May 12, 2017

An Air India flight from Delhi overshot a runway while trying to land at Pune airport. All passengers and crew evacuated safely and there are no reported injuries. Pune is roughly 150 km from Mumbai.

According to The Time of India:

An Air India Delhi-Pune flight AI 849 overshot the runway while landing at Pune airport on Friday evening. The incident took place at around 6.50 pm.

There were 152 passengers on board the aircraft. All of them are said to be safe.

After the flight stopped, an emergency evacuation of the passengers was carried out on the runway.

“The aircraft overshot the runway. The plane halted safely and all passengers were evacuated using chutes. No one was injured,” said an AI official.

The runway has been closed and many flights are set to get delayed.

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May 12, 2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed new cases of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to Reuters:

A person in the Democratic Republic of Congo who died of a hemorrhagic fever has tested positive for the Ebola virus, signaling the start of a new outbreak, the Health Ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.

The case was confirmed from tests on nine people who came down with a hemorrhagic fever in Bas-Uele province in the north of the country on or after April 22, a ministry statement said. Three people have died of fever.

The WHO’s Congo spokesman Eric Kabambi told Reuters: “It is in a very remote zone, very forested, so we are a little lucky. We always take this very seriously.”

The last outbreak of Ebola in Congo was in 2014 and killed 42 people.

Ebola killed more than 11,300 people and infected some 28,600 from 2013, as it swept through Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia and caused alarm around the world.

In June last year WHO declared Liberia free of active Ebola virus transmission. Liberia was the last country still fighting the world’s worst outbreak of the disease.

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May 12, 2017

A small bomb exploded outside of a post office in Rome, Italy, on Friday.

According to the Associated Press and UK’s Guardian:

A rudimentary explosive device has exploded between parked vehicles outside a post office in Rome, causing no injuries but damaging a car.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the blast was likely to have been “a demonstrative act, showing that it could be done” rather than being devised to cause major damage, Rome police official Massimo Improta told reporters on Friday.

Similar explosions in Rome and other Italian cities in recent years have frequently been blamed on or claimed by anarchists. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest blast.

The post office serves the residential Testaccio neighborhood and is near the foot of the Aventine hill, the southernmost of Rome’s seven hills.

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Tuesday, May 11, 2017

Alert – U.S. “Likely” to Expand Airline Laptop Ban to Include Some European Countries

According to multiple reports, the Trump Administration is poised to expand its ban on laptops to include at least some European countries. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will meet with key airline industry officials to discuss security issues. Reuters is also reporting that the Trump Administration is reviewing “how to ensure lithium batteries stored in luggage holds do not explode in midair” – something that would be required should the ban be expanded.

Reuters reports:

The Trump administration is likely to expand a ban on laptops on commercial aircraft to include some European countries, but is reviewing how to ensure lithium batteries stored in luggage holds do not explode in midair, officials briefed on the matter said on Wednesday.

Any expansion of the ban could impact U.S. carriers such as United Airlines (UAL.N), Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N) and American Airlines Group (AAL.O). Six U.S. and European officials said they expect the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make an announcement but declined to say when.

DHS officials plan to meet with airline industry officials on Thursday to discuss security issues, two people briefed on the matter said. Also on Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly will give a classified briefing to senators about domestic threats and airline issues are expected to be discussed, a congressional aide briefed on the matter said.

In March, the U.S. announced laptop restrictions on flights originating from 10 airports including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey because of fears that a concealed bomb could be installed in electronic devices taken onto aircraft.

Britain quickly followed suit with restrictions on a slightly different set of routes. One European official acknowledged that the expanded ban could affect flights to the United States from Britain.

DHS spokesman Dave Lapan said Kelly “hasn’t made a decision but we continue to evaluate the threat environment and have engaged in discussions with airline representatives and other stakeholders about the threat.”

Some U.S. airlines have been making plans in the event of an order to require them to bar passengers from traveling to the United States without larger electronics in the cabin, airline officials briefed on the matter said.

The U.S. laptop ban and on other electronic devices larger than cell phones has affected direct flights to the United States by Royal Jordanian Airlines RJAL.AM, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.

One issue under discussion is how to ensure that lithium batteries in any large collection of devices stored in airplane holds do not explode in midair, officials told Reuters.

European regulators have warned placing what could be potentially hundreds of devices in the hold on long-haul flights could compromise safety by increasing the risk of fire from poorly deactivated lithium-ion batteries.

Peter Goelz, a former managing director at the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States, said a significant expansion of the in-cabin ban on larger electronics “is going to represent a major logistical problem for airlines.”

Goelz said more money needs to be spent to improve screening.

“It is very difficult to determine whether a dense object is actually a battery or a plastic explosive,” Goelz said.

On Tuesday, Reuters reported that a United Nations agency has begun an effort to craft global guidance for the use of laptops and other portable electronics in passenger aircraft cabins after the bans upset airline passengers and Middle Eastern carriers.

The International Civil Aviation Organization met on Tuesday to debate the issue after the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and other countries complained their airlines had been unduly penalized by the decision, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Airports and airlines in Europe have already been working on plans for a possible extension of the ban since the U.S. announced the first restrictions on larger electronic devices in the cabin, according to several industry sources.

Issues that need to be resolved include how best to inform passengers of any new restrictions to keep disruption at airports to a minimum. On the operational side, measures such as stopping online check-in for U.S. bound flights or ensuring U.S. flights depart from a dedicated part of terminals are among ideas being mulled, although no decisions have yet been taken.

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May 10, 2017

The U.S. State Department has revised its Travel Warning for North Korea, in order to update the number of U.S. citizens who have been detained.

According to the Travel Warning:

The Department of State strongly warns U.S. citizens not to travel to North Korea/the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). U.S. citizens in the DPRK are at serious risk of arrest and long-term detention under North Korea’s system of law enforcement. This system imposes unduly harsh sentences for actions that would not be considered crimes in the United States and threatens U.S. citizen detainees with being treated in accordance with “wartime law of the DPRK.”

Since the United States does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea, the U.S. government has no means to provide normal consular services to U.S. citizens in North Korea.

At least 16 U.S. citizens have been detained in North Korea in the past ten years. North Korean authorities have detained those who traveled independently and those who were part of organized tours. Being a member of a group tour or using a tour guide will not prevent North Korean authorities from detaining or arresting you. Efforts by private tour operators to prevent or resolve past detentions of U.S. citizens in the DPRK have not been successful.

Numerous foreigners have been held in North Korea for extended periods of time without being formally charged with any crimes. Detained foreigners have been questioned daily for several weeks without the presence of counsel and have been compelled to make public statements and take part in public trials.

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May 9, 2017

Police were called the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport last night due to irate passengers on canceled Spirit Airlines flights.

The Miami Herald reports:

Canceled flights led Spirit Airlines passengers to scream, shout and throw punches at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Cellphone video shows a crowd of riled-up passengers swarming the ticket check-in counter for Spirit Airlines Monday evening after nine flights were canceled, leaving hundreds stranded. In one clip, at least two women start swinging at the Broward sheriff’s deputies. Another video shows one of the woman being led away and someone held on the ground by deputies.

According to CNN:

About 300 Spirit flights have been canceled over the past seven days leaving thousands of passengers angry. The airline says its own pilots are behind the cancellations and is suing them in federal court.

Passengers across the country faced hours-long delays and flight cancellations for days. By Monday night, some travelers in Florida had enough.

USA Today explained what led to the altercation:

Spirit Airlines filed a suit Monday against its pilot union, alleging “an unlawful job action by Spirit pilots.”

Spirit said the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and some of its members are “purposely and unlawfully disrupting the airline’s operations.”

In its suit, Spirit accused the union of being “engaged in a pervasive illegal work slowdown that has caused approximately 300 flight cancellations and has disrupted the travel plans of over 20,000 customers. … The Spirit pilots’ concerted refusal to accept junior assignments or pick up open time flying has dramatically impacted Spirit’s operations leading to cancellations throughout its system, and most particularly for flights departing from Fort Lauderdale, Chicago-O’Hare, Detroit, and Las Vegas.”

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Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Alert: Philippines – U.S. Embassy Issues Security Message for Areas of Palawan Province

According to CNN:

There continues to be an active Travel Warning for parts of the Philippines and, today, the U.S. Embassy in Manila issued a separate Security Message due to terrorist groups plotting kidnapping operations.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Manila:

The U.S. Embassy has received credible information that terrorist groups may be planning to conduct kidnapping operations targeting foreign nationals in the areas of Palawan Province, Philippines, to include Puerto Princesa City, and the areas surrounding Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. U.S citizens are advised to carefully consider this information as they make their travel plans and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times.

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Monday, May 8, 2017

Alert: Paris – Police Operation Underway at Gare du Nord Train Station

Paris police have launched an operation at the Gare du Nord train station, which is approximately six kilometers from the Eiffel Tower.

According to Associated Press:

Police poured into Paris’ Gare du Nord station early Tuesday, evacuating passengers from platforms and sealing off the area, a witness told The Associated Press.

French police said in a single tweet that there was an operation underway at the busy station, which is the terminus of a large suburban and national rail network as well as Eurostar trains from London.

The UK’s Daily Mail reports:

Armed police have stormed Gare du Nord station in Paris tonight hunting for ‘three dangerous men.’

It is understood some passengers are being kept on trains as teams of officers have been seen pouring into the station.

The exact nature of the threat remains unclear and much of the station has been evacuated.

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May 8, 2017

Starting on this Friday, May 12, after most flights have departed, 15 airlines are set to begin switching terminals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) because of Delta Air Lines’ desire to move to terminals 2 and 3 to be closer to its partner airlines. The terminal changes will be completed by the start of the work day on May 17. It will be crucial for travelers to understand which terminal they should be using. Airlines’ moves are scheduled as follows:

• • May 12 (after last flights of day) – Boutique, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, Sun Country, Virgin America, Virgin Australia and Volaris. (Completion on May 13)
• • May 14 (after last flights of day) – Avianca, InterJet and Spirit. (Completion on May 15)
• • May 16 (after last flights of day) – Air Canada, Hawaiian, JetBlue and Southwest (international flights). (Completion on May 17)

The Los Angeles Times has provided this Q&A on what travelers should anticipate:

A primer on what to expect when 15 airlines switch terminals at LAX

The biggest airline terminal relocation in LAX history begins May 12, a Friday night, and continues during Mother’s Day weekend and into the following week.

Here’s what you need to know about how it will alter the airport— and your navigation of it:

When will the work take place?

Beginning the night of May 12 and into the morning of May 13. For the most part, the relocations will take place when travelers are not around. The mega-move is scheduled to be completed by the start of the work day May 17.

How will I know when my airline is moving during that five-day period?

The airlines moving on May 12 after the day’s flights are over:

Delta, Allegiant, Frontier, Virgin America, Virgin Australia, Sun Country, Volaris and Boutique.

Completion will be May 13.

Moving on May 14 after the day’s flights are over: Avianca, InterJet and Spirit.

Completion is set for the morning of May 15.

Moving May 16 after the day’s flights are over: Air Canada, Hawaiian, JetBlue and Southwest’s international flights.

Completion set for the morning of May 17.

How can I keep track of delays or changes in the plan?

LAX offers two websites just for that purpose: www.lawa.org and www.laxishappening.com. On Twitter, travelers can track #LAXontheMOVE, @LAAirportPD and @flyLAXairport

Is there a hot line to call?

No. If you’re not computer literate, there are few alternatives other than to call your airline, or seeing one of the many green-, red- or blue-vested guides once you arrive.

What’s the point of moving so many airlines?

Delta signed a lease last year to relocate to the other side of the airport, from Terminals 5 and 6 to Terminals 2 and 3. A total of 28 airlines were affected by the realignment. Fifteen of them will move in the May 12-17 period.

Why did Delta want to move?

To be closer to its partner airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic and WestJet, and to eventually connect to the Tom Bradley International Terminal, where other partners are.

The mega-move, paid for by Delta, bumps other airlines to Delta’s old quarters in Terminals 5 and 6.

Major upgrades are planned for Delta’s new space, including improved seating, traffic flow and concessions. The move does add some balance to the horseshoe-shaped airport, where heavyweights Delta, American and United had previously been clustered on the south end.

Did Delta pick up space?

Yes, seven extra gates.

What do Delta passengers need to know during the move?

Delta flights may operate out of as many as four terminals during the change-over: 2, 3, 5 and 6. Delta’s move is the biggest and may take multiple nights.

What airlines won’t be affected by the move?

American (Terminal 4) and United (Terminals 7 and 8) will stay put. Southwest will still operate out of Terminal 1, but Southwest international flights will arrive in the Bradley terminal.

When will the signs change?

It’s supposed to happen overnight, as the work progresses in three waves. LAX says 1,000 signs will be created or modified as part of the move.

How will ground transportation adjust?

Taxis, shuttles, Uber and Lyft will be updated on the new locations throughout the transition.

What if I find myself on the wrong side of the airport? Travel Leaders • 3033 Campus Drive Ste W320 • Plymouth, MN 55441

Green-wrapped buses that say “LAXontheMOVE” will shuttle passengers between terminals.

What other steps can passengers take before going to the airport?

Call the airline to confirm your flight’s gate and terminal. Upon arrival, double-check display boards to be sure there have been no changes. Print your boarding pass before arriving if possible, to avoid possible glitches with check-in kiosks. A carry-on bag will avoid delays in baggage tagging and handling.

A small army of staff members will be assigned around the airport, including some in neon-green vests. Guides will also be dressed in blue and red.

Will TSA be affected?

No.

Will TSA stop me from going to the wrong terminal?

No, because a boarding pass can be used at any LAX terminal.

How early should I arrive during the transition?

Passengers traveling between May 12-17 are advised to arrive three hours in advance of their domestic flights and four hours for international trips.

This occurs on Mother’s Day weekend. Couldn’t officials pick a less-busy weekend?

Actually, they examined all possibilities. Airline reps say Mother’s Day weekend is apparently slower than a typical weekend.

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May 8, 2017

On Sunday, a man and a woman were shot on a ramp in the valet area of Miami Beach’s famed Fountainbleau Hotel. The two were transported to a trauma center for gunshot wounds. The suspect in the shootings is still being sought.

According to Reuters:

Two people were shot and injured outside Miami Beach’s famed Fountainbleau Hotel on Sunday, police said. The victims, a man and a woman, were shot on a ramp and valet area which leads to the world-famous luxury hotel, and sought help inside the hotel, local media reported.

Police said both victims were transported to a trauma center for treatment for gunshot wounds.

The suspect was still being sought, and an investigation was ongoing. Pictures posted online showed the Fountainbleau lobby cordoned off by police tape and video showed helicopters hovering overhead.

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