Welcome to our April 2014 travel news bulletin, full of up-to-date information regarding the travel industry. If you are travelling abroad this month, make sure you continue to check back for regular updates and information throughout the month.
1st April 2014
- Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has revealed his plans to transform Heathrow airport, providing 100,000 jobs and housing for 200,000 people. The Mayor is keen to relocate the airport to another site in the Thames estuary, however, there are many concerns over what would happen to the existing Heathrow site. Many feel it would turn into a wasteland but the revelation of four potential scenarios for the site have now been revealed. The scenarios look to tackle the growing housing problems that London faces coupled with the unemployment issues. There are still major doubts over the success of any potential move with opposition suggesting that the transition would take too long to be beneficial. The Airport Comission have started an investigation into the feasibility of such a move as it looks to improve the aviation capacity in London.
- EasyJet have signed a new 10 year contract with London Luton airport. This could see the airline more than double the amount of passengers it carries in a year. The deal will also see a further 2,500 jobs created. With London Luton under new ownership this deal is a significant step forward in the improvement and development of the services on offer. The continued presence of EasyJet at London Luton will also increase the amount of choice of destinations available to those using the airport. Currently around 45% of all passengers that use London Luton are flying with EasyJet.
- Lufthansa strike! German Airline Lufthansa has cancelled 3,800 flights on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of April 2014. They will only operate around 500 domestic and international flights during the strike, which is by pilots over pay and working conditions. For domestic flights there are replacement rail services. if you are travelling with Lufthansa during this time make sure you contact them for more specific details regarding your flight.
15th April 2014
- EasyJet have announced that they are now allowing passengers to use digital devices in ‘flight mode’ at any time during their flight. This popular move is now allowing passengers to use their digital devices during take-off and landings, as long as they are in ‘flight mode’.
28th April 2014
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Tour operators Thomson and First Choice are due to add 29 new routes next summer from 20 regional airports across the country. The new routes will offer more flexible holiday packages allowing customers to reach their chosen holiday destination more easily. The demand for new and additional routes from regional airports is growing and the operators hope that by introducing these changes in the summer of 2015 they will be able to enhance their customers overall holiday experience.
Click here for a full list of the new routes and destinations.
29th April 2014
- The runway at East Midlands Airport is closed until further notice following an incident that occurred during the early hours of this morning. It is believed a cargo plane suffered landing gear problems after landing. Only two crew members were aboard the aircraft and have fortunately suffered no injuries. An East Midland’s spokesman has said the incident is being investigated and they are working hard to re-open the airfield as soon as possible. So far, 15 flights and 2,000 people are said to be affected with some flights being transferred to Manchester Airport. Passengers due to fly today and tomorrow are urged to check the East Midlands Airport website for further information and updates.
