Latest news with #flightsuspension
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Air India suspends Delhi-Washington flights due to plane shortages, Pakistan airspace ban
Aug 11 (Reuters) - Air India will suspend services between New Delhi and Washington, D.C. from September due to aircraft shortages caused by upgrades to its Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab planes and as Pakistan's airspace ban for Indian carriers affects its international routes. The suspension will mean there are no flights between the two capital cities by an Indian airline, and comes amid rising tensions over U.S. President Donald Trump's high tariffs on Indian imports. Air India, acquired by the Tata Group from the government in 2022, said on Monday that 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft were being retrofitted to enhance customer experience, which would reduce aircraft availability until at least the end of 2026. "The suspension is primarily driven by the planned shortfall in Air India's fleet," it said in a statement. "That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline's long-haul operations." India and Pakistan closed their airspaces to each other days after relations nosedived following a fatal attack on civilians in Indian Kashmir. New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for the attack, which Islamabad denies. Air India sees Pakistan's airspace ban costing it $600 million over 12 months, Reuters has previously reported. The suspension of Washington-Delhi flights also comes as Air India faces heightened regulatory scrutiny after a June crash of one of its Boeing planes in Ahmedabad killed 260 people. Air India said passengers would have the option to choose flights to Washington, D.C., with layovers in New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco with the airline's partners Alaska Airlines (ALK.N), opens new tab, United Airlines (UAL.O), opens new tab and Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), opens new tab.
CBS News
19-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Tropical storm Wipha threatens southern China after slamming Taiwan and the Philippines
A tropical storm that prompted flight and ferry cancellations in Taiwan is forecast to reach typhoon strength before hitting the southern China coast on Sunday. The storm earlier crossed the Philippines, where a parked truck was crushed by a billboard-like structure that was toppled by high winds in Quezon City, north of Manila. Wipha had maximum sustained winds of 101 kph (63 mph) and gusts up to 126 kph (78 mph) as it passed south of Taiwan on Saturday, the island's Central News Agency said. More than 20 centimeters (8 inches) of rain was recorded in Hualien and Taitung counties on Taiwan's east coast, the news agency said. Several domestic flights were canceled and service on 14 ferry routes was suspended because of rough seas and strong winds. On the other side of the Taiwan Strait, many ferries suspended service in Fujian province on China's east coast. The storm, the sixth of the season in the western Pacific, is forecast to reach typhoon strength before passing near Hong Kong overnight. It is expected to bring heavy rain along China's southern coast and then weaken as it heads west to Vietnam and Laos. In Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific said that all flights arriving or departing between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time on Sunday would be canceled or delayed. The airline is waiving ticket change fees, it said. The Hong Kong Observatory warned of gale-force or higher winds and possible flooding in low-lying coastal areas because of storm surges. A 30-kilometer (18-mile) bridge that crosses the water between Hong Kong and Macao will be closed overnight, Hong Kong broadcaster RTHK reported. Authorities in Hainan province, a Chinese island that is a popular beach resort, said that three ports would suspend operations starting Saturday night in Haikou, the provincial capital. In 2023, a typhoon brought sustained heavy rains to southern China, triggering inundations in Hong Kong and other areas. Deluges around the city of Maoming in Guangdong province caused a lake at a commercial crocodile farm to overflow with over 70 animals escaping, local media reported.
Khaleej Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Hundreds of employees in limbo after Wizz Air's Abu Dhabi flight suspension
Around 450 employees of Wizz Air are in a state of limbo after the airline announced suspension of flights from Abu Dhabi from September, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. The news agency reported that Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi held a call with the employees and offered them the opportunity to take another job across the budget carrier's European network. However, according to Bloomberg, many employees will find it difficult to migrate to Europe. Quoting the CEO, it reported that the affected employees will be awarded a bonus payment in September. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. A Wizz Air Abu Dhabi employee, who wished not to be named, confirmed that the airline management held a conference call with the employees on Wednesday, offering them different options. The airline's 2024 annual report didn't disclose the number of employees recruited by the ultra-low-cost carrier for its Abu Dhabi operations. However, its annual report revealed that it has a global workforce of more than 8,000 employees, combining international and local expertise hailing from over 100 different nationalities. In recent years, it said employee offers have been enhanced to provide more attractive benefits to all workers. Earlier, Wizz Air announced the suspension of flights from Abu Dhabi from September 1 and also its exit from the joint venture with the Abu Dhabi partner. The company blamed three key factors for its decision to pull out of Abu Dhabi. These include engine reliability constraints, particularly in hot and harsh environments, which have impacted aircraft availability and operational efficiency; geopolitical volatility, which has led to repeated airspace closures and operational disruptions across the region, as well as wreaking consumer demand; and regulatory barriers, which have limited the company's ability to access and scale in key markets. It said passengers with existing bookings beyond August 31, 2025, will be contacted directly via email with options for refunds or alternative travel arrangements. It reported non-current assets of 56.5 million euros at the end of 2024 as compared to 32.5 million euros in the previous year.
UAE Moments
14-07-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
Wizz Air to Exit Abu Dhabi Operations Amid Challenges
Budget airline Wizz Air just hit the brakes on its Abu Dhabi operations, confirming it will suspend all locally based flights starting September 2025. The announcement comes amid a turbulent time for the region, with the carrier citing geopolitical tensions, operational roadblocks, and limited market access as major factors behind the decision. 'Supply chain constraints, geopolitical instability, and limited market access have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our original ambitions,' said Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi in a statement. 'While this was a difficult decision, it is the right one given the circumstances.' The airline, which launched Wizz Air Abu Dhabi in 2021 as part of its Gulf expansion strategy, had initially promised ultra-low fares and exciting new connections for travelers in the Middle East. But now, it's shifting its focus back to core markets in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Austria, Italy, and the UK. ✈️ What Does This Mean for UAE Travelers? If you had plans to fly with Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi after this summer, you'll need to rethink your travel itinerary. The final flights from the capital will wrap up before September, after which Wizz Air's Gulf-based routes will officially be grounded. 📍 Why Is Wizz Air Leaving Abu Dhabi? The carrier pointed to ongoing supply chain struggles —something plaguing airlines globally—as well as regional instability, which continues to impact travel demand and airline operations across the Middle East. 🌍 What's Next for Wizz Air? While Wizz Air says goodbye to the UAE skies (for now), it's not going anywhere entirely. The company is doubling down on Europe, reinforcing operations in key destinations where demand remains strong and logistics are more manageable. Stay tuned for updates on rebooking options or route changes from the airline if you've already got tickets lined up.
Times of Oman
24-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Qatar Airways' temporary flights suspension due to air traffic movement closure
DOHA: Qatar Airways confirms the temporary suspension of its flights due to the closure of air traffic movement in the State of Qatar. The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers, and will resume operations when the airspace reopens. Once usual operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.
