In travel news for June 7th, 2023 we talk about Vikings ambitious expansion in Egypt, more strikes coming to London Heathrow, and a massive NATO exercise will affect European Air Travel this summer.
A New Dawn on the Nile: Viking Unveils Its 2024 Sail Dates Amid Rising Demand for Egypt
In response to the increasing global interest in Egypt's ancient allure, Viking, a highly-regarded Cruise line, has opened reservations for its 2024 sailings on its newest ship, Viking Hathor. This advanced vessel is slated to begin its journey along the Nile River from summer 2024, providing travelers an in-depth exploration of Egypt. In addition to the Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, Viking offers pre- and post-cruise extensions, including a five-day tour in London exploring Egyptian antiquities, or trips to Istanbul, Jordan, and Jerusalem. The Viking Hathor will join the Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, Viking Ra, and MS Antares in the Viking fleet, reinforcing the brand's commitment to meeting the surging demand for Egyptian travel. Viking plans to have six ships in its Egyptian fleet by 2025, highlighting Egypt's growing popularity as a global tourist destination.
A Summer of Strikes: How Airport Security Disruptions May Impact Your Travel Plans
A Union at London Heathrow Airport has announced a 31-day Strike commencing on June 24, involving over 2,000 security officers. This strike, a major escalation in the dispute over pay, will impact operations at Terminal Three and Five and affect several major airlines. The strike dates coincide with popular travel periods, further exacerbating the potential disruption. The union is adamant about continuing the strike until a fair pay offer is made by Heathrow Airport Limited. Officials from Heathrow maintain the airports commitment to minimizing disruption and protect passenger journeys during these strikes.
Aerial Displays of Defense and Their Potential Impact on European Travel Plans
NATO's largest ever air force deployment exercise, 'Air Defender 2023', taking place from June 12-22, could result in days of delayed flights. The exercise, centered over German airspace, will involve rerouting approximately 800 daily flights. This could lead to significant delays during the peak travel season. With certain airspace blocks closed to civilian aircraft, flights will have to navigate around three main clusters, potentially impacting major airports operating in or providing flights to Germany. The German Air Force insists the exercise is a necessity to ensure national security.