New Route from London Gatwick to Oakland, California

 British Airways will fly from London Gatwick to Oakland (OAK), California from March 28, 2017. During the summer season the frequency will be four times per week, reducing to 3 times per week for the winter. Special business class fare! Have a look at their Club World which combines premium levels of comfort and service with the freedom and flexibility to make every journey unique and unforgettable.

Strike by French air traffic controllers

Good morning, a number of flights to and from Ireland have been cancelled due to another strike by French air traffic controllers.

It is the 13th strike in 14 weeks.

Passengers due to travel today have been urged to check the status of their flight. Aer Lingus and Ryanair have cancelled flights into and out of Ireland and also warned of delays to flights that use French airspace.

Aer Lingus flights cancelled

EI510 Dublin to Perpignan

EI511 Perpignan to Dublin

EI544 Dublin to Nice

EI545 Nice to Dublin

EI508 Dublin to Bordeaux

EI509 Bordeaux to Dublin

EI528 Dublin to Paris

EI529 Paris to Dublin

Ryanair flights cancelled

FR1984 Dublin T1 Carcassonne

FR1982 Dublin T1 Biarritz

FR1986 Dublin T1 Nantes(Brittany)

FR9951 Cork Alicante

FR9905 Cork Bordeaux

Italy: Update – Several strikes will disrupt flights on 17 June and 23 July

Italy: Update – Several strikes will disrupt flights on 17 June and 23 July

Eurocontrol reported on Thursday that several strikes are planned at airports in Italy.

17 June:

• A national strike involving area control centers (ACCs), a type of air traffic control facility, and airports has been called by Union UNICA from 0800-1600 UTC

• A national strike involving ACCs and airports has been called by Union LICTA from 1100-1500 UTC

• A national strike involving ACCs and airports has been called by Union FATA-CISAL from 2200 UTC on 16 June until  2200 UTC on 17 June 2016

• A local strike at Rome Ciampino Airport (LIRA) involving "TWR personnel" has been called by Union UGL-TA from 2200 UTC on 16 June until 2200 UTC on 17 June

23 July:

• A national strike involving ACCs and airports has been called by Union ANPCAT from 0800-1600 UTC.

• A local strike at Rome Ciampino Airport (LIRA) has been called by Union UNICA from 0800-1600 UTC.

There has been no "Notice to Airmen" (NOTAM) filed with the country's aviation authority so far for any of the above mentioned strike days, Eurocontrol indicated.

Passengers planning to fly into or out of airports in Italy should contact their airline to confirm flight status.

Norway: Oslo airport workers threaten to go on strike on 10 June

Norway: Oslo airport workers threaten to go on strike on 10 June

This could be a very bad weekend for Norwegian travellers. In addition to a threatened strike by SAS pilots, all departures at Oslo Airport could be cancelled on Friday over a separate work stoppage.

A conflict between Norway's Parat union and the Confederation of Norwegian Service Industries (NHO Service) could completely shut down Oslo Airport for departures on Friday if the two sides cannot reach an agreement.

Norway/Sweden: More than 800 pilots threaten to strike from 9 June

Norway/Sweden: More than 800 pilots threaten to strike from 9 June

 Up to 800 SAS pilots could soon go on strike if negotiations with pilots’ unions in both Norway and Sweden fail to result in a new collective bargaining agreement.

 If the talks are unsuccessful, 435 Norwegian pilots will go on strike effective Thursday morning while roughly 400 Swedish pilots are expected to follow suit on Friday. If the Swedes make good on their threats, it would have a significant impact on the airline’s long-distance flights in and out of Stockholm Arlanda. 

 

There is no indication that Danish pilots will also go on strike but flights to and from Copenhagen Airport could also be affected.

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France: Update – Strikes to target trains, Paris subway system, flight, ports this week

France: Update – Strikes to target trains, Paris subway system, flight, ports this week

Airports and ports will be the focus of fresh strikes this week, while rail workers settle into rolling strikes from Tuesday (31st May).

Staff at airports and airlines in France have called for a strike from 3-5 June citing problems within the industry.

Meanwhile four rail unions have called for rolling strikes from Tuesday (31st May) (CGT, UNSA, SUD-Rail, CFDT). These strikes are in opposition to negotiations on new contracts in preparation for opening the market.

The CGT has called for an “unlimited” strike for its members of the Paris public transport group RATP from Thursday. Another union, SUD-RATP, has asked members to begin similar action, but to start on 10 June - the opening day of Euro 2016.

The CGT has also called for a 24-strike among the national federation of ports and docks workers on 2 June.

France: Update – Strike action by Air Traffic Controllers on 26 May, other strikes possible 3-5, 14 June

France: Update – Strike action by Air Traffic Controllers on 26 May, other strikes possible 3-5, 14 June

The Travel Mole reported on Wednesday that travellers to France will face further disruptions on Thursday as the country's air traffic controllers walk out for the seventh day of strike action in two months.

Airlines have warned that several flights to Europe will be cancelled, while flights that travel through French air space will also be subject to delays. Ryanair has already cancelled dozens of flights tomorrow, including several between the U.K. and France, Spain, Portugal and Germany.

British Airways said it planned to publish a revised flight schedule for Thursday later this afternoon. The airline has introduced a more flexible rebooking policy to encourage passengers booked on flights tomorrow to fly on different dates. Any customer due to fly to or from any French airport as well as Madrid and Barcelona on Thursday, regardless of whether their flight is operating or not, can fly today instead or move their flight back to a date up to and including June 1.

BA warned of the possibilities of further strikes on June 3, 4 and 5 at the end of the half-term. Further strikes are also planned for June 14. Airlines for Europe MD Thomas Reynaert said, "We are hurtling towards a summer of disruption and frustration for customers."

United Airline Club in Chicago O'Hare is now opened

The United Club in Chicago O'Hare (ORD) across from gate B18 in Terminal 1 is now open. The newly renovated club offers customers a higher-quality experience including a new bar program, an expanded food buffet and comfortable seating areas for working or relaxing. Over the next three years, United is investing more than $200 million into transforming the United Club program.

Lufthansa cancels hundreds of flights because of strike by airport workers on 27 April

Lufthansa cancels hundreds of flights because of strike by airport workers on 27 April

German airline Lufthansa on Tuesday said it had cancelled 895 flights due to airport strikes by German union Verdi which are planned for Wednesday.

Only 40 per cent of an overall roughly 1,500 flights to an from German airports including hubs Frankfurt and Munich would take place, the airline said in a statement.

International, domestic flights to be cancelled at six airports on 27 April because of trade union strike

Germany: International, domestic flights to be cancelled at six airports on 27 April because of trade union strike

A German trade union has called for a strike at airports across the country on Wednesday. All intercontinental flights to and from Munich will be cancelled; Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Frankfurt airports will also be hit.

A Lufthansa official said the upcoming strike shows "that we desperately need rules for labour disputes in the air transport industry," as six airports across Germany prepare for cancellations of both international and domestic flights on Wednesday.

The airline said that all intercontinental flights leaving from Munich will be cancelled, as will many domestic and European flights. The airports in Düsseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt, Dortmund and Hannover will also be affected

e-travel leads the way in technology innovation for the travel sector

e-travel leads the way in technology innovation for the travel sector

e-travel have made a pioneering move in the travel industry by developing their own online booking system for flights, cruises and hotels at www.e-travel.ie  The system was developed in-house by Managing Director David O Grady working closely with Amadeus and Travelport and involves the integration of multiple suppliers and their systems.  The innovation led to the launch of a number of new specialist departments within e-travel including Worldwide Cruises, Corporate Travel, Hotels, Flights, Groups & Incentives and Egencia Ireland.  eTravel recently signed a deal with Egencia to become their official partner in Ireland.  The expansion has led to 6 new permanent jobs and now this fully Irish owned, managed and bonded agency plan to grow and develop across Europe.

e-travel is now the only Irish Travel Agent with their own in-house flight, cruise and hotel online system.   A new easy to use interface was designed and now e-travel has control over how information is displayed and have added lots of additional applications.  The new system is 20% faster than the old booking system and the price comparison system compares over 154 world-wide airlines on one easy to use, secure and practical system. 

This innovation has increased turnover by 150% and cost savings are passed on to customers.  With all the top world-wide airlines on the one system, customers can be assured they are receiving the cheapest airfares and there are no booking fees on the majority of flights booked online.  The system is totally secure with a choice of payment options - credit or debit card, cash or bank transfer.  The site features an easy to use price grid so customers can compare the cheapest or best flight options for their needs.  The system also has information on airport terminals, airline code share details, seat maps, meals provided, over 10,000 discounted hotels worldwide and lots more all in one place. 

e-travel was founded in 1997 by David O’Grady and is now one of Ireland’s leading independent travel agents, providing travel services to the corporate and consumer sectors. The main focus of the company is to provide a superior corporate service, competitive airfares and a complete suite of travel management services.  E-travel empowers both the business and independent traveller by providing accurate and fast travel information to facilitate travel planning with best prices and service.

Business Travel News, Wednesday 30th March 2016

U.S.: American Airlines cancels all flights to and from Brussels until 7 April

American Airlines has cancelled all flights to and from Brussels until April 7 in what appears to be further response to the terrorist attacks that killed 32 people and injured hundreds last week. The airline released a statement saying that all flights in and out of Brussels Airport are on hold until a flight from Philadelphia departs on April 7. A return flight will depart the following day.

France: Air traffic controllers' strike planned for 31 March confirmed

From media reports: Eurocontrol is reporting that a strike action by French air traffic controllers on 31 March has been confirmed. The strike will run from 5 pm, UTC. The impact of the strike is not known. Passengers should contact their airlines to confirm flight status before heading to the airport.

U.S.: Dulles Airport main terminal reopens after suspicious package cleared

Dulles International Airport has reopened after part of the main terminal was closed due to an unattended item around 5 p.m. Tuesday. The airport said out of an abundance of caution, a portion of the arrivals and departures level in the main terminal was closed. An unattended item was found by a police K-9 in the lower level baggage area. The bag was cleared, and emergency crews allowed workers and passengers back into the previously evacuated areas. The airport said several airline check-in counters were affected, including United, Lufthansa, Avianca, Austrian, Jetblue, Alaska and Porter.

Flights resume after spillage causes flight delays, diversions at Gatwick airport; knock-on effects expected

Flights resume after spillage causes flight delays, diversions at Gatwick airport; knock-on effects expected

Gatwick airport was closed to all flights earlier today due to an oil spillage on the runway. No planes were able to leave the airport since the runway was closed at about 10.15 this morning, and some inbound flights were also diverted. Other flights were been forced to remain in the air, and were given priority to land once the runway was cleared and safety checks were carried out. The airport reopened just after 11.30pm, but a spokesperson warned there would be residual delays to outbound flights.

Spillage closes runway at London's Gatwick Airport

U.K.: Spillage closes runway at London's Gatwick Airport

London's Gatwick Airport said its runway had been temporarily closed on Monday due to a spillage, but added it was expected to reopen shortly. The airport, to the south of London, gave no further details of the spillage but said on Twitter it was hoping services would return to normal quickly. Gatwick is Britain's second largest airport and is used by over 40 million passengers each year.

USA and Canada Flight delays due to Storms

U.S: More than 150 flights cancelled on 25 February as powerful storms continue to threaten eastern states

Severe thunderstorms capable of spawning tornadoes and damaging wind gusts will continue to threaten portions of the eastern states through Wednesday night. Nationwide, more than 2,250 flights had been cancelled by early Wednesday evening and nearly all big U.S. carrier had enacted flexible rebooking policies. And more than 150 flights had already been pre-emptively cancelled for Thursday as airlines scrambled to get their planes and crews back into place.

U.S: Southwest Airlines cancels all flights in, out of Chicago's Midway International Airport because of storm

CHICAGO, IL — Midway Airport is virtually shut down as all Southwest Airlines flights into and out of the South Side airport have been cancelled or redirected due to Wednesday’s high winds and growing snowstorm.

U.S.: Update: Weather disrupts flights at Chicago, four north-eastern airports

The FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center on Wednesday morning reported flight delays at the following airports: Due to weather/snow-ice, departure traffic destined to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD) is currently experiencing delays averaging 4 hours and 47 minutes. Due to weather/low ceilings, departure traffic destined to Teterboro Airport, Teterboro, NJ (TEB) is currently experiencing delays averaging 3 hours and 39 minutes.

Canada: Update: Winter storm in region disrupts some flights at Michigan airports; travellers at Montreal airport may see delays

From media reports: CBS News reported preparations are under way across Metro Detroit for a sizable winter storm expected to hit on Wednesday morning. Weather warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service. Total snow accumulations around 10 inches are expected north of the M-59 corridor and west of Detroit. To the south, lesser amounts of four to eight inches are expected. The city of Detroit and Monroe County are only expected to see between two to four inches, the news source indicated. The Midland Daily News reported that as of 9 a.m. today, several flights have been cancelled at the MBS International Airport located in Freeland, Michigan. "We're going to have a rough few hours here," the MBS manager said. "As you know, we may be open here, but the weather in Detroit and Chicago will impact flights," the manager added.

Blizzard Still raging in Cape Breton, Canada

Canada: Update: Blizzard still raging in Cape Breton, disrupts flights to, from J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport

The blizzard that hit Nova Scotia was still raging in Cape Breton early Tuesday afternoon, bringing businesses and services to a standstill. Schools are closed for the day, as are all federal, provincial and municipal offices. Many services have been cancelled.

Flights into and out of the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport this morning were cancelled, although afternoon and evening flights remain on the schedule. In advance of the storm, Marine Atlantic cancelled several crossings from North Sydney to Port-aux-Basques, N.L.

US Snow Storms!

U.S.: Update: Storm cancels hundreds of flights at Boston Logan International Airport

A winter storm is expected to bring 3 to 18 inches of snow throughout Massachusetts as neighbouring New Hampshire could see some snow ahead of presidential primaries. In Boston, where between 8 inches to 12 inches of snow is expected, the snow began falling between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. and the heaviest snowfall is predicted to fall between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m At least 200 flights have been cancelled from Boston's Logan International Airport

U.S.: Winter storm affects flights at Newark, JFK, and La Guardia airports

NEW YORK — More than 300 flights coming in and out of Newark, JFK, and La Guardia airports have been cancelled ahead of the winter storm that’s expected to hit parts of the tri-state Monday.

Air France confirms workers plan to strike 10-13 January and 28 January

France: Update – Air France confirms workers plan to strike 10-13 January and 28 January.

Air France has confirmed it has been informed of strike action by the CGT trade union on Thursday, 29 January, and by Alter, a minor pilots' union, from 10-13 January.

According to several media reports, CGT is protesting job cuts as well as the legal action taken against five employees.

The Alter pilots' union, representing about 10 per cent of Air France pilots, has called for the strike actions to protest disciplinary procedures involving two of its members.

David O'Grady, Founder and Owner of Etravel

About US

ABOUT US

Etravel was founded in 1997 by David O'Grady and is now one of Ireland's leading independent travel agents, providing travel services to the corporate and consumer sectors. The main focus of the company is to provide a superior corporate service, competitive airfares and a complete suite of travel management services. 

In 2008 Egencia, an Expedia Inc. company, partnered with Etravel to offer a fully localised service, content, language support and global reporting capabilities with dedicated travel consultants. The result allows Etravel the opportunity to maintain a global edge and provide our clients with the most competitive rates on the market.


Etravel empowers both the business and independent traveller by providing accurate and fast travel information to facilitate travel planning with best prices and service. 

*Fully bonded and licensed by the commission of Aviation Authority and a member of ITAA and IATA

*Affiliated with Aero 24 offering 24/7 service

*Top performer with all major airlines operating out of Dublin

*Partnership with a world-wide hotel consolidator

*Winner of Innovation Travel Award 2014