Airline, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Flughafen Zürich AG has taken another step forwards in terms of climate protection, reaching the fourth Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) level. This puts Zurich Airport among the top 10 % of airports worldwide that have received accreditation for their efforts to tackle climate change.ACA, the certification programme introduced by Airports Council International (ACI), verifies airports’ management of their greenhouse gas emissions and provides a common framework for comparing them. Level 4 requires a greenhouse gas reduction target in line with the Paris Agreement, a corresponding defined roadmap, and evidence that airport partners are also being actively urged to deliver emissions reductions. Flughafen Zürich AG fulfils these requirements and has even greater ambitions: it aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions at Zurich Airport to net zero by 2040.
Investment in buildings, vehicles and substitute fuels
Flughafen Zürich AG achieved Level 3 back in 2010 by reducing its emissions by around 30 % compared with 1991 and by engaging its airport partners to reduce their own emissions. The company aims to pursue these efforts in future. Flughafen Zürich AG has refrained from offsetting its greenhouse gas emissions via carbon credits, instead investing this money in creating actual reductions at its Zurich site: by renovating buildings, implementing energy efficiency measures for its facilities, switching to electric vehicles, and replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives.
ACA is an accreditation programme launched by ACI with the objective of reporting on airports’ commitments to tackle climate change. Around 420 airports worldwide have already received accreditation.
ADVERTISEMENT

Older
FITUR 2023 once again outperforms with strong growth in all parameters

Newer
Amtrak Winter Park Express Booking Now for 2023 Season More

Flight delays and cancellations have become a normal part of airline travel since the pandemic due to staff shortages, strikes and surges in demand. And as the holiday season approaches, travel chaos is expected at airports around the world during peak times.This can be especially stressful if you’re travelling long haul and have a connecting plane to catch. More holidaymakers may also be choosing layover options over direct flights to save some cash as the cost-of-living crisis squeezes budgets.
So, if you find yourself stuck at an airport waiting for a delayed connection, can you (and should you) leave the airport?
Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO of luggage storage network Stasher shares his advice.
While being stuck in an airport for multiple hours would be incredibly boring, an extended flight delay might give you time to soak up some tourist attractions and still be back in time for your next flight.
For British travellers, there are over 180 countries you can visit without a visa, so if you’re going to be stuck in an airport for an extended period, leaving the airport shouldn’t be a problem – just make sure to check visa requirements at your connecting airport before you arrive.ADVERTISEMENTMany common layover cities have excellent public transport options and you can quickly make your way from the airport into the city centre. A bit of quick research will help you find the best routes to make the most of your time.
Apps like Google Maps or Citymapper can give you some great insight into local transport delays and traffic, which will help you plan out whether you have enough time to leave the airport and return before your next flight.
If you’ve booked your connecting flights together, your checked bags will automatically be loaded onto your next flight, so you don’t have to worry about queuing up to check your suitcases again.
Of course, this still leaves you with the challenge of what to do with your in-flight bags. Carrying around multiple bags is not ideal for a quick city trip, so consider booking a storage locker for a few hours so that you’re free to explore the city.
Depending on where you’re flying to, most airlines suggest you be at the airport between two and three hours before your flight. However, this may also depend on the airport you’re flying from. While some airports are incredibly efficient, there are still some that are struggling with staff shortages and lengthy queues.
Look out for news stories about airports that you’ll be travelling through or set up some alerts to be notified when the airport is in the news. This will help give you a better idea of how the airport is functioning, and if you’ll be able to pass through passport control and security checks efficiently.
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, for example, is still struggling with hours-long queues. In these situations, it may be better to forgo a quick visit to the city to avoid missing your next flight. You can also check with an information or airline desk within the airport about the status of queues.
While it is exciting to make the most of a delayed flight and get in some extra sightseeing, rather be over-cautious with your timings. If it’s estimated that it will take you an hour to get to and from the airport, give yourself a few hours of leeway.
It’s also worth finding out the airline’s policy for extended delays, in some instances, you may be entitled to compensation and potentially even accommodation if you have a lengthy overnight delay.

Older
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville unveils signature services and premium aesthetics lines

Newer
Onguma Camp Kala Rises from the Ashes More

Saudi Arabia is set to build one of the world’s largest airports in what will be a huge boost for the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global hub for trade and tourism, according to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.The King Salman International Airport, located in Riyadh, will have six parallel runways, and is expected to contribute SR27 billion ($7.18 billion) annually to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil gross domestic product.
The airport will help drive annual passenger traffic in Saudi Arabia from the current 29 million to 120 million travelers by 2030 and 185 million by 2050, with aircraft traffic in the Kingdom increasing from 211,000 to more than 1 million flights per year.
With sustainability at its core, the new airport will achieve LEED Platinum certification by incorporating cutting edge green initiatives into its design and will be powered by renewable energy, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The development, set to be built by the Public Investment Fund, will include the existing terminals named after King Khalid, with the capacity to process 3.5 million tons of cargo by 2050.
The SPA report added it will become an aerotropolis centered around a seamless customer journey, world-class efficient operations, and innovation. Riyadh’s identity and the Saudi culture will be taken into consideration in the airport’s design to ensure a unique travel experience for visitors and transit travelers.ADVERTISEMENT“The airport project is in line with Saudi Arabia’s vision to transform Riyadh to be among the top ten city economies in the world and to support the growth of Riyadh’s population to 15–20 million people by 2030,” SPA said.
It added King Salman airport would create 103,000 direct and indirect jobs.
It did not give details on the planned investments but a person familiar with the plans has told Reuters the PIF’s aviation department is getting hefty funds to create an ecosystem of cargo and passenger airlines, repair companies and airports.
The 77-year-old state airline Saudia will be based out of the Red Sea city Jeddah under the transportation strategy that calls for the establishment of the two hubs.
The kingdom is already in talks with planemakers Airbus SE and Boeing Co on orders for the two carriers Saudia and RIA.
The announcement comes on the eve of the World Travel and Tourism Global Summit, set to begin in Riyadh on Nov. 28.
Touted to be one of the biggest tourism events of the year, the global summit is being organized at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center under the theme “Travel for a Better Future.”
During the event, industry leaders will share their thoughts about the future of the sector and the challenges that should be addressed to ensure a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable travel and tourism industry.
Source: Arab News

Older
TVTC zeroes in on tourism with more than 6k Saudis training for roles in key Vision 2030 sector

Newer
Choice Hotels brings the Sleep Inn brand to the EMEA region More