In response to severe flooding that has rendered Salgado Filho Airport in Porto Alegre inoperable, the Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulator, the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), has enacted a temporary prohibition on the sale of airline tickets to and from the airport.

This measure applies across all sales channels, including travel agencies, and will remain in effect until ANAC reevaluates the situation.

The closure of the airport, located in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, has had significant repercussions, affecting more than 490,000 passengers. The terminal remains indefinitely closed due to the flooding, with the runway still submerged under water.

Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulator ANAC prohibits the sale of airline tickets to Porto Alegre.

Read More : https://t.co/7Eu5QLFPVG#aviation #airport #airlines pic.twitter.com/HNsZ58Jzi0— FL360aero (@fl360aero) May 15, 2024

In light of these circumstances, airlines are offering flexibility to affected customers. Passengers can reschedule their flights to Porto Alegre within a year of the original scheduled date without incurring additional fees. Alternatively, they can opt for a refund, either in cash or credit.

To accommodate displaced travelers, airlines have increased the number of flights to nearby airports in the southern region of Brazil. This increase aims to prioritize passengers who already have issued tickets.

According to ANAC’s directives, airlines must identify and prioritize contact with passengers who have a pending return journey, whether traveling to or from Rio Grande do Sul, to facilitate their reaccommodations preferentially.

Qantas, Australia’s national carrier, has exciting news for travelers between Bengaluru and Sydney. In response to robust demand during the peak holiday season, the airline has announced plans to ramp up its services, significantly enhancing connectivity between the two vibrant cities.

Starting from mid-December 2024 and continuing through late March 2025, Qantas will increase its flights from Bengaluru to Sydney, transitioning from five flights a week to a daily service.

This expansion translates to over 12,000 additional seats being made available between the two destinations over the span of four months, according to a statement released by Qantas. These newly added flights complement Qantas’ existing services between Delhi and Melbourne, which currently operate three days a week.

Travelers can expect top-notch service aboard Qantas flights, which are operated with the airline’s fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft. These planes feature 27 Business Class suites configured in a spacious 1-2-1 layout, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger. Moreover, each suite is equipped to convert into a comfortable lie-flat bed, enhancing the overall travel experience.

In line with its commitment to enhancing passenger comfort, Qantas recently announced plans to accelerate the rollout of ‘fast and free’ Wi-Fi across its international fleet, including the A330 aircraft servicing routes between India and Australia.

This initiative aims to provide passengers with a seamless connectivity experience, ensuring that every traveler can enjoy a fast and consistent internet connection while onboard.

Commenting on the expansion of services, Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace expressed enthusiasm about meeting the growing demand for travel between India and Australia. He highlighted the importance of these additional flights in facilitating travel during the summer season, enabling families and friends to reconnect over the holiday period.

Emirates has unveiled the initial lineup of destinations set to welcome its A350 aircraft, slated to commence service in September 2024.

With a total of 10 new A350s anticipated to integrate into the Emirates fleet by March 31, 2025, the airline is poised to introduce its latest aircraft type to 9 destinations in the near future, presenting passengers with its newest signature cabin offerings.

These inaugural 10 Emirates A350 aircraft will feature three distinct cabin classes, including 32 next-generation Business Class seats, 21 seats in Premium Economy, and 259 generously spaced Economy Class seats. Primarily designated for short to medium-haul routes within the Emirates network, the A350’s debut flight will be to Bahrain, marking a significant milestone for the airline.

As the Emirates A350s embark on their maiden voyages, travelers will have enhanced opportunities to experience the acclaimed Premium Economy product and the innovative next-generation Business Class cabins, particularly on routes spanning the Middle East, GCC, West Asia, and Europe.

In the Middle East/GCC:

• The A350 will commence service to Bahrain on the daily EK839/840 route starting September 15, with plans to gradually expand frequency to encompass two Bahrain services, the second of which will debut on November 1.
• Kuwait will witness the arrival of the first Emirates A350 on the daily EK853/854 service beginning September 16.
• Muscat’s daily EK866/867 route will transition to A350 operation from December 1.

In West Asia:

• Mumbai’s EK502/503 service will feature the Emirates A350 starting October 27.
• Ahmedabad’s daily EK538/539 flight will be serviced by the A350 from October 27.
• The fourth daily service to Colombo, EK654/655, will be operated by the A350 commencing January 1, 2025.

In Europe:

• Lyon will enjoy daily service with the Emirates A350 starting December 1.
• Bologna will be served by the A350 from December 1.
• Edinburgh is set to rejoin the Emirates network on November 4, operated by the A350, with additional details forthcoming.

Bookings for Emirates flights to A350 destinations are now open and can be made through emirates.com, the Emirates App, or authorized travel agents.