National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, seen here at a press conference in Singapore on March 2, 2026, said Friday the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz still remains largely blocked. Photo by Yonhap
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Friday the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz still remains largely blocked despite a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, pledging that South Korea would continue to seek alternative shipping lanes.
Speaking at a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae, Wi stressed that the government will continue efforts to secure alternative supplies of crude oil and naphtha amid concerns over Iran’s continued restrictions on traffic through the vital waterway.
“Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted,” Wi said. “Uncertainty in the supply chains is likely to continue for the time being.”
Wi noted that the number of vessels crossing the strait has not increased significantly since the ceasefire was agreed to on Tuesday (U.S. time).
“If around 2,000 vessels trapped in the strait attempt to leave all at once, it can take time, and securing safe shipping routes may also pose a challenge,” he said.
The government will continue to communicate with relevant countries to ensure the safety of all vessels and crew members, including 26 Korean-flagged ships that remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
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POPULAR airline JET2 has launched its first flights from a major UK airport.
Jet2 flights to Tenerife and Alicante in Spain have taken off from London Gatwick, marking its first flights from the airport.
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Jet2 has launched its first flights from London Gatwick AirportCredit: AlamyLebos is one of the destinations on the listCredit: Alamy
This summer, travellers can fly to 29 destinations with Jet2 from Gatwick, including the Canary Islands, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus.
And the airline won’t stop at the end of the season either, as for the winter season it will fly to 14 winter sun destinations, ideal for Brits wanting to escape the cold.
Jet2 will also fly to five ski destinations and four Christmas market spots over the winter period.
Looking ahead to next year, even more routes will be added.
The airline’s routes will rise from 29 to 34 destinations including flights to Lesbos – a large island in Greece – which will operate weekly.
Lesbos is Greece’s third largest island and boasts a lot of history as well as sprawling olive groves.
For those flying from Gatwick with Jet2, there will be six aircraft including the new Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Jet2’s arrival at the UK’s second largest airport comes after increased demand, especially with travellers from the South East of England and marks the airline’s 14th base.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Today is an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2, as we welcome our first customers at London Gatwick and wave off our inaugural flight.
“After years of demand to come to London Gatwick, we are delighted to be bringing our award-winning service, recognised 11 years in a row by Which? as its recommended travel provider, to the UK’s largest beach and city leisure destination airport.
He added: “Since going on sale, we have experienced phenomenal demand from customers and independent travel agents, and we are looking forward to a hugely successful future from our newest UK airport base.”
The arrival of Jet2 at London Gatwick Airport is the airport’s largest airline launch in more than a decade.
Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive, London Gatwick said: “Today’s inaugural Jet2 flights mark an exciting moment for London Gatwick and for passengers across the region.
“The launch of 29 new routes and the creation of more than 300 jobs demonstrate the strength of demand for travel from our airport and the confidence airlines have in London Gatwick as a place to grow.”
According to The Independent, Jet2 has been trying to get slots at Gatwick Airport for years and it was only when slots were freed up that the airline could move in, first announcing this four months ago.
The first flight to Alicante took off todayCredit: Alamy
Full list of destination Jet2 will fly to in summer 2026 from London Gatwick Airport
HERE are all the destinations Jet2 will fly to from London Gatwick in summer 2026:
THE UK’s busiest and largest airport is launching a number of new routes over the coming months.
Last year, London Heathrow Airport saw around 84.5million passengers and is expecting to break the 85million mark this year.
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London Heathrow Airport has a number of new routes launching over the next couple monthsCredit: AlamyThese include Tivat in Montenegro (pictured) and St Louis in AmericaCredit: Alamy
And this spring and summer, the world’s most connected airport is launching several new routes.
Dubbed America’s ‘gateway to the west’, the route will be launching as the famous Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary.
The stretch of Route 66 in St Louis, called ‘The Mother Road’ goes past landmarks including the Gateway Arch, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.
Winding through the city, drivers on the route can stop off at neon-lit diners and a number of roadside attractions including the Route 66 Rocker – a massive 12.8metre-tall rocking chair.
The Guernsey route will then operate daily, also from Terminal 5, and cost from £101 return per person.
The new connection means that Guernsey residents will now more easily be able to travel across the globe by flying from Heathrow.
Guernsey is the largest of the Channel Islands and is known for having a mix of French and British culture.
One top spot to see is St Peter Port, a pretty harbour with charming houses.
As for the route to Tivat in Montenegro – this will launch on May 14, from Terminal 3 and cost from £172 return per person.
British Airways will be launching a route to Guernsey, creating a better connection for the island to international destinationsCredit: AlamyRecently named the most under-the-radar country, there will be new British Airways flights to MontenegroCredit: Alamy
Montenegro was recently named one of the most under-the-radar countries in the world, according to US News.
Tivat is found on the coast in the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor and features a large marina full of luxury yachts and pretty beaches such as Plaza Ponta.
Heathrow is also dubbing Tivat “one of Europe’s trendiest summer hotspots” thanks to its Adriatic scenery and offering travellers the perfect blend of sun, adventure and culture.
Low-cost Spanish airline Vueling will be launching a new daily service to Seville on March 29.
The route will operate from Terminal 4 and cost from £36 one-way, per person.
Spain is always popular with Brits and Seville is no exception.
The historic Andalusian city is great for both families and weekend city breaks with historic sites including the Cathedral – which is the largest Gothic temple in Europe – with La Giralda tower which has amazing views of the city.
Low-cost Spanish airline, Vueling, will be launching a route to SevilleCredit: AlamyThe city is home to the largest Gothic temple in EuropeCredit: Alamy
For a pretty souvenir, head to the Triana Neighborhood which is the historic district of the city and is known for its ceramics.
Another European route launching on the same day will be to Rome Fiumicino in Italy, with ITA Airways.
There will be two flights each day, operating from Terminal 2 costing from £138.24 return per person and the airport is about a half-an-hour drive from the city.
Rome, the capital of Italy, boasts several famous historical sites including the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon.
And whilst you are in the city, you can even head to another country – Vatican City – where you can see St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel.
ITA Airways will be launching a route to Rome Fiumicino – just 30 minutes from the capitalCredit: Alamy
A second US route launching soon will be to Seattle with Alaska Airlines.
Starting on May 22, the route will operate daily from Terminal 3 and cost from £523.04 return per person.
Seattle is one of America’s fastest-growing tech hubs and notable landmarks include the Space Needle observation tower and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
Foodies can also visit Chinatown, which is also home to the only pan-Asian art and history museum in America.
Pakistan International Airlines will also be launching two new routes by the end of March, marking the airline’s return to Heathrow after six years.
The first will be to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on March 29, operating three times a week from Terminal 4, with return fares costing from £764.
The second route will be to Lahore, which is the second largest city in Pakistan.
The route will launch a weekly service on March 30, from Terminal 4.
And Alaska Airlines is launching a route to Seattle in AmericaCredit: Alamy
There are several travel warnings in place for Pakistan, so it is worth checking the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice before travelling.
Ross Baker, Heathrow’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Every route launched from Heathrow gives passengers and businesses a new way to explore the world.
“Whether travelling for work or leisure, we are proud to collaborate with our airline partners to open up opportunities for passengers, exporters and importers.
“Greater connectivity is something passengers and businesses consistently say they want, which is why Heathrow expansion is so critical.
“It will add new routes and introduce more choice.
“Our plans will ensure the country gets the infrastructure it needs to stay competitive, connecting the whole of the UK to global growth.”
Network Rail has revealed “vital maintenance, renewals, and repairs” for the bustling hub, impacting all routes and services to and from the station.
Liverpool Street’s mainline station, which sees approximately 98 million commuters annually, is set to shut for five weekend days, during which its concourse will also be closed.
These closures will impact Elizabeth line and London Overground, as well as National Rail services, including Greater Anglia and c2c.
While the station itself will undergo roof drainage repairs, work will also be carried out relating to track drainage and maintenance, as well as vegetation management and litter clearance along railway lines.
Commuters can expect disruptions on the following dates:
Sunday, March 15
The entire station will be closed on this date, with London Overground services running from London Fields instead.
Elizabeth line services will continue to run, though commuters are advised there will be no access to the main concourse on this date.
Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22
Again, the entire station will be closed for both these dates, with Elizabeth line services continuing to run on Saturday, March 21, with no access to the main concourse.
On Sunday, March 22, there will be no Elizabeth line trains running.
There will also be no Overground Weaver line trains on either of these dates.
Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, March 29
Liverpool Street Station will again be closed for both these dates, while Elizabeth line services continue to run throughout the weekend.
Again, there will be no access to the main concourse on these dates.
There will also be no Overground Weaver line trains running throughout the weekend.
To avoid travel disruptions, rail passengers are advised that rail replacement buses will operate between Stratford and Romford, and between Newbury Park and Shenfield tomorrow.
And before 9.50am, buses will replace trains between Seven Sisters and Enfield Town/Cheshunt and Hackney Downs and Chingford.
Check the Network Rail website for further details on replacement services throughout March.
