Latest news with #IvayloDanailov
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
Turkey fines tourists making common mistake - and other countries may follow
Turkey fines tourists making common mistake - and other countries may follow Travel experts say other popular holiday destinations may now make similar rules Passengers waiting to get off a plane Turkey is to implement a policy which will penalise passengers who smoke on board aircraft - as well as those who stand up before the aircraft is parked and the seatbelt signs are turned off. In 2024, an estimated 4.4 million British tourists visited Turkey, a 16.6% increase compared to the 3.3 million visitors in 2023. That means millions could be at risk of the common mistake - as many people undo their seatbelts and stand while the plane is taxiing towards the departure area in a bid to grab their bags and coats from the overhead locker, or beat the rush to get into the aisle. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Turkey: "The 'Passenger Announcements Circular' No. UOD – 2025/01, prepared to revise and promptly implement standard, up-to-date announcements with the aim of warning passengers who smoke or use tobacco products on board, as well as those who stand up and disrupt order before the aircraft reaches its parking position and before the seatbelt signs are turned off, in order to discipline such passengers and raise awareness among all passengers, was approved by the Directorate General and entered into force on 02.05.2025." Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund said: 'On the positive side, this is clearly intended to enhance passenger safety. If it encourages passengers to remain seated, reducing risks of injuries due to unexpected turbulence or abrupt aircraft movement while taxiing, that's to be welcomed and it is likely to support crew efforts to enforce safety rules more effectively. "It may also deter passengers from engaging in disruptive or premature movement in the cabin, making disembarkation more orderly, which, in turn, may help airport operations. It also positions Turkey's aviation authority as serious about enforcing international flight safety standards and could set a precedent for other countries to implement similar measures. However, it could lead to passenger frustration or even confusion with tourists unfamiliar with the rules potentially feeling unfairly targeted or surprised by fines. Enforcement could be seen as overly aggressive. Article continues below "Airlines, in turn, may need to train staff to report violations, handle disputes, and manage documentation for fines. Delays or conflicts could arise during enforcement, especially on short-haul or budget flights. "Consideration will need to be given as to how are passengers identified, warned, and fined, with a potential for disputes if fines are perceived as arbitrary or unevenly applied. If - and it's a big if - it is perceived as hostile or inconvenient, it may affect Turkey's image among some tourists, particularly in peak travel seasons. "But, if it is successful, other countries may follow suit, especially those already dealing with unruly passenger behaviour. It could influence best practice or recommendations for post-landing safety protocols.'"
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air severe disruption warning for Friday
easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air severe disruption warning for Friday Passsengers have been told to expect long days and possible cancellations An Airbus A320-251N from easyJet Passengers flying to and from Italy tomorrow face potentially considerable disruption, with a nationwide aviation strike scheduled to take place on Friday, May 9. Industrial action set to take place between 1pm and 5pm local time. It will involve ground handling personnel affiliated with the Assohandlers association, which represents baggage handlers and ground staff working with airlines including easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. ]This strike is anticipated to affect flight schedules and airport operations across the country, including services such as passenger check-in and baggage handling. In addition, separate strikes at the same time will affect staff of Swissport Italy operating at the Milan-Linate airport and Aviation Services employees at Marco Polo airport in Venice. Possible affected routes include flights from various Italian destinations to and from London Gatwick Airport, London Heathrow Airport, London Stansted Airport, London Luton, London City, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Birmingham, Bristol and East Midlands. A broader general transport strike is planned for the same time. This may further impact various transport sectors, potentially compounding disruptions at airports and affecting both domestic and international travel. While labour actions in Italy are subject to change and may be suspended or modified at short notice, travellers are strongly advised to monitor communications from their respective airlines and from official airport authorities for the most current updates. Article continues below Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund, says: 'Given that the strike is scheduled during the peak afternoon hours on Friday, it has the potential to significantly disrupt travel plans, particularly for passengers with tight connections or time-sensitive itineraries. Airport support staff are integral to maintaining operational efficiency; any reduction in personnel may result in delays to baggage handling, aircraft turnaround, and boarding procedures. "Travellers may also experience extended wait times due to reduced staffing levels, particularly at check-in counters and boarding gates. Although the strike is expected to last only four hours, its effects may extend into the evening and possibly beyond, as even minor disruptions can escalate into broader delays. "Flight delay compensation is a legal entitlement to passengers whose flights arrive at their final destination three hours later than scheduled. This compensation exists to ensure that passengers receive financial compensation for the inconvenience. There are, however, certain conditions that must be met before you can claim compensation. Article continues below "You can claim between €250 and €600 for flight delays over three hours under EU Regulation 261/2004, if the delay is the airline's fault. Compensation depends on factors like flight distance, arrival delay, and airline responsibility. If your delay exceeds five hours, you have the right to cancel your flight and receive a full refund "Airlines must provide food, drinks, and hotel stays during extended delays, even when compensation isn't owed, under the 'Right to Care' rules.'
Local Germany
25-02-2025
- Local Germany
What travellers in Germany should know about Munich's airport strike
Air passengers in Germany will face disruptions later this week after a two-day strike was called by the union Verdi in a dispute over pay and conditions. Verdi is urging workers at Munich airport to stage a walk out on Thursday and Friday. It comes as a strike affecting Cologne/Bonn and Düsseldorf airports caused severe disruption this week, including hundreds of cancelled flights. A strike at Hamburg airport also hit operations earlier in the month. A spokesperson from Munich airport said significant disruption is expected. "Passengers must be prepared for a greatly reduced flight schedule and delays," a spokesperson for the airport told regional German media. What should I know about the Munich strike? The 'warning' strike at Munich Airport is scheduled to start from midnight on Thursday morning (February 27th) and then last for 48 hours until the end of Friday, February 28th. Verdi said the action was announced as early as possible in order to give passengers the chance to prepare for the disruption. The union is taking part in collective bargaining negotiations aimed at securing better pay and conditions for airport workers. Munich is Germany's second busiest airport after Frankfurt and in 2024 was said to be the fastest-growing airport in Germany. It welcomes some 41.6 million passengers each year. Which flights are being cancelled because of the strikes? It is not yet clear which flights will be cut due to the effects of industrial action. But passengers can expect major disruptions at security checks and ground services. A total of around 830 flights in and out are scheduled on both days. "It is currently not possible to make any predictions about the level of strike participation among the various service providers or the impact on flight operations," the Munich airport spokesperson said. Air travellers are advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before departure. If their flight is cancelled, they should receive a notice from their airline. Travellers are advised not to come to the airport if their flight has been axed, and instead arrange a different flight or get their money back from the airline or whoever they booked with. The airport says it is in "close contact with the airlines and service providers in order to reduce the inconvenience for travellers as much as possible". What happens if my flight is cancelled or delayed? It is important for passengers to know their rights if they face a cancellation or major delay. Affected passengers could be entitled to compensation under EU law if their flight is delayed or cancelled. Co-founder of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund, Ivaylo Danailov, told The Local: "If your flight is cancelled and you choose to be reimbursed, you are legally entitled to a full refund for both your cancelled flight and your return flight because you were unable to reach your destination. "You can receive up to €600 if your flight is delayed over three hours or cancelled less than 14 days before departure." A traveller looks at a strike announcement on the displays at Düsseldorf Airport on Monday morning, February 24th. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Christoph Reichwein If passengers face long waits at the airport, they are entitled to food and drink which is usually issued by airlines in the form of vouchers. If they become stranded, they have the right to accommodation and transport there and back. Why is Verdi bringing strikes to the airports? These strikes by some airport staff come as part of industrial action among public sector workers that have been affecting regions across Germany recently. Employees in public transport, childcare, garbage collection and other public services have been taking part in strikes. According to Verdi, many airport workers are also included in collective agreement for public service workers. For instance, those who work in administration, check-in, aircraft handling, passenger and crew transport as well as baggage handling. A second round of wage negotiations was held last week in the eastern city of Potsdam, but ended without resolution. In recent negotiations for public sector employees Verdi has demanded wage increases of eight percent or at least €350, three additional days off, and higher bonuses for certain kinds of work. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD), who has been leading the negotiations on the employer side, has previously said there is a "tense" financial situation at the federal and local government level, but that she was hopeful for a solution to be found. The next collective bargaining round is scheduled for March 14th. Following the German election, it will be interesting to see how politicians deal with the current action. At the moment the Social Democrats are in a minority government with the Greens in a caretaking capacity. CDU leader Friedrich Merz is on course to become the next German chancellor, with the conservatives currently trying to build a new coalition government.
