Flights

British Airways cancels 1,500 more flights

The wave of cancellations made over the past weeks will affect tens of thousands hoping to jet off this summer from Heathrow and Gatwick.

The industry has been struggling with staff shortages as demand for air travel rebounds.

British Airways had already removed 10% of scheduled flights between April and October, but said that "regrettably" more reductions were needed.

Flights for seasonal workers from Samoa to Australia and NZ suspended

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour advised the public in a statement yesterday that there have been minor changes to both schemes which have caused the flights to be temporarily stopped.

The suspension affects seasonal workers who were booked to travel on approved flights in April and the Ministry's assistant CEO, Fepulea'i Roger Toleafoa has thanked affected workers for their patience and said there would be more information about the changes soon.

Samoa approves flights to American Samoa

However, the flights will only bring travellers from Samoa to the territory, and return to Samoa empty.

This is until the Covid- 19 strain for the three confirmed coronavirus cases in the territory are known.

Samoa's Director General of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri, said it is still not clear what the Covid variant is.

Flights from Samoa were suspended last week, affecting travellers for both Samoa Airway and Talofa Airways.

Photo: Supplied Caption: Faleolo airport, Immigration 

     

Flight postponed after Samoa issues new travel advice

They were meant to start Thursday however a last minute change in travel advice from Samoa postponed the plans.

The Samoa government now required travellers from American Samoa to have a negative COVID-19 test three days before arrival at Faleolo airport.

Up until now travellers from the territory were exempt from that requirement based on the fact the territory was COVID-19 free.

Talofa Airways had advertised the flight for Thursday from Faleolo Airport to bring in skilled labour.

The return flight to Apia to bring back passengers from the territory.

NZ Prime Minister not offended by Samoa restricting Air New Zealand flights from Auckland

Samoa's Ministry of Health issued a directive on Saturday (local time) saying there was an increased risk of COVID-19 entering the country after New Zealand diagnosed its first case.

Ardern says it is up to each country what safety precautions they impose and how they deal with the disease.

"Ultimately, our Pacific Island nations are going to make their own decisions around how they wish to manage potential human-to-human transmission," she says.