Latest news with #civilaviation
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
Middle East aviation developing 'unevenly' amid economic inequality and geopolitical instability
The Middle East aviation industry is developing "unevenly" because of geopolitical instability and economic disparity between countries, as airlines grapple with airspace closures and sanctions, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) has said. Of the 67 countries in the Middle East and Africa that Iata works with, 21 are under some form of sanctions and 12 are conflict zones. That makes it difficult for airlines to operate and slows the progress of the regional aviation industry, Kamil Alawadhi, Iata's regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East, said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on the sidelines of Iata's annual meeting, he pointed to 'stark gaps' in capacity and investment between the Middle East's poorest and richest countries. 'Aviation in the Middle East is not developing evenly,' Mr Alawadhi said, pointing to conflicts that have closed airspace, disrupted operations and led to longer and costlier rerouting of flights. Countries under sanctions also face problems like blocked access to aircraft and parts which isolates their airlines. Mr Alawadhi called on Middle East governments to take a 'co-ordinated regional approach' to narrow the gap between rich countries building world-class travel hubs and lower-income nations, such as Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, that have declining infrastructure, underfunded civil aviation authorities and outdated fleets. Mr Alawadhi said the Middle East aviation industry's 'no state left behind' approach can help unlock the region's full potential. He added that a number of Gulf countries' civil aviation agencies, over the past couple of months, have asked Iata and the UN aviation body, ICAO, to play a 'pivotal role' in the development of the Syrian aviation industry. It comes as the war-torn nation expects to become free from the shackles of debilitating US and EU sanctions, with an increasing number of regional airlines announcing plans to restore flights to Damascus. Mr Alawadhi urged Middle East countries to create 'pathways for a safe and structured return' for states, like Syria, into the regional aviation system. This means facilitating access to aircraft, financing, and international standards while prioritising safety. Syrian aviation 'boom' Asked about the potential growth of Syria's aviation market in the medium to long term, Mr Alawadhi told The National that 'if everything went well, it would boom'. However, Syrians are still facing visa restrictions, which will limit growth if they are unable to fly out to visit other countries, he added. Additionally, heavy investment is required to overhaul Syria's aviation infrastructure in terms of airports, ground handling, regulations and airline capacity, Mr Alawadhi said. Airlines face $1.3bn in blocked funds The outstanding ticket sales revenue owed by governments to airlines around the world has dropped to $1.3 billion, which is 25 per cent below the $1.7 billion reported in October 2024, according to the latest data by Iata. The Africa and Middle East region accounted for 85 per cent of that, amounting to $1.1 billion as of end April 2025. Of the $1.1 billion, the bulk is held by governments in Africa. Mr Alawadhi said Iata last year worked with Nigeria, where the blocked funds have been cleared, while its efforts with Ethiopia and Egypt led the owed amounts to 'drop significantly'. This year, date shows that Mozambique has climbed up to the top of blocked funds countries, withholding $205 million from airlines, compared with $127 million in October 2024. Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon collectively withheld $191 million from airlines, the date states. This was followed by Algeria ($178 million and Lebanon with $142 million. Pakistan and Bangladesh have made 'notable progress' in clearing their backlog to $83 million and $92 million, respectively, from $311 million and $196 million in October 2024. Bolivia made the most significant improvement, fully clearing its backlog that stood at $42 million at the end of October 2024. Blocked funds are a contentious issue as the revenue is vital for airlines to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain their operations as they deal with thin profit margins. However, governments that are withholding these amounts are often struggling with a shortage of foreign currency reserves.
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
China flight turns back after smoke found coming from camera battery, power bank
A China Southern Airlines flight from Hangzhou to Shenzhen was forced to return to the airport 15 minutes after take-off on Saturday after the crew found smoke coming from a passenger's camera battery and power bank. According to a social media post by the airline, the camera batteries and power bank of a passenger on board flight CZ6850 started to produce smoke soon after taking off. 'The crew handled it properly and quickly eliminated the safety risk . To ensure safety, the flight immediately returned to the airport, and landed safely 15 minutes after take-off,' the airline said. The company reminded passengers to strictly abide by civil aviation safety regulations and to properly carry and use batteries and power banks. It also promised to help affected passengers. According to a video clip posted by Beijing Youth Daily, the cabin was filled with thick smoke. Some passengers were passing bottles of water to a flight attendant who was trying to put out the smoke and calm the passengers. Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department banned the use of power banks during flights starting on April 7. Passengers should keep power banks under their seats or in the pocket in front of them, as they are no longer allowed to store power banks in overhead compartments. However, the Hong Kong aviation regulator stopped short of outright banning the batteries from carry-on luggage.
The National
5 days ago
- Business
- The National
Turkey plans to fine impatient plane passengers who stand up too early or block aisles
If you are the type of passenger who jumps out of their seat and opens the overhead lockers before the plane has stopped moving, then you might want to reconsider. The civil aviation authority of Turkey has announced plans to fine impatient passengers in a bid to discourage poor etiquette. Those caught standing up before the aircraft has come to a full halt on the tarmac, accessing overhead lockers, blocking the aisle or moving forward to disembark before others, now risk incurring a fee. While the figure has not yet been announced, it is thought to be about $70 (Dh257). Earlier this year, such impatient passenger behaviour even earned a name – aisle lice. Following customer complaints, the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation took action to promote a smoother journey for all passengers, hoping the fine will allow for orderly disembarkation. "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," the Turkish aviation authority said. Those rushing forward, standing up too early, or blocking the aisle can impact other passengers trying to get on or off the plane. "This behaviour compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travellers," the release continued. Under the new regulations, all commercial airlines operating in or out of Turkey will now have to inform passengers of the change, via a revised in-flight announcement. As well as instructing passengers to remain seated and to wait to disembark patiently, the new wording will notify that violations will be documented and recorded. There is no news if the new fines have been implemented yet. As airports get busier, airlines are under pressure to safely manage enormous numbers of people. In 2024, for example, Dubai International Airport was once again the world's busiest airport, with more than 92 million passengers passing through. The scale of such figures outlines the importance of ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew in the airport and in the air. Poor behaviour seems to be a growing problem, however. Elsewhere, airlines are reportedly considering ways to prevent passengers from congregating around the gate, in an effort to board first. Far from speeding up the process, these so-called "gate lice" can actually slow it down, by denying customers space to pass through the gate calmly.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
Turkiye will fine airline passengers who unbuckle before the plane stops
ANKARA: Airline passengers in Turkiye who unbuckle their seat belts, access overhead compartments, or occupy the aisle before their plane has fully stopped now face fines under new regulations issued by the country's civil aviation authority. The updated rules, which aim to enhance safety and ensure a more orderly disembarkation, came into effect earlier this month. They were adopted following passenger complaints and flight inspections indicated a growing number of safety violations during taxiing after landing, according to the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation. It is not unusual in Turkiye for passengers to stand up or move inside the cabin soon after the plane has landed, often leading to chaotic disembarkation. Under the new regulations, commercial airlines operating flights in Turkiye are required to issue a revised version of the standard in-flight announcement to remain seated, warning that violations will be documented and reported, according to a circular issued by the aviation authority. Passengers are also reminded to wait for those in front of them to exit first instead of rushing forward. The circular does not say how much passengers who disregard the regulations could be fined, but Turkish media reports have said fines of up to $70 will be imposed. '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,' the aviation authority noted. 'This behavior compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travelers,' it said. There have been no immediate reports confirming that the newly introduced fines are being enforced. Turkiye is a popular travel destination, drawing millions of tourists every year.
National Post
6 days ago
- General
- National Post
Turkey will fine airline passengers who unbuckle before the plane stops
ANKARA, Turkey — Airline passengers in Turkey who unbuckle their seat belts, access overhead compartments, or occupy the aisle before their plane has fully stopped now face fines under new regulations issued by the country's civil aviation authority. Article content Article content The updated rules, which aim to enhance safety and ensure a more orderly disembarkation, came into effect earlier this month. They were adopted following passenger complaints and flight inspections indicated a growing number of safety violations during taxiing after landing, according to the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation. Article content Article content It is not unusual in Turkey for passengers to stand up or move inside the cabin soon after the plane has landed, often leading to chaotic disembarkation. Article content Article content Under the new regulations, commercial airlines operating flights in Turkey are required to issue a revised version of the standard in-flight announcement to remain seated, warning that violations will be documented and reported, according to a circular issued by the aviation authority. Article content Passengers are also reminded to wait for those in front of them to exit first instead of rushing forward. Article content The circular does not say how much passengers who disregard the regulations could be fined, but Turkish media reports have said fines of up to $70 will be imposed. Article content '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,' the aviation authority noted. Article content
