Author: News Team

A new travel regulation is set to affect British travellers heading to Europe next summer, requiring a €7 authorisation fee.This change is part of the broader initiative by the EU to enhance border security and streamline entry processes through the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias).British citizens aiming to visit continental Europe might soon face a new financial requirement. As reports from Brussels confirm, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is on track for a spring launch. This system mandates a €7 fee, akin to the US Esta, for non-EU visitors. It is intended…

The UK government has given the green light for London City Airport to boost its annual passenger cap. This decision increases the cap from 6.5 million to nine million passengers, but curtails plans for extending Saturday operating hours.While such expansion promises economic benefits, it also raises concerns about potential noise pollution. London’s aviation hub will benefit from enhanced passenger flow, albeit with operational constraints.The decision to raise the passenger cap at London City Airport reflects the government’s focus on bolstering economic growth through enhanced connectivity. This change permits three additional flights during the early morning window each weekday. However, there…

Hays Travel agents in Northern Ireland have successfully raised over £18,000 in support of Autism NI through various fundraising activities.Demonstrating a strong commitment to community involvement, each travel branch utilised strategic planning and creative events to support the charity.Each Hays Travel branch in Northern Ireland was awarded a £500 budget for charitable endeavours. Of this, £200 was consistently dedicated to supporting young people’s mental health initiatives annually, while the remaining £300 was designated for causes chosen by the branch.This year, a unified decision across all branches channelled the £300 towards Autism NI, showcasing a collective focus on a single cause.…

Qatar Airways is set to expand its services by introducing an eighth daily flight from Heathrow to Doha starting late October. This decision is driven by increasing passenger demand.The airline’s expansion includes more flights to Miami, Male, and Tokyo, aiming to meet the rising demand while strengthening its global network.From October 27, Qatar Airways will operate an additional daily flight from Heathrow to Doha. This expansion raises the airline’s weekly services along this route to 56 flights, accommodating up to 42,000 passengers each week. The new flight departs Heathrow at 15:30, arriving in Doha by 01:10 the following day, a…

In an exciting development, Princess Cruises has teamed up with Jet2.com to offer flights for select Mediterranean voyages in 2025. This collaboration enables passengers to conveniently fly from four UK airports to join their cruises.Passengers can now fly from Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle to embark on Mediterranean cruises aboard the Majestic Princess. This offers greater flexibility and convenience for travellers, enhancing their holiday planning with seamless integration of flights and cruises.The 2025 itinerary includes two 10-night Grand Western Mediterranean tours on the Majestic Princess. The first voyage departs from Civitavecchia on April 11, while the second sails from Civitavecchia…

In the world of aviation, connectivity is key. Istanbul Airport has emerged as a global leader, topping the charts as the most connected airport worldwide this year.With direct flights to an impressive 309 destinations, Istanbul has outpaced major international hubs, underscoring the country’s strategic aviation growth. This marks a significant milestone for Turkey’s flagship airport.Istanbul: Leading in Global ConnectivityIn a remarkable achievement, Istanbul Airport has claimed the title of the world’s most connected airport in the first half of the year. With direct flights to 309 destinations, this airport has set a new benchmark, surpassing major hubs like Frankfurt and…

In an exciting development for the travel industry, Princess Cruises and Fred Olsen have partnered with Jet2.com, securing flight allocations for the 2025 Mediterranean season. This collaboration seeks to enhance the holiday experience by integrating sophisticated cruise itineraries with reliable air travel options.Enhancing the Travel ExperienceThrough the innovative “Plane Sailing” service from Princess Cruises, passengers now have the opportunity to coordinate departures from key UK airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle, aligning seamlessly with various Mediterranean itineraries aboard the Majestic Princess. This integration promises to streamline travel logistics significantly.A dedicated white-label website has been set up for Princess…

EasyJet Holidays celebrates its fourth year of trade operations by announcing exclusive discounts for customers through their travel agents. This initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and expanding its partnerships within the travel industry.The promotion, targeting both beach and city breaks, aims to reward the loyalty of travel agents and optimally benefit customers, setting the stage for future growth and continued collaboration within the trade sector.Celebrating its fourth anniversary, EasyJet Holidays has announced enticing discounts of up to £100 for customers. This initiative not only marks their journey since 2020 but also recognizes the invaluable partnerships they’ve built…

UK tourism is struggling to keep pace with its closest competitors, facing a substantial £2.8 billion shortfall in tourist spending.New research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) highlights a pre-pandemic shortfall in activity, unparalleled in other sectors.The UK saw a rise in inbound visitors over two consecutive years, reaching 38 million in 2023. However, this figure remains 7.1% below the 40.9 million recorded in 2019. Despite efforts to revive tourism, the gap persists.The CEBR’s report indicates that tourist spending in 2024 is projected to be 8.0% lower in real terms compared to 2019. This decline equates to…

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has endorsed significant reforms to the UK airport slot allocation system. These changes aim to increase market efficiency and competitive dynamics within the aviation industry.By focusing on fairness and transparency, the CMA proposes actions that could unlock new opportunities for airlines, ultimately benefiting consumers and stimulating economic growth.Current Challenges in Airport Slot AllocationThe UK airport slot allocation system has long been acknowledged as inefficient and prioritising established airlines. The current framework is criticised for supporting historic holders of slots, making it difficult for new entrants to compete. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) describes…