Expats dumping cars, flying back home to dodge credit crunch

For many expat workers in Dubai it was the ultimate symbol of their tax-free wealth...... a luxurious car that few could have afforded on the money they earned at home.

Now, faced with crippling debts as a result of their high living and Dubai’s fading fortunes, many expatriates are abandoning their cars at the airport and fleeing home rather than risk jail for defaulting on loans. Police have found more than 3,000 cars outside Dubai’s international airport in recent months. Most of the cars – four-wheel drives, saloons and “a few” Mercedes, had keys left in the ignition.

Gee, that's strange. Who could've possibly seen that one coming? Does this mean we aren't going to get that refrigerated beach we were promised? Park and Fly just took on a whole new meaning.

STORY IN THE TIMES

Baggage handlers' dispute sparks travel chaos at Brussels airport

Scores of flights in and out of Brussels' main Zaventem airport were delayed or cancelled on Monday as a result of a walkout by baggage carriers.

Airport officials said thousands of passengers were affected by the strike, which was called by Aviapartner workers to protest against harsh working conditions.

Belgian media quoted trade union officials as saying that the number of workers asked to attend each carousel shift had been reduced from five to three. Management disputed the claim, saying any reduction in personnel was caused by "unforeseen circumstances", such as flight delays.

The airport's website showed dozens of flights being either delayed or cancelled as a result of the strike. Many had to be rerouted to other airports, such as Liege's Bierset.

More than 25,000 passengers had been expected to depart from Brussels airport on Monday, with almost as many expected to arrive.

SUX, it's better than GAY

Sioux City, Iowa Gateway Airport finally decided to embrace their city’s three letter code, which happens to be SUX, which they feel happens to be better than GAY.

City leaders have scrapped plans to do away with the Sioux Gateway Airport's unflattering three-letter identifier _ SUX _ and instead have made it the centerpiece of the airport's new marketing campaign.
The code, used by pilots and airports worldwide and printed on tickets and luggage tags, will be used on T-shirts and caps sporting the airport's new slogan, "FLY SUX." It also forms the address of the airport's redesigned Web site _ http://www.flysux.com/.
Sioux City officials petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration to change the code in 1988 and 2002. At one point, the FAA offered the city five alternatives _ GWU, GYO, GYT, SGV and GAY _ but airport trustees turned them down.

Ryanair...We'll get you there when we feel like it!

Belgians left stranded

Several dozen Belgians were forced to spend Friday night at Pisa Airport after the plane that was due to take them to back Charleroi in Hainaut province was grounded by bad weather. To save ten eurocents per passenger Ryanair has initiated their new "run naked through security" procedures, as seen above.
The passengers will now have to wait until Monday evening for the next scheduled flight back to Belgium from the airport or buy a ticket with another airline to try, if they want to return to Belgium before.
The stranded passengers are unhappy at having to pay for three nights extra accommodation.
However, Ryanair is unrepentant. The company's spokesman in Belgium David Gering told VRT radio that "you should compare our flights with bus services".
"If your bus doesn’t turn up you don't expect the bus company to pay for an expensive hotel room while you wait for the next one".

Take the bus, leave the crashing to us!