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【 Links and Tours Ltd 】

Wish You and your family a MerryChristmas 
and happy new year!

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Darius opens up Taraba airspace for business and leisure

For the cursory observer, the event of Monday 7th Decem­ber, 2015 at Jalingo airport may hold no serious significance. In fact, some may dismiss it as anoth­er jamboree organised to shore up the image profile of certain individ­uals. 

But for insiders and those keen on the progress of the relatively new state, that day marks a watershed in its history.

It was the day the skies lit­erally opened up to usher in a new day. And as the curtained was pulled to the side to herald the commence­ment of air travel to Jalingo from Abuja, not a few went into wild ju­bilation. Clearly, a new era of fresh experiences had debuted and the story of Taraba might have forever changed. There is probably not a sin­gle Taraba citizen who didn’t feel the sense of pride and fulfilment as the plane lifted off and landed on those new tarmacs.

Turkish Airlines Announced As Official Airline Partner of Euro2016

Turkish Airlines has signed a global sponsorship deal to become the ‘official airline partner’ of UEFA Euro 2016, the first carrier to partner with the tournament in its 55-year history.

NCAA Warns all Airlines and Pilots Over Harmattan

NCAA has issued out warning to all airlines and pilots to ensure safety and get adequate de­parture, en route and destination weather information from NIMET (Nigerian Meteorological Agency), prior to flight operations.

AERO AIRLINE WORKERS PROTEST IN LAGOS

Workers of Aero Airlines yesterday staged a peaceful protest around the airport alleging that the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) is mismanaging funds injected into the carrier.

The workers spoke through the branch Chairman of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Emoapo Ayo-Ife.
The management of the airline is yet to comment on the matter.

The chief executive officer of the public relation agency managing the airline, Mr Simon Tumba, said he has not been briefed by its client on the matter.

HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS IN WEST AFRICA

West Africa is made up of eighteen (18) Countries, the region shares a history of European colonialism from 1490’s. The West African States gained independence in the 1960’s.

However, we can still see the relics of the European cultural influences in many. Nature blessed this region with beaches, Mountains, Valleys, Game Reserve Resorts which will make many marvel..

These sites are maintained as Natural, Cultural, and Historical Religious and Political relics/sites that make for tourist attractions.

Annoucement from Etihad Airways Closure of Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Closure of Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Etihad Airways has been forced to suspend its flights from and to Chennai till December 16 due to the to the extended closure of  Chennai International Airport  (MAA), as a result of the ongoing  floods.

We are closely monitoring the situation, and awaiting for official confirmation of the airport’s reopening to resume normal operations thereafter.

Etihad Airways changed their homepage fromn etihadairways.com to etihad.com

 

Etihad Airways is a flag carrier and the second-largest airline of the United Arab Emirates (after Emirates). Its head office is in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, near Abu Dhabi International Airport (OMAA - ICAO). Established by Amiri decree of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in July 2003, Etihad commenced operations in November 2003.

Etihad Airways recently changed their homepage from www.etihadairways.com to www.etihad.com

DANA Air to begin daily flights to Accra from December 1

DANA Air has announced plans to begin daily flights to Accra from its Lagos hub.

Flight services according to the airline would commence from December 1, 2015 from the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2 ) , Ikeja, Lagos.

Mr Obi Mbanuzuo of DANA Air said  “We are now set to commence daily flights to Accra with a smart plan to bring world-class options to the flying public, in terms of in-flight service, on-time performance and pocket-friendly fares.

 “Part of the initiatives we have launched recently are the frequent flyer program to reward our loyal customers, online check-in to reduce congestion at the check-in counters and delays at the airport.

Arik Air debuts self-service kiosks for passengers

Arik Air has introduced self-service kiosks for passengers travelling to any part of the country and beyond.

The airline also introduced two extra payment options to broaden payment options available to passengers.

Mr. Ola Adebanji, the spokesperson for the airline stated that the self-service kiosk allows passengers make bookings and pay for Arik Air tickets without the intervention or assistance from any of its officers.

Thailand confirms six-month multiple-entry tourist visa

Thai’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a new six-month multiple-entry tourist visa will be available from 13 November.

The ministry publicly released details of the new visas on its Facebook page

Unlike current tourist visas, which offer from one to three entries, the six-month multiple-entry visa will allow unlimited border crossings during the validity period.

‘Multiple-entries for foreign airlines affect the growth of local airlines’ – Ore

Capt. Dele Ore (Rtd)

An aviation expert, Capt. Dele Ore (Rtd), on Saturday said that allocation of multiple entries to foreign airlines were adversely affecting the growth and survival of local airline operators.

Ore, the former President of Aviation Round Table (ART), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the multiple entries of foreign airlines were hampering the operation of domestic airlines.

He, however, urged the new minister of state for Aviation, Capt. Hadi Sirika, to urgently review the trend in line with the stoppage of payment of royalties by foreign airlines.

Ore advised local operators to form alliances and cooperation in order to tap into the benefits of economics of scale and scope which would accrue from such collaborations.

Med-view to commence direct flights to London November 20

Med-view Airline has announced that it will begin direct flight to London from Lagos Airport.

Medview is expected to join Arik Air as the only two indigenous airlines on that route.

Flight services will commence on the 20th of November, 2015. The airline will be kicking–off the services with fare of N149, 000 on Economy class cabin and N599, 000 on Business class cabin.

Similarly, baggage allowance on the route will be a 32kg (2-piece) for economy and a 32kg (3-piece) baggage allowance for Business class.

According to Muneer Bankole, the airline’s Managing Director, “The Lagos-London route has remained one of the busiest in the world yet remained the most expensive; it is against this backdrop that Medview Airline is entering the route as a Nigerian flag carrier to supply the missing link- capacity, reasonable fares, and good customer care ad excellent in-flight entertainment.

BA announces improved service on Lagos-London route

The management of British Airways has revealed its improved services on the Lagos- London route on board its Boeing 747 aircraft from January 2016.

The Head of Middle East, Africa and Central Asia Sales for British Airways, Mr Paolo De-Renzis, Head of Middle East, Africa and Central Asia Sales, British Airways disclosed this at a media parley in Lagos.

New Online Booking Portal travelbeta Unveiled in Lagos

Many people ask us what happens if their old passports expire or on the verge of expiration while they still have a valid visa on it.

While there is no way to physically transfer the visa from one passport to the other, we are happy to tell you that most likely, you can still use the valid visa in your old passport.

As long as the biographical information on your visa (full name, date of birth, place of birth and nationality) is the same as the biographical data on your new passport, then this is possible.

All you need to do is  bring your old and new pass­ports together any time you plan to travel to that country . That way, when you reach the border, the cus­toms agent will be able see that you have both a valid passport and a valid visa.

Dubai withdraws extension, increases visa fees

The cost of processing Dubai visa has reportedly been increased by the UAE authorities.
Also, the extension allowed on 30 days visa has also been withdrawn.

Biometric visa application now mandatory for Schengen states

27 European countries are set to introduce a biometric visa application system for applicants from Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, Turkey, Eastern Europe and East Asia among others.

The European Union in a statement said this is to help streamline visa applications and protect applicants against identity theft and visa shopping.

Arik Air planes collide at Lagos Airport

Two Arik Air planes were grounded by the airline after they were involved in a ground collision on the tarmac of the Lagos Airport.

The incident which occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the General Aviation Terminal of the airport involved two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft.

Ethiopian Air declares emergency after engine shuts down over Atlantic Ocean

A Dreamliner declared an emergency this morning over the Atlantic after one of its engines shut down.

The Ethiopian Airlines flight had set out from Dublin Airport at 6am this morning bound for Washington Dulles, when it encountered problems over the Atlantic Ocean.

Emirates launches new Bulgari amenity kits

Emirates Airlines has launched a new set of Bulgari amenity kits for its First and Business Class customers. First class amenity bags. The bags have been designed in close collaboration with luxury Italian brand Bvlgari and are already available onboard all flights.

Etihad unveils new amenity kits

Etihad Airways has launched a new range of business class amenity kits. The carrier has teamed up with Luxe City Guides to create six limited edition bags, each containing Scaramouche + Fandango products.

Visa requirements for visiting African countries for Nigerians

 

The visa conditions for visiting African countries not as ‘difficult’ as you might have imagined.

As any local ‘naija peep’ may know travelling on a plain old green Nigerian passport is no joke.

Before even thinking about entering most countries around the world, you are required to pass the ultimate endurance test – a visa application.

Reams and reams of paperwork, sweaty-palmed interviews, exorbitant amounts of money and throbbing admin headaches later, you may or may not be allowed to hop in and out of a destination as fast as your little legs can carry you.

Over 2.7m passengers passed through the Lagos Airport In 2014

The Comptroller of Immigration, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA), Lagos, Mrs. Chizoba Dibi, said that the command processed a total of 2,785,458 passengers at the airport in 2014.

She disclosed this when the Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI), Mr. Martins Abeshi, visited the airport recently.

A breakdown of this figure, according to the MMIA Immigration boss, indicated that 1,294,010 of the figure processed were arriving passengers while 1,491 passengers were departing passengers.

Here are the world’s most-connected airports 2015

Aviation data analytics firm OAG, a global air travel intelligence company has published information on the world’s most-connected airports.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) is the world’s largest Megahhub

This was measured by the ratio of scheduled connections to the number of destinations served by the airport.

South African Airways adds Abuja to its entry point in Nigeria

South African Airways (SAA) is ready to commence flights from a second entry point in Nigeria after announcing plans for its Abuja take-off.

The airline believes adding a second gateway in Nigeria to SAA’s existing daily service to Lagos materially strengthens its position in West Africa where it plays a significant role in enabling the movement of goods and people between Southern Africa and West Africa.

NIS boss warns airport officials against illegal repatriation of foreigners

The Assistant Comptroller General, Zone A, Lagos, Mr. Musa Maza, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Wednesday warned the agency’s personnel attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos against engaging in illegal repatriation of foreigners from the country.

Speaking at MMIA during his maiden tour of the facilities at the airport, Maza warned that any officer caught in illegal repatriation of foreigners without following due process would be severely sanctioned by the authority, stressing that the Zone would not tolerate any act of indiscipline from any of its staff.

On the issuance of Visas to the citizens of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Maza insisted that the three months agreement within the states must be sustained by all the officers unless such a traveller requested otherwise.

Officers of FAAN, immigration clash at Lagos airport

Flight operations and other activities were on Tuesday disrupted at the Lagos international airport, following a clash between officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

BA offers upgraded meal option to passengers on economy

Taste of the Far East meal

British Airways will add a sixth upgraded meal option for its long-haul economy passengers next week.

From October 26, World Traveller passengers flying from London Heathrow will be able to sample the “Taste of the Far East” choice for £16.

BA offers upgraded meal option to passengers on economy

British Airways Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, Mr Kola Olayinka; British Deputy High Commissioner, Ray Kyles and President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Dapo Adelegan at the re-launch of British Airways On Business Programme, held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday 8th October, 2015.

British Airways has announced the re-launch of its ‘On Business’ loyalty programme for growing Businesses. The airline says this is to re-instate its commitment to growth of SME’s in Nigeria.

The “On Business Loyalty Programme” is designed to help growing businesses make the most of their travel budget, with the company’s employees accumulating points any time they travel, with the points earned, redeemable for valuable travel benefits at a later date.

No sponsor needed for U.S visitor’s visa

Question: I want to visit the United States for vacation this year. I am certain I can find a relative or friend who will allow me to stay at their home, but I do not have a formal invitation yet. Will I need to have a sponsor for my visitor’s visa when I interview?

Answer: It is a common misconception that you need someone to invite you for a visit to the United States. In fact, there is no such requirement for a sponsor when you apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor’s visa for business or pleasure purposes.

What matters for the regular B-1/B-2 visitor’s visa is that you have a legitimate purpose of travel and that you qualify independently for the visa regardless of whom you are going to visit. If the reason you want to visit the United States is to visit friends and family, then it stands to reason doing so will be an important part of your legitimate purpose of travel. However, just because a family member or friend has invited you, it does not necessarily assist you to qualify for the visa under US law.

Japan Airlines and American extend codeshare deal

Oneworld carriers Japan Airlines and American Airlines will extend their codeshare agreement next month.

JAL will add its flight code to 14 domestic American routes out of Dallas/Fort Worth from November 30.

Singapore Airlines premium economy for Airbus 380, Boeing 777, A350

 

Singapore Airlines will launch its new premium economy seats from August 9 on key Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER routes including Sydney, Hong Kong, London and Paris, with a rapid roll-out to SQ's other top-tier destinations.

NCAA threatens to sanction airlines over N5bn debt

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has read riot act to debtor airlines operating in the country, urging them to honour their outstanding accumulated N5 billion debt portfolio to the authority or face sanction.

According to the Director General, Captain Muhtar Usman, who issued the threat recently, the debt accrued from services, specifically the five Per cent Ticket Sales charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge rendered to the debtor airlines by NCAA.

Captain Usman strongly warned that aside the pending sanctions, other punitive measures would be applied to ensure that the erring airlines have themselves to blame as the 14-day the ultimatum issued the airlines has expired.

‘Airlines Not Ready To Pay Debts To Agencies’

Despite aviation unions’ protests over alleged N100 billion airlines’ indebtedness to aviation agencies, especially the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), airlines do not appear ready yet to begin payment of the debt.

According a competent aviation source, a major debtor airline has yet to come to agreement as to the actual value of its debt.

“They have had meetings with the permanent secretary of Aviation on the issue, but they are saying that the debt figures are unrealistic, demanding one adjustment or the other. I can say that they have not shown any readiness to begin paying the debts,” the source said.

New Airline Seating Could Change the Way We Board Planes

New Airline Seating Could Change the Way We Board Planes (ABC News)

You're boarding an aircraft. Or trying to. But as everyone takes their time finding seats and loading luggage into the overhead, you wait and wait, wondering if the flight will take off on time.

Those who are denied visas can re-apply after six months’ – US Consul

The United States Mission has stated that over 220,000 people applied for the non-immigrant visas from Nigeria in 2014.

The Chief Consular Officer of the U.S. Embassy, Ms Stacie Hankins, said i66 per cent of tourist visa applications were actually granted in the same year.

Hankins explained that two in every three applicants were successful, adding refusal of visa applications and failure to make use of visa had no disadvantage on the applicants.

She also said the U.S. Mission received more than 138,578 applications for non-immigrant travel to the U.S. for the 2015 fiscal year, which started in October, 2014.

What can you bring home to Nigeria? – A guide on duty-free shopping

If you are a frequent traveller, you’ve probably heard about duty-free shopping before.

It is actually a way to save tens or hundreds of your money on your purchases by shopping in areas that have been designated as duty free – also known as tax free.

96-hour UAE transit visas now available to all passengers

All passengers can now apply for the 96-hour UAE transit visas irrespective of the airline they are flying on.

The 96-hour UAE transit visas will now be issued to passengers arriving at any of the UAE airports through any international airline.  Previously, such visas were given only to passengers flying on UAE airlines – Etihad Airways and Emirates precisely.

US embassy attends to visa complaints on social media

Three officials of the United States Embassy in Nigeria, of Friday, interacted with Nigerians from different parts of the country for an hour and three minutes. They spoke on what applicants should do or avoid when processing the US visa.

The live show was not a television programme. Recognising the growing influence of digital media, the visa officers took to Google Hangouts to provide answers to questions bordering applicants while busting various myths around visa processing.

The officers said they took to Google Hangouts to help applicants relate with the embassy directly instead of patronising touts and agents.

Severe turbulence on EgyptAir leaves passengers, cabin staff needing hospital treatment

Twelve people were hospitalised on a flight from New York due to severe turbulence on EgyptAir.

The aircraft was carrying 268 passengers when, a few hours into the journey, the plane was violently rocked from side to side.

Ten passengers were injured as a result, as well as two members of cabin crew.

The EgyptAir flight from New York to Cairo was rocked by severe turbulence a few hours into the journey

Etihad introduces new fare structure, changes baggage policy

Etihad Airways has introduced a new fare structure and has also made changes to their baggage allowance policy.

The move will leave air passengers with eight fares to choose from. These are:

Stowaway found in tyre compartment of Medview aircraft

A 25-year-old stowaway has been arrested after he was found inside the tyre compartment of a Ghana-bound Medview Airlines plane parked at the tarmac of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two.

The man identified as Festus Chikelube succeeded in gaining access into the tyre compartment of Medview aircraft which was ready for taxing.

Irish Embassy, Arik partner on trade mission

The Irish Embassy in Nigeria and Enterprise Ireland has concluded plans to partner with Arik Air on the Irish Trade Mission to Nigeria by December 2015.

 

Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Embassy, Nigeria have reached agreement with Arik Air on the Irish Trade Mission to Nigeria by December 2015.

The Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Sean Hoy stated that the trade mission to Nigeria would be one of the largest in recent times and will also attract a lot of interests in the aviation sector.

Mr. Hoy, who led a team of Enterprise Ireland officials to Arik Aviation Centre in Lagos, stressed that the Irish Embassy in Nigeria has been committed to improving trade relations between Nigeria and Ireland.

Over 25,000 visas were issued in first half of 2015 – SA embassy

The South African embassy in Nigeria has stated that about 25,168 visas were issued in the first half of 2015.

South African Consul General in Nigeria,  Mokgethi Monaisa, said that 59,657 visas were issued in 2013 and 48,289  in 2014.

The embassy also pointed out that the bulk of the successful visa applicants were visitors from the age category of between 25 years to late 30s while about 40 percent of the applicants visited for leisure purposes and the remainder for business related reasons. According to the report, over 60,000 Nigerian arrivals to South Africa in 2014 (a figure representing 9 percent of Nigeria’s total outbound tours), were attracted by the country’s value for money tailor-made tour packages, well-developed tourism facilities, quality accommodations in its 5,253 graded hotels and resorts, efficient transport systems, beautiful landscape and exuberant culture among others.

‘Don’t pay more than approved application fee’ – New Immigration boss

Mr. Kure Martins Abeshi, Comptroller General, Immigration

The newly appointed Comptroller General of Immigration, Mr. Kure Martins Abeshi, has warned officers and men of the service at airports and Immigration passport offices to stop demanding for extra money for services rendered.

The new immigration boss warned that anyone found culpable would be sacked.

Abeshi, who gave this warning during his first on-the-spot visit to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Alausa passport office, Ikeja, pleaded with officers to learn to live within their means and be contented with what they have.

FG to deliver 5 international airport terminals by April 2016

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Hajia Binta Bello

The federal government has disclosed that it will complete and deliver five international airport terminals across the country. This was known by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Hajia Binta Bello.

The terminals which are concurrently being remodelled and built to meet international standards will cost about $500 million (N100 billion)

Bello said “We don’t have any financial impediment that would slow down the work that is in progress. For instance there is no problem of finance with the finance of the five ongoing international terminals.

Children flying alone internationally: Information and tips for parents

Your kid is going overseas. Perhaps she’s visiting family who live abroad. Maybe he’s going to stay with a friend for a couple of weeks during the summer break. Now you have to figure out how to keep your kid safe from a continent away. The following are ten top travel safety tips when your kid is flying alone.

Kid Travel Safety Tip #1: Arrange Documents Ahead of Time
The last thing you want to have happen is for your child to be detained at a foreign airport due to a problem with their passport or visa. Make sure ahead of time your child’s passport expiration is more than 6 months after their planned return home. Check if any visas are needed for the countries where they’re planned to spend time, and if so, arrange to have those far in advance. Verify if there are any special requirements in that country regarding kids traveling without parents, and follow these to the

Traveling abroad during pregnancy? 5 tips for a safe and healthy trip

Pregnancy can make international travel even more daunting, and special care should be taken. For most women, traveling is most comfortable during the pregnancy’s second trimester as the nausea of early pregnancy has abated and the discomforts of late pregnancy have not yet occurred. However, assuming you get the okay of a travel health specialist to engage in international travel, your trip abroad is likely to be a trip you’ll never forget. These top five tips for a healthy and safe trip while pregnant will help to ensure that your adventure is a pleasant and joyful experience.

BA open new changi airport hotel

British Airways has launched its new hotel in Singapore’s Changi airport.
The new changi airport hotel Terminal 1 facility, which features the centrepiece Concorde Bar and opens this week, is part of the airline’s £5 billion investment to improve customer experience.

Bar-area

FAAN ready to dispose abandoned aircraft at Lagos airport

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has given the owners of abandoned aircraft at the graveyard of the Lagos airport to evacuate them within the next seven days.

FAAN says it will dispose such aircraft as this is in line with the provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organization.