Ryanair to announce 1m seat sale

Ryanair will offer consumers one million winter flights to a number of destinations for just £15.

That is according to The Telegraph, which has disclosed that the low-cost airline is slashing its prices to attract passengers as the industry faces a winter of discontent.

Monarch unveils January offers

Book by January 6, 2009: Monarch Airlines has announced that consumers travelling with the carrier before May can expect up to £30 off return flights on any of its Mediterranean routes.

The British low-cost airline has unveiled the January sale, which applies to return flights to Alicante, Almeria, Barcelona, Faro, Gibraltar, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Malaga, Menorca, Murcia, Palma, Mallorca and Tenerife.

Heathrow terminal moves announced

The oneworld airline alliance has announced a series of relocations at London Heathrow Airport following British Airways’ completed Terminal 5 move.

The Spanish airline Iberia will transfer its entire operation in the UK's largest airport from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 from February 25, 2009, while Finnair will reassign its flights from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 on January 27.

Virgin offers cheap Caribbean flights

Book by 10pm, January 27, 2009: Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a series of discounts on return economy fares to destinations in the Caribbean.

The British airline, owned by Richard Branson, is offering passengers the opportunity to travel to a selection of exotic locations in the region from as little as £443.

Virgin pulls out of Gatwick bidding

Virgin Atlantic has removed its bid for London Gatwick Airport, leaving just two consortia left that are expected to table an offer.

That is according to The Times, which reported that the British airline has pulled out of the running to purchase the BAA owned airport having failed to attract a sufficient number of financial backers.

Early offers for the UK's second busiest airport are expected to be posted in January, with BAA looking to raise as much as £2.5 billion.

Lufthansa offers German reductions

Book by March 31, 2009: Lufthansa is offering consumers the option of travelling to a selection of German cities from just £49 one-way.

The discounts, which are strictly subject to availability, apply for travel up until December 12, 2009 and include taxes, fees and surcharges.

BA unveils massive flight sale

Book by January 27: British Airways has unveiled huge discounts to 75 international destinations.

The UK's flag carrier will now offer passengers the opportunity to fly economy-class from a selection of UK airports to locations in North America, Asia, Europe, Africa and South America from as little as £279 return.

All prices include taxes and surcharges for both long-haul and short distance flights departing between January and March 31, 2009.

Boris slams Heathrow plans

Boris Johnson has criticised government plans to build a third runway at London Heathrow Airport, suggesting that it would adversely affect "millions" of Londoners.

The mayor of the UK's capital claimed that the expansion of the country's largest airport should not be allowed if it contravenes existing European Union pollution laws.

Praising the environmental secretary Hillary Benn's comments, Johnson stressed that a third runway would mean an increased number of aircraft flying over his constituents in Harrow, Camden, Islington and Enfield.

Airlines will be forced to pay for delays

A European Court has ruled that airlines can no longer use an aircraft's technical problems as an excuse for not paying compensation to passengers.

The decision closes a loophole, which has previously enabled airlines to withhold payments to customers affected by severe delays caused by maintenance issues.

Airlines will now only be able to withhold payments following an "extraordinary event", like a terrorist attack or extreme weather conditions.

Flyglobespan increases Turkey capacity

Flyglobespan will add a second weekly flight from Edinburgh to the Turkish destination of Dalaman in the summer of 2009.

The Sunday service will join a Saturday departure between May and November next year, with prices beginning at just under £100 one-way including tax and surcharges.

He said: "It further reinforces our view that, while consumers may cut back on spending in other areas, the main holiday remains a necessity."

Lufthansa offers Middle East discounts

Lufthansa is giving consumers the opportunity to fly to the Middle East from just over £400.

Subject to strict availability, travellers are eligible to use the offer on flights departing throughout March 2009 from London Heathrow Airport, Birmingham International Airport, Bristol Airport, Manchester Airport and Edinburgh Airport.

All fares include taxes, fees and surcharges and passengers are eligible to stay at their destination for a maximum period of one month.

Cheap flights to US: Virgin's new deals

Book by 10pm, January 27: Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a selection of discounted economy flights to the US in 2009.

The airline has reduced fares on return flights to a number of US cities for passengers departing the UK before September next year.

All prices include taxes, fees and surcharges - though they are subject to change and availability.

Aer Lingus reopens Shannon route

Aer Lingus has revealed that it will reopen its Shannon Airport to Heathrow route in 2009.

The Irish flag carrier has told The Belfast Telegraph that it will commence services from March next year and reassured passengers that it will not affect the airline's schedules from Belfast International Airport.

Ireland's Transport Minister Noel Dempsey welcomed the move and declared it as of "strategic importance" for regional development in the west of the country. 

BA orders new London City aircraft

British Airways has ordered an entire new fleet of environmentally-friendly aircraft for its services from London City Airport.

The British flag carrier has placed orders for six Embraer 170 and five Embraer 190SR jets, which are significantly more fuel efficient than current commercial aircraft and emit less carbon dioxide.

The new aircraft will be used on routes from London City Airport to a number of domestic and European destinations and will provide more "personal space" for passengers.

Monarch increases summer routes

Monarch Airlines has increased the number of services it will offer to the Canary and Balearic Islands during the summer months of 2009.

The low-cost carrier will provide further schedules to Tenerife, Lanzarote and Menorca from May 1 in response to a growth in the number of passengers booking flights early.

Services to the region can be purchased from as little as £52.99 one-way including all taxes and surcharges.

Weekly round-up

Special Offers

Cheap flights to Singapore: sale fares from Lufthansa
Lufthansa is offering international travellers the opportunity to save up to £85 on visits to Singapore. 

Virgin extends Las Vegas deals
Virgin Atlantic has extended discounts on its flights to Las Vegas up until the week before Christmas.

Emirates launches long-haul sale
Emirates is offering consumers the opportunity to travel to a number of exotic long-haul destinations from as little as £326.

Emirates's Sale: Cheap Flights Long-Haul

Book by January 15: Emirates if offering customers the opportunity to travel to a number of exotic long-haul destinations from as little as £326.

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates has discounted flights to routes serving the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific.

Passengers planning to take advantage of the sale can fly from a selection of locations in the UK, including London Gatwick Airport, London Heathrow Airport, Birmingham International Airport, Manchester Airport, Newcastle Airport or Glasgow Airport.

Aer Lingus plans Gatwick base

Aer Lingus is planning on occupying a base at London Gatwick Airport from early 2009, according to The Irish Times.

The daily newspaper reported that Ireland's flag carrier is considering offering passengers short-haul services from the UK's second largest airport, which would be the airline's first non-Irish hub.

Specifically, it is thought Aer Lingus will hold three aircraft at Gatwick that will manage seven European destinations, including Malaga, Munich and Zurich, as well as support the airline's existing Dublin to Gatwick route.

Strong Demand for Belfast - Heathrow link

Demand for services from George Best Belfast City Airport to London Heathrow Airport is still "strong", according to bmi.

Responding to comments made by Aer Lingus that it had secure 40 per cent of the market, Brenda Morgan, bmi's Northern Ireland sales manager, suggested that the budget carrier had see an increasing number of passengers using the route.

The Ulster Star reported that Ms Morgan highlighted that bmi's services, which operate eight times a day, were superior to its Irish rival, which has now reduced the number of its flights to London Heathrow to three or four per day.

Govt drops remote airport plans

The government has dropped plans for an airport on one of the world's most remote islands, according to The Times.

Whitehall has announced that it will not be constructing a proposed £100 million airport on St Helena Island, which is more than 1,200 miles from Africa and over 2,000 miles from South America.

The project, which was scheduled for 2012, has been delayed as a result of funding worries brought about by the UK's unstable financial predicament.

BAA ignites runway row … again

Gatwick Airport could soon incorporate a second runway, if leaked BAA documents are to be believed.

The operator of the UK's second busiest airport, which has been ordered to sell the base, has sent interested bidders a secret message detailing the site of the proposed runway - just one kilometre away from the existing one.

A spokesman for BAA told The Telegraph: "We simply explained to bidders the policy framework in which Gatwick operates and was clearly set out in the airport master plan in 2006."

BAA's "sales prospectus" sets out the present situation regarding the expansion and specifically includes the government's and the Competition Commission's positions, which do not rule out the move.

Airlines drop fuel charges

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have both announced that they will reduce fuel surcharges on their long haul services by as much as a third.

This comes amid controversy over the additional cost, with many operators complaining about carriers' reluctance to drop the charges despite a huge reduction in oil prices since their introduction.

As a consequence, passengers travelling with BA for over nine hours will now see their fares decreased by around £30 to £66, while those in the air for less than this will witness a drop of £15 to £53.

Flybe urges Southampton sale

Flybe has expressed its "dismay" at the Competition Commission's decision not to force the operator BAA to sell Southampton Airport.

The British regional airline claimed that BAA's concentration on London Heathrow Airport is detrimental to passengers flying from the South-West regional base and that the enforced sale of the airport would bring about a better deal for travellers.

The Competition Commission published its preliminary findings earlier this week, which said that the Spanish-owned BAA must sell London Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport and Edinburgh Airport to reduce its monopoly in the industry.

BA and Qantas call off merger talks

Merger talks between British Airways and Qantas have collapsed after the two airlines failed to reach an agreement.

The British flag carrier and Australia's national airline held discussions earlier this month regarding a potential "dual-listed" partnership; however, neither of the parties could come to a fair settlement.

Regardless of this set-back the two airlines will continue to cooperate on their joint businesses between the UK and Australia.

Virgin extends Las Vegas deals

Book by 10pm, December 22: Virgin Atlantic has extended discounts on its flights to Las Vegas up until the week before Christmas.

The British transatlantic carrier has reduced return fares on services from London Gatwick Airport to Las Vegas to just £400.

Passengers hoping to take advantage of this deal, which includes taxes, fees and surcharges, must depart between January 1 and March 31, 2009.

Flybe unveils Jersey route

Low-cost airline flybe has announced that it will begin a new service to Jersey Airport, starting next summer.

The airline, which is based at Exeter Airport, has said that it will be operating a new route from Humberside International Airport to Jersey from £59.99 one-way, starting from May 2, 2009.

The service will only run for the summer months and will close on September 19, 2009.

BAA may be forced to sell Stansted

The Competition Commission has ruled that BAA may have to sell London Stansted Airport, Edinburgh Airport and London Gatwick Airport.

The Spanish-owned operator BAA, which presently owns seven UK airports, has already put Gatwick up for sale following complaints of a lack of competition, in the hope that it could hold onto Stansted.

However, the Competition Commission revealed that it would consider responses to these findings and would publish its final verdict in March 2009.

Cheap flights to Singapore: sale fares from Lufthansa

Book by December 23: Lufthansa is offering international travellers the opportunity to save up to £85 on visits to Singapore.

Prices start at £524 including all taxes, fees and charges. The prices are valid for flights departing between December 24, 2008 and May 31, 2009. The offer is additionally only valid for two people travelling together.

Book online at http://www.lufthansa.com

Virgin refuse to pay Gatwick fees

Virgin Atlantic has claimed that it will withhold paying BAA £100,000 in fees, after last week's runway closure at Gatwick Airport.

The Richard Branson-owned airline has said that it will deduct the costs it incurred as a result of BAA's closure of London Gatwick's runway, after the Spanish operator failed to de-ice it in time for morning arrivals.

As a result of this oversight, Virgin was forced to delay flights and divert seven aircraft to Luton Airport and London Stansted Airport.

Monarch changes baggage rules

Monarch Airlines has introduced a new baggage allowance of 10kg for infants, in an effort to make travelling easier for families.

The Luton-based, British carrier is now allowing passengers booking with their children the additional 10kg on top of the present allowance of 20kg of hold baggage and 10kgs of hand luggage per person.

Monarch was also keen to explain that this further weight allocation does not include pushchairs, pram or car seats, which are still permitted for no extra cost.

Strikes could hit flights to Portugal

Passengers travelling to Portugal could face cancellations and delays this weekend, if a planned strike goes ahead.

Cabin crew for Portuguese TAP Airlines have threatened a one-day protest over a pay dispute, which, if present negotiations fail, will occur this Saturday (December 20).

In light of this, the Iberian carrier is advising customers who have already purchased tickets for services on this day, to consider other travel dates.

Runway extension approved at Birmingham Airport

Plans to extend the runway at Birmingham International Airport have been approved by the local council.

The 405 metre extension of the runway, which will allow the airport to facilitate large aircrafts and non-stop long-haul services, was approved by Solihull Council's planning committee in a unanimous vote.

The £130 million project was welcomed by local businesses and manufacturers; however, the Green Party called it a "disastrous decision".

Norway to launch Gatwick service

Norwegian Air Shuttle has announced that it will operate a service from London Gatwick Airport to Copenhagen from next year, as it unveiled a raft of new European routes.

The budget airline will offer passengers the option of two daily return flights to the Danish capital from March 29, 2009, with weekday departures leaving Gatwick at 8.55am and 7.40pm.

Weekend flights will commence at slightly different times, with services leaving London's second largest airport at 10.40am and 7.40pm.

Qantas introduces A380 for London flight

Qantas is set to take delivery of its third A380 aircraft and will use it on its route from London Heathrow Airport to Sydney.

The Australian flag-carrier has disclosed that Airbus is scheduled to deliver the double-deck aircraft on December 27, allowing Qantas to commence services on it from January 16, 2009.

The A380, which has been nicknamed superjumbo, is the largest passenger aircraft in the world, with a maximum capacity of 853 people in economy class configuration.

Qatar Airways launches Seychelles connections

Qatar Airways has launched a number of connecting flights from Doha to the Seychelles, for passengers arriving on flights from the UK.

The five-star airline will offer connecting flights from the capital of Qatar for passengers on a range of services from London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport or Manchester Airport, Travel Bite has reported.

Connecting schedules to the Indian Ocean islands for UK travellers are most efficient on lunchtime services, which take just 12 hours and only require a one-hour flight between Doha and the Seychelles.

BAA may sell more airports

BAA may be forced into selling two further UK airports to satisfy the Competition Commission's demands, according to The Financial Times.

Due to unveil its latest provisional report next week, the commission is expected to make the BAA sell at least two of its London airports and either Glasgow Airport or Edinburgh Airport.

This is despite protests from the Spanish-owned operator that the sale of London Gatwick Airport, which is already underway, will end its monopoly in this country.

Flybe leaves Norwich

Flybe has announced that it will no longer have any of its planes based at Norwich Airport.

The airline revealed that it will be axing its Norwich to Dublin route from March 2009 and that it will be positioning its aircraft at the "other end" of existing routes around the same period.

This will mean that its daily Norwich to Edinburgh Airport service will begin in the Scottish city and not commence from the Norfolk town until 8.50am.

EasyJet unveils new Gatwick routes

EasyJet has unveiled four new European services departing from London Gatwick Airport.

The budget airline has increased the variety of routes it serves from the UK's second busiest airport with the introduction of schedules to Croatia, Cyprus, Italy and Greece.

Operating from March 31, 2009, flights between Gatwick and Larnaca will run three times a week from just £30.99. Daily services to Naples will begin on May 1, 2009, prices from £31.99. Schedules from Gatwick to Dubrovnik will also commence on May 1, 2009 with services expected four times a week at £29.99. The Santorini thrice-weekly service will operate from May 3, 2009 from just £36.99.

Businesses urge Birmingham expansion

Local businesses have urged the government to accept proposals to expand Birmingham International Airport.

The Birmingham Post has reported that business leaders in the West Midlands region are urging the transport secretary Geoff Hoon to "back" the airport's expansion, amid fears that the final decision could be delayed.

The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCI) has placed its backing behind Birmingham Airport's planned 400 metre runway extension, which would enable direct long haul services to a number of international destinations.

Poll results: Christmas cutbacks

Weekly round-up

The past seven days have seen relationships between airports and airlines become as icy as London Gatwick's runways. Despite this the aviation industry has still found time to offer passengers a number of new services and special festive discounts on flights.

Flybe, Lufthansa and Emirates all offered their customer's festive deals on routes booked during the Christmas period, while Glasgow, EasyJet, Aer Arann and Kingfisher gave travellers reason to cheer by unveiling new destinations for the New Year.

 

Special Offers

Flybe offers free return tickets

Flybe has unveiled a "one-time offer" for passengers on its Newquay Airport to London Gatwick Airport service.

Aer Lingus thwarts Ryanair

Aer Lingus has reiterated its decision to reject Ryanair's €750 million acquisition offer, which would have created a monopoly on air travel to and from Ireland.

The Irish flag carrier met with the country's Minister for Transport and suggested that Ryanair's offer was primarily motivated by the desire to "eliminate competition in the market".

Kingfisher launches Mumbai route

Kingfisher Airways has announced that it will provide services from London Heathrow Airport to Mumbai from the beginning of next year.

The carrier, which is India's only five-star airline, will begin non-stop daily schedules to the Indian city from January 5 2009 using a brand new Airbus A330-200.

CityJet to take over Amsterdam flights

CityJet has announced that it will overtake the London City Airport to Amsterdam route from January 5, which is currently operated by VLM Airlines.

The two subsidiaries of Air France KLM have come to an agreement that allows CityJet to operate eight daily services to the Dutch city, using a 95 seat AVRO RJ-85 aircraft, while VLM will run a similar service from London City to Rotterdam.

Glasgow launches more Mediterranean services

Glasgow Airport has extended the capacity on a number of its summer 2009 services to European destinations.

Scotland's second busiest airport increased the number of seats available on routes to Girona, Alicante, Faro, Palma, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote by close to 25,000, following Sunways Holidays' decision to offer package deals to the locations.

Flybe offers free return tickets

Flybe has unveiled a "one-time offer" for passengers on its Newquay Airport to London Gatwick Airport service.

The first 200 passengers to reserve a seat on the airline's new south-west schedule will receive a free return ticket on the same route valid during the summer months of 2010.

The regional airline has recently unveiled the service, which will operate three-times-a-day between Monday and Friday, once on Saturdays and twice on Sundays.

Airport closures pile on misery

The closure of London Gatwick Airport's runway this morning (December 11) signalled the end of a tempestuous week for many passengers travelling from the UK's airports.

The four-hour closure of the UK's second busiest airport joined the temporary cancellation of flights from London Stansted Airport on Monday, in incidents that called into question the vulnerability of the country's airports.

Add to this the cancellation of flights to Athens and Budapest by British Airways, due to political unrest in the regions, and a worrisome pattern is beginning to emerge.

Flights to Gatwick were diverted to other London situated airports while around 60 inbound and outbound services were cancelled or delayed, following icy conditions on the runway.

BA and Qantas fined for price fixing

British Airways and Qantas have been fined after admitting engaging in a price fixing alliance.

An Australian federal court in Sydney imposed a punishment equating to £8.7 million to Qantas and £3.3 million to the UK's flag carrier, after the two airlines admitted agreeing an illegal arrangement.

Birmingham urges council to support extension

Birmingham International Airport has called on the region's local council to provide passengers with an early "Christmas gift", by approving plans for a runway extension.

A decision is expected from Solihull Council on Monday (December 15), regarding the license for a 400 metre extension of the UK's six largest airport's runway.

Virgin places Dreamliner order

Virgin Atlantic has ordered the largest ever quantity of Boeing's flagship 787 Dreamliner.

The British airline, which currently uses 747s on the majority its services, has ordered 15,787 Dreamliners; a figure that could rise to 43 if the carrier takes full advantage of agreed purchase rights.