TravelComments.com – Coronavirus outbreak: Botswana closes 12 border crossings with South Africa!

As a measure to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the government of Botswana has closed 12 point of entries with South Africa with effect from today (16 March 2020). These include Zanzibar, Platjan, Pontdrift, Bray, Makopong, McCarthy’s Rest, Middlepits, Sikwane/Derdepoort, Ramotswa/Swartkopfontein, Phitshane Molope/Makgobistadt, Parrs Halt(Stockpoort and Twee Rivieren. Only the following border crossings are […]
TravelComments.com – Coronavirus outbreak: Lesotho has closed nine ports of entry!
As an precaution against the spread of the coronavirus, the government of Lesotho has closed nine ports of entry. These include the following border crossings: Ramatsiliso Gate, Ongeluksnek, Tele Bridge (Eastern Cape), Makhaleng Bridge, Peka Bridge, Monontsa Pass, Sephaphis/Sepapus Gate (Freestate), Sani Pass and Boesmansnek (KwaZulu-Natal). The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (Visit Lesotho) advises travellers […]
TravelComments.com – Namibia suspends all inbound and outbound travel from Qatar, Ethiopia and Germany!

Namibia’s president Hage Geingob announced on 14 March 2020 that the government of Namibia has suspended all inbound and outbound travel from Qatar, Ethiopia and Germany for 30 days to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus. Following the directive, the flag carrier of Namibia, Air Namibia, has temporarily canceled all flights between Hosea Kutako International […]
TravelComments.com – Coronavirus outbreak: South Africa to close borders to all citizens from high-risk countries!

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the Coronavirus outbreak a national disaster and announced a raft of unprecedented interventions to curb the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa. These include the closing of 35 ports of entry and imposing a travel ban on foreign nationals from countries hardest hit by the Coronavirus pandemic. The […]
All Airline Alliances join hands to call on world governments to support #Aviation
oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance member airlines call on governments and stakeholders for extraordinary support Monday, 16 March 2020 On behalf of their member airlines, the three global airline alliances oneworld®, SkyTeam and Star Alliance are jointly calling on governments and stakeholders to take action to alleviate the unprecedented challenges faced by the global airline […]
Gambia Hotel Association elect Former Minister of Tourism as Chairman
Another edition of #ATQNews from #Nigeria and beyond Gambia Hotel Association elects former tourism minister, Fatou Mas Jobe-Njie as new Chairman Gambia Hotel Association elects former tourism minister, Fatou Mas Jobe-Njie as new Chairman The Gambia Hotel Association has elected Fatou Mas Jobe-Njie as the new chairman of the association. Jobe-Njie was elected at the […]
#CAPA’s Blue Swan Daily #Aviation News
ATCNews readers now have daily access to the Blue Swan Daily Aviation News, courtesy of #CAPA by simply clicking on www.blueswandaily.com
#Breaking News #Aviation News Updates
MAJOR AIRLINES NOW PULL THE PLUG OVER #COVID19 (Posted 16th March 2020) Major international airlines have now reached breaking point, as more and more countries impose shutdowns on themselves, their neighbours and the world at large. With air traffic becoming increasingly impossible – given that restrictions also apply to crews which have been to countries […]
#ATTA: South Africa now too imposes travel ban over #COVID19
COVID-19 South Africa Statement COVID-19 South Africa Statement “Extraordinary measures” have been taken by the South African government today to “reduce the impact of coronavirus” These measures include: Imposing travel bans effective 18 March to and from high-risk source markets, including South Korea, Italy, Iran, Spain, Germany, USA, UK and China Travellers from medium-risk source […]
Alain St. Ange calls for broad based dialogue in #Seychelles over #COVID19
UNITED WE STAND – DIVIDED WE FALL … (Posted 15th March 2020) Following the confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our shores, Seychelles cannot afford to have misplaced priorities. Given the virus’s rapid contagion, and in light of our country’s limited capacity, the overarching priority of our Government should be to prevent its people from contracting […]
#ATTA publishes statement of #Kenya Government
COVID-19 Kenya Statement COVID-19 Kenya Statement In a press statement issued by the President of Kenya this afternoon (Sunday 15th March) it was stated that: The Government is suspending travel for all persons coming into Kenya from any country with reported Coronavirus cases. Only Kenyan Citizens, and any foreigners with valid residence permits will be […]
#BrusselsAirlines takes added measures over #COVID19 crisis

AIRLINE SUSPENDS FLIGHTS TO NEW YORK, ITALY AND ISRAEL AND REDUCED CAPACITY ACROSS THE NETWORK (Posted Saturday the 14th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) Brussels Airlines announces additional flight cancellations for March and a reduced timetable for April 2020 The airline adapts its flight offer following national governments […]
#IATA welcomes (belated) decision to suspend slot rules in Europe
IATA Welcomes EU Suspension of Slot Use Rules The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the announcement by the European Commission (EC) granting the temporary suspension until June 2020 of the 80-20 “use it or lose it” rule for airport slots. The decision reflects the unprecedented situation facing the airline industry. However, granting the suspension […]
Bizarre decision by the Tanzanian government to allow bush meat trade
CAUSE OF #COVID19 CLEARLY LOST ON THE TANZANIAN GOVERNMENT AS THEY LEGALIZE BUSHMEAT TRADE (Posted 14th March 2020) (Effects of bush meat trade while China bans it following the Corona Virus outbreak) Poaching is widespread around the Serengeti National Park, especially on the western side where human population is dense. It’s done primarily to supply […]
#COVID19 – updates on travel restrictions currently in place

COUNTRIES, OFTEN VERY BELATEDLY, NOW PUT SWEEPING MEASURES INTO PLACE TO CONTAIN THE VIRUS SPREAD (Posted Saturday the 14th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) ATCNews has been following up on the reaction of several countries vis a vis travel, by air, rail and road, and the following examples […]
TravelComments.com – City Sightseeing South Africa to launch a new service in Hermanus!

City Sightseeing South Africa, operator of the well-kown red open-top hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses in Cape Town and Johannesburg, is set to launch a new service in Hermanus in South Africa’s Western Cape this week. City Sightseeing Hermanus will offer hourly 90-minute tours through Hermanus, which will include stops at the Old Harbour, the New Harbour, […]
#AirKenya Group reassures their customers in the face of a growing #COVID19 crisis
13th March 2020 Ease of mind when booking with Airkenya Dear Valued Partner, Taking into account the evolving COVID-19 situation, we acknowledge the effects that it is having on our travel industry. At Airkenya we would like to support you, our partners, our customers and ease your minds during these unfamiliar times whilst you make […]
#BreakingNews #AfricaTravelWeek yields to #COVID19 concerns and postpones
#WTMAFRICA2020 – #IBTM2020 #ILTMAFRICA2020 ALL POSTPONED AMID GROWING #COVID19 CRISIS (Posted Friday the 13th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) What up to a few days ago seemed the impossible choice, has now entered a new phase after Reed Exhibitions just officially postponed the Africa Travel Week. The early […]
#CAPA’s Blue Swan Daily #Aviation News
ATCNews readers now have daily access to the Blue Swan Daily Aviation News, courtesy of #CAPA by simply clicking on
#Hilton addresses #COVID19 concerns
Hilton Honors Members, In these uncertain times, I wanted to reach out to you personally about what we are doing here at Hilton to support you and your travel plans. As the situation around novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, we are doing everything we can to ensure your travel safety and provide maximum flexibility. […]
#AirTanzania halts Mumbai flights amid #COVID19 crisis
NO CORONA VIRUS IN TANZANIA BUT CAUTION IS BETTER THAN LATE REGRETS (Posted Friday the 13th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) Effective today, 13th of March, has Air Tanzania suspended their flights to the Indian city of Mumbai. This follows a declaration by India to suspend Visa for […]
A year after #CycloneIdai does #Mozambique still need much help
AS THE WORLD FOCUSES ON #COVID19 IS AID TO MOZAMBIQUE DRYING UP (Posted Friday the 13th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) A year after Cyclone Idai devastated much of central Mozambique, limited funding for essential reconstruction is preventing many of the hardest-hit people from getting back on their […]
#UNWTO meeting in Seychelles postponed
#COVID19 PUTS A STOP TO UNWTO MEETING IN THE SEYCHELLES (Posted Friday the 13th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) Information was received overnight that the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa meeting, which was due to take place in the Seychelles, has – for the time being – been […]
Kenya Airways forced to halt Rome flights by social media s***storm
KENYA AIRWAYS FINALLY DROPS ROME FLIGHTS AFTER SOCIAL MEDIA FLEX THEIR MUSCLE (Posted Friday the 13th of March 2020 – from the Observatory by Geolodges, Rubirizi District, Uganda) (This image until this morning was still the headline picture on the Kenya Airways Facebook page many hours after the airline announced the suspension of the route) […]
#IATA reminds states of the consequences of their (knee jerk) reactions on their economies
IATA Reacts to Latest US Travel Restrictions The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its members continue to support governments in their efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. At this time of extreme pressure on the industry, IATA urged governments to: Prepare for the broad economic consequences of these actions, Respond quickly to the […]
#AuricAir amends cancellation policy for tickets as #COVID19 crisis hits home
Greetings! In response to the growing concerns over the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), which has resulted in cancellations in travel plans, Auric Air has has put in place the below cancellation policy effective 12th of March 2020 The policy is applicable for bookings done before 11th of March 2020 with travel dates up to 30th […]
AFRAA issues #COVID19 statement

THE CURRENT CRISIS SERVES TO REMIND AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS THAT A MORE SUSTAINABLE AVIATION INDUSTRY IS NEEDED (Posted 12th March 2020) The African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the trade association of African airlines has urged stakeholders to work together to support African airlines achieve profitability and sustainable operations for development of air travel on the continent. In […]
Coastal Aviation announces forced increase of fares
CUPPS SURCHARGE IN THE MIDST OF THE #COVID19 CRISIS A BAD DECISION (Posted 12th March 2020) Dear ATCNews Readers and Partners, We would like to inform you of the new surcharge imposed on all departures out of Dar-Es-Salaam Airport Terminal One. Effective from the 1st of March 2020 the Tanzanian Airport Authority has introduced a […]
Serena Hotels changes their cancellation policy to reflect the #COVID19 crisis

CANCELLATION POLICY UPDATE (Posted 12th March 2020) Dear ATCNews Readers and Business Partners, Serena Hotels recognizes that in the current uncertain climate, potential clients wishing to travel in the near future may be uncomfortable with making booking commitments. We wish to assure you that in response to the continued developments with the COVID-19 outbreak around […]
TravelComments.com – Namibia: Shark Island declared National Heritage site!

Shark Island, a small peninsula adjacent to the coastal city of Lüderitz in Namibia, has become a National Heritage site. The country’s Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Ester Anna Nghipondoka, officially announced the declaration on site in Lüderitz on 11 March 2020. Shark Island already received its status as National Heritage site on […]