Travel Industry News 12 September 2022

We are hugely saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. As we all make personal reflections on Her Majesty’s service of our country and The Commonwealth, we would like to share our appreciation and admiration of her promotion of our industry.


Japan eases Covid rules for fully vaccinated travellers

Japan has moved to further ease its Covid-19 entry requirements for international visitors. From 7 September, the country no longer requires fully vaccinated travellers to provide a negative PCR test, although they still need to obtain a visa for business trips to Japan as the visa waiver programme remains suspended.

Japan has also raised the daily cap for the number of foreign travellers permitted to enter the country from 20,000 to 50,000 passengers.


KLM introduces premium economy on New York JFK flight

KLM has operated the first official flight featuring its new premium economy cabin.  Premium Comfort Class is located in a separate area in the aircraft. The seats are wider, offering more legroom and they have more recline than in Economy Class. With an elaborate menu and SkyPriority boarding, the new class offers extra comfort to passengers.


Saudi Arabia: New visa scheme for GCC, EU, UK, and US residents

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced a new visa scheme that will be applicable to residents of GCC states, the US, EU, and the UK.

The visas price starts at SAR300, with an additional component payable for health insurance.  UK, US and EU residents who hold a passport with at least six months of validity can get their visa on arrival, while GCC residents are required to apply for an eVisa online.


easyJet offers lounge access to Flexi Fare customers at London Gatwick

easyJet has launched a trial offering free lounge access to customers with Flexi Fare tickets for flights from London Gatwick’s North Terminal.  Access to the Gateway Lounge is available to all Flexi Fare customers until 30 November. They will be able to use the lounge daily for up to three hours from 6am.  The carrier’s Flexi Fare is a bundled fare which provides customers with a large cabin bag, a 23kg hold bag, a free ‘Up Front’ seat, use of a dedicated bag drop, fast track security, speedy boarding, free flight and route changes, and an Eat Drink Shop voucher.


Travel news as a glance:

  • Singapore Changi airport to resume departure operations at Terminal 2
  • Stansted airport granted permission for solar farm
  • ITA Airways adds new route to India
  • easyJet affirms sustainability commitments with IATA accreditation
  • Global air travel reaches 75 per cent of pre-Covid traffic