Simon Calder

ETIAS is a planned online travel authorisation for British and other visa-exempt nationals visiting most Schengen countries for short stays. It is expected to cost €20 for applicants aged 18 to 70, remain valid for up to three years or until passport expiry, and require personal, travel and criminal-record information. Because ETIAS depends on the delayed and troubled EU Entry/Exit System, it is unlikely to be needed before 2027. Transitional and grace periods will initially mean travellers without authorisation may still be admitted if they meet other entry requirements. ETIAS will not be required for Ireland or for travellers holding relevant work, study or long-stay permits, and approval will not guarantee entry. Applications should be made only through the official EU website because fraudulent sites are already attempting to collect excessive fees and personal data.

Passengers flying from UK or EU airports, or on British and European airlines departing elsewhere, may be entitled to care, alternative transport, refunds and cash compensation when flights are cancelled or significantly delayed. Compensation generally ranges from £220 to £520 depending on distance, but airlines can avoid payment when extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or security risks caused the disruption. Technical failures and most airline-controlled strikes normally do not qualify for that exemption. Passengers facing delays of at least five hours can choose not to travel and receive a refund, while those with valid claims should generally insist on cash rather than vouchers and pursue rejected claims through dispute resolution or court action.

Simon Calder presents St Kitts as a Caribbean destination combining beaches, rum, history, culture, natural landscapes, and notable food and drink. The video offers practical travel advice and recommendations for planning a visit.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has called for alcohol sales in airport bars before morning flights to be banned, citing a sharp rise in unruly passenger behavior and flight diversions. Travel correspondent Simon Calder examines what such a restriction could involve and whether the tradition of having a pre-flight drink may be coming to an end.

Simon Calder outlines the best and worst times to travel during the UK bank holiday weekend of 23–25 May. Rail strikes and engineering works are expected to disrupt train services, while the RAC forecasts heavy road congestion worsened by hot weather. Travellers heading abroad may also face delays caused by EU entry and exit checks.

UK rail passengers are generally entitled to compensation when delays reach specified thresholds, but the amount and eligibility rules vary significantly by operator. Most companies offer Delay Repay payments from 15 minutes of delay, while some begin at 30 minutes and Grand Central has less generous thresholds. Passengers can usually claim for cancellations, abandon journeys delayed by at least an hour, or receive refunds when they return to their starting point, but compensation for consequential losses is rarely available. Claims normally must be filed within four weeks, and third-party bookings can complicate the process. Eurostar uses separate, less generous rules. Planned reforms under Great British Railways could simplify claims, although a unified system and improved punctuality remain the broader priorities.

Air passenger rights apply to flights departing from UK or EU airports and to services operated by British or European airlines from elsewhere. Airlines generally must provide refreshments during qualifying delays and hotel accommodation when an overnight delay occurs. Passengers may be entitled to £220–£520 in cash compensation for cancellations made less than two weeks before departure or arrivals delayed by at least three hours when the airline is responsible. Compensation can be withheld for extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or political instability, but not usually for technical faults or official staff strikes. Claims should first be made directly to the airline, with court action or claims handlers available if the dispute is unresolved.

Passengers departing from the UK or EU, or flying on UK or European airlines from elsewhere, generally have rights to care, alternative transport and refunds when flights are cancelled or significantly delayed. Compensation of up to £520 or €600 may be due for cancellations announced less than two weeks in advance or arrivals at least three hours late, unless extraordinary circumstances apply. Passengers can seek refunds after delays of five hours, should claim directly from airlines, and may pursue legal action if a valid claim is rejected. Travel insurance is usually secondary because airlines remain responsible for care and rerouting.

A total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will cross Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, offering prime viewing opportunities in regions such as Burgos, Palma de Mallorca and Iceland’s western coast. Clear skies remain the key factor, with Mediterranean Spain holding the best weather odds. Tour operators and cruise lines are preparing specialised eclipse trips, while safety authorities stress the need for proper eye protection outside the brief period of totality. Subsequent eclipses will occur in 2027 across North Africa and the Middle East, in 2028 across Australia, and in 2030 through southern Africa and Australia.

Guidance for England and Scotland supporters traveling to the 2026 World Cup outlines expected heat, high accommodation costs and rising domestic US airfares. Visa requirements, transatlantic fare trends, and options for domestic travel by plane, train or bus are detailed, along with official and secondary ticketing routes. Accommodation prices in host cities are currently inflated but may fall closer to the tournament. Fans are encouraged to treat the trip as a broader holiday, with suggested road trip routes and regional attractions between matches.

Etias, an online travel authorisation for visa‑exempt travellers including UK nationals, will launch in late 2026 but will not become mandatory before April 2027 due to required implementation of the EU entry‑exit system and subsequent transitional and grace periods. The permit will cost €20, require personal and security‑related information, and remain valid for three years. Applications will be checked against EU and Interpol databases, though approval does not guarantee entry. Travellers will apply via an official EU website or app once operational, with warnings issued about scam sites. Ireland remains exempt due to the Common Travel Area.

A 32‑year retrospective traces major developments in global travel, from the rise of low‑cost airlines and shifting tourism trends to crises such as 9/11, the volcanic ash shutdown and the Covid‑19 pandemic. Industry transformations include EU regulatory changes, the emergence of companies like easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, Airbnb and Uber, and the collapse of Monarch and Thomas Cook. The narrative highlights evolving transportation systems, airport failures, policy missteps, and the impact of Brexit on passports and travel rules. Across decades of reporting from destinations worldwide, key moments range from technological shifts and infrastructure launches to geopolitical shocks, culminating in reflections on changing travel culture and personal experiences on the road.

Short cruises offer an easy way for travellers to test whether they enjoy life at sea, with options ranging from one-night UK sailings to multi-day trips linked to Florida holidays. Several cruise lines provide brief itineraries including voyages by Fred Olsen Cruises, Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean, as well as future low-cost routes on Ambassador Cruise Line. Brittany Ferries also offers ferry-cruise hybrids featuring dining and entertainment. These short sailings give travellers a low-commitment introduction to cruising and opportunities to explore coastal destinations.

Travellers recount costly taxi journeys across multiple countries, with examples from Italy, France, Japan, Egypt and Scandinavia illustrating inconsistent pricing, high late‑night fares and limited transport options. Several readers found cheaper alternatives through local taxis or public transport, while others faced extreme charges due to delays, cancellations or emergencies. Experiences ranged from modest overpayments to multi‑thousand‑euro trips during travel disruptions, underscoring the value of timing, local knowledge and public transport where available.

The text announces a live Q&A session with Simon Calder addressing confusion around the EU’s new digital border controls. It highlights delays and inconsistencies in the rollout of the Entry/Exit System, which has caused travel disruption in several locations, and notes that the ETIAS scheme is planned to follow in 2026. Readers are invited to submit questions about travel to Europe amid ongoing procedural and bureaucratic challenges.

The EU’s entry-exit system has faced inconsistent implementation, causing delays at several airports and UK border points, though it functions smoothly in some locations such as Palma. Dr Nick Brown attributes problems to technological and administrative issues but expects improved eGate systems to resolve difficulties over time. He predicts the Etias euro‑visa system will launch by the end of the year, with a six‑month grace period before becoming mandatory and minimal impact on arrival processes due to pre‑verification requirements.

A Kent couple lost a £12,000 holiday to Goa after an Indian eVisa application was rejected three days before departure, leaving no time to obtain an alternative visa. The Indian eVisa system’s complexity and opaque rejection process contributed to the issue. Attempts to claim through travel insurance or change destinations failed, and Tui maintained that customers are directed to visa requirements at booking.

A UK couple lost their £12,000 holiday to Goa after one partner’s Indian eVisa application was rejected just days before departure, with technical issues and tight application windows contributing to delays. Tui advised them to use the eVisa system but offered no alternative when problems arose, and their travel insurance claim was denied. Abta guidance highlights that travel companies must inform customers of visa requirements, while India’s complex and error‑prone application process continues to cause widespread difficulties for travellers.

The government plans to improve unreliable UK train wifi by upgrading more than 1,400 trains with low‑Earth orbit satellite connectivity and expanding fibre‑optic coverage through Project Reach. Trials using Formula One‑derived technology and Starlink on a GWR test train delivered home‑like speeds, demonstrating significant potential to boost productivity for rail passengers. Network Rail and partners aim to expand fibre infrastructure along major lines, with LNER and TransPennine Express expected to benefit early from the rollout.

A light aircraft experienced difficulties while landing at Glasgow Airport, forcing the runway to close for 72 minutes. At least seven inbound flights were diverted to Edinburgh, affecting about 1,100 passengers, while a Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt was cancelled and around 20 departures faced significant delays. Further disruption was expected, with affected passengers entitled to alternative travel, accommodation where necessary and refreshments during long delays.

A light aircraft incident closed Glasgow Airport’s runway for over an hour, forcing at least seven inbound flights to divert to Edinburgh and delaying around 20 departures. More than 1,100 passengers arrived at the wrong airport, and one Lufthansa return flight was cancelled. Operations resumed after 5pm, but delays are expected to persist as crews risk going out of hours. Travellers on cancelled flights are entitled to rebooking, meals and accommodation under air passenger rights rules.

Fragmented ticketing systems and yield‑managed pricing make European rail travel complex, forcing passengers to book multiple segments separately and discouraging long‑distance journeys. Mark Smith explains how older, unified fare structures were displaced by airline‑style dynamic pricing, eliminating through‑tickets between major cities. The European Commission proposes virtual through‑tickets to protect passengers during multi‑operator journeys, though these reforms will not apply to UK departures. High Eurostar fares compared with cheap flights illustrate how rail’s lack of integration continues to push travelers toward airlines.

Qantas plans nonstop flights between London and Sydney beginning in 2027 using specially adapted Airbus A350‑1000 aircraft capable of flying up to 22 hours. Extended distances and closed Russian airspace make the route complex, with high fuel consumption and significant operating costs driving fares that may far exceed current connecting‑flight prices. Reduced‑capacity cabins, additional crew, and alternative routing via northern or southern paths are being considered. Environmental impact remains a major concern, as multiple shorter segments would be more fuel‑efficient than a single ultra‑long flight. Melbourne and Brisbane are potential future nonstop destinations.

The EU is proposing a “one journey, one ticket, full rights” system to make international rail travel more seamless and provide passenger protection when multi-operator journeys face missed connections. UK travellers starting their journeys outside London may not benefit because the UK’s departure from the EU means the rules will not apply to journeys originating in Britain. They will therefore continue to face fragmented bookings and separate tickets, unlike travellers within the EU.

Qantas has delayed its Project Sunrise non-stop flights between Sydney and London or New York after Airbus supply chain problems and earlier complications involving the aircraft’s additional fuel tank. Delivery of the specially configured Airbus A350s is now expected in April 2027, postponing the planned service launch. The Sydney–London route is expected to take about 19 hours, and Qantas will announce the inaugural route and a revised start date in June.

Qantas has again postponed its Project Sunrise nonstop flights linking Sydney with London and New York due to Airbus delivery delays, pushing the start beyond the first half of 2027. The airline expects to regain its schedule once multiple A350 aircraft arrive between April and November 2027, though regulatory training flights and longer rerouting caused by Russian and Middle Eastern airspace restrictions may extend preparations. Demand remains strong for routes that avoid stopovers in the Gulf region.

Travellers share widespread criticism of various European airports, with Paris Charles de Gaulle, Munich, and Manchester among the most frequently cited for poor design, stressful connections, and inadequate facilities. Smaller airports such as Dalaman, Geneva, and Bordeaux also receive complaints, often linked to overcrowding, high prices, or outdated terminals. Readers attribute problems to piecemeal expansion rather than long-term planning, contrasting airports unfavourably with other travel hubs where security and layout are less burdensome.

Severe delays at Dover exposed the inability of the EU’s new entry-exit system to manage large numbers of British travellers, prompting French border officials to abandon biometric checks and revert to manual processing under Article 9 emergency provisions. The incident highlighted fundamental design flaws in applying the system to the uniquely high volume of UK–EU travel. With Britain now the largest source of third‑country nationals entering Schengen, the article argues that both Brussels and London must rethink the implementation to create a workable, tailored solution.

Thousands of people travelling from the UK to France and other European destinations faced severe delays at Dover during the busiest day of the year so far. Queues extended for hours through surrounding roads as French border police manually implemented the EU’s Entry-Exit System, which requires fingerprints and photographs from travellers. The system was suspended during the morning and passport stamping resumed to ease congestion. The Port of Dover later said traffic was flowing freely and offered free travel on the next available ferry to passengers who missed crossings. The disruption coincided with unusually high temperatures and warnings that UK heat records could be broken.

French border officers suspended the EU entry‑exit system at Dover after severe queues formed as British holidaymakers attempted to reach France by ferry. Manual passport stamping was reinstated to ease congestion caused by slow digital processing requirements for third‑country nationals. Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister said limited control points, traffic misrouting and IT issues contributed to waits of more than four hours. P&O passengers missed departures, and similar passport‑control delays were reported across Europe, with Greece halting biometric checks for UK visitors.

The EU’s new Entry-Exit System is experiencing inconsistent implementation, technical failures and long queues, with some countries dropping biometric requirements and others reverting to manual passport stamping during peak congestion. UK–France juxtaposed border points face significant connectivity issues, contributing to severe delays such as the hours-long queues at Dover. Aviation leaders warn of major summer disruption due to understaffing and unreliable equipment, urging temporary suspension of the system. The European Commission maintains the system is effective but acknowledges technical problems and delays that also make the planned Etias rollout unlikely before late 2026.

Thousands of travelers faced lengthy delays and gridlock around the Port of Dover during the bank holiday, with some waiting at least 90 minutes for ferry-terminal border checks and an additional two hours to reach the port. The disruption was blamed on the EU Entry-Exit System, which requires fingerprints and photographs but was not fully installed at Dover, leaving French border police to process passengers manually. The congestion coincided with the port’s expected busiest day of the year and unusually hot weather.

Travel to the United States in 2026 is shaped by tightened entry procedures introduced under President Trump, including intensified vetting of foreign visitors, stricter enforcement of Esta requirements and increased scrutiny of social media and electronic devices. Travellers who have visited Cuba since January 2021 or certain other restricted countries must obtain visas. Border processing has become slower and more rigorous due to enhanced biometric checks, and LGBTQ+ and politically active travellers may have added concerns, though authorities state gender identity does not affect admissibility. Pre-clearance in Ireland offers a smoother arrival experience, and despite heightened controls, airlines and hotels are reducing prices amid lower-than-expected demand during the World Cup period.

Rising jet fuel prices driven by the Iran conflict have prompted airlines worldwide to cut flights, raise surcharges and adjust capacity, though major UK holiday carriers easyJet, Jet2 and TUI report stable fuel supplies and no expected summer disruption. The head of IATA warns that higher ticket prices are inevitable as airlines struggle to absorb fuel costs. While some carriers such as Lufthansa, KLM, Turkish Airlines and SAS are cancelling significant numbers of flights, others are increasing baggage fees, adding fuel surcharges or trimming capacity to offset expenses. UK cancellations remain limited, and supply updates to major tour operators indicate no imminent fuel shortages despite global financial pressures on aviation.

Delays at the Port of Dover caused by issues with the EU entry-exit system and widespread rail disruptions created major travel problems at the start of the bank holiday weekend. Power failures, signalling faults and strike action led to cancellations on key rail routes, while closures on the East Coast Main Line and the Severn Tunnel will prolong journeys and increase road congestion. Heavy traffic is expected as holidaymakers and football fans travel during a forecast heatwave.

Travel across the UK during the late‑May bank holiday is set for major disruption due to rail strikes, extensive engineering works, heavy road congestion and complications with the EU’s entry‑exit system. Most services on West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway are cancelled, while key intercity routes including the East Coast Main Line and GWR’s Severn Tunnel link face long closures and replacement buses. Road traffic is expected to peak on Friday and Saturday, with particularly heavy congestion on major motorways and routes to coastal destinations. The Port of Dover anticipates its busiest period in years but faces challenges due to the partial rollout of the EU’s biometric border system. Airports will operate more than 12,000 departing flights over the weekend, with Friday projected as the busiest day.

The HS2 reset offers only a diminished version of the high-speed rail project after years of political decisions and management failures that cut routes, inflated costs and eroded the project’s original national benefits. Key cancellations by Rishi Sunak and earlier reductions under Boris Johnson severely limited expected economic gains for northern cities. Current leadership under Mark Wild is viewed as competent, but recent service cuts on the existing network contrast sharply with government claims about improved connectivity. Reports accompanying the reset highlight governance failures within HS2 Ltd and political oversight that allowed costs to spiral, leaving a project far smaller in scope and impact than first envisioned.

Investigators concluded that flight AF447 crashed after iced pitot tubes produced incorrect speed readings, causing the autopilot to disengage and leaving two co‑pilots unable to manage the aircraft as it stalled for several minutes before impact. The report highlighted inadequate training and crew response, noting that the situation was survivable with better recognition and action. A French court has found Airbus and Air France guilty of corporate manslaughter, though Airbus plans to appeal. The case renews scrutiny of aviation safety practices as another major crash investigation, involving Air India flight 171, nears completion.

EasyJet plans to operate its full summer schedule despite concerns over aviation fuel shortages linked to reduced oil supply from the Gulf, citing successful diversification of global fuel sources. The airline reported a £552 million loss for the first half of its financial year but attributed this to typical seasonal performance, noting increased passenger numbers and stable pricing. The carrier has hedged most of its summer fuel needs and suspended its usual hedging strategy due to high near‑term fuel prices. Demand is strong for late bookings, with summer fares slightly higher than last year. CEO Kenton Jarvis criticized lengthy delays caused by the EU’s new entry‑exit system and urged European countries to use available flexibility to reduce queues.

Hotel and flight prices to northern Spain have surged ahead of the 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse, with return UK–Bilbao fares topping £400 and scarce Burgos accommodation exceeding £500 per night. Eclipse expert John Mason warns of uncertain weather across northern Spain and the North Atlantic but identifies inland Spain and Greenland’s Scoresby Sound as promising viewing locations. Tour operators are planning trips despite cloud risks, and additional astronomical interest comes from the Perseid meteor shower peaking the same night. High demand is prompting some travellers to route through Madrid or other entry points, raising concerns over road congestion. Safety guidance emphasises eye protection except during totality.

Rising jet fuel prices and localized shortages driven by the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict are prompting flight cancellations and surcharges in parts of the world, though UK airlines report stable supply. Travellers on UK and EU carriers retain strong rebooking and compensation rights, but those flying long-haul on non‑EU airlines may face limited protection. Travel insurance is unlikely to cover cancellations linked to conflict‑driven fuel disruptions. UK airlines have hedged fuel prices and are not adding surcharges for existing bookings, though package holiday providers may increase costs if fuel prices rise. Airfares for later in the year are expected to increase as hedging arrangements unwind, while Gulf carriers may offer discounts to attract passengers. Travellers are advised to book upcoming flights now, benefiting from existing consumer protections.

Edinburgh Airport has increased its drop-off and pick-up charge to £8.50, citing an unexpected £8 million rise in business rates that it says cannot be absorbed. The increase includes the end of a discount for electric vehicles, making their cost rise sharply. While a free 30‑minute drop-off area remains, the airport argues that the new fees are necessary to offset financial pressures. The article places the change in the wider context of UK airport drop-off charges and the security-driven origins of such fees after the 2007 Glasgow attack.

Edinburgh Airport has raised its passenger drop-off and pick-up fee by 42 per cent, from £6 to £8.50, making it one of the UK's most expensive. Electric vehicle users face an 183 per cent increase because a half-price concession has been removed. The airport blames an unexpected £8 million business rates bill, while a free 30-minute drop-off and pick-up area will remain available.

Ryanair is negotiating an extension of CEO Michael O’Leary’s contract to 2032, tied to a 10‑million‑share option dependent on ambitious profit or share‑price targets. The airline reported a 40 percent rise in annual profit to €2.26bn, driven by increased traffic and ancillary revenue now comprising 30 percent of total income. O’Leary reflected on his early years with the company and its growth to Europe’s largest carrier by passenger volume. The airline cited economic uncertainty from oil prices and Middle East tensions but expects stable summer fares. It is appealing an €85m provision related to a significantly larger fine from Italy’s competition regulator. Ryanair’s market value exceeds that of IAG and is far higher than easyJet’s.

Restored rail links between Bristol, Bath and Oxford offer improved connectivity but rely partly on diesel trains after abandoned electrification plans. Disagreements between the government, Chiltern Railways and unions have stalled services on the newly built East West Rail link to Milton Keynes, leaving expensive new infrastructure unused. Lumo will launch a new London–Stirling service with significantly lower fares, increasing competition with Avanti West Coast. Increased innovation and clearer decisions are identified as key needs for improving the UK rail network.

Lufthansa leads airline capacity to Vienna for Eurovision 2026 with 58 percent of seats, overtaking easyJet, which dominated the previous year in Basel. Ryanair ranks second due to its strong Bratislava presence, while Wizz Air places third. Ethiopian Airlines appears in the table through its Copenhagen–Vienna route. Figures were compiled by aviation analyst Oliver Ranson based on flights arriving before the contest weekend.

Lufthansa cancelled a Glasgow–Frankfurt return flight without offering a required alternative, leaving the passenger with only refund or postponement options despite EU rules mandating rerouting. After intervention, Lufthansa provided a Frankfurt–Edinburgh replacement. The Civil Aviation Authority emphasized that rerouting must include other airlines when necessary. British Airways similarly failed at first to offer rerouting for a cancelled Heathrow–Jeddah flight but later arranged travel via Qatar Airways.

A new British airline, Global Airlines, plans to launch transatlantic flights using Airbus A380 aircraft, though only four charter flights are currently scheduled and promised regular services lack required permits and slots. Founder James Asquith promotes the carrier as offering an improved passenger experience, but the aviation sector is sceptical due to high operating costs, limited planned operations and strong competition on the UK–US route. The airline owns two A380s, one operational and one stored, and early fares have been sharply discounted to fill seats. Asquith defends the project against criticism, emphasising the effort and investment behind it, while the long-term viability remains uncertain.

Airfares and hotel rates in the United States have dropped sharply ahead of the 2026 Men’s World Cup, with flights from the UK to key host cities falling well below typical summer levels and accommodation prices also declining. Sample itineraries show significant price reductions on routes involving British Airways, American Airlines, and Aer Lingus, while hotels in New York have cut rates amid weaker-than-expected demand. Soft tourism demand, tougher border controls, and geopolitical uncertainty are contributing to lower prices, creating opportunities for both football fans and other travellers.

Lufthansa cancelled Rhona Taylor’s return flight from Frankfurt to Glasgow and offered only a refund or postponement, refusing to provide an alternative flight. The airline said no suitable option was available for every part of her journey, but this conflicts with the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s interpretation of passenger rights, which requires airlines to offer re-routing, including on other carriers or from nearby airports. Lufthansa has cancelled more than 20,000 summer flights, mainly through CityLine, while British Airways also initially failed to offer re-routing for a cancelled Heathrow–Jeddah service before changing its position after The Independent intervened.

Advocates for reviving the tradition of naming distinctive British train services, arguing it enhances branding at minimal cost. Highlights the historic and current named services operated by Great Western Railway, Avanti West Coast, and LNER, while suggesting new naming opportunities such as for premium Manchester–London services and LNER’s alcohol‑free Friday train. Emphasizes the potential for Great British Railways to use train naming to strengthen its public profile.

Tui expects no disruption to summer flights despite concerns that the Iran conflict could tighten aviation fuel supplies. Executives say fuel availability is secure due to increased European sourcing from countries such as Nigeria, lower consumption, and higher refinery capacity, with higher prices offset by hedging. The UK government also reports no current shortages. Tui’s first-half financial results were strong, though conflict-related disruption in Iran and Hurricane Melissa reduced profits. Cruise occupancy dipped due to ships stranded in the Gulf, and summer air bookings remain slightly below last year, though overall travel demand is stable.

Tui has reassured holidaymakers that peak summer flights will proceed as planned, saying no jet fuel shortage is expected over the next 10 weeks because supplies are sufficient, prices are hedged, and production has increased elsewhere. The Iran conflict has reduced profits by €40 million, while Hurricane Melissa caused a further €5 million loss in Jamaica. Although summer air bookings are 7 per cent below last year, customers are booking closer to departure and overall demand for travel remains strong.

Analysts warn the UK is particularly exposed to potential jet fuel shortages due to heavy reliance on imports, but major budget airlines including Wizz Air, Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 say they expect to operate full summer schedules. Airline executives express confidence in existing supply mechanisms, including fuel tankering if necessary, and report no current signs of disruption. Travel demand remains strong, with shifts from international to domestic trips rather than an overall decline.

The Port of Dover expects its busiest May half-term in years as travellers increasingly opt for ferries over flights, partly due to concerns stemming from the conflict in Iran. Port chief executive Doug Bannister highlights rising bookings and outlines operational pressures caused by the EU’s entry‑exit system, whose biometric registration requirements remain partially inactive due to French IT issues. The incomplete system is slowing vehicle processing, prompting the port and authorities on both sides to seek temporary relaxations and long‑term technological solutions. Bannister advises motorists to follow designated routes and reassures travellers that ferry operators will accommodate delays with alternative sailings.

The Port of Dover expects one of its busiest May half-terms in years, with about 8,000 cars forecast to travel to France during the peak period on Saturday 23 May. Increased ferry use is partly attributed to geopolitical concerns. The EU Entry-Exit System is expected to worsen congestion because French officials are currently creating traveller profiles at border controls, increasing processing times. Dover is urging the activation of registration kiosks and a pre-travel app, as well as temporary flexibility in EES requirements during peak periods.

Greece has suspended biometric checks for British travellers and plans to maintain fast‑track entry until the EU’s entry‑exit system improves, citing early‑season delays and excessive bureaucracy. The European Commission has not yet acted against Greece’s unilateral approach, while UK holiday demand for Greece has increased. Limited adoption of the EU’s optional “Travel to Europe” app is cited as a factor in the system’s flawed rollout. Greek officials argue that technology should streamline travel, and do not intend to collect biometrics until a more efficient system is in place.

Lumo will launch direct services between Stirling and London Euston on May 25, with standard-class fares starting below £30 each way. The route will provide the first direct London links for Larbert, Greenfaulds and Whifflet, and introduce open-access competition to Avanti West Coast. The Office for Rail and Road approved the project in March 2024, citing greater passenger choice and competitive pricing despite government reservations about increased competition.

Travel costs for the 2026 Men’s World Cup in the United States are falling as demand remains weaker than expected. UK-US flight fares, including open-jaw and Dublin-connecting itineraries, have dropped substantially, while hotel prices in major cities such as New York have also declined. Lower fares are additionally benefiting travelers visiting the US for non-football trips, including flights from London to Los Angeles.

Lumo will launch direct services between Stirling and London Euston from 25 May, with fares starting below £30 each way and stops at several Scottish and English stations that previously lacked direct London links. The service will introduce open-access competition to Avanti West Coast on the West Coast Main Line. The Office for Rail and Road approved the project in March 2024, while the UK government is pursuing the nationalisation of most rail operators and has expressed caution about how private open-access services should coexist with public operators.

Greece has introduced a temporary fast-track arrangement for British tourists, allowing them to avoid biometric border checks required under the EU’s Entry/Exit System. Tourism minister Olga Kefalogianni said the measure aims to prevent delays and bureaucratic burdens while the system is improved. The European Commission has not yet taken action against Greece, which does not plan to restore biometric checks until a more effective process is available.

The International Air Transport Association warns that continued conflict in the Middle East could create aviation-fuel shortages in Europe and other regions. It says allowing European airlines to use Jet A, alongside Jet A-1, could ease supply-chain pressure because the fuels are nearly identical. International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways, says fuel availability remains secure in its main markets and that the primary concern is rising prices, although it reports softer demand in the eastern Mediterranean.

Simon Calder recounts a frustrating journey through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, including railway and bus closures, confusing terminal transfers, a long security process and a delayed departure. He praises aspects of his Air France flight and finds Heathrow Terminal 4 considerably easier to navigate, while noting that last-minute Eurostar fares can make air travel the cheaper option. He concludes that travelers choosing between Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris CDG should opt for Amsterdam.

The Mini Switzerland project aims to create Swiss-style integrated bus and train services in Derbyshire’s Hope Valley, linking rural villages with the hourly Northern rail service between Manchester and Sheffield. Led by former Transport for London strategy director Thomas Ableman, the scheme has received £6 million in government funding matched by the East Midlands Combined Authority. It will focus on coordinated timetables, ticketing, signage and more frequent buses rather than major new infrastructure. Supporters expect better-connected services to increase ridership, improve residents’ ability to travel without cars and support the local economy, while acknowledging that sustained subsidies and a five-year period of behavioural change may be needed before usage grows.

A project led by former Transport for London strategy director Thomas Ableman aims to create a “mini-Switzerland” transport system in Derbyshire’s Hope Valley. By coordinating trains and buses, increasing service frequency and improving ticketing, the initiative seeks to connect rural villages, increase passenger numbers and support the local economy without building new infrastructure. The UK government and East Midlands Combined Authority have committed £6 million each, and the system could be operational within a year.

A humorous look at sunbed shortages on holiday resorts leads to a tongue‑in‑cheek proposal for an app to reserve loungers, while travellers are reassured that global flight cancellations tied to high fuel prices are unlikely to disrupt most UK holidaymakers. Cheap last‑minute summer deals remain available, including low‑cost packages to Greece, though prices are expected to rise next year. Concerns over cruising are addressed following a hantavirus outbreak on an expedition ship near Mauritania, with reassurance that transmission risk is low and standard hygiene remains the best protection.

A failure of the GSM-R digital railway communications network caused delays of an hour or more for hundreds of thousands of UK rail passengers. Introduced nationwide between 2007 and 2014 at a cost of £1.9 billion, GSM-R enables secure communication between train drivers and signallers, supports safety and performance, and includes a red-button Railway Emergency Call capable of stopping trains in a local area. A previous failure in December 2024 also caused widespread disruption.

GSM-R, a dedicated radio system used for communication between train drivers and signallers, is outlined as a safety-critical technology that prevents loss of contact in tunnels and remote areas and enables emergency stopping of trains. A past emergency on an LNER service illustrates how drivers can use the system to manage incidents, while a nationwide failure in 2024 highlights its operational importance.

Arsenal supporters planning to attend the Champions League final in Budapest face steep rises in airfares and hotel prices, with direct flights from London exceeding £1,000 and standard hotel rooms reaching £2,000 per night. Alternative travel options such as flights to Vienna or Bratislava, overnight buses, and multi‑leg routes through cities like Dortmund or Milan offer lower‑cost possibilities, though prices are also rising. Some fans are resorting to lengthy detours or charter flights as accommodation scarcity drives costs sharply higher.

Rail passengers in the UK can claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more under most operators’ ‘delay repay’ schemes, though rules vary widely, with Eurostar and Grand Central offering the least generous terms. Refunds depend on the length of delay, ticket type and operator policy, and options include automatic, one‑click or manual claims. Cancelled trains may allow re-travel on nearby services, but entitlement depends on the chosen alternative. The Department for Transport plans to simplify claims through Great British Railways from 2027. While compensation is paid regardless of fault, concerns remain about fairness across ticket types and journey lengths, and improvements to punctuality are seen as a higher priority than refining the compensation system.

Greece has overtaken mainland Spain in new summer holiday bookings from UK travellers, with its share rising from 7.7% to 9.8% while Spain’s fell from 8.7% to 7%. The shift followed Greece’s unilateral suspension of biometric border checks in mid-April, offering visitors a smoother arrival experience amid uncertainty over the EU Entry/Exit System. The European Commission says the EES rollout is progressing elsewhere, although Greece’s move reportedly lacks a legal basis.

A travel column argues that France’s railway system is uneven rather than uniformly superior to Britain’s. While the high-speed network, Paris-area suburban trains and the Zou! regional network receive praise, local services are criticized for sparse and irregular timetables, confusing footnotes, rail-replacement buses, poorly designed ticket machines and inflexible ticketing rules. The writer’s journey through Brittany and Normandy required hitchhiking after inadequate connections left him stranded.

Greece has overtaken mainland Spain in summer holiday bookings from UK travellers, with Greece’s share rising from 7.7% to 9.8% and Spain’s falling from 8.7% to 7%. The shift follows Greece’s decision to waive biometric border checks for British visitors despite objections from the European Commission. Travel-industry data suggests that UK holidaymakers are prioritising destinations offering more predictable arrivals amid uncertainty over the EU’s new entry-exit system.