star

United Airlines temporarily suspended Newark-New Delhi flights due to poor air quality in India’s capital, and said some extra charges will be waived for passengers forced to reschedule. “We are monitoring advisories as the region remains under a public health emergency, and are coordinating with respective govt agencies,” a spokesperson said. Other airlines were still flying to the national capital and it was not clear if they will follow United’s move to suspend flights. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of Delhi, called the capital a “gas chamber” as thick toxic smog continued to envelop the mega-city of around 20m people Sunday. The levels of the deadliest, tiny particulate matter -- known as PM 2.5, soared to 676 at 2 pm local time. World Health Organisation guidelines suggest levels above 300 are “hazardous.” <br/>

Reinforcing its leadership position in the shift to electric vehicles, Air NZ has been announced as the first airline to join The Climate Group's EV100initiative. The global not-for-profit works with businesses and govts on initiatives that help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EV100 is its new global programme which aims to fast track business uptake of electric vehicles, encouraging organisations to use their buying power and influence to build demand and ultimately help reduce the cost barrier to mainstream use. Earlier this year Air NZ completed the transition of its light vehicle fleet to EVs, "The company's commitment to rolling out electric vehicles and charging infrastructure in its own operations, as well as its leadership in motivating other companies to do the same, sets a crucial example," says EV100. <br/>