupt in 2019 and owed nearly INR 80 billion to creditors. A restructuring plan was approved in 2021 that included the Jalan Kalrock Consortium as the new owner. But since then, there have been disputes between the consortium and the committee of creditors, leading to numerous legal disputes. The resolution plan is in the implementation phase, but the announcement of financial results for the quarter and year ending March 31, 2024 will be delayed. A meeting will be called to review and adopt the results.

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Thailand's Ministry of Finance plans to invest billions in Thai Airways

Thailand's Ministry of Finance plans to invest an additional 2024 billion baht (about $12 million) in national carrier Thai Airways International by October 325,5, with the aim of relisting the company on the Thai Stock Exchange by mid-2025. According to Tibordee Wattanakul of the Ministry of Finance's State Enterprise Policy Office, Thai Airways' financial position has improved significantly due to cost cutting and operational efficiency improvements. The investment is part of the court-supervised corporate rescue plan, which aims to boost the airline's capital through equity injection from shareholders. The Ministry of Finance will retain a roughly 40% stake in the airline, while majority control will transfer from the government to the private sector. However, this plan is pending approval. Funds for the investment are expected to come from the 2025 fiscal budget and the state's Vayupak Fund. Despite reporting a net profit of THB 2,423 billion (approximately USD 65,9 million) in the first quarter of 2024, Thai Airways reported a decline of 78,9% compared to the same quarter last year, mainly due to impairment of idle aircraft, higher operating costs and a weak baht.

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Swiss and SBB are expanding their Air Rail offering from Geneva Airport

Swiss airline Swiss International Air Lines and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) have announced that they will be expanding their joint Air Rail service from Geneva Airport. By integrating Swiss routes into the SBB network, international travelers will be able to easily reach popular holiday resorts in Valais. The expanded service includes connections to places such as Vevey, Montreux, Sion, Sierre, Visp and Brig, and will be bookable from June 11. Heike Birlenbach, Chief Commercial Officer of Swiss, emphasized the benefits of this strategic partnership and the goal of offering passengers a seamless travel experience. The expansion of the service meets the needs of customers and offers a convenient connection from the airport to destinations in Valais. Véronique Stephan, Member of the Executive Board and Head of Market Passenger Transport at SBB, emphasized that the expansion of the Swiss Air Rail service is another example of customer-oriented multimodal mobility. The collaboration between Swiss and SBB enables customers to get from the airport to the mountains easily and comfortably.

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Consumer protection authority rejects eDreams' application against Ryanair

The Italian consumer protection authority AGCM has rejected a request from online travel agency eDreams ODIGEO for an injunction against Ryanair. eDreams had accused Ryanair of unfair competition and price fixing. The authority found that there was "no risk of serious and irreparable harm to competition". Ryanair had previously reached agreements with several online travel agencies (OTAs), including loveholidays, Kiwi, TUI, On the Beach, eSky and El Corte Inglés, to stop "scraping" its website. These OTAs had also agreed to stop charging excessive fares and additional fees. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary welcomed the AGCM's decision and strongly criticized eDreams and other OTAs for their alleged unfair practices. eDreams, on the other hand, stressed that the AGCM's decision does not affect the ongoing antitrust proceedings and that it remains involved in the investigation to stop abuses by Ryanair. An eDreams spokeswoman said: "This procedural decision leaves the main course of the antitrust proceedings unaffected and they are moving forward. This case has been brought and supported by the entire Italian travel industry and consumer associations. The AGCM will continue its main investigation into Ryanair's abuse of a dominant market position in Italy. We will continue to participate in the investigation to ensure that any abuse by Ryanair, including the smear campaigns, comes to an end. This benefits all European consumers and supports an open and fair travel ecosystem." The first hearing in the competition case, which is being driven by Italian associations, is scheduled for February 11, 2025.

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TAP Air Portugal brings 11 tons of relief supplies to Brazil

Last Tuesday, TAP Air Portugal operated a special flight to transport over 11 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, which has been affected by severe flooding. The aid was collected throughout Portugal and included essential everyday items such as diapers, clothing and toiletries. The specially deployed Airbus A330-900 neo took off from Lisbon airport for São Paulo, carrying 1195 boxes with a total weight of 11.317 kilos and a volume of 100 cubic metres. The crew consisted of two pilots and two other members specially assigned for the flight. This initiative, organised in collaboration with the Portuguese Government, highlights TAP Air Portugal's solidarity with the victims of the floods in Rio Grande do Sul. TAP Air Portugal, considered the most "Brazilian" European airline, is thus reaffirming its commitment to Brazil. The airline offers 96 weekly flights with direct connections to 11 major cities in the country.

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Mauritius attracts with impressive national parks and natural treasures

Mauritius, the green island in the Indian Ocean, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. The island's national parks, such as the Black River Gorges National Park and the Bras d'Eau National Park, are characterized by their exceptional beauty and biodiversity. These protected areas are home to many rare animal and plant species found nowhere else in the world. The crown jewel of Mauritian natural landscape, the Black River Gorges National Park covers two percent of the island and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities with over 50 kilometers of hiking trails. Mauritius' highest point, the Black River Peak, offers spectacular views and makes the park a popular destination for hikers. In the northeast of Mauritius lies the Bras d'Eau National Park, which impresses not only with its natural beauty but also with its historical heritage. Here, visitors will find ancient ruins and an impressive variety of bird species, including the Mauritius falcon and the Mauritian paradise flycatcher. The hiking trails lead through lush forests and offer many opportunities for bird watching. The Islets National Park covers eight of the 49 islands surrounding Mauritius, including Île d'Ambre. These islands are known for their dense mangrove forests and diverse vegetation, which are home to rare wildlife such as endemic butterflies and the Mauritius White-eye. Efforts to preserve and restore these habitats contribute significantly to conservation in Mauritius. Mauritius' national parks not only offer stunning landscapes, but are also important protected areas for flora and fauna. Visitors can book guided tours and birdwatching walks with biologists to experience the island's natural treasures up close.

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IATA predicts further increase in airline profits

Despite the massive challenges that the Corona pandemic brought to the aviation industry, airlines around the world experienced a remarkable recovery in 2023, recording higher profits than before the crisis. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), this trend is also forecast for the current year 2024, with profits totaling around 30,5 billion US dollars (28,1 billion euros) - almost five billion more than predicted in December last year. During the IATA General Assembly in Dubai, it was announced that airlines made an estimated profit of 2023 billion US dollars in 27,4, an increase of one billion compared to pre-pandemic figures in 2019. What is particularly noteworthy is that North America is expected to continue to account for the largest share of airlines' global profits. IATA forecasts that airlines in North America will make a profit of $2024 billion in 14,8, which is the same as in 2023. At the same time, airlines in Europe are expected to increase their profits from $8,6 billion in 2023 to $9 billion in 2024. This encouraging forecast is the result of several factors, including the gradual recovery of the aviation market, increased demand for air travel, and an adjustment in airfares. The introduction of health and safety measures to regain passenger confidence has also helped to strengthen the industry. The expectation of further increasing profits in the aviation industry signals a gradual return to more stable and profitable operations for airlines worldwide. Despite this positive outlook, however, uncertainties remain, in particular

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Waldviertelbahn offers a varied on-board program in June

In June, the traditional Waldviertelbahn is expanding its offering with a wide range of events and attractions for its passengers. From magic shows to culinary experiences, the narrow-gauge railway, which runs between Gmünd and Groß Gerungs and Gmünd and Litschau, will be the stage for a colorful program. On June 8, the magician "Magic Leo" will entertain passengers on the journey from Gmünd to Groß Gerungs with his tricks and creative balloon figures. The "magic train" starts at 13 p.m. in Gmünd, returning at 16.15 p.m. On June 16, the nostalgic steam locomotive will take you to the morning pint at the village innkeeper Otto Böhm in Schönau near Litschau. Traditional dishes such as roast pork and Waldviertel dumplings will be served. Departure is at 10 a.m. in Gmünd, return journeys are possible at 13.04 p.m. or 16.04 p.m. On June 22nd, the students of the accordion music school will show off their skills on the "Musicians Express". The journey starts at 13 p.m. from Gmünd, and the return journey is at 16.15 p.m. On June 23rd, the "poppy seed noodle train" will take guests to Litschau, where sweet poppy seed noodles and other home-style cooking will be served at the Gasthof Kaufmann. Departure from Gmünd is at 10 a.m., and the return journey is at 13 p.m. or 16 p.m. "The Waldviertelbahn opens up a wide range of excursion options in the region," emphasizes Udo Landbauer, deputy governor. "Thanks to the wide range of leisure activities, every journey is a special experience." The historic diesel locomotive and the nostalgic train with a steam locomotive are in use on certain days. The railway offers additional services such as bicycle transport and a snack cart. Passengers with a climate ticket receive reduced prices.

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IndiGo introduces new seating option for women travelers

IndiGo has introduced an innovative initiative to enhance the travel experience for women passengers. The new seat option allows women to see the seats of other women while selecting their seats for their flights. This feature, which is currently being tested in pilot mode, is designed to increase the safety and comfort of women travellers and reduce the risk of incidents on board. Through the new feature, women passengers will be able to view the seats already booked by other women during online check-in. This is a response to the concerns regarding women's safety while travelling and a step towards a more protected and enjoyable travel experience for all women passengers, especially those travelling alone or as part of a family booking. In an official statement, IndiGo said it is proud to introduce this new feature, which is based on market analysis and in line with its #GirlPower ethos. The airline reiterated its commitment to providing a world-class travel experience to all passengers and stressed that this initiative is just one of many steps towards achieving this goal. The introduction of the new seating option marks an important step for IndiGo to address the needs and safety concerns of women passengers. This move also underlines the growing importance of women in the aviation sector and the industry's commitment to creating a more inclusive and safe environment for all passengers. The new seating options are currently available in a pilot phase and will be tailored specifically for Passenger Name Record (PNR) holders of women travellers. However, IndiGo is planning further changes beyond this seating option. The airline plans to

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