UK Airport Guide

Virgin Offer Duty Free Vouchers During Summer

2009-07-02T17:19:00.002+02:00

Virgin Atlantic Airways has launched a shopping incentive to promote online check-in during the summer holidays. Passengers travelling from London Heathrow Airport, Manchester Airport or Glasgow Airport between July 1 and August 31 will receive vouchers worth £6 ($9.85) off any inflight duty-free purchases of £30 ($49) or more.

Glasgow Airport To Become Fashion Centre

2009-07-02T16:41:00.001+02:00

Glasgow Airport is set to literally become one of the most fashionable airports in the UK after the retail consortium McArthurGlen announced plans to open 11 stores as part of its multi-million pound revamp which is scheduled for autumn/winter 2009.

The company said the shops would feature young and directional fashion brands eager to capture an annual audience of 4 million departing passengers. The stores will be in Glasgow Airport’s £31m Skyhub terminal extension, which opened in October 2008 and provides state-of-the-art security screening and more space for travellers.

The new look departure lounge will be selling full price fashion labels through stores such as Collezioni that will be part of the stylish, curved avenue of stores. Glasgow is the first UK airport to welcome the collection which already occupies areas of Venice, Porto and Dublin airports.The centre's launch later this year is expected to further enhance the nearby city's reputation as the largest retailing city outside London and as a leading fashion centre.

No more flights to New York from Gatwick Airport

2009-06-23T15:15:00.007+02:00

British Airways is ceasing operation of its Gatwick-New York route in October this year. It will mean that following earlier withdrawals by Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines and Continental this is the first time in 25 years that Gatwick Airport will not fly to the Big Apple.

The cancellation of the route is due to disappointing premium traffic, and BA is now planning to launch the first transatlantic service from the much smaller London City airport.

It is a business-class-only service on an Airbus 318 an requires a fuel stop at Ireland's Shannon Airport en route to New York, but the airline said that passengers would be able to do US customs clearance during the stop. Eastbound flights will be nonstop.

Gatwick Airport for Sale

2008-09-17T10:11:00.004+02:00

BAA has today announced its intention to sell Gatwick Airport, which is the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow handling 35 million passengers last year.

They currently own Heathrow, Stansted and Scotland's three biggest airports and say that selling London Gatwick Airport would be of benefit to the business, customers and staff.

Their decision follows a report from the Competition Commission last month which identified significant competition problems because of BAA's dominant position and proposed that they stop running two of their three London airports.

BAA want to continue to operate their three other South East airports (which include Southampton) and its three Scottish hubs. However the Competition Commission may well order BAA to also sell Stansted Airport as well as either Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport.

Virgin Atlantic, owned by Sir Richard Branson, immediately stated that they are very interested in this proposal and want to join a bidding consortium for London Gatwick Airport.

Ryanair Launch New Ski Routes From Birmingham

2008-09-03T15:55:00.003+02:00

Ryanair has announced two new winter ski routes from Birmingham International Airport to France and Italy.

The new destinations are Grenoble, France and Cuneo, near Milan, Italy. The routes will run weekly from the 20th December until April. This brings Ryanair's route schedule for 2008/2009 to 101 routes - up 40% on last year.

Ryanair Fuel Rations

2008-09-01T13:20:00.002+02:00

Ryanair pilots have declared 'insane' new measures imposed to cap the amount of fuel reserves pilots can carry on flights. Pilots no longer have discretionary rights to request extra fuel.

According to The Times Online, a memo was sent to pilots in which it stated that they must now carry a maximum of 300kg of oxtra fuel, which equates to just 4 minutes of extra stacking time for a Boeing 737. Under European rules, planes must carry 5% of their load as extra contingency fuel, which should be enough to carry out an approach, divert to another airport, or hold for 30 minutes at another airport. The safety implications are obvious and very disturbing.

In the light of current oil prices, surely it's time for the airlines to re-visit their pricing strategy? Safety can not be compromised amid cost-cutting measures.

Emergency Landing After Fire On Gatwick Bound Flight

2008-08-29T11:39:00.001+02:00

A Thomsonfly holiday flight from Pula, Croatia to Gatwick Airport was forced to make an emergency landing following an on-board fire.

The Boeing 737-800 had reached 3000ft after take off when staff became aware of black smoke filling the cabin.

The captain returned the plane to Pula in an emergency landing, where the plane was greeted by a fleet of fire engines.

The pilot was praised for his quick reactions, and although passengers were shaken, nobody was injured.

UK Airport Strike Called Off

2008-08-21T12:45:00.003+02:00

Baggage handlers and cabin crew at Stansted, Gatwick and Manchester airports have called off a series of 24 hour strikes.

Strikes were due to take place on bank holiday Monday and 29th August at the london airports, and on the 27th August at Manchester airport. This weekend is one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year, so the strikes would have been sure to cause a great deal of disruption for travellers.

A separate strike is still going ahead at Stansted airport involving over 30 security scanner operators. This will take place on Monday, although Stansted airport have issued a statement stating that the strike would cause "minimal, if any" disruption.

BA Launches Ad Campaign To Promote Terminal 5

2008-08-06T11:14:00.003+02:00

Following the monumental fiasco that was the opening of the new terminal 5 building at Heathrow, BA have launched the 'T5 is working' campaign.

The campaign will be seen across all media channels, and will last for 38 days. It will feature real people using the terminal, and will focus on the customer experience, tracking their journey through the terminal.

Customer feedback suggests that things have improved greatly at the terminal, so hopefully the problems of the first few weeks are well and truly a thing of the past.

Mobile Use On Flights One Step Closer

2008-07-31T11:02:00.002+02:00

Communications watchdog, Ofcom, has given the green light to the use of mobile phones during flights.

Security concerns were raised, as mobile phones are capable of triggering a bomb explosion. There is also concern that the use of mobiles may annoy fellow passengers, leading to air-rage incidents.

Several bodies still have to approve the use of mobiles on flights, including the European Commission and Civil Aviation Authority.

Ryanair's Profits Fall

2008-07-30T10:25:00.003+02:00

The recent increases in oil prices are continuing to take their toll on the aviation industry, with Ryanair announcing that at best they hoped to break even this year.

Profit results for the first quarter of 2008 show a fall of 85% to €21m (£16.6m). However, chief executive Michael O'Leary announced that he expected flight prices to fall later in the year, as consumer confidence continues to wane.

Ryanair made a smart move recently, when oil prices dipped, hedging fuel prices for the rest of the year.

More Delays, Less Complaints!

2008-07-24T14:06:00.003+02:00

Flight delays from UK airports are becoming increasingly common, with average delays for charter flights being 25 minutes, and scheduled flights 17 minutes.

The worst offenders were Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Edinburgh Airport, with between 33 and 42% delayed flights.

The official airline consumer watchdog, the Air Transport Users Council, reported just over 11,000 complaints in the year 2007 / 2008. Nearly half of these complaints were about delayed or cancelled flights, although there were significantly less complaints than the previous year.

So why are we putting up with more delays? It could be that airports now have much better shopping, catering and leisure facilities to keep us occupied while we wait. It could also be that we are simply getting used to all the delays, especially since the introduction of higher level security checks which means more hanging around.

The more cynically inclined could be forgiven for thinking that airport delays were contrived to make us spend more money at the airport terminals!

New Restaurant At Bristol Airport

2008-07-14T14:19:00.002+02:00

Bristol Airport has announced the opening of its first table service restaurant, Dexter's Chargrill & Bar.

The new restaurant has been developed in partnership with the Clapham House Group, whose interests include The Real Greek, The Bombay Bicycle Club, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Dexters and Tootsies brands.

Dexter's is located airside, and is an American-style family restaurant serving a health-conscious all-day menu. Dishes include a superfood salad and traditional burgers. The restaurant is child-friendly, and has a specially developed Junior menu, created by well known children's food and nutrition expert, Annabel Karmel.

Easyjet Announces New Manchester Routes

2008-07-14T12:50:00.002+02:00

Easyjet has announced the launch of two new routes from Manchester Airport, starting this December. The new destinations are Sofia, Bulgaria, and Geneva, Switzerland.

The new routes will be good news for people wanting to book winter ski holidays in the Alps, and also for those who have bought second homes in Bulgaria.

Faster Visa Processing Between UK And US

2008-07-07T12:48:00.003+02:00

UK and US governments have signed an agreement to develop a 'trusted traveller initiative', allowing pre-screened travellers fast-track processing when arriving in the other country.

Under the agreement, the two governments will work to create a special channel for these travellers and develop fingerprint, iris or facial recognition technology to speed up border controls whilst maintaining security.

The programme is aimed at those regular trusted travellers, such as those working in large international corporations, who frequently travel between the two countries. They will undergo an enrollment and pre-screening process.

Virgin Launches Glasgow - Orlando Route

2008-06-25T10:50:00.002+02:00

Virgin Atlantic celebrated the inaugural flight from Glasgow Airport to Orlando Airport on Saturday.

The new service will run every saturday throughout the summer, coinciding with the school holiday season. It will then restart in time for the October half term break, and again in April for the Easter holidays.

The service is being operated in conjunction with Virgin Holidays.

Manchester City Airport Wins Award

2008-06-25T10:42:00.002+02:00

Manchester Airport has been awarded the Best Airport Award 2008 by the Airports Council International Europe.

The airport was the winner of the 10-25 million passenger category, and was praised for 'its simple, innovative approach to attracting airlines'.

Luton Airport Introduce £1 Trolley Charge

2008-06-23T12:32:00.002+02:00

Luton Airport has announced that passengers will soon be charged £1 to use the airport luggage trolleys. New trolleys are expected to arrive at the airport on the 26th July.

The £1 charge will not be refunded after use, a move which has caused outrage amongst some passengers, who feel that airlines and airports are charging for every single service possible.

The scheme is already in place at Bristol Airport, and could be seen in more airports across the UK.

Ryanair Launches Text Service

2008-06-19T12:22:00.002+02:00

Ryanair has launched a new text service, which sends regular flight status updates to UK and Irish mobiles.

The Flight Tracker service could be very useful for people awaiting the arrival of a Ryanair passenger, saving time spent hanging around the airport and also saving money on airport parking charges.

From the UK, call 0844 8 93 93 93 from your mobile or text FR + flight number to 85122. From Ireland, call 0818 220 333 from your mobile or Text FR + flight number to 57252. For a demo, go to www.flighttracker.ie .

Jet2 and Flybe Hit Back At Ryanair Boss O'Leary

2008-06-05T11:49:00.004+02:00

Michael O'Leary, the outspoken boss of Ryanair, has angered competitors by saying that he thinks the fuel crisis is a good thing for consumers, and will shut down 'crappy competitors'. He was referring to Jet2, Flybe, Flyglobespan, Sky Europe and Vueling.

O'Leary made the comments during the company's financial results statement on Tuesday. He predicted that only Easyjet, Ryanair, BA, Air France and Lufthansa would either break even or make a profit this year.

In response to these comments, Flybe issued a statement saying the following: 'We note with indifference the latest rantings of Mr O'Leary and notes his usual attempt to deflect attention from his own results by making unsubstantiated accusations about other issues. Flybe also notes that Mr O’Leary tried exactly the same tactic in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.'

It added: 'Flybe's fuel costs are only 24.6% of its total cost base at today's prices, while Ryanair's are 44.5%. While Mr O'Leary expects to break even only at $130 a barrel we believe that fuel will have to be well over $170 a barrel before Flybe is forced to breakeven.'

Jet2 boss Philip Meeson replied in a statement: 'It won't be Jet2. I'm sorry Mr O'Leary – unlike you, Jet2.com has bought all its fuel for this summer, this coming winter and next summer at attractive rates. Our passengers can rely upon us for many, many years to come.'

Spanish Holiday Club Scam

2008-06-02T15:28:00.002+02:00

The Office of Fair Trading has revealed that a spanish holiday club scam has already earned its creators millions of pounds.

The scam involves the use of scratchcards asking 'have you won a luxury holiday?' All the cards are winning cards, with the prize being a sales presentation designed to push people into parting with cash to join an exclusive holiday club.

The 'exclusive holiday club' offers members access to holidays in resorts such as Fuengirola, Benalmadena and the Canary Islands. However, it appears that the contracts signed are 'nearly worthless', and in many cases the club offers little more than an internet booking service, which members could access equally easily without club membership.

The average amount paid by victims of the scam is 3,000 euros.

The OFT scambusters team have been handing out their own versions of the cards at UK Airports to highlight the problem, whilst staff from the European Consumer Centre have been on hand at Malaga Airport. The OFT has also taken out adverts in inflight magazines and airport walls.

Mike Haley, head of consumer protection at the OFT, urged holidaymakers to take extra care when faced with something aimed at persuading them to attend such a presentation, and to ask themselves three questions:

Can you take away the contract to consider at your leisure?
Is everything you are promised in the presentation in the contract?
Do you know exactly what you are getting for your money?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, the OFT advises you to walk away.

BA Orders Aircraft For New London City - New York Route

2008-05-29T10:33:00.003+02:00

Airbus has confirmed that BA has placed a firm order for two A318 aircraft, which will be used to launch the forthcoming all business service between London City and New York.

The A318 is the smallest aircraft within the A320 family, but is the largest aircraft allowed to use the London City Airport, due to the steep approach to the airport and noise restrictions.

The A318 is usually a 107 seat aircraft, but will be operating with just 32 business class seats. The aircraft will also have to make a fuel stop on the outbound flight, as the aircraft is unable to hold sufficient fuel for the journey. This is not necessary for the return journey.

The new route is hoped to be an attractive proposition for city workers commuting between Wall Street and The City, who will be willing to pay for the convenience of travelling directly from the city, and avoiding Heathrow Airport.

Belfast City Airport For Sale

2008-05-28T13:24:00.002+02:00

Belfast City Airport has been put up for sale by its Spanish owners, Grupo Ferrovial. The airport carries a price tag of over £100 million. The airport was bought in 2003 for £35 million.

KPMG are overseeing the sale, and have reported that there is considerable interest, which should result in a completion before the end of the year.

Ferrovial have said that the decision to sell does not affect the day to day running of the airport or employment levels.

Silverjet Shares Suspended

2008-05-26T11:58:00.002+02:00

Silverjet, the all business luton based airline, has suspended trading of its shares on the AIM market, amid difficulties regarding ongoing funding.

It seems that there has been a problem with one of its investors being unable to provide a scheduled loan of $5 million.

Silverjet have announced that the business carries on as usual, and they are in talks with investors to win further funding.

Recent fuel price increases will be doing nothing to ease the difficulties, which are being felt throughout the airline industry.

Film & TV Stars Join Heathrow Protest

2008-05-21T15:10:00.003+02:00

Film & TV Stars including Gillian Anderson from the X files, Joanna Lumley, Anna Chancellor, Fay Ripley, Rula Lenska and Rebecca Frayn joined a peaceful protest outside the House of Commons yesterday against the expansion of Heathrow Airport.

The protest was organised by the lobby group Climate Action Now, also known as weCAN. The group consists of concerned mothers and young people calling for a halt to airport expansion. The group formed a big 'NO' and handed a letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.