In very different regions, the signs of transformation are already clear. Christian Clauwers, visual storyteller, EU Climate Pact Ambassador and founder of the Society for Environmental Awareness (SEA), pointed to examples from across the world that illustrate how climate change is already affecting communities and destinations. In Lofoten, traditional fishing and drying practices that depend on stable cold air conditions are being disrupted by shifting temperatures and weather patterns. In the Arctic, melting ice and changing ecosystems are altering both wildlife behaviour and local ways of life. In the Pacific, island states such as Tuvalu are facing rising sea levels that threaten freshwater supplies and agricultural production, forcing in some cases the full import of drinking water.

These realities are increasingly shaping discussions around COP31, the next United Nations Climate Change Conference in Antalya. These issues were also explored during the high-level event “Road to COP31: A Shared Future from Brussels to Antalya” at the Press Club Brussels Europe, organised by the Society for Environmental Awareness (SEA) in collaboration with the Sustainable Future Platform and Travel Tomorrow, which brought together policymakers, scientists and industry representatives. The focus is shifting from long-term climate targets towards immediate adaptation and resilience, especially in regions already under pressure. Coastal tourism destinations across Europe illustrate this intersection clearly, as they depend heavily on stable seasons, water availability and predictable environmental conditions that are becoming less reliable. Rising flood risks and growing pressure on infrastructure and insurance systems highlight how climate impacts are moving from environmental concerns into economic and operational challenges for destinations.

A recurring issue in these discussions is the gap between scientific knowledge and political action. Climate science has been warning about these developments for decades, yet implementation often remains slow or fragmented. “The knowledge is there, the political will is missing, and until that changes, scientific evidence alone will not be enough to drive meaningful action,” highlighted Bart Rymen, Belgium’s IPCC focal point. This gap is further widened by misinformation and limited climate literacy, which continue to shape public understanding of climate risks. International coordination remains essential, as climate impacts do not respect national borders. Pressure is increasing not only from scientists, but also from younger generations who are demanding faster and more visible action.

Traditional media dynamics are also shaping how climate debates are framed. Hans Bruyninckx, Professor of Environmental Governance at the University of Antwerp and former Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, noted that journalists regularly ask him to participate in discussions with climate deniers, despite the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change. “There is no point in that debate, the real discussion lies within the complexity of the climate challenge itself rather than in questioning its existence.” He also pointed to a lack of investigative climate journalism, a problem he linked to financial pressures on traditional media outlets. Instead of presenting climate science as a two-sided debate, he argued that journalism has an important role to play in helping the public understand the complexity and urgency of the issue.

While environmental warnings have been consistent for decades, it is often economic consequences that finally push climate change higher on the political agenda. Policymakers tend to respond more quickly when environmental risks begin to affect financial stability, public services or security. One of the clearest examples can be found in the insurance sector, where climate risks are increasingly reflected in both current claims and future projections. According to industry assessments, Belgium could see around 40% more flood-related insurance cases by 2040. In some regions around the world, obtaining insurance is already becoming more difficult, creating knock-on effects for housing, investment and access to loans. Environmental risks often become politically urgent only when they translate into economic consequences, even though the scientific evidence has been available for decades.

Alongside these risks, there is a growing focus on ecological resilience and circular economy models as part of long-term solutions. Ecological resilience refers to the ability of natural systems to absorb shocks and recover, while the circular economy focuses on reducing waste and keeping resources in use for longer. Instead of relying on linear systems of consumption and disposal, destinations are increasingly exploring ways to integrate nature-based solutions. “Wetlands and mangroves can act as living barriers, absorbing wave energy and softening the impact of floods 
and coastal erosion before they reach human settlements,” explained Gudrun De Boeck, Head of the ECOSPHERE Research Group at the University of Antwerp. 

Tourism itself is also evolving in response to these pressures. In Türkiye, examples such as Club Marvy illustrate how tourism can move towards more integrated and locally rooted models. Rather than focusing only on visitor volume, this approach connects guests with local food systems, markets and cultural practices. It encourages a form of travel that is more participatory, where tourism becomes part of local life instead of being separated from it.

Communication is another key part of this transition, especially as climate change can still feel distant or abstract to many travellers. Scientific data alone is often not enough to convey urgency or complexity in a way that resonates widely. This is where journalism and visual storytelling play an important role. The exhibition “The Fragile Frontlines of a Warming World”, curated by Ipek Tekdemir and featuring the work of Christian Clauwers, aims to make environmental change visible through photography from regions already under pressure.

COP31 is increasingly positioned as more than another milestone in a long series of international climate negotiations. While agreements such as the Paris Agreement established global ambition, the challenge today lies in turning commitments into practical action at a time when climate impacts are already visible across tourism destinations. “Good leaders lead from the back, stronger economies and institutions, like the EU should actively support countries that are less equipped to deal with the consequences of climate change,” Daniel Cervenka, Director of The Convergence and CEO of Resolve Global. As COP31 approaches, attention is shifting from what has been agreed on paper to what can actually be delivered on the ground, with destinations already adapting to climate pressures through infrastructure planning, resource management and new tourism models.

L’article Experts call for action over ambition ahead of COP31 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Speaking to the Financial Times, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said neither jet fuel costs nor supply issues fall under the criteria that would exempt airlines from having to honour passenger protections. “The price of jet fuel is the reason why we have cancellations of flights and if they cancel flights without extraordinary circumstances – jet fuel prices are not extraordinary circumstances – they will have to reimburse the people,” the commissioner said.

In Brussels, we brought together air traffic management stakeholders, airlines, manufacturers and European institutions to discuss how we can better support the future of European aviation.

We exchanged views on the modernisation of air traffic management in Europe, including… pic.twitter.com/awZ9HTe7L7

— Apostolos Tzitzikostas (@tzitzikostas) May 6, 2026

The guidance adopted by the EU makes clear the rules around those exceptions. “Airlines may only be exempt from paying financial compensation if they can prove that the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as a local fuel shortage. The Commission considers that high fuel prices should not be considered as constituting extraordinary circumstance,” it states.

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, has already said it has hedged its fuel supply sufficiently to avoid cancellations. But other airlines claim their bottom lines are suffering the consequences of the Strait of Hormuz blockade that followed the US-Israel war on Iran. That financial imperative has led to the cancellation of around two million flights since the end of April, including by big European players such as Lufthansa and Ryanair’s Irish rival Aer Lingus. And over in the United States, where hedging is less common, the demise of Spirit Airlines is widely seen as having been hastened by the geopolitical situation.

AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes told the same outlet the crisis is “much worse” than the effect of COVID-19 on the aviation sector. “I thought I’d seen it all with Covid … but having seen jet fuel go up almost three times – this is much worse,” he said.

The International Energy Agency has warned that fuel supplies in the bloc could run out in six weeks. While Tzitzikostas has acknowledged the “situation is tight”, he insisted the Commission is not currently considering a change to existing customer protections and airline obligations. “We have a tourist season ahead of us. We need to be careful with words we use and avoid causing panic,” he said.

L’article Airlines to compensate travellers for fuel-related flight cancellations, EU says est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The KLM crew member, who remains as yet unidentified in press reports, was placed into an isolation unit in an Amsterdam hospital on the evening of Wednesday, 6 May. She had been collected from her home after suffering symptoms described as mild and was due to undergo testing.

The attendant’s contact with the MV Hondius passenger was brief, according to reports that say the infected person was a 69-year-old woman whose husband had died on board the cruise liner two weeks earlier. 

“Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans.

People are usually infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva.

The species of hantavirus involved in this case is the Andes virus – which is…

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 7, 2026

The bereaved and poorly voyager had been taken from the ship to Johannesburg, South Africa, where she was put aboard a KLM plane to fly to the Dutch capital for treatment, but was judged to be too sick and removed from the flight. She passed away the following day. 

A statement issued by the Dutch airline said: “Due to the passenger’s medical condition at the time, the crew decided not to allow the passenger to travel on the flight.” Contact tracing is now taking place among the other passengers and crew on the KLM flight.

Three people from the stricken cruise, including the aforementioned Dutch couple from Haarlem and a German man, have died after contracting the virus. Three others, among them a former British policeman identified as Martin Anstee, were evacuated from the ship on Wednesday in protective hazmat suits. At the time of writing, five cases associated with the cruise have been confirmed by the World Health Organisation. Another of the suspected cases arrived at Schiphol Airport aboard a different flight that came in from Gran Canaria, Dutch News has reported. 

Health authorities are working to ascertain whether the hantavirus outbreak in question, thought to be the Andean strain, which is normally spread through rodents and is not transmissible from human-to-human unless through very close contact, is in fact a mutation. The virus is usually transmitted to humans through the inhalation of rodent droppings. One theory about how the Dutch couple might have been infected recounts that they may have undertaken a birdwatching trip that involved a visit to a landfill during an excursion in Ushuaia before boarding the cruise ship Hondius in Argentina.

L’article KLM flight crew member hospitalised after contact with cruise hantavirus patient est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The analysis from T&E notes that the effects of the Middle East hostilities and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea passage for worldwide oil, are wide-ranging. While some Middle East airlines are still grounded, others have rerouted flights, cancelled routes, and changed schedules, to adapt to airspace insecurity, fuel supply issues, and changing customer demand.

Those fuel supply shortages, and costs, have pushed up not only traditional jet fuel but the price of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as well. These increases will be passed onto customers, T&E says, adding an average of €88 more per passengerfor long-haul flights, and around €29 per passenger on shorter intra-European routes.

The T&E briefing acknowledges that, amid the global shock of the crisis, some in the aviation sector are questioning climate strategies and schemes, such as the EU ETS (Emissions Trading System) and ReFuelEU. However, these are twin approaches to achieving Europe’s “Fit for 55” goals and boosting the bloc’s fuel resilience. ETS places a price on carbon emissions (driving operational efficiency), while ReFuelEU lays down a minimum quota for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending at EU airports, rising to 70% by 2050.

 T&E argues that the current crisis should not prompt a U-turn on these policies. Rather, the situation “underscores that European aviation’s greatest vulnerability is its fossil fuel dependency, not the climate regulations,” the group says. It points out that the EU currently imports around 95% of its crude oil (including nearly all the crude oil used for the bloc’s jet fuel refining). Additionally, roughly a third of European jet fuel demand is met by directly imported refined jet fuel, with the Middle East as the main supplier. Overall, the group calculates around 30% of EU jet fuel supply, including both crude oil refined within the EU and imported refined jet fuel, relies on imports via the Strait of Hormuz.

Against that backdrop, the compliance costs of the ETS and ReFuelEU, vital parts of the bloc’s long-term energy security strategy, “are negligible compared to volatile fossil fuel price spikes.” As a result, the bloc should redouble its efforts, by continuing to protect the ETS and reinvesting its revenues, instead of surrendering to calls to provide oil price relief.

T&E also urges staying the course on SAF mandates, which it says will strengthen the domestic production capacity needed to ensure Europe’s long-term energy independence.

Finally, the environmental advocates say the bloc should Europe “consider demand-side measures that curb unnecessary flight growth, providing a quick win for energy security.”

If that were to happen, critics say, consumers could see the current period of high air ticket prices compounded by an ongoing phase of high demand and low supply. An EU Commission draft plan to address the oil supply challenge is expected on 22 April.

L’article Iran conflict adds €88 to long-haul air fares as fuel costs surge est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Airlines initially tried to absorb the shock, hoping for a swift resolution. But with fuel accounting for roughly 30% of operating costs, the pressure has become unsustainable.

Even if a diplomatic breakthrough were to emerge in the coming days, the impact is expected to linger for at least six to nine months across the industry.

In Europe, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that stocks could last as little as five weeks, while other estimates point to an even tighter two-week window.

With the summer season approaching, here is how airlines worldwide are bracing for what lies ahead.

Airlines responses

Aegean Airlines

The Greek carrier has announced a 7–8% ticket price increase and expects flight suspensions to the Middle East to be extended. It reported a “notable impact” on its first-quarter performance.

AirAsia X

The Malaysian airline has cut around 10% of its flights and raised fares by up to 40%, alongside a roughly 20% increase in fuel surcharges.

Air Canada

The carrier will suspend flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport from 1 June to 25 October, while maintaining services to LaGuardia and Newark.

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Air France–KLM

The group has doubled long-haul fuel surcharges from €50 to €100 per return trip. Flights to North America now carry an additional €70 on new bookings.
On 16 April, KLM announced the cancellation of 80 return flights within Europe in the coming months.

Air India

The airline is replacing its flat domestic surcharge with a distance-based system and increasing international surcharges to between $24 and $280, citing the absence of price controls on aviation fuel.

Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON)

The body had threatened a nationwide shutdown over a reported 300% increase in Jet A1 prices before suspending the plan, accusing fuel suppliers of artificially inflating costs. Despite exporting fuel products, domestic shortages persist.

Air New Zealand

The airline will cut around 4% of flights (approximately 1,100 services) across May and June.

Akasa Air

The Indian carrier has introduced a surcharge of 199 to 1,300 rupees (roughly €2.20 to €14.50).

Alaska Airlines

The US carrier has raised checked baggage fees by $5 for the first bag and $10 for the second, with third-bag fees rising by up to $200.

American Airlines

Similarly, baggage fees have increased by $10 for first and second bags, with the third set at $200. The airline expects an additional $400 million in fuel-related costs in the first quarter.

Asiana Airlines

The South Korean carrier plans to cut 22 flights between April and July.

Cathay Pacific

The airline will reduce passenger flights by around 2% from mid-May to late June, and 6% at its low-cost subsidiary HK Express. It has also introduced fuel surcharges of up to 34%, reviewed fortnightly.

Cebu Air

The Philippine carrier said it is continuously reviewing pricing and operational adjustments.

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China Eastern Airlines

Fuel surcharges have been introduced on domestic routes, ranging from 60 yuan (under 800 km) to 120 yuan for longer flights.

Delta Air Lines

Capacity will be reduced by 3.5%, alongside a $10 increase in baggage fees. Profit forecasts have been lowered amid continued volatility.

easyJet

The UK low-cost carrier warned of a wider-than-expected pre-tax loss of £540–560 million, including £25 million in additional fuel costs in March. CEO Kenton Jarvis said passengers should expect higher fares by late summer as fuel hedges unwind.

Frontier Airlines

The US airline is reviewing its full-year fuel outlook.

Greater Bay Airlines

Fuel surcharges have been introduced across most routes, with significant increases on flights between Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Hong Kong Airlines

Surcharges have risen by up to 35%, reaching HK$384 on certain long-haul routes.

British Airways (IAG)

The group said in March it did not plan immediate fare increases, having secured fuel hedging for the short to medium term.

IndiGo

India’s largest airline has introduced revised surcharges of up to 950 rupees domestically and up to 10,000 rupees (around €110) internationally. It is lobbying for lower fuel taxes.

JetBlue Airways

Optional service fees, including baggage, have risen by up to $9.

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A post shared by JetBlue (@jetblue)

Korean Air

The airline has entered emergency management, implementing cost-cutting measures and phased responses tied to fuel price developments.

Lufthansa

The group has grounded 27 short-haul aircraft earlier than planned and will retire four Airbus A340-600 jets by the end of summer, alongside further fleet reductions in winter 2026/27.

Pakistan International Airlines

Domestic fares will rise by around $20, and international fares by up to $100.

Qantas

The airline has postponed a A$150 million share buyback and increased its projected fuel bill for the second half of 2026 to between A$3.1 billion and A$3.3 billion.

SAS

The Scandinavian carrier has cancelled at least 1,000 flights in April, following earlier cancellations in March.

Spring Airlines

The Chinese low-cost carrier has raised domestic fares.

Southwest Airlines

The American announced a $10 for the first and second bag and $45 or $50 first and second.

TAP Air Portugal

The airline said fare increases will only partially offset rising fuel costs, warning that cancellations remain possible if the crisis persists.

Thai Airways

Fares have risen by 10–15% in response to fuel prices.

SunExpress

The Turkish Airlines–Lufthansa joint venture has introduced a temporary €10 surcharge on routes between Turkey and Europe. The surcharge will apply to bookings made from 1 April for departures on or after 1 May.

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Turkish Airlines

The airline will not distribute dividends from its 2025 profits, preserving cash despite strong passenger growth.

T’way Air

The South Korean low-cost carrier plans temporary unpaid leave for some cabin crew as part of cost-cutting measures.

United Airlines

The airline is cutting unprofitable routes over the next two quarters and increasing baggage fees by $10 across the Americas.

VietJet

The airline is adjusting frequencies on selected routes while maintaining its full international network.

Vietnam Airlines

Plans include cancelling 23 weekly domestic flights and requesting government support to remove environmental taxes on jet fuel.

Virgin Atlantic

Fuel surcharges will double, and the airline has warned it may not return to profitability this year.

Virgin Australia

The carrier expects fuel costs to rise by A$30–40 million and will reduce capacity by around 1%.

WestJet

A temporary surcharge of up to C$60 per booking has been introduced.

(Conversions: $1 ≈ €0.93 – ₹1 ≈ €0.011 – ¥1 ≈ €0.0065 – HK$1 ≈ €0.12 – C$1 ≈ €0.68 – A$1 ≈ €0.60)

L’article Airlines worldwide brace for prolonged jet fuel shock est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

British Airways (BA) rollout of Musk’s SpaceX Wi-Fi began on one Boeing in March 2026, with more than 300 aircraft slated to be equipped with Starlink services over the next two years. But the advent of in-flight video phone calls is causing particular concern.

BA’s Starlink service promises free-to-all download speeds of up to 500+ Mbps, as well as gaming, scrolling, streaming, and video calls. The boost such speeds could give to working productively, in shared teams globally, or the opportunity to catch up with friends and family, all while on the move, seems appealing. But, while the UK flag carrier has said that “transforming the customer experience” through fleet modernisation is “part of a wider investment in elevating every aspect of our customer journey,” critics say that passengers being able to make video calls mid-flight is not an improvement.

Expert travel commentators have pointed out that flights used to be a refuge from the “work week creep,” the phenomenon that saw constant connectivity translate into an expectation that work could take place anywhere, at all times, denying people downtime. Now, previously precious moments of uninterrupted time on flights are potentially up for grabs by colleagues, meetings, family hygiene calls, or even cold callers.

Others have noted that on many red-eyes, a tranquil place to rest, lulled only by the white noise of the aircraft, is essential, raising the prospect of “quiet zones,” resembling those on some trains, where phone calls are banned.

BA appears to be on top of the issue, already posting guidance to would-be callers, such as “please be considerate​” and “keep your voice low and use headphones​.” Aer Lingus and Iberia, BA’s IAG bedfellows, look set to offer similar advice to passengers. The same softly-softly approach is followed by Air France, which started its own introduction of Starlink in 2025. A suite of other carriers that partnered with Musk to implement Starlink, such as airBaltic, Qatar Airways, and SAS, may also need to review their in-flight etiquette rules as a result.

Most airlines ban in-flight calls in the United States, where, until now, such communications have gone against federal regulations on the use of certain radio frequencies on domestic flights. That absence of phone calls is something apparently cherished by a majority of flyers. A survey by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) found 96% of respondents are in favour of the phone call veto and think it should only be lifted for emergencies. Nonetheless, Wi-Fi-based calls do not fall under the same prohibition, DOT has confirmed, meaning US flyers and airlines could soon face the same dilemma as those across the pond, weighing the pros and cons of in-flight telecoms.

L’article British Airways Starlink Wi-Fi enables mid-flight FaceTime calls, sparking debate over “Quiet Zones” est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The launch of the so-called Entry/Exit System (or EES) finally began after a series of delays in October 2025, and was designed to take place over six months to be fully operational by 10 April 2025.

Planning to #TravelToEurope?
⁰From 10 April 2026, non-EU nationals traveling for a short stay will be recorded in the Entry/Exit System (EES) at all external borders of Schengen countries. ⁰⁰ Watch the video to see how the EES works. ⁰⁰ https://t.co/WkkeBuYFy4 pic.twitter.com/4JMI9mRJAU

— EU Home Affairs (@EUHomeAffairs) April 7, 2026

Now a mandatory part of entering the bloc, it eliminates the need for manual passport stamping at borders, instead gathering biometric data from non-European, third-country arrivals to any of the 29 nations that are part of the Schengen Zone. It is free to use and applicable to those without a residence permit or long-stay visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The long-term vision is to make EU immigration processes and the tracking of third country arrivals and departures more efficient and seamless, and to improve security, by storing and sharing data digitally. That’s because once people have registered their information at the border, they will not have to do so again, since it is saved and should pass a quick verification whenever and wherever they leave and come back. Those with biometric passports should be able to use them at automated checkpoints.

However, the first time arrivals register for EES, they need to provide a facial image, fingerprints, and their passport information, as well as registering their entry and planned exit dates. We now know that completing all these steps at the border takes time, and travellers should allow plenty of it to ensure they do not miss flights or connections. Despite extra infrastructure, such as dedicated EES kiosks and tablet registration, long queues developed at some border points over the rollout period, raising concerns from travel industry stakeholders over the system’s impact on airport waiting times and ensuing disruption.

One important point to note is that those delays occurred over the winter season and during the system’s phased introduction, when only limited percentages of arrivals were required to go through EES, and when airport authorities had the option to suspend EES registrations if operational problems were developing. With the system now obligatory for all, and with the high summer travel season ahead, there could be further increased delays. Airport operator FMG has flagged that if only 10 % of its kiosks go offline during peak demand, queuing times could reach 90 minutes.

However, we also know there are two bits of good news emerging. The first is that an app is on its way that should make it possible, for arrivals to gain time by pre-registering their EES data in advance. It can already be accessed up to 72 hours ahead of arrival in Portugal and Sweden, generating a QR code for use at self-service kiosks at hubs. Before entering Sweden, it can be used to upload passport data, the facial image, and the entry questionnaire, while in Portugal, only the entry questionnaire can be completed.

The second positive note is that the phased EES rollout has allowed lessons to be learned about the technology, about staffing, and about managing flows through busy air hubs and ports. At the Port of Dover on the UK’s south coast, for instance, separate lanes are in use for those who need to complete EES steps. At Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, overwhelmed staff were reinforced by the National Republican Guard and Public Security Police (PSP) officers.

With the trial period theoretically over, those lessons will need to be applied across all crossing points in the 29 countries operating EES. As Raluca Marian, Advocacy Director for the International Road Transport Union (IRU), has noted: “The focus now should be on smooth, coordinated implementation that supports both border management objectives and efficient transport operations.” Part of that coordinated approach involves operators themselves. Lufthansa and Eurowings, for example, are now deploying ground agents to remind non-EU passengers to pre-register on the mobile app.

In practice, we know too that mitigations will remain temporarily in place. The European Commission has signalled that it will continue to permit flexibility on EES checks to help streamline operational pinch points until September 2026.

Meanwhile, early analyses of EU reporting by Pax Global Media, indicate the system has so far recorded 52 million crossings, identified nearly 700 travellers as security risks, and refused entry to over 27,000 people. It is also offering benefits to multinational employers, such as better visibility of staff days spent in Schengen thanks to the downloadability of raw EES data.

L’article EU Entry Exit System now up and running in 29 countries: what we know so far est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Starting from Monday, 6 April, transport in and around the Irish capital and beyond, including cross-border routes between Eire and Northern Ireland, has been affected by slow-moving convoys of lorries, buses, and agricultural and construction industry vehicles. The protesters say they are at risk of going out of business due to oil shortages that have pushed fuel prices in the republic to about €2.14 a litre for diesel and €1.91 a litre for petrol.

International travel is also affected. Dublin Airport has warned that flyers should allow extra time for journeys to and from the hub, and Translink, a public transport operator of Metro, Glider, Goldliner, Ulsterbus, and NI Railways in Northern Ireland and cross-border travel, has likewise said its services are disrupted. Dublin Express coaches have been impacted, too.

In Dublin, access to O’Connell Bridge—an iconic central landmark that spans the River Liffey and connects the north and south sides of the city—has been blocked on both sides, causing gridlock in the centre and making it difficult to get to the city’s riverside quays, which offer scenic views and walks and are lined with visitor attractions such as the Custom House and the Irish Emigration Museum.

Ironically, around 50% of the country’s emergency fuel supply is inaccessible due to blockades on terminals and a refinery, Fuels for Ireland chief executive Kevin McPartlan told RTÉ.

With some commentators calling for the Irish police, An Garda Síochána, to take action against the unauthorised demonstrations, spokespeople have described the protests as peaceful but “causing significant disruption.”

Government officials, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris, met with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) on mid-week, and ministers are due to hold talks with protest representatives on 10 April.

Ireland is not the only nation affected. With oil prices up worldwide, and supplies of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG—a key clean transition fuel) stuck in the Gulf, green campaigners have highlighted the risk posed to global climate targets by the Middle East crisis. A suite of Asian countries has fallen back on coal production and stockpiling, and environmental lobby group T&E has urged governments to impose levies on excess profits by fuel companies to raise funds for energy resilience.

L’article Irish fuel protests cause significant travel disruption nationwide est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Held under the theme “Global Convergence, Future Horizons”, the three day event is expected to gather more than 700 exhibitors from 58 countries and regions, alongside over 600 hosted buyers. Spanning 30,000 square metres and featuring around 1,500 booths, the Expo continues to consolidate its role as one of Asia’s leading travel trade platforms.

A strategic moment for Macao tourism

The 2026 edition comes at a pivotal time for Macao’s tourism sector. The city recorded over 40 million visitor arrivals in 2025, surpassing pre pandemic levels and confirming a strong recovery trajectory.

Against this backdrop, the Expo is expected to play a key role in diversifying source markets and strengthening international tourism flows.

“The 14^th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo will once again strive to solidify the city’s advantages as a platform for fostering connections between Macao, the Chinese mainland, and international markets,” said Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

She added that this year’s edition will place particular emphasis on showcasing multi destination opportunities within the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area, leveraging China’s visa free policies to attract international travellers.

A global platform for collaboration

MITE 2026 is expected to bring together over 700 exhibitors from 58 countries and regions, alongside more than 600 hosted buyers, highlighting its growing international reach.

Among the highlights is the “2026 China Spain Portugal Tourism Product Promotion Seminar – Corporate Session”, reflecting Macao’s role as a platform connecting China with Portuguese speaking countries and broader global markets.

The Expo also aims to encourage travel professionals to integrate Macao into broader regional itineraries, combining the destination with neighbouring cities across southern China and the Greater Bay Area. “MITE has become one of the most iconic events that embody the positioning of Macao’s development into a world centre of tourism and leisure endorsed by the Central Government. The event attracts over 10,000 worldwide exhibitors, professional buyers and public visitors every year with over 10 million online impressions,” said Alex Lao, President of Macau Travel Agency Association.

Driving higher value tourism

Beyond visitor numbers, the Expo is positioned as a catalyst for higher value tourism segments, including culture, gastronomy, heritage and events, areas where Macao is increasingly seeking to differentiate itself.

“As Macao’s flagship international tourism event, the 14^th MITE will create for another year a powerhouse of ‘tourism +’,” Fernandes said.

New thematic zones such as the Tourism Technology Exhibition Hall, the Low Altitude Economy Pavilion, and the Silk Road Halal Products Pavilion reflect a broader push towards innovation, diversification and inclusivity.

The event will also tie into wider international dynamics, including the upcoming APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao in June 2026, further reinforcing the city’s role on the global tourism stage.

A platform for business and consumers alike

While primarily a trade event, MITE remains open to the public, with free admission across all three days. Visitors will have access to discounted travel products, including hotel stays, air tickets and holiday packages, as well as promotional incentives such as instant discount vouchers and a large scale prize draw.

Free shuttle services and parking facilities will support accessibility, ensuring strong local participation alongside international attendance.

With record visitor figures already achieved and further growth forecast in 2026, the 14^th MITE stands as both a reflection of Macao’s recovery and a forward looking statement of its global ambitions.

L’article Macao International Travel Expo returns as visitor numbers top 40 million est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued over the weekend, airports in Bologna, Milan Linate, Treviso and Venice, all of which are linked to supplier Air BP Italia, “may be subject to restrictions”. The advisory states that, due to limited fuel availability, refuelling services for operators contractually linked to Air BP Italia will be affected.

It's starting in Europe

Italy just rationed jet fuel at four airports.

This is an operational crisis.

The managed demand destruction I've been writing about for weeks just landed on European soil.

Think about what this means:

Flights getting turned away without fuel

… pic.twitter.com/XGYhh6JOZ0

— Jack Prandelli (@jackprandelli) April 5, 2026

Air BP, a subsidiary of the British oil giant BP, has indicated that priority will be given to essential services, including medical and state flights, as well as flights exceeding three hours. For shorter routes, aircraft may be capped at 2,000 litres of fuel. The measures are expected to remain in place until at least 9 April.

Italian airport operator Save SpA, which manages the airports in Venice, Treviso and Verona, told Corriere della Sera that the limitations relate to a single supplier and are not considered significant, as other providers remain active.

Air BP Italia released a communication to airlines on Saturday, regarding limitations on refueling at four airports (Bologna, Milan Linate, Treviso and Venice ), has nevertheless raised the alarm in an increasingly complex scenario where the war in the Middle East continues to… pic.twitter.com/JLgmySkhKH

— FL360aero (@fl360aero) April 5, 2026

While the immediate impact appears limited, Pierluigi Di Palma, head of Italy’s civil aviation authority ENAC, said the situation remains “under control”, while acknowledging that risks could emerge after April should supply pressures persist.

The effects are already being felt as constraints in the Strait are limiting the flow of crude oil, gas, and refined products, including jet fuel, through one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors.

Europe is particularly vulnerable, as it is a major importer of jet fuel from the Persian Gulf. In recent years, this has accounted for roughly 30–45% of imports into the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Against this backdrop, Giorgia Meloni visited Gulf countries at the end of last week to discuss energy security and ensure continued access to critical supplies, signalling growing concern at the highest political level.

While Italian airports are among the first in Europe to experience operational pressure, the situation could escalate. Heathrow Airport and other UK hubs are particularly vulnerable, with early signs of fuel-related disruption already reported, as around 25% of their jet fuel supply comes from Kuwait. France and Portugal could also face knock-on effects.

Airlines are preparing for a prolonged crisis. Lufthansa has drawn up contingency plans, including the potential grounding of aircraft if fuel availability worsens. The group has hedged around 80% of its fuel requirements for 2026, which provides some protection against price fluctuations, but leaves it exposed to supply disruptions.

In the United States, some carriers have already announced cancellations as Brent crude prices surged past the $100 mark following the outbreak of hostilities.

Warning signs are also emerging in the fuel market. Last week, the International Air Transport Association reported that the average price of jet fuel was $195 per barrel, which is more than double last year’s average. Meanwhile, imports into Europe dropped sharply from 602,000 to 253,000 metric tonnes in March 2026.

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, said that current reserves should be sufficient for the coming weeks, but added that the situation could change rapidly if disruptions to flows from the Middle East persist.

L’article Fuel limits hit Italian airports as Middle East conflict strains supply est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.