Chloë Halpenny

The delay in the commercialization of Gwadar International Airport has drawn significant criticism. Originally set for earlier operational status, the airport's opening has faced repeated postponements due to technical and logistical challenges, including delays in the delivery of equipment from China. The latest timeline suggests operations might begin by mid-2024. Despite its virtual inauguration in October 2024, concerns about the region's security situation and inadequate planning have impeded progress. Gwadar Airport, a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is a key piece of infrastructure intended to transform the region into an economic hub. However, these delays have raised concerns about the efficiency of project execution and the region's development trajectory​.

1

#PNGNews The national flag carrier, Air Niugini has admitted that they have some disruption and rescheduling to flight as a result of fuel rationing. To read more: https://lnkd.in/gJiugiC8 #FuelShortage #AirNiugini #PapuaNewGuinea #PNG #LoopPNG #LoopNews

4

1 Comment

Amid violent unrest in New Caledonia, the governments of Australia and New Zealand are sending planes to evacuate their nationals. Hundreds of tourists have been trapped in hotels due to the turmoil. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that French authorities have authorized two evacuation flights, with additional flights being planned. Approximately 300 Australians are currently in New Caledonia. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that an initial flight would bring home 50 passengers with urgent needs, with more flights to follow. The French High Commission in New Caledonia reported that the airport remains closed for commercial flights, leaving around 3,200 people stranded. The unrest in New Caledonia began over changes to the constitution that would allow more migrants, primarily from France, to vote, sparking deadly riots after the National Assembly approved the changes. The riots have led to six deaths, hundreds of injuries, and widespread destruction, including looted and burnt businesses and road barricades. The indigenous Kanak people fear the new voting rules will dilute their political influence. French authorities are deploying additional military and police forces to protect public buildings and maintain order. New Caledonia, a French territory since 1853, holds significant geopolitical and economic importance to France, especially as a major producer of nickel, essential for electric vehicle batteries. Source: AFP, AP, Reuters So what It is surprising to me that these evacuations have taken so long, it is likely that if the country was not controlled by France then they would have happened much sooner. One trouble, particularly for NZ will be a lack of air assets, limiting the number of trips and likely leading to a reliance on Australia to evacuate some of our citizens. Regardless, this is a great example of why countries, even little old New Zealand need a defence force, because you never know where and when you will need them. Follow us to join the intelligence community! #newzealand #france #newcaledonia #riots #airforce

1

1 Comment

King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam Launches TPA Service to Link Saudi Arabia with Chinese Ports and the Pacific Ocean Shipping Arabia, April 26, 2024 — The Saudi Ports Authority "Mawani" has enhanced King Abdul Aziz Port’s global connectivity with the introduction of the TPA service operated by Evergreen, linking Saudi Arabia directly to Chinese ports and the Pacific Ocean. This initiative is designed to facilitate trade and export activities, thereby expanding the Kingdom’s reach into vital international markets. The service addition aligns with Mawani’s strategic objectives to augment port efficiency and bolster infrastructure capabilities. It follows significant infrastructural investments at King Abdul Aziz Port, including the expansion of two container terminals in collaboration with the Saudi Global Ports Company "SGP." This project, funded by over seven billion riyals and executed on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis, is anticipated to increase container handling capacity to 7.5 million TEUs, reflecting a growth of more than 120%. Connecting Dammam with 11 regional and international ports, the TPA service by Evergreen includes stops at Kelang, Malaysia; Cai Mep, Vietnam; and prominent Chinese ports like Hong Kong, Qingdao, Ningbo, Shanghai, and Yantian, as well as Taipei and Kaohsiung in Taiwan, Um Qasr in Iraq, and Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates. Operating on a weekly schedule, this service offers a capacity of up to 6,000 TEUs. King Abdul Aziz Port serves as a crucial logistical node on the Arabian Gulf, linked by rail to Riyadh Dry Port and acting as a primary channel for the influx of goods to Saudi Arabia’s Eastern and Central regions. This role is crucial in the implementation of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), aimed at establishing Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub bridging three continents. The introduction of the TPA service is expected to significantly bolster King Abdul Aziz Port's capabilities, enhancing its status in the international maritime logistics sector and supporting the Kingdom's economic expansion. Source: Saudi Ports Authority "Mawani" #KingAbdulAzizPort #SaudiArabia #Dammam #Maritime #Evergreen

8

There was recently a strange incident with a break of cockpit access rules on a SriLankan Airlines Official flight. The facts are still under investigation but what is known so far is that the co-pilot left the cockpit for a restroom break and the captain was left alone in the cockpit. When the co-pilot wanted to come back, the captain did keep the cockpit door locked. The co-pilot could only re-enter the cockpit after the cabin crew convinced the captain over the internal communication system. Our article summarizes the known facts - you know us, no speculation - and also explains how the Airbus cockpit door system works to prevent both unauthorized access, even if the intruder know the secret code, while being safe in case of pilot incapacitation. https://lnkd.in/dE4FY8Pr

Empowering Central Asia: A Unified Approach to Poverty Alleviation https://ow.ly/PGHr50TfCAl #Eurasia #CentralAsia #PovertyAlleviation #DevelopmentGoals #EconomicEmpowerment

1

October has seen large numbers of Airstrikes continue in #Iraq Over the past month, #Turkey alone has conducted over 130 airstrikes that target #PKK positions as their military operation escalates, with a spike in action following the terrorist attack in #Ankara. #Turkish air operations are daily across regions such as Metina, Mount Qandil , Hakurk, and Gara, aiming to dismantle PKK infrastructure and neutralise militants, some days have seen airstrikes in double digit numbers. The Iraqi Airforce are also conducting routine airstrikes against #ISIS factions, maintaining pressure on these remnants of the group. Combined, Turkish actions now represent over 40% of all recorded significant activities (#SIGACTS)

5

Lufthansa suspends night flights to Beirut until July 31 A number of countries, including Germany, urged their citizens to leave Lebanon BERLIN, July 1/ Lufthansa suspends night flights to Beirut until July 31 inclusive in view of the aggravation of the situation in the Middle East, the largest German air carrier said. "In the light of the current situation in the Middle East, (Lufthansa) Group airlines suspend night flights to/from Beirut until July 31 inclusive," the airline said, cited by the DPA news agency. Daytime flights will continue. A number of countries, including Germany, urged their citizens to leave Lebanon. #business #finance #financialservices

2

Greece stands out among countries with impressive air traffic performance in July, according to EUROCONTROL. #Eurocontrol #Greece #GreekTourism #GreekTravel #Travel #Tourism #Aviation #Flights #Airports #GreekAirports #AirTravel #AirConnection

6

Indian Navy vessels are deployed in the Philippines to strengthen maritime cooperation. Check out this article 👉 #IndianNavy #SouthChinaSea #Philippines #Maritime #MarineInsight #Merchantnavy #Merchantmarine #MerchantnavyShips

1

CONCESSION UPDATE: DHA MINISTER EXTENDS CONCESSION TO 31 DECEMBER 2024   Please be informed that Minister Leon Schreiber of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) released a statement regarding the extension of the blanket concession whereby he has extended it until 31 December 2024 for those with long-pending waivers, temporary residency visas, and appeal applications. A formal Directive is yet to be issued, however, in terms of the statement by the Department, this means that: - Applicants who have long-pending waiver applications as of 30 June 2024 and are still awaiting their outcomes, have been afforded a further extension until 31 December 2024.   - Applicants who have pending long-term visa applications as of 30 June 2024, have been afforded a further extension until 31 December 2024. The long-term visa applications include those of Visitor Visa Section 11(1)(b), Section 11(6), Business Visas, Study Visas, Relative’s Visas, and Work Visas.   - Applicants who have long-pending appeal applications for long-term visas have been granted an extension on their current status until 31 December 2024. The long-term visa categories’ applications that have been afforded the extension are Visitor Visa Section 11(1)(b), Section 11(6), Business Visas, Study Visas, Relative’s Visas, and Work Visas.   - Applicants who are required to travel during this period and are visa exempt, may do so using their VFS receipt and a copy of the concession. Those who have a pending appeal application must additionally show a copy of the rejection letter with the former mentioned documents.    - Applicants who are required to travel during this period and are not visa exempt, may leave South Africa without receiving a ban but are required to apply for a visitor’s visa from the South African Embassy abroad to be able to return and enter South Africa to await or collect their outcome.   - Applicants who have long-pending applications for either a waiver, visa, or appeal, may abandon their application before or by 31 December 2024 and leave South Africa without being declared undesirable.   - Short-term visa holders issued in terms of Section 11(1)(a) for 90 days or less, and who have applied for a renewal but have not received their visa renewal outcome, are requested to make the necessary arrangements to leave South Africa within 90 days from the date of expiry of the principal visa to avoid being declared undesirable when leaving.    - This concession applies to applicants who have submitted an application via the VFS Global before or on 30 June 2024 and can provide an original VFS receipt to that effect.   - For PR applicants, this concession only applies if you have applied for a temporary residency visa before or on 30 June 2024. We remind you that you need to maintain your temporary residency status while your PR is pending and encourage you to monitor your expiry to apply for the renewal of your visa at least 60 days before expiry. #SouthAfrica #immigration

2

Stay ahead of the curve with our five most relevant aviation alerts of the week: ✅ Political unrest in South Korea triggers protests and strikes ✅ Explosive attack at a Colombian airport injures a security officer ✅ Al-Shabab continues targeting Somali bases and foreign troops And more... Explore the carousel below for a peek at the intelligence that’s driving better decision making across the aviation sector. #OspreyFS #FlightSecurity #RiskManagement #AviationIntelligence #IntelligenceAnalysis

12

UAE Airlines Cancel Flights Amid Rising Tensions - The United Arab Emirates has canceled several flights of late due to the rising tensions in West Asia. All these increased fears and threats of the possibility of conflict send shivers down the spines of expatriates and travelers. With the increased tension, airlines operating in the UAE cancel or divert several flights into or out of the country. Flights Cancellation and Adjustments There are many operators that have cancelled flights to various destinations in the West Asian region. Emirates, one of the country’s flagship airlines based in the emirate city, says it has cancelled all flights to Iraq, Iran and […]- Read More at :https://lnkd.in/d3TnAbVk

9