MercoPress https://en.mercopress.com/ South Atlantic News Agency en Copyright 2026, MercoPress. https://en.mercopress.com/web/img/en/mercopress-logo.gif MercoPress http://en.mercopress.com/ <![CDATA[European airlines cut flights and raise fares as Iran conflict fuels jet fuel crisis]]> Lufthansa said the cuts would save approximately 40,000 metric tons of fuel. Reductions target routes operated from Frankfurt and Munich Lufthansa Group announced on Tuesday the cancellation of 20,000 short-haul flights from its summer schedule through October, the most significant measure taken so far by a European airline in response to soaring jet fuel prices driven by the conflict in Iran. The decision is part of a broader trend reshaping European aviation ahead of the peak travel season.

]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:25:00 GMT <![CDATA[Falklands participating at the IAATO annual meeting at Annapolis, MD]]> The Falklands representatives at the annual IAATO meeting A delegation of Falkland Islands representatives is currently attending the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, IAATO, Annual Meeting, (20/23 April), which also includes a Marketplace expo, at Annapolis, Maryland, United States

]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:17:00 GMT <![CDATA[Tourism accounted for nearly half of Uruguay's GDP growth in 2025, generating $2.04 billion in exports]]> Uruguay received 3,604,488 visitors during 2025, a figure that exceeds the country's total population, estimated at around 3.4 million Tourism accounted for nearly half of Uruguay's gross domestic product growth in 2025 and represented 6.2% of the country's economic activity, according to the first monitor produced by the Uruguayan Chamber of Tourism together with the Center for the Study of Economic and Social Reality (Ceres), presented on Thursday in Punta del Este.

]]> Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:09:00 GMT <![CDATA[Holy Week boosts Paraguayan tourism: 90% hotel occupancy and 36% revenue increase]]> Senatur promoted the season under its “Guide Your Inner Self” campaign Domestic tourism during Holy Week in Paraguay grew 15% compared with the previous year, with 409,431 visitors generating revenue of $55.5 million, a 36% increase, the National Tourism Secretariat (Senatur) reported based on data from its Tourism Observatory.

]]> Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:15:00 GMT <![CDATA[Formula 1-standard circuit proposed for Uruguay’s Punta del Este]]> Maldonado mayor Damián Tort said the department draws investment because it offers “confidence, stability and clear rules,” framing the initiative as a potential driver of jobs and global visibility Local authorities in Uruguay’s Maldonado department are reviewing a proposal by Brazil’s Stehling Racing Team to develop a racetrack built to Formula 1 standards in the Punta del Este–Laguna del Sauce corridor, a plan still at an early stage and without any confirmation that it would translate into hosting a world championship round.

]]> Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:44:00 GMT <![CDATA[Falklands, review and challenges for FIGAS, the Islands Air Service]]> The versatile Britten-Norman Islander, the backbone of air service in the Falklands A review of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service, FIGAS, and its current challenges will be taking take place, it has been revealed by members of the Executive Council. It comes as ExCo were updated on the latest progress regarding the ongoing Britten-Norman Islander aircraft replacement project, which has encountered several delays.

]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:19:00 GMT <![CDATA[UK begins implementation of Electronic Travel Administration for visitors]]> If you're travelling on a non-British passport, you'll now need an ETA before you travel. Without a valid ETA, you won't be allowed to board transport to the UK. The UK is transitioning to a digital immigration system. These reforms are designed to enhance security, reduce reliance on physical documents, and streamline the traveller experience through automated checks undertaken by carriers against Home Office records. Effective 25 February 2026:

]]> Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:51:00 GMT <![CDATA[Aerolíneas Argentinas cancels 255 flights amid CGT strike, US$3m loss estimated]]> The airline said it worked on mitigations including rescheduling, advancing departures and shifting delays outside the expected disruption window Aerolíneas Argentinas said it will cancel 255 flights across its network on Thursday, February 19, as Argentina’s main labor confederation, the CGT, carries out a 24-hour general strike. The airline estimated the disruption will affect more than 31,000 passengers and generate losses of about US$ 3 million.

]]> Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:47:00 GMT <![CDATA[Venezuela reopens airspace as flight links restart after months of disruption]]> The reopening follows U.S. moves to roll back aviation limitations that were imposed amid heightened tension and military activity in the Caribbean and near Venezuelan airspace Venezuela said it has reopened its commercial airspace after restrictions that had disrupted international routes since late 2025, a shift that airlines are beginning to translate into a phased return of flights to and from Caracas.

]]> Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:00:00 GMT <![CDATA[Cuba tells airlines it will run out of jet fuel as of Monday, deepening energy crisis]]> The jet-fuel warning follows other emergency steps in the tourism sector Cuba has warned international airlines that it will run out of aviation fuel starting Monday, widening an energy emergency that has already disrupted transport, public services and economic activity — and now threatens to further squeeze tourism, one of the island’s main sources of hard currency.

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