Week in Review

According to Buying Business Travel, Emirates and Etihad have announced suspension of all flights to and from Doha. The move comes after the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya and Yemen cut diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Bloomberg reports a number of sanctions have already been levied on Qatar by its Gulf rivals. The UAE, for example, has closed its airspace to all traffic to and from Qatar.

Newsweek notes Australian airline Qantas has banned Qatari nationals from flying to Dubai, as a result of the UAE initially banning them from passing through.

According to The New York Times, President Trump endorsed a proposal on Monday to privatize air traffic control.

GBTA calls ATC privatization a high stakes gamble for the business traveler and has joined Airlines for America and Travelers United in calling on Congress to effectively modernize the nation’s air traffic control.

According to Skift, the United States may extend the laptop ban to flights from 71 additional airports. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly did not specify the airports under consideration.

NPR claims fears continue to grow as DHS officials consider expanding the airline laptop ban.

Buying Business Travel reports Hertz has signed a partnership agreement with Aeromexico and Hertz Mexico.

According to Travel Agent Central, the Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to reinstate the travel ban.

Skift claims the Supreme Court travel ban ruling could hinge on Trump’s anti-Muslim comments.

Hotel News Resource reports over one-third of North American business travelers extended a work trip for leisure in the past year.

Skift notes Wyndham launched a new independent lifestyle brand called Trademark Hotel Collection.

According to TravelDailyNews International, modest growth is expected to continue for U.S. hotels through 2018.

The same source claims a new travel website lets users name their price for business and first class flights.

According to Bloomberg, “basic economy” actually makes travelers pay more to fly.

Buying Business Travel reports the EU plans to tackle unfair competition from foreign rivals.

4Hoteliers notes Marriott debuted its first property in Nepal.

According to Business Traveler, BMW and Emirates have partnered to roll out a new fleet of cars for first and business class customers.