Tag Archives: June 2003

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Dubai Favourite Airport

International Air Transport Association (IATA) has named Dubai as the world's favorite airport in a new passenger survey. This is the second year in succession that it has been rated top in overall passenger satisfaction. Singapore's Changi airport was in second place. The world's busiest airports did not rate well with passengers. Atlanta Hartsfield. and Chicago O'Hare in the US; London Heathrow and Haneda in Tokyo all failed to make the leading group. Canada's Vancouver International scored best in North America while Copenhagen was the European leader.

British Airways E-Mail Hoax

You may have received an e-mail saying that British Airways is giving away free plane tickets to anywhere in the world to anyone who forwards the e-mail to 10 or more people – it is sadly a hoax.

The e-mail claims that it is encouraging more people to fly, following a downturn in the airlines industry because of concerns about the SARS virus and the war in Iraq. It also says that British Airways is working with Microsoft who is allegedly monitoring the distribution of the message. It’s just not true, I’m afraid, so delete them.

Being Careful: Sabah Region

The Canada Dept. of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement dated 21st June 2003:

Canadians should not travel to the islands off the southeast coast of Sabah, including Sipadan and Pandanan. The Abu Sayyaf Group from the Philippines kidnapped foreigners from a diving resort in Sipadan and Pandanan in April and September 2000, and from the resort island of Palawan in the southern Philippines in May 2001. Malaysian authorities have increased security in the southeastern part of Sabah in response to these incidents. Canadians should exercise caution in areas around Semporna and Tawau on the Sabah mainland.

Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, put Canadians at greater risk. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise appropriate caution in large gatherings and crowded places, including pedestrian promenades, shopping malls, open markets, and restaurants. Canadians should monitor local developments and register and remain in regular contact with the Canadian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur or the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Cracks Found in Three Gorges Dam

Experts have found 80 hairline cracks in China's Three Gorges Dam, amid reports of poor workmanship on the world's largest water project, expected to take 17 years – completion expected in 2009. An estimated 250,000 workers are involved in the project and the reservoir will cover 632 square kilometres (395 square miles) of land. Government officials estimate that the dam will resettle 1.2 million people. Critics complain about substandard construction work, corruption and negligence in resettlement work. The project is expected to produce up to one-ninth of China's total output of electricity.