Bolivia named as a travel danger zone

Australians planning to travel to South America have been urged to pay attention to their itineraries.

Government website smarttraveller.gov.au has updated its advice for anyone planning to visit Bolivia.

"We now advise [you] reconsider your need to travel to the Chapare region in the department of Cochabamba due to the risk of violent crime," the website says.

"Criminal groups and gangs linked to illegal drug trafficking operate in this region.

"Authorities may be very limited or unable to provide assistance in this area.

"We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Bolivia overall due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest."

Most of the rural territory consists of valley rainforests that surround the area's main waterway, the Chapare River, a tributary of the Amazon.

The provincial capital is Sacaba, while the town of Villa Tunari is a popular tourist destination.

Australia joins the UK in warning against visiting the region. It warns against "all but essential travel" to or through the Chapare region.

Image: Cochabamba City, Bolivia

Australians now rely on their mobiles when travelling

Mobile phones are now an essential accessory for how Australians manage safety while travelling, new research reveals. 

Nearly one in three Australian travellers would feel unsafe abroad without access to mobile data, new research from travel eSIM provider Saily reveals.

The survey of 7,861 people found that 32% of Australians who travelled internationally in the past two years would feel somewhat or very unsafe without mobile data. 

“Mobile data used to be something travellers relied on for convenience," says Vykintas Maknickas, CEO at Saily. 

"Today, it is how they navigate unfamiliar places, access reservations and boarding passes, translate conversations, contact family, or call a ride. 

"When all of those tools disappear at once, being offline can quickly feel less like a digital detox and more like losing a safety net.” 

Australians reported slightly more concern than the global average across the eight countries surveyed, where 29% of international travellers said they would feel unsafe without mobile data. 

Across eight countries surveyed, 29% of international travellers said they would feel unsafe without mobile data. 

Younger travellers feel the most exposed without a connection

Even travellers who arrange mobile data in advance should be prepared for low-signal areas, technical issues, or a dead phone battery.

Maknickas recommends:

* Downloading offline maps for the destination before departure.
* Saving accommodation details, tickets, and emergency contacts directly on the device.
* Taking screenshots of essential booking information and directions.
* Carrying a charged power bank.
* Setting up mobile data or an eSIM before traveling rather than relying on airport or hotel wifi after arrival.
* Agreeing in advance on a meeting point when travelling with others in case someone loses connectivity.

“Travelers do not need to choose between staying connected and being prepared to go offline," he said. "The safest approach is to arrange reliable connectivity before the trip while also keeping essential information available offline.” 

Image: Andrii Shablovskii, Scop.io 

German stations clamp down on alcohol consumption

A cold lager and a takeaway currywurst on the platform while waiting for your train is almost de rigueur at German railway stations. 

No more. 

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is introducing a nationwide ban on alcohol consumption at all of its railway stations as part of a major safety initiative designed to protect passengers and frontline staff, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The measure will be rolled out across Germany’s 5,400 train stations in phases and will be fully implemented by October 15. 

DB said the decision follows a series of violent incidents, including what it described as a “brutal and senseless” attack on July 17 on a train driver. 

The rail operator said the incident reinforced concerns about the connection between excessive alcohol consumption and violent behaviour at stations.

“We are taking decisive action by removing alcohol consumption from our stations,” said DB CEO Evelyn Palla. 

“Too often we have seen that where large amounts of alcohol are consumed, violence also increases. The recent attack has shown once again why this step is necessary. We are serious about improving safety for our employees and our passengers.“

The alcohol ban will be introduced under Deutsche Bahn’s station regulations. Local station rules will be updated over the coming weeks in cooperation with municipalities, public authorities and local administrations before the policy takes effect nationwide.

Several major German stations already prohibit alcohol consumption. Around 30 stations, have operated under these restrictions, including Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin Ostbahnhof, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Mannheim and Munich.

DB says the results have been positive. 

“The experience has been clear,” Palla said. “Alcohol-free stations mean less violence and less litter.“

The next phase of the rollout begins on September 1, when Berlin Central Station, Berlin Gesundbrunnen, Kiel and Braunschweig stations will become alcohol-free. The remaining stations across the country will follow in stages through mid-October.

The ban applies only to alcohol consumption in station areas. Restaurants, cafés and other licensed food and beverage outlets located inside stations are exempt and may continue serving alcoholic drinks under existing regulations. 

Passengers will also still be allowed to carry unopened alcoholic beverages in their luggage or shopping bags while travelling.

Anyone caught violating the new rules will initially be ordered to leave the station. Repeat offenders may face a permanent ban from stations. 

Another brick in the wall: Cape Town's controversial plan

Cape Town is one of the glitziest cities in Africa with a beautiful waterfront, a dramatic mountain and a lively vibe.

But it is also a city with many poverty-stricken residents, shanty towns and soaring crime rates.

The city has a controversial plan to build a 3-metre high security wall along the main highway linking Cape Town International Airport to the city.

The highway which has been dubbed “the hell run” after multiple car jackings and violent smash-and-grab attacks along the route.

The highway passes near some of Cape Town's most deprived communities, including the Gugulethu and Nyanga townships and Crossroads and Taiwan "informal settlements".

The wall will ostensibly make it harder for criminals from the townships to access the highway, but create issues for locals going about their legitimate business.

There are also suspicions that the wall is designed to block views of the disadvantaged communities - many of them home to corrugated iron shacks - from visitors arriving in the city, which derives much income from the visitor economy. 

It has been described as "hiding poverty to comfort tourists".

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has said the plan will keep criminals at bay along the N2 highway and the move is described by local authorities as a necessity to curb violent crime. Critics argue that the project risks deepening social divides.

They point out that it will do nothing to improve safety for local communities.

Opponents have highlighted that the wall risks echoing apartheid-era spatial divisions by physically separating poorer townships from wealthier areas and tourist routes.

Image: Gugulethu, thesouthafrican.com   

Tourists have to be told: "Don't feed the bears"

Tourists can be dumb. Seriously dumb.

So dumb that they need to be warned not to feed wild bears.

The Japan Tourism Agency has had to roll out a series of pictograms warning tourists of the dangers of getting too close to wild bears, the Japan News reports. 

The signs warn against approaching or feeding bears, and urge caution in areas where bear populations are found.

The images were produced for local authorities to display in relevant areas and for local businesses that serve travellers in these areas.

JTA collaborated with the Environment Ministry to create the three images with the messages: ‘do not feed bears,’ ‘do not leave trash behind’” and ‘do not approach bears.’

It comes after a Spanish tourist was attacked by a bear in Gifu Prefecture in October.

Luckily, that tourist only suffered minor injuries.

That said, 13 people have been killed in bear attacks in Japan this year  compared to six in 2024, which was still a record year.

Switch that power bank off now!

Wanting to use a power bank during your flight on Qantas or Virgin Australia?

No go from next month after a series of incidents - including fires - on several carriers.

Australia’s big two airline groups are to ban the inflight use of all power banks, news hub Travel Mole reports. 

Virgin will start imposing restrictions from December 1 with Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar imposing similar restrictions effective from December 15.

Virgin says it will allow Ino more than two power banks to be carried - and they must be accessible and within sight during the flight.

They cannot be used or charged, and high-power devices (above) must get advance airline approval.

“Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally safe, this move will minimise any potential risks,” Virgin COO Chris Snook said.

While power bank use is banned, the airlines said charging devices will still be permitted using in-seat charging ports where available.

Where available being the key.

Several international carriers including Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines have banned the use of power banks on board.

Image: Maksim Chernyshev, Scop.io 

Thailand wants visitors to feel safe

Recent attacks on visitors have prompted The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to officially launch the “Trusted Thailand” stamp in a bid to reinforce confidence among tourists.

The aim is to project Thailand’s image as a safe and welcoming destination, news hub Travel Mole reports,

It comes after a recent attack on tourists in Bangkok. Two Malaysians were doused in chemicals and set on fire.

Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, vice ministeru for Tourism and Sports, said the Thai Government recognises that safety is the foundation of sustainable tourism and remains a top priority.

“China is a key source market, and it is crucial that we preserve trust among Chinese visitors. This reflects an invitation to all tourism operators, partnered agencies and stakeholders to work together in advancing Thailand’s tourism towards safe, secure and sustainable growth.”

TAT says it has prioritised Thailand’s readiness to be a safe, trustworthy, and friendly destination.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said: “The Trusted Thailand stamp is a practical mechanism to restore traveller confidence while laying the foundation for Thailand’s tourism industry to meet international safety standards.”

Under the initiative, tourism operators will be assessed to receive the “Trusted Thailand” stamp, serving as a symbol of assurance. It is clear authorities cannot guarantee safety.

The assessment will cover four key areas: general safety measures at tourism sites such as CCTV installation, emergency response systems, controlled access and disaster preparedness; secure financial transactions with recognised global platforms (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay); foreign language communication and professional visitor care; and safe access and mobility, including clear signposting, transport connections and information points.

Beyond certification, the project also features supporting activities to strengthen confidence across the sector.

These include a public forum with agencies such as the Department of Provincial Administration, Department of Tourism, Tourist Police Bureau and Department of Land Transport to discuss integrated safety management and targeted campaigns to rebuild trust ahead of the high season.

A dedicated mini-site will be launched next month providing a self-assessment platform for operators and a directory of certified businesses accessible to visitors.

Initially, the Thailand Safe Travel Stamp project is scheduled to launch nationwide in October, with implementation across the country.

We shall see if it is effective, or window dressing.

# Just 24 hours after the policy was launched, a Scottish tourist was shot and injured in a confrontation with a local drug vendor. 
 

Thailand vows to improve security for tourists after attack

Shaken by widespread publicity after a vicious attack on two tourists, Thailand’s Tourism Ministry has vowed to implement improved safety measures for visitors.

Officials acknowledged the assault on two Malaysians could affect tourism numbers, news hub Travel Mole reported.

The Malaysian couple were doused in chemicals and set on fire in Bangkok in a random attack by a Thai man. The attacker was caught and held by other people at the scene and handed over to Lumpini police when they arrived, The Bangkok Post reported.

The ministry made an official statement about the incident on social media.

It promised improved safety measures in tourist areas to boost overall confidence for international visitors.

The overriding message was that Thailand remains safe for visitors, which was echoed by tourist police chief, Lt-Gen Saksira Phuak-um.

One Yik Leong, 26, and Gan Xiao Zhen, 27 were doused in paint thinner and then set alight in a tourist precinct. Both were seriously injured but were in a stable condition in hospital.

They were attacked outside a Bangkok shopping mall with no immediate apparent motive.

They could remain in hospital for up to a month, officials say.

“Malaysia places its full trust in Thai authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation, and will provide full co-operation as required,” the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said.

The global media coverage of the incident has been extensive and has been seen as a major setback for Thailand’s tourism industry.

Trump bans people from 12 countries from the US

We’ve all read about Australians with legitimate visas being refused entry to the United States by “overzealous” US Customs and Border Protection staff. 

Now President Donald Trump has upped the ante by banning anyone from 12 countries from entering the US at all. 

The Trump administration on Wednesday banned people from 12 countries from entering the United States, a dramatic escalation in Trump’s crackdown on immigration, The New York Times reports. 

The ban, which goes into effect on Monday, primarily affects travellers from Africa nations and the Middle East. The list includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. 

How dare they not be American? 

Trump has also partially banned travellers from several other countries, including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

The decision to ban travel from those countries comes after Trump blocked asylum seekers at the southern border of the US and barred international students from Harvard University.

The newspaper says Trump’s order frames the reasoning for restricting travel as necessary because of national security threats, but critics say that the order discriminates against broad swaths of people based on their ethnicity alone. 

In his first term as president Trump barred travel from several Muslim-majority countries, including Iran.

“The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas. We don’t want them,” Trump said in a video message posted on social media.

Trump’s order comes just a few days after an Egyptian man in Colorado attacked a group honouring hostages being held in Gaza. Trump administration officials warned that they would crack down on migration in the wake of the attack.

You can just imagine the outrage if countries imposed complete bans on US passport holders. 

Crazed passengers force flights to be diverted

It is every frequent flyer's worst nightmare: being on a flight when a nutcase goes beserk.

It has happened three times already this week. Flights disrupted and delayed by mentally unwell passengers.

An ANA flight from Tokyo to Houston, Texas, had to be diverted and make an emergency landing after a passenger tried to open one of its doors in flight.

ANA flight 114 was diverted to Seattle due to the actions of "an unruly passenger", the airline said.

Port of Seattle police said a man "attempted to open exit doors during the flight".

The unnamed man was having a medical crisis and had to be restrained by passengers and crew. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation

“We applaud the efforts of local law enforcement for their support,” ANA said.

Later, a second passenger was removed from the plane for "unruly behaviour" as it waited on the tarmac at Seattle Tacoma Airport.

The flight finally arrived in Houston about four hours late.

A Manchester-bound easyJet flight from Turkiye had to be diverted to Germany following a woman having a meltdown.

The passenger began screaming about a "bomb" and attempted to open an emergency exit.

The flight from Dalaman was forced to divert to Frankfurt after the passenger was wrestled away from the door and subdued.

She started by running up and down the cabin aisle screaming about a bomb, a passenger told the media.

“She then grabbed the emergency exit door handle cover and ripped it off. She then went for the handle but was stopped by other passengers and then taken the back of the plane.

The pilot then announced the plane would be diverted.

Flight EZY2148 eventually landed in Manchester several hours later.

To round it off, an American Airlines passenger attacked a crew member mid-flight on Friday and dragged them up the plane aisle, prosecutors allege.

His alleged act of violence occurred less than an hour after Flight 3359 departed Bradley International Airport in Hartford bound for Chicago.

Prosecutors say the passenger stood up, started removing his shirt, and ran to the back of the plane yelling 'help me'.

He then grabbed a seated flight attendant and shouted 'you’re coming with me' as he 'forcefully' brought the crew member to the ground, prosecutors allege.

The flight returned to Hartford, where the miscreant was arrested.

You would hope these maniacs are all handed lifetime bans from flying. But somehow I doubt it.

Kiwis warned about travel to the US

New Zealanders have been warned to be careful if they intend to visit the United States.

The New Zealand Foreign Affairs Ministry this week updated its travel advice for Kiwis travelling to the US for the first time since Donald Trump became president for the second time.

It warned they could be detained, deported or banned from re-entering the country if they don't meet strict requirements.

MFAT said in a statement that 17 New Zealand passport holders had sought assistance since November 2024 because they have experienced immigration difficulties in the US.

MFAT said the update followed a routine review of the US travel advisory which was last fully reviewed in 2023.

While the travel advice level for Kiwis heading to the US remains at Level 2 “Exercise increased caution” - the advisory now includes more cautionary wording about the potential for detention at the border.

It also warns travellers about laptops, mobile phones and other electronic devices potentially being subject to border security inspection.

Otago and Auckland universities have already alerted academic staff to the potential issues they may face if travelling to the US.

Otago University Professor of international relations Robert Patman says he would not travel to the US at present, and he thinks the MFAT travel advice is cautionary for anyone who may have criticised the Trump administration in any way.

Image: Andrew Zuber, Scop.io

Security flaws at Australia’s secondary airports

Just how safe are secondary airports in Australia?

On this week’s evidence: worryingly unsafe.

I’ve always been stunned how some rural airports in Australia do not conduct body scans or explosives tests.

At major airports, security operatives will divest you of manicure scissors or mini knitting needles, while letting you carry on a magnum bottle of wine. Such clear lack of thinking there.

But this week’s incident at Avalon Airport, outside Geelong, show just how potentially dangerous things really are.

A teenager armed with a loaded shotgun somehow managed to cut their way through a security fence and make it up the stairs of a commercial Jetstar flight while carrying a loaded shotgun.

Let's unpack that, shall we?

Security failed to see someone making their way through a fence; and failed to notice an armed person making their way across the tarmac.

The teen was allegedly trying to force his way onto the plane before before being overpowered by passengers. That's passengers, not the "security aware" cabin crew.

Police were called to the airport (but were apparently not on duty) and the flight, which was carrying about 150 people to Sydney, was cancelled.

"This would have been a very terrifying incident for the passengers of that plane, and Victoria Police really commend the bravery of those passengers who were able to overpower that male,” Police Superintendent Michael Reid told the media.

Police were also quick to say it was not a terrorist incident, code nowadays for "the offender was white".

Farmer Barry Clark, who tackled the alleged offender, said the teen became became agitated while speaking to a flight attendant.

“Before we knew it, a shotgun appeared, and I was worried about it being shot,” Clark told ABC Radio Melbourne.

“All I could do was push her out of the way, get the gun out of the way, break that gun and throw it down the stairs, and then put him in a hold, throw him to the ground until the police came."

Police detained the teenager and found live ammunition rounds along with the shotgun. He will face eight charges.

Good on Barry. Shame on Avalon Airport. 

Major Australian airport closed as cyclone arrives

One of Australia's busiest airports has been closed for at least two days as the east coast of the country braces for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, described as a "once in 50 years event". 

Brisbane Airport's domestic and terminals international terminals were not accepting flights after Thursday afternoon (local time) but was to remain open for stranded passengers and essential airport workers who need shelter. 

An update from Qantas Group also stated Qantas and Jetstar flights would be suspended with international operations to stop running until at least midday on Saturday. 

The category two cyclone is expected to make landfall somewhere between the Sunshine Coast and Coolangatta late on Friday or early Saturday. 

The latest weather forecast suggests the cyclone will likely make landfall between Noosa and Coolangatta.

“If the system crosses at high tide, there is the risk of seeing storm surges up to 1.5 metres, particularly around the Redland bay area and the Gold Coast,” the Bureau of Meteorology’s Matthew Collopy told local media. 

"Heavy to locally intense rainfall is expected across Queensland’s south-east from later on Thursday until “at least Saturday”.

Up to 700 millimetres of rain is expected, with authorities telling everyone in the cyclone zone to “pray for the best but prepare for the worst”.

Schools and many businesses are closed and major sports events have been cancelled and many smaller airports shuttered. 

Items you should not leave in your car

Most car owners are savvy enough to know not to leave pets in their cars on warm days - but animals are still rescued on a regular basis. 

But it is not only dogs that should not be left in vehicles, a leading Australian motoring organisation says.

The RACV has provided information about common items often left in cars that could be damaged or pose safety risks.

RACV general manager motoring products Jeff Ames said many drivers are unaware of the risks associated with leaving everyday items in their vehicles.

“RACV is urging all motorists to be mindful of what they store in their cars, especially as the hot weather increases,” Ames said.

“Many of these items are often-overlooked hazards and by taking simple precautions, we can significantly reduce the risk of damage to personal property and potential safety issues."

The five common items you shouldn’t keep in your car include: 

Electronic devices: Smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets with lithium-ion batteries can overheat, potentially leading to fire hazards.
Medicine: Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can become less effective or inactive when exposed to extreme temperatures in parked cars.
Aerosol cans: Deodorants, air fresheners, and other spray cans may explode under pressure in hot vehicles.
Sunscreen: Heat can break down the active ingredients in sunscreen, rendering it ineffective for sun protection.
Glasses and sunglasses: Frames can warp in high temperatures, and lenses left on dashboards may create fire hazards.

Victorian Crime Statistics Agency data also shows a 16% increase in thefts from motor vehicles, with 53,329 reported cases in the Australian state for the year ending June 2024, up from 45,984 in the previous year.

"This significant rise in vehicle break-ins is concerning and we strongly advise drivers to remove all valuables and always lock their vehicles to prevent opportunistic theft,” Ames said.

RACV recommends that drivers regularly check their vehicles for items that should be removed and stored safely elsewhere.

For more info on car safety and security, visit racv.com.au.

Meet the airport with a three-minute limit on hugs

How much time do you need to say goodbye to loved ones when you drop them off kerbside at an airport?

Dunedin Airport on the south island of New Zealand has sparked controversy by imposing a three-minute limit on fond farewells in its free drop off zone.

The signage adds: “for fonder farewells please use the car park”.

Dunedin Airport CEO Daniel De Bono told local radio that airports are “hotbeds of emotion”, and that a 20-second hug is enough to release the love hormone oxytocin.

He says the move is about improving traffic flow and safety around the terminal. They were trying to have a bit of fun with the announcement, he said.

"It's caused quite a stir, we've got quite a bit of conversation going."

The story has gained the attention of international news media from CNN and The New York Post to The Times of India.

Another scary plane incident leaves over a dozen injured

It has happened again.

Another commercial aircraft has plunged through the air, this time after a decompression incident.

This week's incident occurred when a Korean Air flight saw over a dozen passengers needing medical treatment after a fast descent.

The flight from Seoul to Taichung, Taiwan, suddenly experienced a decompression malfunction and the pilots were forced to take the plane down 25,000 feet within 15 minutes, Travel Mole reported.

Thirteen passengers required hospital treatment, reporting hyperventilation and eardrum pain.

Oxygen masks were deployed during the incident but the flight landed safely without further incident.

The scare happened on a Boeing 737 Max aircraft.

South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has ordered an investigation.

Pilots said a cockpit pressurisation alert sounded about 50 minutes into the flight.

Last month, a 73-year-old British man died after a flight from London to Singapore hit turbulence, forcing it to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand.

It was reported that some people were propelled into the ceiling and knocked their heads on the baggage cabins overhead. Singapore Airlines said 18 people were hospitalised, including a crew member.

The same month, 12 people were injured, including eight taken to hospital, after Qatar Airways plane hits turbulence on Doha-Dublin flight. 

Travel insurers, predictably, are using the rise in turbulence incidents to spruik their products. 

“Should turbulence impact your travel plans or cause injury, having travel insurance means there’s one less thing to think about, while you navigate a highly stressful situation,” said Southern Cross Travel Insurance Chief Executive, Jo McCauley.

Australian airline crews demand a fair go

Do the cabin crew on your aircraft seem tired and jaded?

It might be because they are.

On International Cabin Crew Day, which is today, the Flight Attendants' Association of Australia (FAAA) is launching the “Fatigue Doesn’t Fly” campaign urging the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to introduce mandatory flight time and rest regulations for cabin crew.

Teri O'Toole, federal secretary of the FAAA is calling on CASA to give cabin crew a fair go.

“We only want what cabin crew all over the world have, including our colleagues in Sierra Leone and Bangladesh, some of the recognised poorest countries in the world," O'Toole says.

"Singapore, one of the few countries with flight lengths comparable to those of Australian crew, has had regulated flight time limitations (FTLs) for long-haul flying since 2017.

“Aligning with international standards will not only enhance safety but also ensure fair and consistent working conditions across the industry. Our aviation safety authority should have oversight and protections for all stakeholders in aviation, not just pilots. Relying on safe standards for fatigue risk should not be left to bargaining in Enterprise Bargaining Agreements.

"Health and safety should be mandatory and regulated, not something that relies on sitting down every four years to bargain for. We are calling for a much-needed permanent regulatory safety net.

“Our cabin crew travel the same distances and spend the same time in the air as pilots but are suffering without the same safety net when it comes to rest and scheduling. Why do pilots have better rest facilities on board than cabin crew? Because it’s mandated by CASA.

"Both cabin crew and pilots are human and should have the same consideration for how they take their rest on board."

O'Toole points out that cabin crew members are multi-skilled professionals trained in safety, fire, evacuation, and medical emergencies.

Captain Tony Lucas, president, Australian and International Pilots Association notes: “Our cabin crew are first responders in the event of an onboard emergency or medical situation. Just as a minimum of two well-trained and well-rested pilots are required for every flight, having well-trained and well-rested cabin crew are a vital part of the safety management process dealing with emergencies.”

Find out more at https://fatiguedoesntfly.com.au

Image: Jetstar

Climate change could mean more turbulent flights

There has been another terrifying airline turbulence incident on an international flight, sparking fears that global warming is making turbulence more frequent - and potentially deadly.

Twelve people were reported injured on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin at the weekend hit massive turbulence, Dublin Airport officials said.

The flight from Doha landed at Dublin and was met by emergency services.

Dublin Airport posted on X that six passengers and six crew members suffered various injuries and that eight of the 12 injured were taken to hospital.

Qatar Airways flight QR017 apparently suffered turbulence as it flew over Turkiye, Travel Mole reported..

“A small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention,” Qatar Airways said in a statement. It added that “the matter is now subject to an internal investigation.”

Just last week a British man died during a severe turbulence incident on a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore's Changi Airport. There were 104 passengers injured on that flight.  

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said turbulence incidents are up concerningly. He said turbulence will continue to “affect American travellers, whether here or abroad.”

He told the CBS TV network: “The reality is, the effects of climate change are already upon us in terms of our transportation.

”“Our climate is evolving. Our policies and our technology and our infrastructure have to evolve accordingly, too.”

Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in the UK, previously told CNN that he believes climate change is modifying turbulence. 

“We ran some computer simulations and found that severe turbulence could double or triple in the coming decades,” Williams said.

So disturbing news for frequent flyers. 

Buckle up people. 

* Singapore Airlines has amended its policy on in-flight seatbelt use, taking a "more cautious" approach. 

The airline will not serve passengers food and drink when the seatbelt sign is on, Travel Mole reported. 

The airline said: “SIA will continue to review our processes, as the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance." 

Image: Einar Maeland Jensen, Scop.io 

Airlines switch flight routes amid Middle East Tensions

Planning to fly to/from or over the Middle East? Prepare for schedule changes, delays or cancellations.

Qantas is just one of several major airlines to announce the re-routing of its international flights to avoid airspace over the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region.

The decisions come in response to growing concerns over the safety and security of air travel following Israel's ongoing bastardry (sorry, murderous self-defence tactics).

In addition to Qantas, airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways and British Airways have also made adjustments to flight paths.

Qantas has said it will re-route its flights between Australia and Europe to avoid flying over the Persian Gulf and Iraq.

British Airways has announced that it will temporarily suspend flights to and from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qantas's direct Perth-London flights will now stop in Singapore for re-fuelling.

This is due to the extra distance required to avoid "at risk" airspace in the region. Qantas says it could add several hours to the total journey time.

SWISS, meanwhile, announced that "in view of the latest developments in the Middle East, we have decided to suspend SWISS flight operations to and from Tel Aviv Airport (top) until further notice. At SWISS, the safety of our crews and our passengers always has paramount priority.

"We continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East as closely as possible. Our specialists are constantly assessing all the available information, and are also in close and regular contact with all the relevant authorities both locally and in Switzerland."

The US, UK Canada and Australia have all issued advisories urging their citizens to stay vigilant and monitor developments closely.

The UK Foreign Office issued an urgent travel warning for more than a dozen countries in the southern Mediterranean and Middle East region.

”There is rising tension between Iran and Israel. Any military action could escalate quickly and could pose risks for the wider region,” it said.

“If you are in the region, or considering travel to the region, monitor news updates and continue to check FCDO travel advice.”

The travel warning covers Dubai, Morocco, Qatar, Egypt and Tunisia. Also included are Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Oman and Lebanon.

In the United States, the State Department issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Israel.

Air India bans another pilot who failed an alcohol test

In my view any airline pilot who fails a breath test while on duty should be sacked with immediate effect.

If an Air India pilot who likes a drink fails a test, however, they get a slap on the wrist and three months on the naughty step.

Air India this week took what it describes as "disciplinary action" after another of its pilots failed a pre-flight breathalyser test.

This time it is a female pilot, which is relatively rare, Travel Mole reported.

The unnamed pilot was given an automatic three-month suspension, which means she could be back flying passengers by July.

The pilot serves as a first officer flying Boeing 787 jets and failed the test before a scheduled flight from Delhi to Hyderabad last week.

Air India has not publicly commented on the issue. It's probably too ashamed.

All crew members are required to take a pre-flight alcohol test before duty under India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation rules. 

Earlier this year, Air India dismissed a pilot who failed a breathalyser test shortly after flying an international flight.

The pilot tested positive for alcohol after completing a flight from Phuket to Delhi.

The pilot was the senior in the cockpit, working the flight with a newly-appointed captain, unlike the latest case where the boozy pilot was caught before taking to the air.