Latest news with #CivilAviationAuthority
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah fire: Cooling operations underway after massive blaze in Al Hamriyah
Cooling operations are currently underway at Al Hamriyah Port in Sharjah, following a massive fire that took 24 hours to bring under control. The fire broke out at 6.10 am on Saturday and was fully contained by 6.25am on Sunday morning, according to officials. The cooling process aims to prevent any potential flare-ups; once the area is declared safe, forensic and technical teams will be allowed to enter the site and begin investigations into the cause of the fire. Results of the investigations will be announced after all technical assessments. The fire, described as one of the largest industrial blazes in the emirate in recent years, was caused by the ignition of highly flammable petrochemical materials. The intensity of the flames and smoke was such that they could be seen from neighbouring emirates. Authorities responded swiftly, activating a coordinated emergency response that involved local and federal entities. Sharjah Civil Defence deployed advanced firefighting equipment including foam tankers and high-capacity water pumps. The Sharjah Civil Aviation Authority and the Sharjah International Airport Authority provided aerial surveillance using helicopters and air jets to assess the spread and intensity of the fire. Municipal teams from Sharjah and Al Hamriyah supported the operation by supplying water tankers and logistical support. Sharjah Police cordoned off the surrounding areas, evacuated nearby buildings, and managed traffic to ensure public safety. Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police and Chairman of the Local Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team, praised the professionalism of the teams involved. 'The rapid response, high-level coordination, and use of specialised equipment played a vital role in bringing the situation under control without casualties,' he said. 'What we witnessed was an integrated national effort.' Key support also came from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, National Guard, National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), all of whom contributed equipment, personnel, and technical expertise.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Gatwick strike action poses threat to start of summer holidays
British holidaymakers may face disruption ahead of summer as staff at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are to stage fresh strikes in a dispute over pay and conditions. Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union based at sites including Gatwick airport will walk out on June 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18, following stoppages in January and March. Pay negotiations for 2025-26 are under way, but PCS warned the gap between the two sides was 'significant'. Fran Heathcote, PCS general secretary, said: 'We're frustrated and disappointed after management imposed a 2024 pay offer without engaging in meaningful negotiations. 'The current offer – a one-off, non-consolidated payment of £1,150 – has been rejected by union members as inadequate amid rising living costs and concerns about long-term pay erosion. 'Our members deserve a fair pay rise that reflects the cost of living, restores the value of their salaries and recognises the value of their work. Instead, CAA has chosen to bypass negotiations and impose a deal, which is unacceptable to us.' A spokesman for the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: 'We continue to engage with our PCS trade union colleagues, and after prolonged discussions it is disappointing that PCS trade union members are taking industrial action in June. 'PCS trade union members make up approximately 5 per cent of the CAA's employees and we do not anticipate any disruption to the aviation sector, or any impact on our regulatory oversight activities or other safety and security critical work, as a result of this action.' Previously in April, Unite, the union, warned of 'flight delays, cancellations, long queues at check-in and baggage delays', in Gatwick. Staff who worked for Red Handling, a firm that provides baggage handlers, check-in staff and flight dispatchers for the airlines Norwegian, Delta, TAP and Air Peace, staged the strike over the Easter weekend. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Gatwick strike action poses threat to start of summer holidays
British holidaymakers may face disruption ahead of summer as staff at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are to stage fresh strikes in a dispute over pay and conditions. Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union based at sites including Gatwick airport will walk out on June 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18, following stoppages in January and March. Pay negotiations for 2025-26 are under way, but PCS warned the gap between the two sides was 'significant'. Fran Heathcote, PCS general secretary, said: 'We're frustrated and disappointed after management imposed a 2024 pay offer without engaging in meaningful negotiations. 'The current offer – a one-off, non-consolidated payment of £1,150 – has been rejected by union members as inadequate amid rising living costs and concerns about long-term pay erosion. 'Our members deserve a fair pay rise that reflects the cost of living, restores the value of their salaries and recognises the value of their work. Instead, CAA has chosen to bypass negotiations and impose a deal, which is unacceptable to us.' A spokesman for the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: 'We continue to engage with our PCS trade union colleagues, and after prolonged discussions it is disappointing that PCS trade union members are taking industrial action in June. 'PCS trade union members make up approximately 5 per cent of the CAA's employees and we do not anticipate any disruption to the aviation sector, or any impact on our regulatory oversight activities or other safety and security critical work, as a result of this action.' Previously in April, Unite, the union, warned of 'flight delays, cancellations, long queues at check-in and baggage delays', in Gatwick. Staff who worked for Red Handling, a firm that provides baggage handlers, check-in staff and flight dispatchers for the airlines Norwegian, Delta, TAP and Air Peace, staged the strike over the Easter weekend.
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Sky News AU
Airlines in Turkey fining passengers who unbuckle belts before plane stops
Airlines in Turkey have been instructed to begin reporting and fining passengers who unbuckle their belts and get out of their seats before the plane comes to a stop. The country's Civil Aviation Authority has imposed the ruling after receiving multiple complaints, adding there has been a rise in incidents onboard aircraft. Turkish media reports that fines are upwards of 100 Australian dollars.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
British tourists who stand up while seatbelt sign is on face fines in Turkey
British holidaymakers in Turkey could face fines if they stand up before their plane seatbelt sign has been turned off. The Turkish civil aviation authority says new rules came into force earlier this month following a rise in complaints about passengers standing up while the sign was still on Offenders will face fines of about £50, Turkish media report, although the aviation authority has not confirmed the exact financial penalty. The fines are expected to be imposed on the spot and enforced through the submission of formal reports by airline staff. The aviation authority said there had been a 'serious increase' in complaints about passengers standing up before the seatbelt had been turned off – often while the plane is still taxiing. Under the new rules, cabin crew are required to deliver a revised version of the in-flight landing announcement. It will instruct passengers to remain seated with their seatbelt fastened until the aircraft has stopped moving and the seatbelt sign has been turned off, advising them that violations will be reported. Passengers must also refrain from opening overhead lockers or attempting to collect their belongings while the plane is in motion. The updated rules apply to all commercial flights operating in Turkey, which remains one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers, and attracts tens of millions of international visitors each year. Turkish Airlines, the country's leading carrier, has already updated its landing announcement, reports Euronews. 'Passengers who do not comply with the rules will be reported to the directorate general of civil aviation through a disruptive passenger report, and an administrative fine will be imposed in accordance with the applicable legal regulations,' the airline announcement is reported to say. The Telegraph has contacted the airline for comment. Turkish authorities have reportedly instructed airlines to begin implementing the new announcement guidelines. The move places Turkey among a small number of countries seeking to formalise penalties for conduct that aviation authorities typically leave to the discretion of airlines and cabin crews. The Turkish directorate of civil aviation said: 'Despite announcements informing passengers of the rules, many are standing up before the aircraft reaches its parking positions and before the seat belt sign is turned off. 'This behaviour compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travellers.'
