Russian Travelers Flock to Vietnam as Flights Resume and Ruble Strengthens

Russian Travelers Flock to Vietnam as Flights Resume and Ruble Strengthens

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) has noted a significant rise in the number of Russians visiting Vietnam, extending beyond just the fall and winter months to include trips during May holidays and summer breaks.

Head of ATOR Maya Lomidze cited multiple reasons for the increase, such as accumulated demand from previous years, the reinstatement of direct flight options, and the enhancement of the ruble’s strength.

She mentioned that Vietnam is expected to rank within the top 10 summer travel spots, possibly even breaking into the top five.

Direct flights between Russia and Vietnam have been restarted following an extended pause caused by the Covid pandemic.

Aeroflot from Russia initiated direct services to Nha Trang on March 22, whereas Vietnam Airlines intends to commence regular flights connecting Moscow and Hanoi beginning in May.

Moreover, Russian companies Azur Air and Pegas Touristik are increasing their charter flight operations.

The Russian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Timur Sadykov, has shown confidence that the reinstated flight connections will not just restore but also exceed pre-pandemic tourist numbers, thereby enhancing mutual ties even more.

As reported by the travel website Travelata.ru, interest in group tours to Vietnam rose by 5% in March compared to February and saw an increase of 9% in February relative to January.

According to data provided by Sletat.ru, tour sales between February 1 and March 18 increased threefold compared to the previous year.

In March, Level.Travel saw their tour sales quadruple, with Vietnam becoming the quickest-expanding destination, outpacing Thailand, Indonesia, and neighboring nations.

Yandex Travel saw a 49% rise in airline ticket purchases for trips to Vietnam compared to the previous year, with tickets costing an average of 81,000 RUB (more than $950).

In the meantime, the hotel reservation platform Ostrovok reported a 25% increase in bookings in Vietnam starting from early March, accompanied by an 18% surge in the average daily rate to approximately 5,100 RUB.

Belgium Airport Strike Cripples Flights: Moroccan Authorities Warn Travelers


As Belgium faces significant disruption due to a national strike organized by its two main labor unions—the Christian Trade Union Confederation (CSC) and the General Federation of Belgian Labour (FGTB)—air travel within the nation has been heavily affected. Consequently, Morocco’s National Airports Authority has advised passengers traveling to and from Belgium to verify their flight statuses prior to departing for the airport.


The strike impacting both Brussels and Charleroi airports is in opposition to governmental changes, notably the intended removal of early retirement benefits for staff working in security, military roles, and at airports. This action has resulted in the cancelation of all outbound flights from Brussels Airport and could affect inbound ones as well. Meanwhile, activities at Charleroi Airport are anticipated to face significant disruptions, potentially interfering with more than 800 flight schedules.


Legal specialists agree that airlines are obligated to present alternate flights or issue refunds; however, they are not compelled to supply extra compensation. There’s potential for the strike to intensify, as labor unions have scheduled additional demonstrations for May.

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A strike at the Belgium airport has led to flight disruptions, prompting Moroccan officials to advise travelers.
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UK Airports Ranked: Where Luggage Goes Missing & Flights Get Canceled vs. the Near-Perfect Customer Experience

UK Airports Ranked: Where Luggage Goes Missing & Flights Get Canceled vs. the Near-Perfect Customer Experience



  • EXPLORE FURTHER: As an airline stewardess, here’s why you should AVOID drinking coffee onboard

A recent study has identified and criticized the UK’s worst airports known for frequently losing passengers’ baggage and cancelling flights.

Travelers are advised to carefully select their airports to avoid potential disruptions in their journey.

If you wish to avoid losing sight of your belongings, stay away from Southampton Airport, as it led the rankings for having the highest likelihood of misplacing baggage, receiving 0.18 percent of complaints out of every 100,000 travelers during the period covering 2022 through 2024.

It placed as the second worst in terms of canceled flights with a rate of 3.63 percent and experienced an average delay of 16 minutes.

The airport reported the largest number of grievances at 4.42 percent and garnered an abysmal total rating of three out of ten.

In the meantime, those traveling with the aim of having a smooth trip might consider an alternative airport in Scotland, since Aberdeen was deemed the least favorable due to flight cancellations, with 4.25 percent of trips being affected.

It features an average delay time of 13 minutes and arrives with only 51 percent of UK flights.
left as scheduled in 2024

However, your luggage might fare even better since it accounted for just 0.08 percent of the complaints regarding misplaced baggage from 2022 to 2024.



Nevertheless, it still managed to secure only a below-average total score of 4.7 out of 10.

In the meantime, Manchester Airport remains at the bottom for customer experience, scoring an astounding two out of ten in the survey conducted.
Bounce
.

Last year, it encountered protests, power outages, long lines, delays, and cancellations.

The airport received two out of five points for cleanliness, ease of navigation, and queue times, ranking at the bottom in every category.

Many grievances filed with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), accounting for 2.59 percent, along with an extended mean wait time of 20 minutes, were factors that led to Manchester receiving a poor overall score.

London Gatwick received a mere 2.6 out of 10 as its second-lowest score.

It similarly showed a significant number of cancellations, with about 1.43 percent of flights being canceled.

The airport likewise recorded the longest average delay time at 23 minutes.


Although it shared the second position with Manchester, each having a 0.15 percent chance of losing your luggage, which made them equally probable choices for this issue.

Nevertheless, travelers heading to and from Liverpool have something to celebrate since it received nearly full marks with an overall rating of nine out of ten.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport boasts one of the smallest average delay times at merely 13 minutes, along with a flight cancellation rate of only 0.59 percent. This makes it highly probable for passengers to arrive at their destinations punctually when departing from this airport.

The airport also recorded the remarkable feat of having absolutely no complaints about lost luggage.

Cody Candee, CEO and Founder of Bounce, stated: “The findings indicate that UK airports have significant potential for enhancement regarding delivering a more effective and smoother experience for passengers.”

This subpar performance places significant stress on travelers who must contend with the frequently bewildering airport signs and lengthy security lines.

‘Taking this into consideration, passengers ought to adequately prepare for their airport journey to ensure it is as smooth as possible.’

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Cebu Pacific Launches PISO Sale: Fly Local or International for a Steal!

Cebu Pacific Launches PISO Sale: Fly Local or International for a Steal!

Explore travel from just P1!

Cebu Pacific declared in a

Facebook post

On Friday, March 28, they announced that they’re concluding the month with a Piso Sale.

Using this promotion, you can take advantage of PHP 1 one-way base fares for flights to various destinations within the Philippines and other nations departing from Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, Clark, and Davao.

The sales phase ends on March 31, whereas the travel dates range from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.

Please be aware that the stated domestic rates include a 7 kg carry-on luggage limit. Nonetheless, these prices do not cover the web administration fee, 12% value-added tax, airport charges, and additional fuel costs.

The stated international charges include the same carry-on luggage allowances; however, they do not cover web administration fees for both short-haul and long-haul trips, as well as an additional P550 charge for using the international terminal and fuel surcharges.

To take advantage of the offer, head over to the airline company’s website or physical location.

seat sale section

Then click “Book Now” next to your selected location.

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Cebu Pacific launches PISO fare promotion for both domestic and international routes.
was originally published in
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Ferry Company Cancels First Scheduled Departure

Ferry Company Cancels First Scheduled Departure

The initial voyage planned by the firm that secured the contract was set into motion.
operate the island’s ferry services
was canceled with little warning.

The DFDS service from Jersey to St Malo was set to leave on Friday.

The Tarifa Jet has been getting some refurbishment work done at Portland in anticipation of its new route, but DFDS mentioned that these improvements have faced delays because of technical problems.

More to follow.

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More on this story

  • DFDS releases schedule for Jersey to France ferry services
  • Two high-speed ferries unveiled for Jersey
  • Additional routes to France included in the ferry timetable have been announced.

Related internet links

  • DFDS
Ryanair’s New £79 Subscription: What Travelers Need to Know About the Fine Print

Ryanair’s New £79 Subscription: What Travelers Need to Know About the Fine Print

Ryanair, the budget carrier, has introduced a new subscription plan designed to significantly reduce travel costs for those who fly frequently.

The fresh Prime subscription service made its debut on March 24, providing a range of benefits such as special privileges and exclusives.
seating
sales and free
travel insurance
It has a price of £79 for a year-long subscription, as mentioned
Ryanair
The membership perks for this service encompass “guaranteed reserved seating at no cost, complimentary travel insurance, and entry into twelve special member-only ticket sales each year.” This ensures that ‘Prime’ members can secure the most advantageous flight deals throughout the entire year.

The no-frills airline says the subscription will equate to £420 in savings for members who fly 12 times per year and even members who only fly three times a year will reportedly save themselves up to £105. But before you get too excited, there are a few fine-print details travellers should be aware of. For one, Ryanair is limiting access to the Prime subscription to 250,000 airline members on a first-come, first-served basis. So if you don’t already have a myRyanair account, you’ll need to get one quickly to be eligible for the scheme.


READ MORE:

One of Ryanair’s lesser-known rules that allows for last-minute changes to your seating arrangement.

Additionally, the subscription is presently accessible exclusively to members residing in specific countries because of constraints related to insurance coverage. Currently, Ryanair Prime is available solely to members from these countries:

  • Austria

  • Belgium

  • France

  • Germany

  • Greece

  • Italy

  • Ireland

  • Netherlands

  • United Kingdom

  • Poland

  • Portugal

  • Spain

Certain age restrictions apply regarding who can fully benefit from the subscription’s travel insurance coverage. Individuals within the European Union who are 70 years of age or older at the time they join, including those turning 70 during the policy term, won’t qualify for particular medical benefits with the Prime travel insurance plan.

A key detail travelers ought to keep in mind is that they’ll have just one opportunity each month to take advantage of the exclusive seat sales meant for members. As stated on the airline’s site: “For those who subscribe to Ryanair Prime, you’re entitled to secure as many as 12 complimentary spots for yourself and another dozen free seats for your chosen Ryanair Prime Companion within certain areas across particular routes throughout your subscription period. Should preferred seating not be accessible, standard random assignment comes into play.” To include a Ryanair Prime Companion under their account, members simply need to pay an extra voucher charge. While these companions enjoy most perks associated with being part of the program, booking responsibilities remain solely with the main subscriber.


READ MORE:

Each new Ryanair destination launching at UK airports this summer

The 12-month timer starts once you pay the £79 fee and will renew automatically unless you cancel it. Just remember, you can’t use a Ryanair gift card to cover the cost of a Prime membership. Even with these minor limitations detailed in the terms, the advantages for those who frequently fly with Ryanair stand out. As stated
Ryanair
CMO, Dara Brady says, “If you enjoy frequent flights and want to save money, choosing Ryanair ‘Prime’ is an obvious choice.”

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