Etihad Airways has delayed the launch of flights from Abu Dhabi to Cape Town, citing operational reasons.
In September, the national airline of the UAE announced the start of flights to three destinations in Africa – Zanzibar, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Flights to Johannesburg will go ahead as planned from November 25 and to the popular holiday island of Zanzibar a day later on November 26. But Etihad flights to South Africa's Cape Town, originally scheduled to begin on the same day as the Johannesburg service, will be delayed by two weeks.
"Due to operational reasons, Etihad Airways will postpone the start of its upcoming Cape Town service by two weeks, from November 25 to December 11," a representative for the airline told The National.
"We regret any inconvenience this may cause and are actively reaching out to affected guests to assist with alternative travel arrangements. We look forward to commencing operations to this beautiful coastal city in time for the end-of-year holidays and, in the meantime, will be launching our flights to Johannesburg on November 25 as planned."
Etihad flights to South Africa were due to operate to Johannesburg, then onwards to Cape Town three times a week from December, via a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Travellers hoping to fly to the Mother City from the UAE capital will now need to wait a bit longer.
Etihad's new A350-100 is dressed for National Day
Etihad has also unveiled a new livery, which celebrates the UAE turning 50. Etihad shared a picture of its newest jet, the A350-100, dressed in the special livery which is emblazoned with the number 50 and the UAE colours.
One of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world, the new wide-body is on display at the Dubai Airshow, which is taking place at Dubai World Central until Thursday.
The jet will be the latest addition to Etihad's sustainability test-bed programme, currently operated via a Boeing Greenliner.
Ways to control drones
Countries have been coming up with ways to restrict and monitor the use of non-commercial drones to keep them from trespassing on controlled areas such as airports.
"Drones vary in size and some can be as big as a small city car - so imagine the impact of one hitting an airplane. It's a huge risk, especially when commercial airliners are not designed to make or take sudden evasive manoeuvres like drones can" says Saj Ahmed, chief analyst at London-based StrategicAero Research.
New measures have now been taken to monitor drone activity, Geo-fencing technology is one.
It's a method designed to prevent drones from drifting into banned areas. The technology uses GPS location signals to stop its machines flying close to airports and other restricted zones.
The European commission has recently announced a blueprint to make drone use in low-level airspace safe, secure and environmentally friendly. This process is called “U-Space” – it covers altitudes of up to 150 metres. It is also noteworthy that that UK Civil Aviation Authority recommends drones to be flown at no higher than 400ft. “U-Space” technology will be governed by a system similar to air traffic control management, which will be automated using tools like geo-fencing.
The UAE has drawn serious measures to ensure users register their devices under strict new laws. Authorities have urged that users must obtain approval in advance before flying the drones, non registered drone use in Dubai will result in a fine of up to twenty thousand dirhams under a new resolution approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Mr Ahmad suggest that "Hefty fines running into hundreds of thousands of dollars need to compensate for the cost of airport disruption and flight diversions to lengthy jail spells, confiscation of travel rights and use of drones for a lengthy period" must be enforced in order to reduce airport intrusion.
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