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French Railways boss warns heat-vulnerable travellers to avoid trains
On 'Sunday, the SNCF head warned 'vulnerable people not to take the train during France's heatwave. Jean Castex, a reporter at the time, said: "We advise the most vulnerable to postpone or avoid their trip during this heatwave." * Former French Prime Minister?Castex said that a number of incidents were possible due to the high temperatures. Meteo France's latest update stated that 49 departments would be under a "red heatwave" warning starting at noon on Monday. This is 14 more departments than Sunday. The heatwave will intensify, reaching peaks as high as 42 degrees Celsius. It was also stated that "it is likely the heatwave will continue, or even worsen in some areas" for much of the next week. Reporting by Dominique Vidalon Editing By Louise Heavens And David Goodman
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Authorities say that the no-fly zone created by the Iran talks has disrupted flights to and from Zurich Airport.
Aviation authorities confirmed that a technical problem in air 'traffic control', which was triggered by security precautions?for the peace talks between the U.S.A. and Iran?in Switzerland?, caused disruptions? at the Zurich airport?on Sunday. They added that the problem has been resolved. Skyguide, a Swiss air traffic control authority, said that the glitch was caused by the integration of the restricted zone above Buergenstock in radar display systems. This is the Swiss mountain resort, where the negotiations are taking place. According to a statement, the zone was decided only at the last minute as the decision to hold the most recent round of discussions was not finalised until the following Saturday. Skyguide reported that operations have returned to normal. "The systems run smoothly and security is ensured at every time." A spokesperson for the airport said that by midday 12 arrivals had been cancelled and 14 departures. She added that at least 60 departures had been delayed. As outlined in a tentative peace agreement, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance met with Iran on Sunday for peace 'talks' at Buergenstock. However, the diplomacy of the U.S. was overshadowed when Iran announced that it had reimposed a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The Swiss government has promised that the talks will be held in a "reliable and discreet setting". This resort is located just over 50 kilometres south of the Zurich airport. Reporting by Alexandra Schwarz Goerlich; Writing by Rachel More, Editing by Barbara Lewis
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Five people killed in Ukraine attack as Crimea suspends fuel sales
The?Russian-installed 'governor' said that four people had been?killed? and 28 others wounded?in a ukranian drone attack against the russian-controlled peninsula Crimea. Local authorities in Russia's Krasnodar Region said that a Ukrainian drone strike on an oil transportation facility confirmed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy killed one person on a passenger ship and set a?oil storage terminal on fire. The Russian Defence Ministry reported that 239 Ukrainian drones were shot down over night. Crimean Governor Sergei Aksyonov stated that 'fuel stations across peninsula have suspended sales to the public and businesses. Supplies are restricted to government agencies in charge of essential services and security. Ukraine intensified its drone attacks against Crimea, the home of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The attack targeted the peninsula's fuel supply routes, which triggered a fuel shortage as the holiday season began. Local power grid operators reported "outages" in several areas due to damage to the electricity networks. Ferry traffic across the Kerch Strait, which separates Crimea from Krasnodar, was also temporarily suspended. The authorities also stopped traffic on the bridge connecting?Crimea and Russia's Krasnodar region for more than 9 hours, leaving 11 train running behind schedule. Louise Heavens (Reporting)
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Minister: Three Indian flagged oil tankers have cleared the Strait of Hormuz
Sarbananda Snowal, the shipping minister said that three Indian-flagged oil tankers with more than 860,000 metric tonnes of 'oil and 94 Indian crew have safely transited 'Strait of Hormuz. They are now en route to India. Sonowal announced on X the Desh Vaibhav?, Desh Vibhor?? and Sanmar Herald have all completed their transit. The United States and Iran have signed a ceasefire agreement, which has led to an increase in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf producers are preparing to boost?exports regardless of concerns about?conditions that Tehran set for the use of the waterway. Washington and Tehran have released the text for the interim agreement they signed on Wednesday. U.S. president Donald Trump has warned that if the commitments made are not kept, he will resume his attacks against Iranian officials. Thirteen cargoes with Indian flags were stranded at the Strait of Hormuz prior to the?transit of?three cargoes Sonowal said, "Our Ministry is actively working with all relevant agencies in order to ensure 'the safety of the?Bharat seafarers as well as energy lifelines.
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Judge rules that the wife of Spanish PM must face corruption charges
A 'judge' ruled that the?wife of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez must face corruption charges, and is banned from leaving Spain. Begona Gómez is being investigated over allegations that she abused her position as wife of the Prime Minister to obtain work contracts. She denies all wrongdoing. The far-right groups brought the case. The investigating judge,?Juan Carlos Peinado, ordered Gomez surrender her passport and barred her from leaving Spain. She was also required to appear in court twice per month. Sanchez, Europe's last leftist leader, is weighing down by several corruption cases that are nearing or have already been tried. He hasn't been named in any of these cases, and he has claimed that they are all part of an effort to remove him from his office. The Socialist Party reacted quickly to the ruling of the judge, posting on social media X that "(Begona has been subjected?)to judicial and politcal persecution for two year. The development of today is a step forward in this process." Investigations are underway against several close friends, including the number three of the Socialist Party and Sanchez's ex-transport minister. The cases involve alleged kickbacks in connection with public works contracts, oil and gas deals, and the purchase of masks for the pandemic. They deny any wrongdoing. Separately the Spanish High Court announced that it was investigating ex-prime minister?Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for allegations he led a?network?that benefited from lobbying government authorities on behalf third parties including airline Plus Ultra. He denies these claims. Reporting by Graham Keeley. Mark Potter edited the story.
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Nine people are still in critical condition following fatal UK train accident
The 'driver' of one of the trains was killed in the crash that occurred on Friday near Bedford, approximately 60 miles (100km) north of London. Around 5.15 pm local time (16:15 GMT), two passenger trains headed for London collided on Friday. One of the drivers of the two trains died at the scene. British Transport Police Chief Constable, Lucy D'Orsi, provided an update of those injured in the crash that occurred on Saturday. She said more than eighty people were hospitalized on Friday evening. She said that as of "this morning", 28 people were still in the hospital and nine are in critical condition. D'Orsi said that investigators were trying to determine what caused the accident. One of the passengers posted a video on Facebook on Friday showing what appeared to be the damaged front of one railcar entangled with another's back, while the carriages remained upright. In a blog post on X, Prime Minister Keir starmer called it a "devastating event". Buckingham Palace, the official residence of King Charles I, also released a statement saying that "His Majesty is deeply saddened by yesterday's rail crash in Bedford and is regularly kept updated on developments." "His thoughts?and sympathies are with the family of the deceased as well as with those who were injured or affected in such a tragic event." (Reporting and editing by William James)
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Judge rules that the wife of Spanish PM must face corruption charges
A?judge's ruling?on Saturday said that the wife of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will be tried on corruption charges, and is banned from leaving the country. Begona Gomez faces an investigation for allegedly using her position as wife of the Prime Minister to obtain work contracts. She denies all wrongdoing. The case was brought by?far-right groups. The investigating judge Juan Carlos Peinado required Gomez to surrender her passport, bar her from leaving Spain, and require her to "report twice a monthly to court." This case is just one of many corruption?probes that are nearing or have already been tried and weighing down on?Sanchez. He's one of Europe’s last leftist leaders. He hasn't been named in the cases, but has claimed that they are all part of an effort to remove him from his office. Investigations are underway against several?close ally, including the number three of the Socialist Party and Sanchez's ex-transport minister. The cases involve alleged kickbacks in connection with public?works?,?oil contracts?, and the purchase of masks for the pandemic. They deny any wrongdoing. Separately the Spanish High Court announced that it was investigating Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for allegations that he led a 'network' of lobbyists who profited by lobbying public authorities on behalf third parties including airline Plus Ultra. He denies these claims. Reporting by Graham Keeley. Mark Potter edited the story.
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Business Post reports that Ryanair CEO O'Leary believes fares will remain 'flat' this summer.
Michael O'Leary, Chief Executive Officer of Ryanair Group, told Ireland's Business Post newspaper that: He said: "We believe that?bookings will get a little boost as we move into the summer peak. I would use 'inverted commas' to say 'the peace agreement between Iran and the US.' But spot oil prices have fallen significantly." * "We don't expect prices to rise this summer into the peak. "I'm not sure that prices will drop, volumes are high, but pricing appears to be similar to last year," said he. We're not under pressure to hedge into May, June or July of next year. If prices fell to the low $80s, or even below $80, we would certainly start hedging summer '27. Here is the source text for more company coverage.
Fuel costs are increasing, so airlines are reducing their prices and cutting back on their outlook.
The U.S. and Israeli war against Iran, which has pushed up jet fuel prices, has shook the aviation industry around the world. Airlines have been forced to increase fares and re-evaluate their financial forecasts.
In recent weeks, jet fuel prices have increased from $85-$90 per barrel up to $150-$200 per barrel. This is a major financial blow to an industry where fuel can account for as much as a quarter or more of its operating costs.
Here is an alphabetical list of the ways airlines are responding to this issue:
AEGEAN AIRLINES
The Greek airline anticipates that the suspension of Middle East flights, as well as a spike in fuel costs will have a "notable" impact on its first quarter results.
AIRASIA X
Malaysian Airlines executives announced that the company has cut 10% of its flights in the group and imposed a fuel surcharge of around 20%.
AIR CANADA
The Canadian largest airline plans to reduce four of its daily flights to New York due to rising fuel prices. The four flights will be cut from June 1, 2026 to October 25, 2020.
AIR FRANCE-KLM
The airline group announced that it would increase the price of long-haul tickets to offset rising fuel costs. Cabin fares will rise by 58 euros (50 euros) for a round trip.
KLM, the Dutch subsidiary of the group, announced on April 16 that it would cancel 160 flights across Europe in the next month due to increasing fuel prices.
AIR INDIA
The Indian airline said that it will change its fuel surcharge system from a flat surcharge for domestic flights to one based on distance. The Indian carrier said that surcharges for international routes do not compensate the steep rise in fuel costs.
AIR NEW ZEALAND
On April 7, the airline announced that it would cut flights in May and June, and raise fares. It was one of the first airlines to announce a large increase in ticket prices after the conflict erupted. The airline also suspended its earnings forecast for the full year due to volatility in the fuel markets.
AKASA AIR
Akasa Airlines, based in India, announced that it would be introducing fuel surcharges ranging from 199 to 1,300 Indian Rupees ($2 - $14) for domestic and international flights.
ALASKA AIR
The sharp increase in jet fuel prices has put pressure on the carrier's margins.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
The U.S. carrier announced that it would increase the fees for checked baggage by $10 for each of the first two bags, and $150 for the third bag on short-haul domestic flights and international flights. The airline also reduced certain benefits for economy passengers.
ASIANA AIRLINES
Newsis reported that the South Korean airline would cut 22 flights from April to July because of fuel price increases.
CATHAY PACIFIC
Two sources who are directly involved in the matter have confirmed that the Hong Kong airline group aims to raise HK$2billion ($255m) via a fixed rate Hong Kong dollar bond with a single or double tranche, they said.
CEBU AIR
The Philippines-based carrier said that the sharp increase in fuel prices is a "key concern" and will continue to review pricing and network strategies for mitigation.
CHINA EASTERN EXPRESS AIRLINES
Air China said that it would increase fuel surcharges on domestic flights starting April 5. Flights of less than 800km will be charged a surcharge of 60 yuan, and flights above 800km will be charged a surcharge 120 yuan.
DELTA AIR LINES
Delta announced that it would reduce capacity by 3.5 percent from its original plan, and increase?fees on checked bags to offset the rising costs of jet fuel. The increase will be $10 for first and second bags, and $50 for third bags.
The U.S. carrier pulled all planned growth in capacity for the current quarter, and forecast profits below Wall Street expectations.
EASYJET
EasyJet has warned that it will suffer a larger half-year loss before tax of between 540 and 560 millions pounds ($731 and $758) in March, including an extra 25 million pounds of fuel costs.
FRONTIER AÉRIENS
Fuel prices have increased dramatically since the airline's last forecast.
GREATER BAY Airlines
The Hong Kong-based firm said that it will increase fuel surcharges for most routes on April 1, but keep them the same on routes to mainland China and Japan.
HONG KONG Airlines
The airline announced that it would increase fuel surcharges up to 35% starting March 12. The biggest increases would be on flights between Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Nepal where the charges would go from HK$284 to HK$384 (US$49).
British Airways' owner IAG stated in March that it does not intend to increase ticket price immediately as it has hedged a large amount of fuel for the short to medium term.
INDIGO
India's largest airline announced that it will introduce fuel charges for domestic and international flights starting March 14. The charge for flights into the Middle East is 900 rupees and for flights into Europe, 2,300 rupees.
JETBLUE AERWAYS
Joanna Geraghtz is the CEO of a low-cost airline based in the United States. She told her employees, via a memo, that she would not be considering bankruptcy this year despite the fact that rising jet fuel prices threaten the carrier's financial recovery. According to an SEC filing, the company has entered into a debt financing agreement worth $500 million.
KOREAN AIR
Sources with knowledge on the subject say that South Korean carriers will be forced to enter emergency mode in April due to rising fuel prices.
LUFTHANSA
The airline group announced that it would ground 27 aircraft servicing its CityLine short-haul subsidiary earlier than expected, citing high jet fuel costs and industrial action. Lufthansa also plans to withdraw four Airbus A340 600 long-haul planes at the end the summer, and will reduce its short- and medium-haul fleet by five aircraft during winter 2026/2027.
PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Fuel surcharges are cited as the reason for raising domestic flight prices by $20, and international flights by up to $100.
QANTAS AIRWAYS
Qantas, an Australian airline, said that it has?delayed its planned A$150-million ($106-million) buyback. It also increased the estimated fuel bill in 2026 for the second half to A$3.1-A$3.3 billion from A$2.5 billion.
Scandinavian Airlines announced that it would cancel 1,00 flights in April due to high jet fuel and oil prices. In March, the airline had cancelled "a couple hundred" flights.
SPIRIT AIRLINES
Air Current reported that people familiar with the situation said the U.S. low cost carrier requested hundreds of millions in emergency funding from the Trump administration to offset the rising fuel prices and prevent a potential liquidation.
SPRING AIRLINES
Budget Chinese airline announced that it would increase fuel surcharges for domestic flights starting April 5. Details will be revealed later.
SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST SOUTHWAST AIRLINES
The American carrier announced that it would increase the fees for checked bags by $10 each for the first two bags. This will bring the cost to $45 and $55 respectively for the first bag.
The Portuguese airline claimed that its price increases would partially offset the impact of fuel prices changes on its revenues.
THAI AIRWAYS
The airline based in Thailand said that it would increase fares between 10% and 15% due to rising fuel prices.
TURKISH AIRLINES LUFTHANSA
SunExpress is a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. It announced that it would be imposing a temporary fuel charge of 10 euros per person on routes between Turkey, Europe and the Middle East, starting May 1. The fuel surcharge will be applied to all bookings made after April 1, for departures after May 1.
Turkish Airlines announced on April 10, that it would not be distributing any dividends from its net profit for 2025, instead choosing to keep earnings and preserve cash.
T'WAY AIR
As part of measures taken to combat the effects of war, the South Korean low-cost airline said that it would furlough cabin crew in May and/or June without pay.
UNITED AIRLINES
Scott Kirby, CEO of the U.S. carrier, said that the airline will?cut unprofitable flights in the next two quarters to prepare for oil prices remaining above $100 until 2027.
In an emailed statement, the airline said that it would also increase first and second checked baggage fees by $10 to customers traveling in North America, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America.
VIETJET
A potential fuel shortage has led to the Vietnamese budget airline reducing flight frequencies on certain routes.
VIETNAM Airlines
Vietnam's aviation authority announced that the carrier will?cancel 23 flights per week on domestic routes starting in April after it?requested assistance from the government to remove an environment tax on jet fuel.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Corneel K. Koster, CEO of the Financial Times, said that even though fuel surcharges will be added to airline fares this year, it is unlikely to achieve profitability.
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA
Virgin Australia has said that it expects an increase of jet fuel costs of between A$30 and A$40 million in the second half of the fiscal year. It also anticipates a 1% decrease in capacity for the fourth quarter.
VOLOTEA
The Spanish low cost airline has introduced a new pricing strategy that links ticket prices with fuel costs. This could add an additional surcharge after purchase of up to 16.50 euros per passenger per flight.
WESTJET
Globe and Mail reports that the Canadian airline has reduced seat capacity in June due to rising costs. Canadian Press reported that the carrier would add a C$60 fuel surcharge ($43) to certain bookings, and combine flights due to rising costs.
(source: Reuters)