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Holiday Extras Travel News
A complete listing of travel news articles from the Holiday Extras news team.
British Airways is opening a new airport lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 next week.
Edinburgh Airport has played an instrumental role in the construction of a new sports pavilion for registered charity Newbridge Bowling Club.
Low-cost airline Flyglobespan is set to launch a new route to the popular Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh from Glasgow Airport.
London Luton Airport is facing a backlash from travellers after announcing plans to charge those dropping off friends and loved ones at the airport.
London Luton Airport has been named the Best UK Business Airport, as voted for by subscribers of Business Destinations magazine.
Part of the £50 million terminal extension at Stansted Airport completed in 2008 was the introduction of the biomass technology to make the development carbon neutral, and to provide support for the gas-fired boilers that have heated the terminal sin
New trains will be introduced on the Stansted Express rail service between Stansted airport and central London.
bmibaby has announced the launch of two new services from Manchester Airport, providing travellers with the opportunity to book great-value flights to Amsterdam and Toulouse.
Wintersun travellers from Northern Ireland will be delighted by the announcement from Jet2.com that direct flights to Tenerife from Belfast International Airport are to come into operation in October.
Birmingham airport now has two new flights to Larnaca in Cyprus with low fares airline Monarch.
Edinburgh Airport's reputation as one of the leading international hubs for air traffic is set to be enhanced with the introduction of 12 new flight routes.
The best and worst airports in the UK have been named in a comprehensive new survey.
Low fares airline Ryanair is introducing new flights to the popular holiday destinations of Palma and Barcelona from East Midlands airport. Luton airport is getting new flights to Tel Aviv with Israeli airline EL AL. Luton airport is promising improved access in time for the busy summer holiday period.
British Airways has introduced new technology to try to reduce flight disruption caused by fog at Heathrow airport.
Stansted Airport is adding to its impressive public transport network this May with the launch of a new coach service linking the airport to south Essex.
Travellers flying from Manchester Airport are now able to offset their carbon emissions via a new method launched on the airport's website.
New flights to the Indian city of Amritsar from Birmingham International airport are to be launched on April 4th.
On-time performance at UK airports improved by 8% in the last quarter of 2008.
The public transport network at Terminal 5 has helped Heathrow airport win a new award.
Regional airline Flybe has rewarded Scottish namesakes with free return flights in its latest competition.
easyJet, the UK's largest airline, has announced plans to bring forward its expansion at Manchester Airport, a move which will see new flights to Corfu, Athens, Bastia and Dalaman now available from May 21, 2009, as opposed to August.
Bristol International airport is hoping to encourage more high spending US tourists to the region. Passengers at Luton airport now have the option of a fast track through airport security. Airlines have welcomed the Competition Commission’s decision that BAA must sell three airports. Aberdeen Airport is set to begin work on a £7.2 million runway rehabilitation programme that will involve a complete resurfacing of the main runway.
UK airports handled 1.9% fewer passengers in 2008 than in 2007, with Stansted particularly hard hit.
Low fares airline Ryanair has criticised the proposal by the Civil Aviation Authority to fine airports for poor performance. The BA airport lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 will be the unlikely venue for a special preview screening of Gwyneth Paltrow’s new film. The High Court has rejected an appeal by the Stop Stansted Expansion group about the government’s decision to expand Stansted airport.
Thousands of air passengers could face disruption to their Easter holiday plans if threatened strike action goes ahead at Manchester airport.
Aviation regulator the CAA is to be given a new primary duty to promote the interests of passengers at UK airports. New bargain flights to Kuala Lumpur from Stansted airport will be launched on Wednesday.
Some of the best long haul bargain airfares are now available as airlines compete for passengers.
Environmental group Plane Stupid has protested this morning over the building of a third runway at Heathrow airport.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced its ambition to carry 25 million passengers annually by 2020. Ryanair has announced details of great-value discounts available on flights from Edinburgh Airport throughout March.
Visitors to East Midlands Airport are set to experience a unique sight upon arrival as an inspirational tree sculpture has been unveiled as part of an initiative funded by the East Midlands Development Agency.
Spain’s second largest airline, Air Europa, will operate flights from Gatwick airport to Madrid from May 1st.
One of the UK's fastest growing food chains is set to open as part of a fresh new look at Glasgow Airport.
Indian airline Kingfisher, owned by billionaire Dr Vijay Mallya, has today launched its first international flights between Heathrow and Bangalore.
Manchester Airport has unveiled a new eco-friendly building to house an icon of the aviation industry, Concorde. Newcastle airport now has a freshly laid runway after resurfacing work was completed five weeks ahead of schedule. Cardiff airport has announced plans to develop and enhance its terminal as well as a new name as it seeks to establish itself as the national airport for Wales. Stansted airport is to get new daily flights to Jersey from May 1st with Aurigny Air Services.
Glasgow Airport has unveiled a five-year plan to boost public transport access and reduce private transport use.
News has emerged that BAA has finally relinquished its battle to keep hold of Stansted Airport.
Skiers and wintersports enthusiasts are going against the trends of the recession and travelling in record numbers from Glasgow Airport, according to figures released by BAA. Singapore Airlines has flown its one millionth passenger on the Airbus A380 superjumbo, just 16 months after introducing the new plane. Leeds Bradford International Airport has today confirmed that bmi is to cease operating the service from London Heathrow, effective from March 28, 2009.
The Office of Fair Trading is at airports around the UK today to warn holidaymakers about bogus holiday clubs.
Budget airline Ryanair says it has been forced to make cutbacks at Liverpool John Lennon airport. Low cost airline bmibaby has announced 30 new flights from Birmingham, Manchester and East Midlands airports to popular Mediterranean holiday hotspots this summer.
Manchester airport has become the first UK airport to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard for its carbon management.
Seasoned travellers have named London City airport the best in the UK in the Wanderlust 2009 Travel Awards. A £40 million terminal extension at Edinburgh airport is set to create 200 new jobs. Heathrow airport has been voted worst for queues at passport control and waiting time at baggage reclaim but one of the best for security. The number of people flying away from East Midlands airport over the Christmas and New Year period is expected to be less than last year. Regional airline Flybe says flight sales today are up with strong demand in Scotland, the north of England and Wales.
Airport passengers have no interest in airport shopping and simply want to get through airport terminals with the shortest possible queues says low cost airline Ryanair.
Virgin Atlantic is this month celebrating 15 years of offering flights to Hong Kong.
Expansion plans for Birmingham International Airport may be abandoned in favour of Heathrow's third runway so that the Government can meet emission targets, says a new report. A shuttle bus service from the new East Midlands Parkway station to East Midlands airport will make it easier to travel to the airport by rail and bus. Low cost airline Jet2.com is launching flights from Blackpool airport to the Balearic island of Menorca as part of its summer 2009 schedule.
Lower air fares are on the way says low cost airline Ryanair as it reports a loss of €102 million for the third quarter. Luton airport is now offering holidays and flights direct as well as car hire. More than 5.6 million passengers used East Midlands airport in 2008, making it the busiest year in the airport’s history.
British Airways will allow passengers to communicate by text and email and surf the internet on its new flights from London City airport to New York JFK.
Airlines are slashing fares to offer tempting holiday deals to destinations around the globe. UK airline Flybe has won the prestigious 2009 Regional Airline of the Year award presented by US publication Air Transport World. Regional airline Flybe is adding a sixth daily flight on its popular Guernsey to Gatwick service.
UK passengers departing from Heathrow airport will be able to use mobile phone boarding passes when they fly with German airline Lufthansa. A major international airport in the Thames estuary could become a reality as Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, commissions a feasibility study.
Bristol International Airport aims to handle 10 million passengers a year and create 4,000 new jobs. Low fares airline easyJet’s trading figures for the first quarter show strong growth at Gatwick airport and in Europe.
Low fares airline Jet2.com is launching a competition offering 20,000 free return flights.
The much-maligned expansion proposals of Heathrow Airport have been given the green light by the Government, after Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon announced to the Commons that plans to build the third runways will get underway in 2015. Low cost airline Wizz Air Ukraine has launched new flights from Luton airport to the city of Lviv.
Holidays in Turkey are set to get cheaper with the introduction of lower fares from Stansted airport.
The second largest airline at Heathrow, bmi, has won the right to operate flights from the airport to Kiev.
Airline passengers flying to the USA are being advised that from January 12th they will need to apply at least 72 hours before their departure time for permission to enter the country under the new ESTA scheme. A new airline Kiss Flights has started selling seats for summer holidays to the Greek Islands, the Red Sea, Turkey and the Canary Islands.
The first phase of a £2 million redevelopment giving better access by bus and car has been completed at Leeds Bradford airport.
The identity of the new owner of Gatwick airport should become clearer today as first bids are expected. London Luton airport had a record 10.2 million passengers in 2008. Travellers will now be able to fly to Sydney on the Airbus A380 superjumbo from Heathrow airport.
Low cost airline Jet2.com is launching new flights from Manchester airport to the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.
Leading businesses and trade union members have entered the row over the proposed expansion of Heathrow to include a third runway. The wave of dissent over the proposed construction of a third runway at Heathrow shows no sign of abating after protesters purchased part of the land that was earmarked for its construction.
Airline Aer Lingus has achieved record bookings in its January Seat Sale, selling almost 51,000 seats online in just one day. Virgin Atlantic and bmi have decided to expand their codeshare agreement as speculation mounts about a possible merger between the two airlines. Low cost airline easyJet is launching nine new flights from the UK as it announces passenger numbers increased in December.
Cheaper flights to the US are on offer in the American Airlines New Year’s sale.
As the airline crisis continues, leading industry body IATA says it will be crucial for airlines to operate more efficiently in 2009.
Ice and snow have caused disruption at a number of UK airports this morning including Luton, Birmingham and East Midlands.
Independent UK regional airline Eastern Airways has been named the most punctual scheduled airline at Birmingham and Newcastle airports. Virgin Atlantic is fighting back against what it calls the doom and gloom in the airline industry. A survey by low cost airline Monarch has found that travellers regard airport check in as the most stressful part of the travel experience. Holidays to Lithuania are set to become more popular next year as the capital Vilnius becomes European Capital of Culture and flights continue from Gatwick and Dublin airports. With Iceland tipped to be one of the holiday hotspots for 2009, budget airline Iceland Express has launched shopping trips to Reykjavik.
It’s time to snap up a bargain in the New Year sales as several airlines announce lower air fares on popular flights. Food and drinks on low cost airlines can cost almost half as much as the flight according to a new report. Continental Airlines has decided to move its flights to Cleveland from Gatwick airport to Heathrow. There are no major delays at airports or on the roads this morning to disrupt the last minute Christmas getaway.
According to the Gatwick airport authorities, next weekend, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December are promising to be the busiest days with about 106,000 people travelling to and from Gatwick Airport each day.
Thomas Cook Airlines is adding a third aircraft to its base at Newcastle airport to offer a wider choice of holidays.
East Midlands airport is to get new flights to the glamorous city of Nice in the South of France. Europe’s largest regional airline, Flybe, reports that bookings are up by 14% for flights over the two week festive period. British Airways is the latest airline to announce a reduction in fuel surcharges as it prepares for the busy Christmas travel period.
Low fares airline Monarch has decided to add more flights to popular sun destinations in response to strong demand. British Airways has ordered 11 new generation fuel efficient aircraft to fly from London City airport.
Low fares airline Ryanair is offering 500,000 free seats as an early Christmas present. Irish airline Aer Lingus is setting up a new base at Gatwick airport and offering flights to popular sun and city break destinations.
If you're travelling to the airport this Christmas there are some roadworks remaining in place that could lead to traffic congestion. Today and tomorrow are expected to be the busiest days at UK airports as an estimated three million people head off over the Christmas and New Year period for a well-earned holiday. Low cost airline Ryanair is hailing a decision by the European Court as a victory for regional airports around Europe.
Airports including Luton and Stansted are giving advice for people travelling over the busy Christmas period. Virgin Atlantic says it will automatically deduct the costs it incurred when the runway at Gatwick was closed last week from its next payment to airport operator BAA. The Competition Commission is recommending that airport operator BAA sells Stansted and Edinburgh airports in addition to Gatwick. Airline bmi is to trial an inflight communications service on flights between Heathrow and Moscow.
Birmingham International Airport had its busiest ever November, handling more than 620,000 passengers. A new platform at Manchester airport station has opened early and is expected to improve rail travel to the airport.
Glasgow airport is to get new flights to popular holiday destinations in Spain and Portugal next year. Low cost airline easyJet has announced yet more new flights from Gatwick airport to popular destinations in Europe. There were 8.9% fewer passengers using BAA’s seven UK airports in November compared to the same month last year. Virgin Atlantic is adding new flights from Manchester airport to Orlando and Barbados plus extra flights from Gatwick airport to Montego Bay. Stansted airport could be fined for poor service to customers and airlines following new proposals from the Civil Aviation Authority.
British Airways is improving its baggage performance now that most of its flights have been switched to Heathrow Terminal 5. British Airways is to scale back its operations at Gatwick airport next summer as it focuses more on Heathrow airport. Emirates Airline has started flying the Airbus A380 superjumbo from Heathrow airport to Dubai.
Stansted airport has reopened after climate change protestors caused flight cancellations and long queues.
United Airlines has decided to reinstate daily flights between Heathrow airport and Denver from next Spring.
Heathrow airport has been voted the worst airport in the world by frequent flyers.
Heathrow Express has done a study which the airport by rail operator claims shows it is the most environmentally friendly way to travel to the airport.
British passengers stranded in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand because of the airport siege will at last be able to find flights home.
There were fewer flight delays at Heathrow and Gatwick airports according to the latest figures from the Civil Aviation Authority. Flight cancellations and delays, long queues at check in and airport security, plus bad weather can make Christmas a frustrating time to travel, unless you follow some insider tips. Regional airline Flybe has announced its summer schedule with new flights to and from Jersey. British Airways and Australian airline Qantas have confirmed they are in merger talks. Heathrow airport has guaranteed expansion will only go ahead if strict noise and air quality targets are met. Virgin Atlantic is today urging the European Commission to reject the planned “virtual merger” between two of the world’s biggest airlines, British Airways and American Airlines.
Stansted airport has been chosen as a European gateway by low cost airline AirAsiaX as it announces flights to Kuala Lumpur from just £99.
Low cost airline bmibaby has decided to suspend flights planned for summer 2009 from Birmingham, Manchester and East Midlands airports. Bournemouth airport has been voted best UK airport by readers of the Telegraph, while regional airline Jet2.com has won best UK low cost airline. Flights from Heathrow to Milan will be offered by the new Italian airline, Lufthansa Italia. The UK’s first live travel information system in an airport has been launched at Southampton airport. Brits stranded in the airport siege in Bangkok are having to make their own plans to get home as there are still no direct flights from Thailand.
Two airlines have announced flights for passengers stranded in the Bangkok airport siege. British Airways has announced that it will resume flights to both Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia from next March. Hundreds of British passengers are stranded at Bangkok airport as anti-government protestors have forced all flights in and out of the airport to be cancelled. Low cost airline Ryanair is confirming its commitment to Gatwick airport with the announcement of new flights to Dusseldorf. British Airways has announced details of the new luxury airport lounges at Heathrow Terminal 5 which opens on 27 March. A new runway has opened at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport which is expected to significantly reduce flight delays.
Low fares airline Jet2.com will offer travellers the opportunity to fly direct from Leeds Bradford airport to the heart of the Somme for battlefield breaks next Spring.
For the first time pilgrims heading to Mecca will be able to fly direct from Leeds Bradford airport. Scotland’s busiest airport, Edinburgh, has completed the resurfacing of its main runway ahead of schedule.
Glasgow airport says it has almost filled the gap left by airlines Zoom and XL going bust, with other airlines stepping in to offer flights to Canada and holiday sun destinations. Following the collapse of Scandinavian airline Sterling, budget airline easyJet is launching new flights from Gatwick to Copenhagen and Helsinki. Flights to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands could be axed from the end of January unless the local tourism group honours a contract.
Stansted airport has been recognised for its environmental management as it looks to increase passenger numbers. Regional airline Flybe says it is looking to increase its flights from Scottish airports as it achieves a landmark flight from Aberdeen airport. Airport operator BAA says the sale of Gatwick is going according to plan as it reveals its results for the nine months to the end of September. Low cost airline Ryanair is increasing its flights from Gatwick airport with two new routes to Alicante and Barcelona Girona. Passengers flying on British Airways new business class service from London City airport will be able to avoid queues at customs and immigration when they arrive at New York JFK and speed straight through the airport.
Low cost airline easyJet has won its battle to get a High Court review of the increased landing fees at Gatwick airport which were approved by the Civil Aviation Authority. Luton airport plans to introduce a priority lane which it hopes will lead to shorter queues at airport security. The number of passengers using BAA’s seven UK airports, which include Heathrow and Gatwick, fell by 6% in October.
An airport parking site at Bristol airport has been the target for a number of thefts in recent weeks. Virgin Atlantic has won no less than three awards for best airline, including best business class and best economy class airline, at the British Travel Awards.
As the £4 billion plan to transform Heathrow airport continues, the new check in area at Terminal 4 has reached the topping out stage.
A four day strike by Air France pilots is causing chaos at airports in France with knock on effects across Europe. A new survey reveals that easyJet offers the lowest air fares for business travellers on the busiest European routes 79% of the time. Regional airline Jet2.com is creating 25 new jobs at Manchester airport as it continues to expand. Airline Emirates will start flying the Airbus A380 superjumbo on flights between Heathrow and Dubai from December 1st. Britain’s strongest men were on hand at Heathrow and Manchester airports today to encourage air travellers to pack lighter baggage when they travel on holiday or business. Figures released today by the CAA show the importance to Heathrow airport of passengers on connecting flights.
The Heathrow Hoppa, which operates from Heathrow airport to and from airport hotels at Heathrow, has announced an increase in fares.
The airline association which represents the interests of all British registered airlines has voiced its opposition to proposals backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson to build a new airport in the Thames estuary. Troubled Spanish airline LTE which suspended all its flights last month before resuming charter flights two weeks later is now in talks with a buyer and has cancelled all flights from Norwich airport until the end of March. British Airways profits before tax fell from £616 million to just £52 million for the six months to the end of September, but the airline says this was a good performance in awful trading conditions. Recently launched airline Air Sylhet has won the traffic rights to begin flights to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Leeds Bradford airport plans to spend £70 million over the next five years to create an international airport that the region can be proud of. Airport operator BAA has pledged £230 million to the Crossrail project that will link Heathrow airport to central London, the City and Canary Wharf. In its Stansted airport charges report the Competition Commission has found that the airport failed to consult adequately with airlines and to effectively manage security queues.
For the first time in 70 years Liverpool John Lennon airport will get flights to Amsterdam Schiphol airport with Dutch airline KLM. Airport operator BAA has apologised again for the disastrous opening of Heathrow Terminal 5 after the publication of a report by the House of Commons Transport Select Committee.
Ambitious expansion plans have been revealed by Doncaster Sheffield airport, also known as Robin Hood airport.
Glasgow Prestwick airport has released its draft Master Plan and is aiming to compete with Edinburgh and Glasgow airports for Scottish air passengers. British Airways claims an industry first with its new remote check in service for travellers on the go. Irish airline Aer Lingus is reducing fuel surcharges on long haul flights and introducing nine new flights for summer 2009.
Glasgow airport has put the emphasis on security as it opens a new £31 million terminal extension. Spanish airline LTE, which suspended all its flights two weeks ago, should be flying again from Norwich airport in December. Following the collapse of Sterling Airlines, low cost airline easyJet has announced a special rescue fee of £35 for flights home. Security queuing times at Heathrow and Gatwick airports have improved but airport operator BAA has still been fined more than £7 million for failing to meet service standards. Low cost airline Ryanair says it has received plenty of interest from airports across Europe as it looks for a new base following its decision to cease operations at Valencia airport. The Dot2Dot airport shuttle service operated by National Express is up for sale and could be closed if a buyer isn’t found.
Manchester airport is to get new ski holiday flights for the winter season from airline Swiss. Some good news for airline passengers at last as airline Jet2.com announces it is increasing its hold baggage allowance. Bristol airport has released details of its ambitious expansion plans that would see passengers numbers increase to 10 million a year.
US Airways has announced that it will start flights from Birmingham to the US city of Philadelphia next May.
Airline Thomsonfly has announced that it will stop its scheduled services from Coventry airport in order to concentrate on charter holiday flights.
Low cost airline Ryanair is opening two new bases on the Italian island of Sardinia and will launch flights from Manchester and Edinburgh airports to Sardinia next year.
In a brave move considering the perilous state of the airline industry, a new airline is to start flights from Stansted and Manchester airports to Dubai and Vienna.
Consultation has started on Heathrow Airtrack, the proposed new rail link that could significantly improve journey times to Heathrow airport.
Stansted airport has become the first BAA airport to open a new Employment and Skills Academy as the airport expands. Australian airline Qantas has launched its first flight to the USA today using the new Airbus A380 superjumbo.
Two new hotels have opened at Birmingham airport, the Ibis and the Etap. A new coach service has been started linking Stansted airport with tube stations in West London. As part of the redevelopment of Terminal 1, Manchester airport is opening new shops at the airport this autumn and winter. The second biggest airline at Heathrow airport, bmi, will double its number of flights to the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh from January 15th next year. Delta Air Lines is adding a third daily non-stop flight from Heathrow airport to New York JFK airport.
Despite the global financial crisis families are still booking trips to see Santa in Lapland this Christmas.
A new terminal is opening at Dubai International Airport tomorrow that will increase capacity at the airport by 50%.
London City Airport has won the European Regions Airline Association Airport Achievement Award after passenger numbers rose by 23% in 2007.
The guideways linking Heathrow Terminal 5 with the Business airport car park have been completed and the new Personal Rapid Transit system at the airport is set for launch in autumn 2009. British Airways is to begin new flights to the Caribbean island of St Kitts and Nevis this winter.
Low cost airline Wizz Air is set to launch what it says will be the first low cost flights between the UK and Ukraine. As Turkey becomes an increasingly popular holiday destination for Brits, Pegasus Airlines is launching another flight to Istanbul. Irish airline Aer Lingus is facing the threat of strike action which could cause flight delays and cancellations.
Low cost airline Jet2.com has announced new summer holiday flights for 2009 to Croatia, Rhodes and Newquay. Stansted airport is urging the government to outline plans for the new community noise action plan. Major construction work is beginning this month at London Luton airport which should improve journeys to the airport but could cause traffic delays in the short term.
Previously opposed unions have agreed a deal for Alitalia's rescue. easyJet has revealed an increased selection of flights from Gatwick Airport following the demise of XL. Gulf Air has revealed its winter schedule detailing new flights from London Heathrow to Muscat. Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers has announced the Conservatives support to a high-speed rail line in place of Heathrow's proposed third runway.
The war of words between airlines Virgin Atlantic and British Airways/American Airlines over the proposed alliance between BA and AA is intensifying as Sir Richard Branson responds to questions from BA.
Southampton airport will get two new winter ski flights this year and three new ski holiday tour operators. The airport regulator the CAA has responded to the Competition Commission’s report on the break up of airport operator BAA and says more competition at airports will bring benefits for passengers. Airports in the UK are getting back to normal today after yesterday’s air traffic control problems, but passengers can still expect some flight delays and flight cancellations.
Leeds Bradford International Airport had its largest number of passengers ever in August and claims to be the fastest growing airport in the North.
Virgin Atlantic has reduced the check in time at Heathrow airport to only 40 minutes. Strikes at Stansted airport planned for today and Thursday September 25th have been suspended pending talks to solve the pay dispute.
Passengers at Liverpool John Lennon Airport can now enjoy works of art as they wait for their flights. Edinburgh Airport is changing its expansion plans because of the cost that would be involved in relocating the Royal Highland Showground. East Midlands Airport has been named Airport of the Year at the prestigious Travel Trade Gazette Awards. Low fares airline Jet2.com is significantly increasing its services from Manchester airport to Ibiza for summer 2009. The Association of British Travel Agents has welcomed airport operator BAA’s decision to sell Gatwick airport.
New flights to Amritsar in northern India are being launched from Birmingham airport by a new airline, Bilga Air. Edinburgh airport has installed ten new self-service check in kiosks to increase check in capacity and speed up journey times for passengers. Gatwick airport, the second busiest airport in the UK, is now officially for sale as the break up of BAA’s airport monopoly begins. New flights to Rotterdam from Luton airport will start on October 27 2008 with Dutch airline transavia.com. One hundred companies and organisations are giving their support for a third runway at Heathrow airport. Stansted airport will be hit by three days of strike action later this month after baggage screening workers rejected a new pay offer. The Airbus A380 superjumbo will become an even more familiar sight at Heathrow airport as Singapore Airlines announces more flights to Singapore using the new plane.
Continental Airlines, the world’s fifth biggest airline, is to discontinue flights from Gatwick airport and add more flights from Heathrow airport. Low cost airline Ryanair says it has been forced to cancel flights from Edinburgh airport because of the non-delivery of new planes from aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
Airlines and airport operators including BAA are calling for the restriction on liquids in hand luggage to be lifted after the verdict in the liquid bombs trial, but it is unlikely that this will happen soon.
Glasgow airport’s new terminal extension is set to open next month and promises to bring a new level of customer service to the airport. Terminal 5 at Heathrow airport is now a WiFi hotspot thanks to a partnership between airport operator BAA and T-Mobile. Airline safety is to be reviewed after the Air Accidents Investigation Branch found that a build up of ice in the fuel supply was probably the cause of the BA crash at Heathrow in January. Low cost airline easyJet is launching new flights from Gatwick airport to the popular Turkish city of Istanbul this winter. Gatwick airport is attracting a number of interested buyers, including Virgin Atlantic and other airlines, now that the Competition Commission has recommended BAA’s airports monopoly is broken up. Pure Flights, a charter flights provider based at Gatwick, has ceased trading with about 300 of its customers currently abroad. Manchester airport is trialling a new facial recognition system as the UK Border Agency aims to improve security and shorten queues at immigration at UK airports. The threat of more airport strikes at Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester airports appears to have ended as baggage handlers and check in staff have accepted an improved pay offer. As one of the wettest and windiest August’s for years draws on, almost 1.5 million passengers are expected to head for sunnier climes from the UK’s airports this Bank Holiday weekend. Strikes at Gatwick and Stansted airports that could have caused travel chaos on Bank Holiday Monday have been averted thanks to last minute negotiations. As predicted by Holiday Extras earlier this week, BAA is almost certain to have to sell both Gatwick and Stansted airports following the findings of the Competition Commission. Exeter airport is presenting its Master Plan to Devon County Council today, outlining its plans for expansion at the airport. As the threat of airport strikes looms this Bank Holiday Monday, passengers are being advised to contact their airline to find out whether their flight will be affected. Budget airline Ryanair has announced the end of low fares air travel and its replacement with a new era of lowest fares air travel. Scottish low cost airline Flyglobespan will launch new flights to the Turkish resort of Dalaman from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen airports next summer. Gatwick airport faces travel disruption on August Bank Holiday Monday as baggage handlers and check in staff have voted for strike action. Low fares airline Jet2.com is launching new flights from Edinburgh to the beautiful Mediterranean holiday island of Sardinia. Ryanair is cancelling tickets booked through price comparison screenscraping sites from today, raising the possibility that thousands of passengers could be stranded at airports. British Airways is believed to be ready to sacrifice valuable landing slots at Heathrow airport in order to be able to form an alliance with American Airlines.
Manchester airport and British Airways are among companies in the aviation sector backing United City's support for a new transport plan for Manchester.
Birmingham airport had its best ever July, handling over one million passengers for the first month this year. Providing a direct link to Heathrow Terminal 5, the Sofitel London Heathrow has opened its doors to elegant and luxurious comfort before your flight. Luton is getting seven new routes from low cost airline Ryanair, including flights to destinations in France, Poland, Italy, Ireland and Lithuania.
British Airways is launching a new ad campaign, 'Terminal 5 is working', focusing on the customer experience of using the new terminal. Singapore Airlines has begun a week of special flights on the Airbus A380 superjumbo to Beijing in the run up to the start of the Olympic Games. The Liberal Democrats are proposing that airlines should be fined for long queues at check in and that there should be no airport expansion in London and the South East. The international body which monitors the performance of airports worldwide says they face a challenging future as economic uncertainty continues. The strike in Germany affecting flights operated by Lufthansa has prompted UK airline Flybe to bring in larger planes for flights to Germany. Low cost airline easyJet is set to switch flights from weaker performing airports to Gatwick and will cut flights at Stansted airport this winter. A new high speed rail link from Scotland to Heathrow airport that could make domestic and short haul flights unnecessary has been proposed. Stansted airport has welcomed the government's decision to refer its planning application for a second runway to a public enquiry. Leeds Bradford airport will get new flights to Girona Barcelona and Alicante this autumn. Airport operator BAA has responded to low cost airline Ryanair’s decision to reduce flights from Stansted airport this winter. Over two million people are expected to head off on their summer holiday from the UK’s airports and ports this weekend. Terminal 5 at Heathrow will have a futuristic transport system linking the new terminal to one of the airport car parks.
New low cost airline FlyDubai has placed an order for 50 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s at the Farnborough Air Show. Heathrow airport, the world’s busiest international airport, has opened a new state of the art fire station. The Airbus A380, the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft, will make an appearance at Manchester and Liverpool airports tomorrow. East Midlands airport set a new record in May with more than half a million passengers using the airport for the first time in its history. British Airways is today celebrating 100 days at Heathrow Terminal 5 and planning a dedicated check in area for business class passengers. Southampton airport has appointed a team of airport ambassadors equipped with the latest mobile technology to boost customer service. Airline Virgin Atlantic will offer passengers an incentive to check in online during the busy summer holiday period at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports. Heathrow airport will see more of the Airbus A380 from 16th July now that Singapore Airlines' has taken delivery of it fifth superjumbo. Norwich airport has opened its newly refurbished airport lounge, targeting business travellers from the region and other cities around the UK. Manchester airport has won the Best Airport award in the 10-25 million passenger category in Airports Council International Europe's awards in Paris this week. In his first major speech as chief executive of airport operator BAA, Colin Matthews has explained why Heathrow needs a third runway. Etihad Airways has gained prized new landing slots at Heathrow airport enabling it to add a third daily flight to Abu Dhabi. The Civil Aviation Authority’s Aviation Trends report shows that regional airports are continuing to grow at a faster rate than London airports. Southampton airport has invested more than £3 million in new check in and baggage facilities to help reduce queues at the airport. Passengers using airline Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse at Heathrow airport will be able to enjoy a taste of New York wine. Australian airline Qantas will operate new flights from London Heathrow to Sydney and Heathrow to Singapore on the new Airbus A380 from next January.
Norwich airport says that with the launch of new flights to Spain through airline LTE it is offering fares that compare to rival airports such as Stansted. Heathrow airport has installed a new radar system on its southern runway to improve safety at the world’s busiest airport. Leeds Bradford airport will get a new twice weekly service to Islamabad with Pakistan International Airlines from July. Flight delays are getting worse at UK airports according to new statistics and Heathrow is the worst performing airport in the survey. Manchester airport celebrates its 70th anniversary on 25th June as major redevelopment work continues on Terminals 1 and 2. Passenger numbers were down in May at BAA’s UK airports although Heathrow and Gatwick were both busier. Exeter airport is undergoing a rebranding exercise with new terminal signs and a new website. A survey of passengers at the 10 busiest airports in Europe has voted Gatwick the airport with the shortest queues at security. Airport Angel is encouraging customers to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport by choosing an airport lounge. Heathrow Terminal 5 will get busier from tomorrow as British Airways switches more long haul flights to the new terminal. American Airlines is axing flights to New York JFK from Stansted airport after 2nd July as part of its plans to reduce capacity in a difficult market. Holiday flights airline XL Airways will offer flights from Manchester airport using the new Boeing 737-900 from 29th May. The world's largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380, will become a more familiar sight at Heathrow airport from July. Airport regulator the CAA agrees that BAA's ownership of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted "is likely to prevent, restrict and/or distort competition". A new check in area at Manchester airport Terminal 1 will become operational from 28 May affecting a number of airlines. The building of a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow and a second runway at Stansted airport has been called into doubt by a new report from the SDC. British Airways achieved an operating profit of £875 million despite rising fuel prices for the year ended 31st March and is awarding its staff a bonus, but it remains to be seen how much damage the disastrous opening of T5 has done the airline.
Airline Virgin Atlantic has launched a seat sale for its Upper Class tickets to a range of popular long haul destinations. Flights from Leeds Bradford airport to Islamabad in Pakistan are to be cancelled from the end of May. Many low cost airlines are becoming more like full service airlines according to a study by Sabre Airline Solutions. British Airways long haul flights to New York JFK airport plus seven other destinations will finally transfer from Heathrow Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 on 5th June. Budget airline Jet2.com and holiday company Jet2holidays.com are launching the first ever transatlantic flights from Leeds Bradford airport to New York. Holiday airlines Jet2.com and Thomas Cook Airlines are launching new flights this month from Leeds Bradford airport. The government is reported to be spending more than £1 million paying for VIPs to use airport lounges at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Shops and restaurants at Heathrow Terminal 5 are believed to be demanding compensation from airport operator BAA after the delay in transferring long haul flights to T5. Building a third runway at Heathrow airport would be a “costly mistake” says former British Airways chief executive, Bob Ayling, writing in a national newspaper. In time for the May Bank Holiday, easyJet is starting new flights from Gatwick and Manchester airports to popular holiday destinations in Spain, France and Greece. Low fares airline easyJet is launching three new flights from Bristol airport to Biarritz, Olbia and Split this week.
Passenger numbers at East Midlands airport have grown by 15.2% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Low fares airline Monarch has launched its winter schedule from Gatwick airport and is offering more flights to popular winter sun destinations. Following the Competition Commission’s report on airport operator BAA there is now the possibility that some of the UK’s major airports, including Gatwick, could soon be for sale. British Airways will begin daily flights from Gatwick airport to New York JFK airport from 27 October, but at the same time is axing daily flights from Manchester airport to JFK. More than 42 million items of baggage were mishandled or delayed in 2007, an increase of 25% on the previous year, costing airlines and airports an estimated $3.8 billion. Low fares airlines easyJet and Ryanair are threatening to withhold payment to BAA of landing fees at Gatwick and Stansted airports. Two of the British Airways management team who helped mastermind the opening of Heathrow Terminal 5 have left their jobs with the airline. Virgin Atlantic is launching a second daily flight to the US capital, Washington DC, following the success of the seasonal service last summer. Airport operator BAA will have a crisis meeting this week with airlines affected by the decision to delay the transfer of British Airways’ long haul flights to Terminal 5.
Fast growing London City airport is investing in new self-service check in kiosks as it aims to enhance the airport experience for its passengers. As the London Olympics approaches seven companies are believed to be interested in buying the strategically well located Southend airport in Essex.
The government in Australia has asked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate airport car parking charges. British Airways is delaying the transfer of long haul flights from Heathrow Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 until June as a result of the chaotic opening of the new terminal. Passenger numbers at Heathrow airport were down by 50,000 in March compared to the previous year as problems at Terminal 5 contributed to 600 flight cancellations. Low cost airline Monarch has announced its new winter holiday schedules from Luton airport and Birmingham airport.
There are more flight cancellations at Heathrow airport today as a knock-on effect of the snow, but BAA claims it has fixed the problem that has plagued the baggage handling system at Terminal 5. Flights have been cancelled at Bristol airport this morning and planes diverted to Birmingham airport due to fog at the airport. British Airways has said that the disastrous opening of Heathrow Terminal 5 cost the airline around £16 million, although the longer term cost is likely to be far higher. 15% of Liverpool John Lennon airport passengers chose to get to the airport by rail or bus in 2007 according to the results of a CAA survey. Ferrovial, the Spanish owner of airport operator BAA, is rumoured to be in talks to sell George Best Belfast City airport. British Airways is using sorting centres in Gatwick, Manchester, Scotland and Milan to try to clear the mountain of bags that has built up as a result of the disastrous opening of Heathrow Terminal 5.
From today passengers travelling from Gatwick airport will be able to carry more than one item of cabin baggage through airport security. Low cost airline easyJet begins flights from its new base at Manchester airport today and is offering the chance to win flights and holidays. For the fifth day in a row there are flight cancellations at Heathrow Terminal 5 today as British Airways struggles to clear a mountain of baggage. Budget airline Ryanair believes that breaking up BAA would prevent the kind of airport chaos seen at the opening of Heathrow Terminal 5 yesterday. Open Skies comes into force on 30 March allowing any EU or US airline to fly between the EU and US and increasing the number of flights from Heathrow and other UK airports to the USA. The new Thomas Cook Airlines will begin flights with its re-branded aircraft on 30 March, flying 42 planes from 11 UK airports to 78 destinations. There are more flight cancellations at Heathrow Terminal 5 today after the disastrous first day when those lucky enough to get away had to fly without hold baggage and stranded passengers had to stay overnight in airport hotels. The first passengers arrived at Heathrow Terminal 5 this morning from Hong Kong on flight BA26. East Midlands airport has been given permission to install four wind turbines at the airport as it aims to become carbon neutral. Airline British Airways is launching a dozen new flights from Gatwick to European hotspots including Alicante, Faro, Malaga and Palma.
The first landing at Heathrow Terminal 5 will be performed by a female pilot on Thursday morning at around 0450. Airport hotel group Arora is buying a portfolio of commercial properties from airport operator BAA for £265 million. Low cost airlines easyJet, Ryanair and bmi are rumoured to be mounting a legal challenge to the increase in landing fees at Heathrow and Gatwick airport proposed by the CAA. The opening of Heathrow Terminal 5 this Thursday is being overshadowed by a debate about whether airport operator BAA should be allowed to take the fingerprints of passengers.
Glasgow airport has created a new covered drop off and pick up zone in the main airport car park, directly opposite the airport terminal. East Midlands airport has had a bumper February with passenger numbers up 19.2%, and expects to be very busy for the Easter holiday. With the opening of Heathrow Terminal 5 just over a week away, British Airways is urging passengers to check their flight details before departing for the new terminal. Manchester airport has the worst combined delays at security and passport control in the UK, but Heathrow is still worst for queues at security. Aviation regulator the CAA, which recently raised landing fees at Heathrow and Gatwick airport, says it wants regulatory reform so it can put airport and airline passengers first. BAA plans to build the first new runway in the south east of England for over 50 years, which will more than double capacity at Stansted airport. Higher landing fees for passengers at Heathrow airport and Gatwick airport will help shorten queues at security and contribute towards the cost of the new Heathrow Terminal 5. Airport operator BAA has sold its World Duty Free shops at its seven UK airports, which include Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, to Italian company Autogrill. Birmingham airport has seen the number of airline passengers in February increase by 9.2% compared to last year. Flights to Goa, the popular winter sun destination in the Indian Ocean, have been snapped up by holidaymakers from East Midlands airport. Airport strikes in Germany have led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights today, but international flights appear not to have been affected. Low fares airline Ryanair will be offering flights from Edinburgh airport to 19 destinations in Europe including Alicante, Malaga, Palma and Frankfurt.
Following the end of a Government consultation period yesterday on proposed expansion at Heathrow Airport, BAA published its response announcing support for a third runway. Delays at Heathrow airport caused by strong winds could be cut by up to two thirds believes British Airways. Troubled airport operator BAA, which owns Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airport, has replaced chief executive Stephen Nelson after less than two years in the job. Aberdeen airport and Southampton airport are among the winners in the Airports Council International’s 2007 airports service quality awards.
The new Terminal 5 at Heathrow airport, due to open on 27 March, has been put in the shade by the massive new Terminal 3 at Beijing airport. Low cost airline bmibaby has announced new flights from Manchester airport to Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon. Heathrow airport has suffered a major security breach today as four Greenpeace climate campaigners have climbed on top of a plane at the airport. Virgin Atlantic boss Sir Richard Branson says a third runway at Heathrow is essential or London will lose out to other major airports like Frankfurt. The airport stays open for arrivals but the airport is closed for departures with the expected re-opening time of 18.00 Air traffic routes across London and southern and eastern England may be overhauled by Spring 2009, if planned changes go ahead.
British Airways and BAA today confirmed that problems with the baggage system at Heathrow Terminal 4 have been resolved. Travellers from Heathrow's Terminal 4 face flying without hold luggage today, as problems continue with baggage system software.
Exeter Airport has launched a magazine aimed at local readers and those planning to visit the South West.
The latest report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) on January's crash landing by a BA Boeing 777 Airline shows that the cause of the accident is still a mystery. The second largest airline at Heathrow, bmi, is leasing two Boeing 757 aircraft to allow it to add more mid haul flights from London.
Luton airport has received more than 10 million passengers in a year for the first time in its 70 year history. Aer Lingus will be starting new flights from Belfast International airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle from 30 March. Heathrow airport owner BAA and Emirates Airline are trialling RFID technology at Heathrow to improve baggage handling and overcome problems with lost and delayed bags. The number of passengers using Birmingham airport in January fell, but there was good news as low cost airline Ryanair announced a base there. Gatwick airport is moving towards allowing passengers to carry more than one item of hand luggage.
Flights to Krakow and Katowice in Poland helped boost passenger numbers at Doncaster Robin Hood airport by 5.7% in January 2008. The opening of the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow at the end of March will see a number of airlines moving from their existing terminals at Heathrow. The main road to Terminals 1 and 3 at Manchester airport is being closed from 15 February until 3 March because of improvements to Manchester airport station. Business class only airline Silverjet has acquired two Boeing 767 aircraft from Thomsonfly as it looks to launch new flights from Luton airport. The Open Skies agreement will mean more flights from Heathrow airport to the USA from 30 March. Low cost airline Flybe will begin flights from Newcastle airport to Gatwick from 30 March, and new flights to Aberdeen and Rennes. Heathrow could lose flights from airports like Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds Bradford if BAA is allowed to increase charges warns airline bmi. Southend airport is now up for sale as the owners seek financial backing to extend the runway and build a new terminal in time for the London Olympics.
Charges for airlines and passengers at Stansted airport could double as the CAA begins a consultation on the price regulated airport. Environmental campaign group Greenpeace has made its feelings clear about plans to build a new runway and terminal at Heathrow. Airport operator BAA is spending almost £25 million in terminal improvements at Glasgow airport this year, and will make savings by closing the second runway. The new Terminal 5 at Heathrow opens in March and volunteers are needed to trial the new terminal before operations commence. With Terminal 5 opening in March, there is the possibility that a fourth runway and seventh terminal may be built at Heathrow in the future. Manchester airport is closing its second runway from 5 to 29 February for engineering work, but hopes there will be no flight delays or cancellations as a result. Following the crash landing of the British Airways flight from Beijing yesterday, there have been flight cancellations at Heathrow this morning, mainly affecting short haul flights. Heathrow airport's southern runway re-opened for departing aircraft at 14:30 after the emergency landing of British Airways aircraft from Beijing - flight number BA038 Despite gloomy recent predictions for UK airports and airlines, both East Midlands airport and Southampton airport set passenger records in 2007.
Virgin Atlantic is celebrating its new terminal at Heathrow and Upper Class Wing in a new £6 million advertising campaign before Heathrow Terminal 5 even opens. Manchester airport will be able to set the fees it charges airlines from April 2009, but the fees charged by Stansted will continue to be capped to protect airline passengers.
Birmingham International Airport handled a record number of passengers in December as people headed off for Christmas and New Year breaks.
London City Airport had its best year ever in 2007 with more than 2.9 million passengers using the airport, an increase of 23% on 2006. Airport security queues at Heathrow will be cut by removing shops at Terminal 3 says airport operator BAA. easyJet will begin flights from Manchester airport in March and plans to offer flights to around 40 destinations by 2010. Most UK airports are forecasting an increase in passenger numbers this Christmas as more people fly off on winter sun and skiing holidays.