September/October 2024


www.nitravelnews.com


UPDATES | 11 Aer Lingus Announces Three New Routes From Dublin!


AER Lingus have announced of three new destinations for this winter: Marrakesh, Malta,


Additionally, the airline


and Seville. is


significantly expanding its winter capacity on European routes. These developments come in response to global trends showing a growing desire for autumn and winter sun getaways. Seville: Seville, the sun- kissed jewel of Andalusia, is renowned for its year- round sunshine,


making


it a perfect winter escape. Whether you’re indulging in tapas, exploring historical landmarks, or simply soaking up the warm rays, Seville promises an unforgettable experience. Wander through the historic Santa Cruz district,


marvel at the


stunning Alcázar Palace, or enjoy a lively flamenco performance in the heart of the city. Flights are operating three times per week from 25th October 2024. Malta:


Nestled in the


heart of the Mediterranean, Malta beckons with its mild winter climate and a blend of relaxation and adventure. Explore the beautiful city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its stunning harbours, vibrant nightlife, and a wealth of historical landmarks such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster’s Palace. Just a short drive away, you can unwind in the luxurious resorts of Sliema and St. Julian’s, offering picturesque seaside promenades, world- class


dining, and bustling entertainment districts. For a more tranquil escape, the idyllic beaches and crystal- clear waters of Mellieha Bay provide the perfect setting for relaxation. Flights to Malta will operate three times per


week from 25th October 2024. Marrakesh: Dive into the


exotic charm of Marrakesh, where


the winter sun


illuminates vibrant souks, ancient palaces, and bustling medinas.


Marrakesh offers


an adventure at every turn, with a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavours that will transport you to a different world.


Visit the Jardin


Majorelle, a serene garden filled with exotic plants or explore the intricate beauty of the Bahia Palace. Flights are operating three times per week from 26th October 2024. This


winter season, Aer


Lingus will significantly expand and increase its Euro- Leisure routes,


providing


customers with more options for a sunny getaway throughout 2024.


Faro will now operate year- round, four times a week. Nice will be extended until late November,


operating


four times a week, catering for demand to the glamorous destination into the winter months. Athens, with its rich historical sites including the Acropolis and Parthenon, will be extended into January twice per week, making it a destination served for most of the winter season. Bordeaux, famed wine,


for its and culinary


historic architecture, delights,


world-class will


operate with an additional flight bring it to five flights a week.


Hot spots such as Izmir, will


be extended to December; and the Canary Islands of Lanzarote,


Tenerife with two additional flights, will operate eight flights per week, making the largest of the Canary Islands an all-round opportunity for its customers.


Tourism Malaysia London Supports “Race Across The World” Winner’s Charity Project


TOURISM Malaysia London is thrilled to support Alfie Watts, the recent winner of BBC’s ‘Race Across the World’ 2024 (UK), in his inspiring new charity initiative, “Football Starts With Hope,” taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this summer. Alfie Watts, the founder of RefPro – a community-focused football organisation – is set to launch this project to help disadvantaged children access and enjoy football. The initiative will provide substantial kits, equipment, and coaching sessions to young people. RefPro has partnered with The Lost Food Project Charity (TLFP), Charity Boots, and KitAid to deliver this impactful project. The primary beneficiaries of the kit distribution will be the Orang Asli communities in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur. The project will start with TLFP fundraising to raise awareness for food rescue efforts, followed by the football initiative. Alfie and his team plan to engage with local communities, using football as a medium to connect and give back.


Jet2holidays Commits to £1.2m of has


Apprenticeship Funding JET2HOLIDAYS


announced that its Appoint an Apprentice scheme, which helps independent travel agent partners to develop their workforces, will be rolled out for a second year.


Following a phenomenal


additional flights a week, going double daily,


will see four while


Belfast City Airport Retains ‘Very Good’ Rating for Accessibility


BELFAST City Airport has retained its ‘Very Good’ rating,


the highest available, for accessibility


following the publication of an annual report conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The report, which ranks airports across the UK on how they ensure disabled and less mobile passengers have the same opportunities for air travel as others, marks the seventh consecutive year that Belfast City Airport has achieved the accolade. Commenting on the achievement, Mark Beattie, Chief Operations Officer at Belfast City Airport, said: “The safety and comfort of our passengers is a top priority at Belfast City Airport and this rating is testament to the commitment of our staff to delivering an experience that exceeds expectations for all. “We have implemented a number of innovative initiatives designed to help our passengers feel safe and secure, including our extremely popular ‘try before you fly’ Autism in the Air programme, which sees a number of families attend the airport for a familiarisation visit ahead of the busy summer period. “Our strong relationships with local disability


groups represented at our Accessibility Forum help us to understand how to effectively meet our passengers’ needs, and we hold regular training sessions with our Special Assistance team, security personnel, and the wider airport community to continually improve our service. “At Belfast City Airport, we are proud of our ability to


deliver a fly through experience for all passengers and look forward to continuing this record of success long in to the future.”


In addition to its one-of-a-kind Autism in the Air programme, Belfast City Airport has invested in a wide variety of solutions to ensure each passenger has a stress-free and comfortable journey.


AIR Samarkand has successfully operated an inaugural passenger flight from Samarkand to Jeddah, marking a new milestone in the airline’s operations by supporting religious pilgrims.


The carrier’s Airbus A321neo departed


response to last year’s initiative,


aircraft from


Jet2holidays


has increased its total apprenticeship funding for this financial year, with the company committing to a levy spend of over £1.2million in 2024/25 – more than double last year’s amount!


Samarkand and arrived in Jeddah carrying 188 passengers to a city renowned for being a gathering point for pilgrims travelling to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Some 119 passengers joined the return leg from Jeddah to Samarkand.


the airline


Feedback from Belfast City Airport’s Accessibility Forum led to improvements of its dedicated area in the Departures Lounge, including its location, the introduction of different forms of seating, and the clarity and lowering of flight information screens. Belfast City Airport was one of 11 airports rated


‘very good’ between April 2023 and March 2024, with its airport partners, Cornwall Newquay, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Southampton also achieving this status.


Air Samarkand Operates First Flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Hereon,


will operate two return flights to Jeddah every Tuesday.


CEO,


Air Samarkand’s Zafar Butaev,


c om me nt e d: “We are


proud to offer


our passengers new opportunities for travel and spiritual growth, with new flights that strengthen the ties between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia. There is growing interest worldwide in Islamic cultural tourism,


so


we are meeting that need with these new services,


which will


build on the unique historical legacy and


ties between our two countries.”


Mr Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO) and Mr Majid Khan, CEO of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, said: “We are delighted to see Air Samarkand’s


entry into our coastal city of Jeddah from Samarkand. New flights will further help to grow connectivity to our largest airport of KSA and


grow inbound


tourism from the Uzbek market to Saudi Arabia.”


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