Heathrow security staff set for further eight days of strike action
The Unite union has announced fresh industrial action involving security officers at Heathrow officer. A total of 1,400 members of the union will walk out for eight days over the course of next month, with strike dates set for May 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 25, 26 and 27. The first round of strikes will coincide with the coronation of King Charles III, which takes place on Saturday May 6.
Workers involved in the industrial action include staff at British Airways’s Terminal 5 hub, as well as security guards responsible for checking cargo entering the airport. Aviation analytics firm Cirium has published data showing that a total of 5,148 flights are scheduled to depart Heathrow over the eight days of strikes – of which 2,621 are scheduled to be operated by British Airways.
All UAE residents can now apply for eVisas for Japan
Since November 2022, only UAE nationals looking to travel to the Asian country have had a full visa waiver and are not required to apply for tourism visas to visit Japan.
Additionally, all Saudi nationals and foreign nationals residing in Saudi Arabia, are also now able to apply online for a short-term tourism visit visa to Japan.
To secure the electronic visa, applicants need to apply via the Japan eVISA website.
LNER to launch Carolean Express
East Coast Mainline operator LNER is to launch a new named train on May 6, to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
The Carolean Express will operate between London and Edinburgh, departing Kings Cross at 1100 – the time the Coronation takes place at Westminster Abbey.
The Carolean era refers to the reign of Charles II between 1660–1685, and has returned to use with the accession of King Charles III.
Says David Horne, MD of LNER, “We’re delighted to be continuing the tradition of royal recognition through our fleet of Azuma trains with the introduction of the Carolean Express.”
Travel news as a glance:
British Airways extends Covid eVouchers by further 12 months.
Delta opens nature-inspired lounge at Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Loganair to link Heathrow with City of Derry and Dundee.
Turkish Airlines targets 800-strong fleet by 2033.
SWISS to trial use of AI during boarding process.
Air Canada to launch Vancouver-Dubai.