Abacus reveals root causes of global travel disruption
View(s):SINGAPORE – While travel disruption is typically associated with natural disasters, it appears that the real scourge of travel is, more often than not, man-made. This is according to Abacus, Asia Pacific’s leading travel technology company, which this week published metrics on the root causes of disruption across the region and around the world.
Collated from broadcasts of the Abacus TripAlertservice, which advises travel management companies of incidents that threaten their travellers’ schedules and safety, the findings reveal the ripple effects that are causing millions to alter their travel plans. Along with its partner in early detection AidCom, Abacus has analysed over 5,000 early warning alerts broadcast over the course of 2013, according to an Abacus release to the media.
Natural phenomena surfaced as the single largest source of inconvenience, with 28 per cent of all travel disruption stemming from either severe weather conditions or other naturally occurring events. On a regional front, both Oceania and Southeast Asia took a battering last year with 275 and 219 ‘nature’ alerts, respectively. Globally, the Americans suffered most frequently overall, with almost 500 alerts.
However, while man-made disruption was secondary, the repercussions were deemed to be much more serious, compared to forces of nature, as they often evolved into other alerts as they escalated. In fact, out of a total of 1,451 ‘security’ alerts broadcast by AidCom last year, 25 per cent were considered ‘severe’ and led to defensive measures that played havoc with travellers’ plans. Road, airport and even border closures are a common outcome under such circumstances.All man-made political and security related events accounted for four in every ten alerts, often linked to each other. From the one-in-seven that warned of localised political activity came 136 riots with 64 curfews in 2013. Looting was a by-product mentioned in separate 40 alerts.
“The domino effect is why early warning is so important,” explained Peder Kvendset, CEO of Abacus partner in early detection, AidCom. “A political rally or election turning violent quickly becomes a security issue for travellers. Reports of terrorist activity will also spike in the feeds, prompting companies to consider their duty of care to staff working in the vicinity.”
‘Traffic’ advisories follow in number, detailing the locations where congestion, cancellations or closures are likely. Almost half of all political and security incidents reported last year triggered one or more of the 1,488 urgent traffic alerts.
“We track these incidents against travellers’ itineraries two days before, during and after their trip to provide as much information as we can to minimise the effects of disruption,” said Robert Bailey, President and CEO of Abacus. “Essentially, Abacus TripAlert gives our agents a window to act, before their travellers’ options narrow.”
Overall, the Middle East was the focus of the most security alerts at 437 last year: Iraq producing 209 and Syria 115. Cairo was the subject of more alerts (of all types) than any other place on the planet. It was top of the list of cities for political alerts and third for those security-related, just behind Baghdad and Damascus.
In Asia, both India and Bangladesh witnessed frequent clashes and varied protests. Pakistan’s economic capital Karachi produced 25 security alerts during the year, just ahead of Bangkok’s 22 political alerts and nine security.
“The data from 2013 gave us some indication of the risks for this year, perhaps explaining the interest in Abacus TripAlert so far, especially amongst corporate travel agencies with clients who travel to the most exposed areas,” added Mr. Bailey. “While the travel industry flexes exceptionally well around these events to minimise the inconvenience, corporate clients really do appreciate the added foresight of the technology, which offers them the best possible range of options and at least some degree of control.”
| International airlines ready to tackle unruly passengers
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 70th Annual General Meeting (AGM) this week unanimously adopted a resolution that calls on governments and industry to work together on a balanced package of measures to effectively deter and manage the significant problem of unruly air passenger behaviour like physical assault, disturbing good order on board or failing to follow lawful crew instructions, a release issued by the organisation stated from Doha on Monday. “This resolution confirms the determination of airlines to defend the rights of their passengers and crew. Everybody on board is entitled to enjoy a journey free from abusive or other unacceptable behaviour. Many airlines have trained both ground staff and cabin crew in procedures not only to manage incidents of unruly behavior but also in measures to prevent them. But a robust solution needs alignment among airlines, airports, and governments,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO. The adoption of the AGM Resolution known as the Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14), provides a more practically effective deterrent to unruly behaviour by extending the legal jurisdiction for such events to the territory in which the aircraft lands, the release stated. “Governments have recognised that unruly passenger behaviour is a serious issue and we applaud the adoption of MP14 at an ICAO Diplomatic Conference earlier this year. Now, governments must ratify what they have agreed to,” said Tyler. Unruly behaviour has been given a wide definition to include non-compliance with crew instructions, consumption of illegal narcotics, sexual harassment, and physical or verbal confrontation or threats, it was noted. In 2013, the number of incidents of unruly behaviour voluntarily reported to IATA by airlines reached some 8,000 cases. Intoxication, often resulting from alcohol already consumed before boarding, ranks high among factors linked to these incidents. Other causes include irritation with another passenger’s behavior, frustration with rules such as smoking prohibitions or use of electronic devices or emotional triggers originating prior to flight, it was noted. In addition to calling on governments to ratify MP14, the core principles as stated in the release include calls for: Airlines to ensure that they have in place corporate policies and appropriate training programs for cabin crew and ground staff to enable them to prevent or manage disruptive passenger behaviour, including at check-in, during security search, and at the gate; Governments and airlines to raise awareness of the consequences of unruly behaviour; and airports and airport concessionaires such as bars and restaurants to implement procedures that could help prevent unruly behaviour on flights. “Each incident of unruly behaviour marks an unacceptable inconvenience to passengers and crew. A united and balanced approach to the prevention and management of unruly passengers by governments and industry is vital. Governments should adopt all the legal powers at their disposal to ensure unruly passengers face the appropriate consequences for their actions. Airlines, airports, and others must work together to implement the right procedures and train staff to respond effectively to such instances,” said Mr. Tyler. |