Air France Reduces Schedule As Unions Prepare To StrikeFriday, February 3rd, 2012Air France will be reducing its flight schedule February 6 - 9 as airline workers, including pilots, take strike action against the airline. Air France states on its web site that it will do its best to adjust its flight schedule depending on how many air transport employees join the strike. However, as union members are not obliged to inform in advance of their intention to strike, some last minute delays and cancellations may arise.
Friday's long-haul flights are operating at 85%; however, it is too early to estimate operations for next week. Air France states it will give its flight forecast for the strike period on Monday.
Unions are striking in an attempt to block passage of a law which will place restrictions on the right to strike. The airlines says those travellers affected by the strike may rebook their flights without penalties. If you need assistance with your itinerary, please contact an Azumano agent.
Source: Air France
Amsterdam Flights Cancelled Due To WeatherFriday, February 3rd, 2012Flights are being delayed and diverted at Amsterdam airport on Friday due to weather conditions. There are also a handful of cancellations reported on the airport's website and delays extend well into this afternoon. Travellers are advised to confirm their
flight status before heading to the airport.
Update - Winter Storm in Central U.S.Friday, February 3rd, 2012Update – Winter Storm Advisory for Feb 2 - 4, 2012
Winter weather is expected to continue to impact the Denver area through February 4, 2012. Additional airports in Colorado and the central U.S. have also been added. Weather conditions may lead to the delay or cancellation of certain flights in and out of the following airports:
- Aspen, CO (ASE)
- Colorado Springs, CO (COS)
- Denver, CO (DEN)
- Des Moines, IA (DSM)
- Eagle/Vail, CO (EGE)
- Hayden/Steamboat Springs, CO (HDN)
- Omaha, NE (OMA)
Customers on United-Continental flights to, from or through these airports on February 2, 3 or 4 may reschedule their itineraries with a one-time date or time change, and the airlines will waive the change fees, when travel originates before February 11, 2012. Customers may request refunds in the original form of payment for canceled flights.
Other airlines may may also offer waivers of penalties for weather related changes or cancellations. If you need assistance to change your itinerary, please contact the airline or your Azumano agent.
Source: United - Continental
Winter Storm Causes Flight Disruption in ItalyThursday, February 2nd, 2012Bologna airport is currently open only for departing flights. The disruption is being caused by on-going snow and sub-zero temperatures which are hitting north and central regions of Italy. Over a hundred flights were grounded at the airport on Wednesday and heavy snowfall is also causing severe disruption to road and rail transport.
Source: Anvil
Congress Negotiators Agree On FAA FundingThursday, February 2nd, 2012The U.S. House and Senate negotiators agreed on a $63 billion four-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration for the next four years, which includes funding of the NextGen air navigation modernization project. The bill includes compromises on several difficult issues: a decrease in air service subsidies for rural communities by $20 million; elimination of a provision limiting the shipments of lithium batteries on cargo planes; and rules governing the formation of airline and railroad unions. The committee also agreed to add eight daily long-distance flights into Ronald Regan Washington National Airport.
The FAA’s long-term operating authority expired in 2007 and has been funded under 23 short-term extensions. It experienced a partial shut-down late last year when Congress failed to fund an extension before its expiration.
Final passage of the bill by the House and Senate is expected sometime in the next two weeks.
Source: ASTA Smartbrief, Washington Post
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