From Wikitravel Shared

[edit] December

27 December 2006

A powerful earthquake and series of aftershocks hit Taiwan early Dec 27th. The damage included two deaths and over 40 injuries as well as structural damage and the loss of Internet access for Taiwan and China. Transportation and communications have also been disrupted. Travellers should allow extra time for travel and try to confirm the status of their hotels and any transportation they plan to use See Wikinews [1] for more info. (more...)

23 December 2006

The Ethiopian government has acknowledged that its troops are inside Somalia's borders supporting the fragile coalition government against Islamic militants. Air attacks by Ethiopian jets have targeted towns loyal to the Islamic Courts Union. Somalia's dismal prospects for all sorts of travelers have descended to further depths; casual travelers should make other plans, and aid and government workers should consult their agencies for details. See Wikinews [2] for more info. (more...)

22 December 2006

Denver's international airport has been shut down due to a massive snowfall in the Mile High City. With over 2 feet of snow during the storm, more than 2500 flights have been canceled. Passengers traveling through DIA, a hub for both United and Frontier Airlines, are trapped in the building, since the highways going in and out of the remote facility are also closed. The Red Cross has provided food and blankets for some but not all passengers, many of whom were traveling for the high Christmas season. With London Heathrow also out of order, two of the world's ten biggest airports are now inoperable. See Wikinews [3] for more info. (more...)

22 December 2006

Dense freezing fog is causing transport chaos in Southern England, and leaving christmas travel plans in tatters for millions of airline passengers, as flights from Heathrow airport are cancelled. Most domestic flights, and some european flights have been cancelled. Other flights including transatlantic flights are subject to delays.

Passengers travelling from Heathrow are advised to check with their airline before going to the airport, since the airport lounges are now overcrowded.

Heathrow airport near London is the Europe's largest airport, and (normally) the world's busiest airport in terms of international passenger movement. Flights from other London airports are also affected. Delays are also occurring on English motorways due to the fog (more...)

10 December 2006

The death of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet has sparked protests and riots in Santiago de Chile and throughout Chile. Clashes between between police have been reported. (more...)

5 December 2006

Military seizes control of Fiji locking down the capital. Commodore Frank Bainimarama announced in a nationally broadcast statement that, "As of 6 o'clock this evening, the military has taken over the government, has executive authority and the running of this country." (more...)

3 December 2006

The introduction of daylight saving time to Western Australia has affected some of the flight times at Perth Airport by an hour. Passengers have been advised to confirm departure times with airlines. (more...)

[edit] November

10 November 2006

Media reports from Fiji indicate the military commander is not engaging with the Great Council of Chiefs' attempts to avert a coup. Mediators from the Council went to see the Commander after he did not show up at a Council meeting called to resolve the dispute between the Commander and Fiji's Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, meanwhile, announced amendments to proposed legislation that partly met the Commander's demands. (more...)

6 November 2006

Effective today, all flights within and from the European Union limit liquids, gels and creams in hand baggage to 100 mL/container, carried in a transparent, zip-lock plastic bag (1L or less). The bag must be presented during security checks and only one bag per passenger is permitted. (more...)

4 November 2006

The British Foreign Office strongly advises against all but essential travel to Fiji due to tensions between the Fiji government and military. The Fiji Military Commander issued an ultimatum to the government demanding that they resign by the start of November. He is currently out of the country but is expected to return in the first week of November, when the situation is expected to deteriorate rapidly. (more...)

[edit] October

27 October 2006

Hong Kong-based Oasis airline has started low fare flight to London-Gatwick for only £75/HK$1,000one-way. Other low fare routes to Milan, Berlin, Cologne, Oakland and Chicago will soon be opened. (more...)

15 October 2006

A strong earthquake measuring 6.6 on the moment magnitude scale shook Hawaii at 18:07 (UTC). Structural damage to buildings, power outage, and plumbing problems have all been reported. Honolulu International Airport canceled departing flights, however, was still accepting incoming flights. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is reporting there is not a threat of a tsunami to strike the area. (more...)

7 October 2006

Severe haze is affecting parts of Indonesia (Sumatra and Borneo), Malaysia, Singapore and even southern Thailand. People with respiratory ailments are advised to stay indoors and avoid vigorous activity.

• Haze data in Singapore (updated hourly)
• Map of regional haze (updated daily) (more...)

04 October 2006

The Swedish unions and SAS have made an agreement, however it only lasts until february 2007.But the Danish unions and SAS are still arguing. If both parts haven't come to an agreement until Tuesday 10/10, a strike will break out that will disturb especially the traffic on Copenhagen Kastrup, the largest(in terms of passenger-volume) airport in Northern Europe. (more...)

[edit] September

28 September 2006

Starting today, all flights to and from the Thai capital Bangkok move to the new Suvarnabhumi Airport. The first day was relatively smooth, but allow extra time and avoid check-in baggage if possible. [4] (more...)

25 September 2006

The US now allow toiletries (3 oz max), lip gloss and hand lotion, as well as bringing on board items bought at the airport. while UK airports allow standard-size cabin bags again. (more...)

23 September 2006

Muslims' annual month of fasting and prayer has begun. Travellers in Islamic countries should note the practice of fasting between sunrise and sunset, limited office hours and transportation jams towards the end of the month. (more...)

19 September 2006

An army faction has staged a coup in Thailand. No blood has been shed so far and most basic services continue to function, but banks and government offices are to remain closed on the 20th. Avoid demonstrations, military units and government buildings. (more...)

15 Sep 2006

Starting today, Jetstar and some Thai domestic flights will move to Bangkok's long-awaited new Suvarnabhumi Airport, which will take over all flights to and from the Thai capital by Sept 28. Expect chaos as operations settle in. [5] (more...)

[edit] August

24 Aug 2006

Riots in Kinshasa, the capital of the troubled D.R. Congo are dissipating and the airport has reopened. [6] (more...)

22 Aug 2006

Kinshasa, the capital of the troubled D.R. Congo, is flames against after election results were announced. The city's airport is closed to all flights. [7] (more...)

15 August 2006

Effective today, a single small carry-on bag, which may contain electronics, is allowed on flights leaving the UK. Liquids, gels and pastes remain banned both in the UK and the US. Department for Transport: Airline security (more...)

10 August 2006

The uncovering of a terrorist plot has caused chaos at British airports. Many flights to London, Birmingham and other major hubs have been cancelled or delayed; reroute travel if possible. Severe restrictions currently forbid bringing nearly anything as carry-on: all liquids, computers, cameras, iPods, duty-free goods, reading material and even spectacle cases are now banned. Department for Transport: Airline security (more...)

7 August 2006

Mount Mayon, Philippines' biggest volcano, is predicted to erupt in the next few days and Philippine authorities have evacuated around 35000 people living within 8km of the crater. Travel is not advised to the immediate area. (more...)

1 Aug 2006

Bangladesh's flag carrier Biman is in serious financial trouble. Flights to New York have been suspended and routes to Paris, Frankfurt and Yangon will be terminated in October. All international routes are under review and, with ancient aircraft and mounting debts, the airline's future is uncertain. (more...)

[edit] July

27 July 2006

Fighting in Lebanon and Israel continues to disrupt travel in the region. Lebanese flag carrier MEA is now flying again, but has temporarily shifted to use Damascus, Syria as its hub. (more...)

11 July 2006

Seven explosions have been reported from local trains in Bombay during the evening rush hours. Casualties are expected to be heavy. Travel to the city might be affected in the near future. Expect increased security. (more...)

2 July 2006

The 1140-km Qinghai-Tibet railway, connecting Lhasa to Golmud and hence all the way to Beijing, has opened. The highest point of the line is at over 5000 meters, and cabins will be oxygen supplied to help passengers cope. Tickets start from 389 yuan from Beijing to Lhasa. (more...)

1 July 2006

Shanghai's new South Railway Station has opened for business. The station will handles services to the south of the city, including Hangzhou and Hong Kong, but services will be in flux until the entire complex is operational so check carefully. The station can be reached on subway line 1 and 3. (more...)

[edit] June

10 June 2006

Floods in Uttaradit have washed away tracks connecting Bangkok and Chiang Mai, disrupting services on the northern line. Target date for restoring service is June 17th. [8] (more...)

2 June 2006

The reopening of Tokyo Narita's Terminal 1 shifts many airlines around: in a nutshell, Star Alliance airlines will move to T1, oneworld airlines move to T2, and other airlines may stay put or move so check carefully. [9] (more...)

[edit] May

28 May 2006

After a €700 million construction project, a new Central Railway Station will open in Berlin, Germany. Nearly all long-distance trains to and from Berlin will be rerouted to use the station, and travel times north and south will be significantly reduced. [10] (more...)

26 May 2006

The East Timorese capital Dili has been wracked by gun battles as disgruntled soldiers protest against layoffs. Australian troops have moved in to quell the fighting, but most countries are advising tourists to steer clear. (more...)

16 May 2006

The third day of violent attacks by gangs have brought much of the Brazilian city of São Paulo to a standstill. While the violence has been mainly directed at the police and security forces, Monday saw buses and subway stations torched and even the domestic airport closed due to bomb threats. [11] (more...)

14 May 2006

Mount Merapi, a volcano about 30 km from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, has started to erupt, with pyroclastic flows reaching 4 km from the crater. The eruption is not presently menacing Yogyakarta directly, but the region around the volcano has been evacuated and is closed to visits. Travelers to Yogyakarta should monitor the Smithsonian Institution's weekly update of volcanic activity via the Global Volcanism Program for current information. (more...)

11 May 2006

Brazil is expecting a major boom in the tourism industry this year, with an increasing number of visitors also expected in the next few years. According to Ministério do Turismo, the country's bureau for travel, tourism and hospitality matters, 6 millions foreign visitors are expected in 2006; the creation of 1,2 million jobs in related activities is expected until 2007. This increase is fueled partly by the recent addition of 30 weekly flights from Europe to the northeast region of the country. (more...)

3 May 2006

Brazil's flag carrier Varig is near financial collapse, with many flights cancelled in recent weeks and the government promising not to intervene if the airline goes bankrupt. The UK FCO has issued a warning advising avoiding travel. (more...)

[edit] April

18 April 2006

Mount Merapi, a volcano about 30 km (20 miles) from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is showing signs of an impending eruption. Climbing the mountain, a common activity for the visitor, is prohibited for the time being, and contingency plans are being prepared for evacuation of villages close to the volcano if the eruption intensifies, but the eruption is not threatening Yogyakarta itself at the present time. The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program web site has more details. (more...)

14 April 2006

Anti-government demonstrations in Nepal are becoming larger and increasingly violent, with 4 people killed and dozens injured in clashes in Kathmandu. Curfews are in place in all major cities and security forces have orders to shoot to kill curfew violators. See US Dept of State Travel Warning. (more...)

13 April 2006

April marks the 300th anniversary of the founding of the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America. A city-wide celebration [12] is in progress and will continue through the month of April, with several special events on April 23, recognized as the date of the founding. (more...)

[edit] March

30 March 2006

Nyepi, the Hindu New Year, is one Balinese festival best avoided — the entire island shuts down for a day and all tourists are confined to their hotel rooms to hide from the angry demons that are said to roam the earth. (more...)

23 March 2006

New airport terminals built for low-cost carriers open in Kuala Lumpur on March 23 and in Singapore in March 26. Flights by Air Asia, Malaysia's sole low cost carrier, will operate from the new terminal which is located 15km from the main terminal, while Tiger Airways will move to Singapore's Budget Terminal. Both are connected to the main terminal by free shuttle buses. (more...)

22 March 2006

The European Transport Commission publishes a blacklist of nearly 100 unsecure airlines that will be banned from EU skies in the future. (more...)

16 March 2006

Kyushu's New Kitakyushu Airport has opened, giving the Japanese island a new international gateway. (more...)

16 March 2006

Effective 16 March, Ryanair will charge £2.50/€3.50 for each item of checked luggage. However, all fares will also be reduced by 9% (£2.50/€3.50), and passengers travelling with hand luggage and in possession of an EU passport will be able to check-in online proceeding directly to gate for priority boarding. Ryanair is also increasing each passenger’s luggage allowance from the current 25kg to 30kg (comprising 10kg carry-on and 20kg checked-in luggage). (more...)

7 March 2006

There have been multiple bomb blasts [13] at many places in Varanasi, including the Sankat mochan temple. Many deaths have been reported. While details are awaited, it has been clarified in the news channels that no idols have been harmed. Varanasi is Hinduism's holiest place and Islamic militants have already been suspected. India has had a history of such blasts, and often this has led to rioting between Hindus and Muslims. Visitors planning trips to India should keep an eye on the news to see how this turns out and how it affects their travel plans. But keep in mind that India is a big country and any local disturbances will not necessarily mean that the place you are going to is affected. (more...)

5 March 2006

Most local and long-distance bus services in Finland have been halted by a strike since Sunday at 6 PM. Trains and planes are operating normally, as are HKL's inner-city services in Helsinki. Details at Helsingin Sanomat (in English). (more...)

[edit] February

28 February 2006

Fat Tuesday, the last day before Lent, is celebrated in many countries with a final blowout bacchanalian festival -- alternately known as Mardi Gras, Carnaval, or just Fat Tuesday. Carnaval is different around the world, but common factors include wild costumes, street parties, parades, flirtation, dancing, and lots of alcohol. Famous carnival centers include Rio de Janeiro, Venice, Prague, and New Orleans, which is struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. (more...)

19 February 2006

Cape Town relies for much of its power on Koeberg Nuclear power station - the reactors were shut down on the evening of the 18th of February. Power is gradually being restored to the city, but the premier has appealed to all to use electricity sparingly. (more...)

16 February 2006

Visitors to western Japan now have an additional option as Kobe's new airport opens. Build on reclaimed land, 16 min by train from the city center, the airport handles only domestic flights. (more...)

4 February 2006

The embassies of Denmark and Norway in Damascus, Syria have been set on fire by mobs in response to controversial caricatures of Muhammad published in Denmark and other newspapers throughout Europe. Denmark and Norway have advised citizens to leave Syria immediately. (more...)

[edit] January

27 January 2006

Social networking sites have been exploding across the Internet, with [myspace.com] and [thefacebook.com] leading the pack. In 2005, the trend spread into the travel space, with the launch of a number of travel community sites. Prominent among these sites is [TravBuddy.com], which launched in November and now has nearly 1000 users – and 500 travelogues and reviews. TravBuddy.com was listed as the most innovative Web 2.0 site of 2005 by [Articledashboard.com.]. The effects of travel networking sites is not yet clear, but it seems likely that users will have access to higher quality information resulting from the diverse set of writers and editors, all with different perspectives. (more...)

27 January 2006

Since yesterday northern Italy is under a massive snowing expected to last until tomorrow night. Milan and Genoa Airports are closed until tomorrow and railway connections are experiencing heavy difficulties. Authorities are asking people to use cars only in case of emergency and some highways have been closed to traffic. Travellers are strongly suggested to delay their depart at least until Saturday. (more...)

26 January 2006

A three-day wildcat strike that has paralyzed SAS flights within and from Denmark and Norway has ended. Flights are returning to normal, but the backlog may take time to clear. (more...)

11 January 2006

Due to signs of impending bridge collapse, the main highway between Venezuelan capital Caracas and its international airport has been closed. Land travel via alternative routes may take up to five hours, although business travellers in a hurry may opt for a helicopter transfer instead. A replacement bridge will not be ready until mid-2007 at the earliest. (more...)

05 January 2006

The 22nd International Snow and Ice Festival in the Chinese city of Harbin has kicked off. The festival continues until February 5. (more...)

04 January 2006

The Ukraine may experience a signuficant decrease in natural gas supplies from the Russian owned Gazprom company. The dispute started as four-fold increase in the price of natural gas from the Ukraine's natural gas suppliers. The Ukraine has protested that rate increase and supplies were cut off. The dispute affected reserves and prices in several West European nations and could affect heating prices and various other prices in the Ukraine. (more...)

01 September 2005

By 2008, all travelers, including U.S citizens, to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico and Central and South America, will be required to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. The aim, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is to strengthen border security. By December 31, 2006, the requirement will be applied to air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. One year later, it will be extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel. (more...)