Crime & Safety
TUI issues update on summer flights amid fuel shortage fears
Budget airline TUI has said it is “monitoring” jet fuel shortages as a result of the Iran war.
Aviation industry bodies have warned that Europe could face jet fuel shortages due to the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping lane for oil between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, being closed.
Some airlines have already been forced to cancel flights due to the issues.
TUI issues update on summer flights amid fuel shortage fears
The update from TUI comes after one concerned passenger asked the question on social media.
They said: “With the reported jet fuel shortages, are you expecting holidays from May 1 to be affected?”
TUI replied: “We’re closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global aviation fuel supplies.
“At present, we’re not anticipating any immediate disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages.”
The positive news for passengers comes amid other airlines making changes to their schedules in the coming months.
TUI has issued an update on its flights amid ongoing fears over fuel shortages from passengers (Image: Getty Images)
Lufthansa has closed its CityLine regional subsidiary, which operates routes between London and Munich and Frankfurt.
Norse Atlantic Airways has cancelled all routes to Los Angeles including flights from London Gatwick Airport.
KLM has axed flights across Europe over the next month, including services to and from London.
However, the Dutch airline says the cancellations are not down to a kerosene shortage.
Despite this, the country’s airline industry association, BARIN, has previously warned that fuel supplies could become a concern as the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel rumbles on and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
In total, it plans to cut 160 flights, split equally between departures from and arrivals into Schiphol Airport.
UK airline Aer Lingus has cut more than 500 flights from its upcoming schedule, but this is due to “mandatory maintenance on aircraft, along with a limited number of schedule adjustments”.
Other major airlines have responded to the fears by increasing fares and adding or increasing fuel surcharges.
Travellers to Spain warned as airport to close for a month with all flights cancelled
Flight cancellations are not the only concern for Brits travelling abroad, with those going to Spain warned amid an upcoming closure of a key airport in the country.
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport in Spain is set to close for an entire month due to resurfacing work on the runway.
These works will see all flights cancelled, affecting thousands of British travellers.
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport in Spain is closing for a month affecting thousands of passengers (Image: Getty Images)
It will be closed from April 23 to May 27, with its website saying: “During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place.
“If you have any questions about your flight status, schedule changes, or possible rebooking, we recommend contacting your airline.”
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Around 30 flights run each week between the UK and Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport.
Most of the flights operate out of London-based airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, while there are also non-direct flights to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro from Manchester.
Alternative airports include A Coruña Airport (around 75 km away) and Vigo Airport (100 km).
Have you been affected by any flight cancellations or price increases this year? Let us know in the comments.
Crime & Safety
Oxford: Arrest made after police appeal for wanted man
Thames Valley Police said a 43-year-old man from Oxford has been arrested, in an update released on Monday, April 20.
It followed an earlier appeal for help finding a wanted man in connection with a suspected breach of the terms of a Serious Crime Prevention Order.
READ MORE: Kidlington shocked as man ‘stabbed’ several times’
The arrested man is now being held in police custody.
An appeal has been removed from Thames Valley Police’s social media channels and website, including the accompanying image of the wanted man.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Thames Valley Police is no longer appealing for help to find a man wanted in Oxford.
“Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal.”
Crime & Safety
Shiplake Lock reopened after two week closure for repairs
Shiplake Lock, between Shiplake and Lower Shiplake on the edge of Oxfordshire, was closed for nearly two weeks while repairs were carried out.
A boat crash on Tuesday, April 7 had caused the gates to be knocked out of place, leaving the boat unnavigable for barges.
READ MORE: Kidlington shocked as man ‘stabbed’ several times’
The Environment Agency shut the lock to all river traffic ‘until further notice’ so that it could inspect the damage and carry out repairs.
Shiplake Lock was damaged by a boat crash (Image: Environment Agency)
Today, Monday, April 20, the agency said Shiplake Lock has been fully reopened.
One further brief closure has been planned for a ‘final inspection’ from 9am on Wednesday, April 22.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Shiplake Lock is now open for navigation.
“As a precaution, we will be conducting a final inspection of the lock from 9am Wednesday 22 April.
“Please be aware the lock will be closed for a short period of time whilst this inspection is completed.
READ MORE: Oxford: ‘English pride’ protest met with counter-protest
“We thank river users for their patience and understanding.”
An initial opening date of Thursday, April 16 was pushed back after the extent of the required repairs was discovered.
Contractors put together a floating pontoon and crane assembly which allowed the lock gate to be partially lifted and put back into place by a crew.
Crime & Safety
Bicester man denies sexually assaulting two young girls
Oliver Cosh, of Wensum Crescent, Bicester, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Monday, April 20.
The 36-year-old has pleaded not guilty to seven counts.
He is charged with three counts of sexual assault against an eight-year-old girl in Bicester between August 31, 2029 and January 1, 2020.
READ MORE: Oxford ring road crash barrier to prevent illegal parking
Cosh is also charged with three counts of sexual assault against a girl aged between 10 and 11 during the same time period.
He is also charged with one count of inciting the 10-11 year old to engage in sexual activity.
The jury was sworn in on Monday, April 20 and Judge Maria Lamb gave some preliminary legal directions.
The case will be opened by prosecution barrister James Clifford on Tuesday, April 21.
The trial continues.
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