CDG & 23 Other French Airports Closing Due to Volcanic Ash Cloud
Airports in northern France including Charles de Gaulle are closing in stages this afternoon and evening due to the spreading cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland volcanic eruption. Major transatlantic and European flight disruptions are expected to continue through Friday. Air Transat has advised that flights between Canada and the U.K. and France are delayed until further notice. At this time, flights bound for Italy are expected to depart on schedule.
...courtesy of OpenJaw
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Volacano Causes Continent Wide Delays
As you've likely heard, an Icelandic volcano released an ash cloud high into the atmosphere last night. The cloud is floating across Europe and more than a dozen airports have shut down flights since engines and ash don't mix (KLM flight in '89).
Our own Ron Pradinuk, on his way to catch a cruise in Venice, is stuck in Pearson, waiting to find out if his flight tonight to Frankfurt is a go or no go.
Beyond the tens (hundreds?) of thousands of travellers affected by this, the issues in Iceland have been somewhat overlooked.
The section below comes courtesy of a Yahoo news story.
By Jill Lawless,Robert Barr, The Associated Press
In Iceland, hundreds of people have fled rising floodwaters since the volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull (ay-yah-FYAH'-plah-yer-kuh-duhl) glacier erupted Wednesday for the second time in less than a month. As water gushed down the mountainside, rivers rose up to 10 feet (3 metres) by Wednesday night, slicing the island nation's main road in half.
The volcano still spewed ash and steam Thursday, but the floods had subsided. Some ash was falling on uninhabited areas, but most was being blown by westerly winds toward northern Europe, including Britain, about 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometres) away.
"It is likely that the production of ash will continue at a comparable level for some days or weeks. But where it disrupts travel, that depends on the weather," said Einar Kjartansson, a geophysicist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office. "It depends how the wind carries the ash."
The ash cloud did not disrupt operations at Iceland's Keflavik airport or caused problems in the capital of Reykjavik, but has affected the southeastern part of the island, said meteorologist Thorsteinn Jonsson. In one area, visibility was reduced to 150 metres (yards) Thursday, he said, and farmers were advised to keep livestock indoors to protect them from eating the abrasive ash.
Our own Ron Pradinuk, on his way to catch a cruise in Venice, is stuck in Pearson, waiting to find out if his flight tonight to Frankfurt is a go or no go.
Beyond the tens (hundreds?) of thousands of travellers affected by this, the issues in Iceland have been somewhat overlooked.
The section below comes courtesy of a Yahoo news story.
By Jill Lawless,Robert Barr, The Associated Press
In Iceland, hundreds of people have fled rising floodwaters since the volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull (ay-yah-FYAH'-plah-yer-kuh-duhl) glacier erupted Wednesday for the second time in less than a month. As water gushed down the mountainside, rivers rose up to 10 feet (3 metres) by Wednesday night, slicing the island nation's main road in half.
The volcano still spewed ash and steam Thursday, but the floods had subsided. Some ash was falling on uninhabited areas, but most was being blown by westerly winds toward northern Europe, including Britain, about 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometres) away.
"It is likely that the production of ash will continue at a comparable level for some days or weeks. But where it disrupts travel, that depends on the weather," said Einar Kjartansson, a geophysicist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office. "It depends how the wind carries the ash."
The ash cloud did not disrupt operations at Iceland's Keflavik airport or caused problems in the capital of Reykjavik, but has affected the southeastern part of the island, said meteorologist Thorsteinn Jonsson. In one area, visibility was reduced to 150 metres (yards) Thursday, he said, and farmers were advised to keep livestock indoors to protect them from eating the abrasive ash.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Cuba Insurance
INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLERS TO CUBA
The Government of Cuba decided last February 16, that all travelers, foreign and Cubans living abroad, coming to the island from May 1, 2010 and thereafter shall take out a medical insurance policy.
The Government of Cuba decided last February 16, that all travelers, foreign and Cubans living abroad, coming to the island from May 1, 2010 and thereafter shall take out a medical insurance policy.
To meet such requirement, travelers shall have a travel insurance which covers medical expenses or a policy for medical expenses with coverage in Cuba.
The insurance policy should be bought at the country of departure. Travelers, who, exceptionally, do not have insurance at arrival, could obtain insurance and assistance from Cuban insurance companies at the airport, port or marina.
The insurance policy should be bought at the country of departure. Travelers, who, exceptionally, do not have insurance at arrival, could obtain insurance and assistance from Cuban insurance companies at the airport, port or marina.
Travel insurance from Cuban insurance companies and most international insurance companies receive travel assistance services in Cuba from Asistur S.A, available 24 hours all year round.
Experience shows that over 80% of visitors to Cuba have insurance coverage, from companies at their countries of origin covering their medical expenses in Cuba.
Travelers that upon the arrival are subject to control, shall present a policy, insurance certificate or travelling assistance card valid for the time span they will stay in Cuba.
Visitors to Cuba will not only find the natural beauty of the island and the proverbial hospitality of its people, but also absolute safety, which includes, of course, welfare and health. In case of any medical emergency, the Cuban health system guarantees the necessary medical care through a network of clinics and hospitals, covering every corner of the island. Primary health care is provided in most of the hotels.
For more information when planning your trip to Cuba please, visit our web site or any Cuba embassy or consulate next to you, or any Cuban Tourism Office.
Likewise, you can visit (http://www.cubatravel.cu/) or Asistur insurance company at (http://www.asistur.cu/).
We have also provided, below, a letter from RBC Insurance.
UPDATE: Medical Insurance Imposed for Travellers to Cuba
As you know, the Cuban government recently advised that beginning May 1, 2010, visitors entering Cuba will be required to buy health insurance.
At this time, Cuba does not have a published list of recognized insurance providers, nor do we have confirmation that a list will be provided. The latest information from Cuba indicates that travellers coming to the island should take out travel medical insurance at the home country of departure. Upon demand after their arrival, travellers shall present an insurance policy, insurance certificate or travelling assistance card valid for travel medical insurance for their total duration of stay in Cuba. Please be sure that your clients travel with their Confirmation of Coverage document and that they have it available upon their arrival in Cuba. This document identifies their effective date of coverage and departure date, the insurance product purchased and displays Assured Assistance Inc. as the emergency medical provider.
Now more than ever, the RBC Insurance® travel medical coverage is critical to ensuring your clients can travel with confidence.
RBC Insurance has extensive experience in working with Asistur, the Cuban government’s assistance agency, to assist and settle claims for your valued clients travelling to Cuba.
Should we receive further details, we will provide you with an additional update.
Thank you.
Simon Gilmartin
National VP, Group & Travel Sales
RBC Insurance Company of Canada
We have also provided, below, a letter from RBC Insurance.
UPDATE: Medical Insurance Imposed for Travellers to Cuba
As you know, the Cuban government recently advised that beginning May 1, 2010, visitors entering Cuba will be required to buy health insurance.
At this time, Cuba does not have a published list of recognized insurance providers, nor do we have confirmation that a list will be provided. The latest information from Cuba indicates that travellers coming to the island should take out travel medical insurance at the home country of departure. Upon demand after their arrival, travellers shall present an insurance policy, insurance certificate or travelling assistance card valid for travel medical insurance for their total duration of stay in Cuba. Please be sure that your clients travel with their Confirmation of Coverage document and that they have it available upon their arrival in Cuba. This document identifies their effective date of coverage and departure date, the insurance product purchased and displays Assured Assistance Inc. as the emergency medical provider.
Now more than ever, the RBC Insurance® travel medical coverage is critical to ensuring your clients can travel with confidence.
RBC Insurance has extensive experience in working with Asistur, the Cuban government’s assistance agency, to assist and settle claims for your valued clients travelling to Cuba.
Should we receive further details, we will provide you with an additional update.
Thank you.
Simon Gilmartin
National VP, Group & Travel Sales
RBC Insurance Company of Canada
Monday, April 12, 2010
Signature Announces New Program
Signature guests will be treated to an “Elite” service with Sunwing, including a choice of hot meals, in-flight entertainment with free headsets and a bon voyage glass of champagne all aboard Boeing 737-800 series aircraft.
Signature is offering direct service from 29 gateways next winter, with new additions including London, Windsor, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Sept Iles, Val D’or, Quebec City, Bagotville, Deer Lake, Gander, Saint John, and Charlottetown.
New destinations include Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Panama and St. Lucia. Much of the fall flying program is available to book, with the rest of the winter season launching in the coming days.
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