airport

A pilot’s wife has shared some handy airport security tips for anyone asked to remove their shoes – and it’s all about being prepared with a few simple travel essentials

Being asked to remove your shoes at the airport is a fairly routine occurrence. The extra checks largely stem from an incident in 2001, when a passenger attempted to conceal explosives in his shoes while boarding a flight.

While it remains an important safety measure – making it far easier for airport security to check footwear for items that could be smuggled through – it can be rather tiresome for those of us simply heading off on a well-earned holiday.

There’s no denying it feels a bit awkward padding through security in just your socks or bare feet. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also leave your feet dirty, given the sheer number of people passing through the area.

Fortunately, a pilot’s wife named Laurie has some handy advice to share. The travel expert, based in Houston in the US, regularly posts useful content on her popular Instagram page.

She has put forward two top tips for when you find yourself faced with this security request. So here’s what you need to do to prepare yourself:

1. Clean your feet with an antibacterial wipe

Most travellers don’t have access to showers at the airport – and trying to use a sink might attract some rather odd looks from fellow passengers.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t freshen up. Packing antibacterial wipes in your hand luggage could prove to be a real game-changer.

You can swiftly clean your feet if you’re required to walk through security barefoot, taking just a matter of seconds without holding up your journey.

Even better, antibacterial wipes serve other purposes too. Many passengers like to wipe down surfaces on the plane to avoid picking up any unwanted germs.

We recommend giving aeroplane windows a swift wipe if you’re planning to rest against them.

Other commonly touched surfaces – such as TV screens, remote controls or tray tables – may also require a quick clean. So don’t forget to pack those wipes!

2. Pack an extra pair of socks

Even when wearing socks, the thought of treading over a grimy floor can be quite unpleasant. It’s also less than ideal if you’re going to be travelling in the same socks all day, meaning they’ll stay dirty throughout.

Travel expert Laurie shares two tips for handling this situation effectively. She recommends: “Wear a pair of ratty old socks through the [security] line and toss them when done.”

If chucking them isn’t possible, Laurie suggests bringing along a spare pair with a small plastic bag. You can then change into clean socks, pop the dirty ones into the bag, and wash them once you’ve reached your destination.

Laurie’s advice has proved popular online, racking up over 1,100 likes since being posted, with many voicing their gratitude.

One user commented: “Always the best tips!”. Meanwhile, another agreed: “Very good tips.”

An airport has revealed an easy trick for a shorter wait at airport security

Holidaymakers can cut down the time they spend waiting at airport security using a little-known trick. The travel hack was shared by Manchester Airport, and it could be perfect for families ahead of the busy summer holidays.

According to Manchester Airport, there’s an easy way to reduce your queue time if you’re allowed to choose which lane to wait in. Posting tips for passengers online, the travel hub shared an ‘Ultimate Airport Guide’ on its website. There are various tips, covering everything from the best shoes to wear and how to decorate suitcases for maximum visibility.

In the ‘at the airport’ section of the guide, there’s a hack that could help passengers fly through security using ‘reverse psychology.’ Manchester Airport said: “If given the choice of security lanes, pick the left. Most passengers are right handed and will subconsciously prefer the right, making the left a little quieter.”

The airport added that customers can also pay to upgrade to FastTrack for a faster experience. “For just a few pounds, you can purchase FastTrack tickets to use the priority lane and avoid the queues before Security on your way out and Passport Control on your way in.” Many airports offer a similar experience, allowing passengers to pay to use FastTrack.

Elsewhere, London Stansted Airport offers the same security advice for passengers. The airport retierates: “If given the choice of security lanes, pick the left.”

The tip could be especially helpful when many passengers are travelling at the same time, such as during the school summer holidays. However, it’s worth noting that passengers don’t always get to choose their lane.

Nonetheless, they can help speed up the process by avoiding accessories that are difficult to remove. This makes the process faster for everyone.

Offering advice online, London Stansted Airport said: “To prepare your outfit for security, wear shoes that you can take off and put on easily. Avoid fiddley belts or fastenings in your clothes and excess jewellery. Try and keep your pockets empty of non-essentials.”

Despite this, passengers might still want to pack a few layers for later in their journey. The airport recommends packing items such as jumpers, which are easy to take on and off when the temperature changes.

The travel advice said: “Temperatures aboard flights can vary so wearing a few removable layers is advised. An extra jumper can always be used as a pillow if nothing else.”

A VERY famous boy band star has been spotted casually shopping at duty free in the airport — but would you have spotted him?

The Irish hunk, 32, was standing at the counter purchasing his goods when he turned around and caught the fan filming him on their phone.

Taking to TikTok, a fan shared a video of Niall Horan and captioned it: “I thought I saw Niall Horan at the airport but I didn’t know if it was actually him or not.

“So I took a video to confirm and he caught me and the saxophone’s got louder.”

In the clip, a casually dressed Niall rocks sport shorts and a sweatshirt paired with trainers and a cap ahead of his flight.

He’s seen at the Duty Free counter buying his goods before turning and staring at the fan and their phone camera.

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Fans flocked to the comment section confirming his identity, with one penning: “Yeah that’s definitely Niall.”

A second added: “I get literally second hand embarrassment here Help.”

“This is definitely Niall,” a third wrote, as Another commented: “HAHAHAHAHA oh my God I would hide anywhere.”

“The boys are very good at noticing cameras!!!” noted a fifth.

Niall recently spoke about the pain he’s living with after Liam Payne’s early death.

The singers met as contestants on The X Factor where they were formed into world-famous boyband One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson.

Liam passed away in October 2024 after falling from a balcony in Buenos Aires – with Niall managing to see his friend in Argentina shortly before his untimely death.

“I’m glad of that, it means my last memory of him was happy,” he told The Times.

“It still feels surreal. On day one I was, like, ‘Nah, it didn’t happen.’ Our friendship was a bond that was there for ever even if we hadn’t seen each other for a while and it’s wild that one day, like the flick of a switch, he’s gone.”

Niall also said he has stayed in contact with Liam’s family.

On a lighter note, Niall also opened up on the possibility of an One Direction reunion.

“God knows. I mean look at Harry there, look at Louis, the boys are flying, so God knows, but everyone still asks about it, it’s exciting.”

Several major airlines including Ryanair, TUI, easyJet, British Airways and Jet2 ban this item

Preparing for a summer getaway can seem like an endless to-do list, particularly if you’re jetting off for a birthday, wedding or other special event. However, one budget-friendly item many holidaymakers pop into their suitcase could wind up being seized before they even step onto the aircraft.

Multiple major airlines, including Ryanair, TUI, easyJet, British Airways and Jet2, ban passengers from bringing party poppers. Leaving them behind could spare you needless hassle and hold-ups at the airport.

The item in question is party poppers, and despite appearing innocent, they are forbidden on most commercial flights. They may only set you back a few pence at around £2 for a pack of 20, but they must never be packed in either hand luggage or checked baggage, and doing so could lead to your bags being inspected, with the items likely seized.

This ban exists because party poppers contain a small explosive charge used to create the popping effect. Although the quantity is minuscule, aviation safety regulations classify them as explosive articles and forbid them from being transported on aircraft.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) includes party poppers among the dangerous goods that passengers must not carry in either cabin baggage or hold luggage. The regulations also extend to other novelty explosives, including sparklers, fireworks and flares.

If security personnel find banned items during checks, they may confiscate them from your baggage before departure. Depending on the situation, travellers could also experience hold-ups while bags are inspected or further security procedures are undertaken.

Airport security regulations can differ marginally between nations and carriers, but dangerous goods rules are extensively implemented throughout the aviation sector. Passengers are therefore urged to verify both their airline’s luggage policy and official government advice prior to flying.

Party poppers are frequently packed by mistake following birthdays, weddings or other celebrations, especially when families are travelling with youngsters. While they might appear like a harmless addition to your suitcase, they are handled in the same manner as other banned explosive items under aviation safety regulations.

The government also reminds travellers that security personnel have the ultimate say on whether an item is allowed through screening. Even where an object seems innocent, it can still be confiscated if it is deemed a safety hazard or violates airport security rules.

Inspecting your baggage before heading to the airport could help prevent needless delays, extra security checks and the frustration of having belongings seized before your relaxing holiday away even gets underway.

GEORGIA Toffolo has revealed her millionaire husband “thought he was gonna go to jail” after border control confronted him at the airport.

The couple got into a bit of a palaver on the way to their lavish holiday in Lake Como, Italy.

She posted a video to her social media explaining the situation.

Georgia’s man James Watt was approached by security while they were filming a TikTok video.

In the video, they were jokingly calling each other out for the annoying things they’d done so far that day.

But, they made the simple mistake of filming while going through security.

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In the background of the clip, jet setters could be seen taking their bags off their backs and putting them into trays.

Georgia and James had gone through the body scanner and were waiting for their belongings on the other side.

Fans could see the feet of the border control official approaching BrewDog co-founder James.

“I just had to delete the video,” said James as he sighed in relief.

Former Made In Chelsea star Georgia was in hysterics, laughing at her husband – who was convinced he was going to be locked up.

A giggling Georgia said: “He had border control with him standing, going through your whole phone, looking at your camera roll.

“They went ‘Did you delete all of them?’”

Beer tycoon James chimed in: “Yeah.”

While Georgia countered: “No,” before throwing her head back and laughing.

James continued: “I thought I was gonna go to jail.”

“That was awful right,” said Georgia.

She captioned the video: “How did I forget to post this. James nearly got ARRESTED at the airport.

“What a way to kick off Lake Como… meanwhile I’d been moaning that he wasn’t helping me film the TikTok. Sorry babe. Whoops.”

The loved-up pair met after being set up on a blind date in 2023 and the following year they were engaged.

They tied the knot in Aberdeen, Scotland, last year aboard a fishing boat after having given their guests just two days notice.

WORK will start in September on a new mega airport which will take on major hubs like London Heathrow and Dubai.

When fully operational, it’s expected to have as many as 60million passengers every year.

The airport called Port Polska, formerly Centralny Port Komunikacyjny, will be one one of the biggest in Europe once fully built.

Designs for the Polish terminal by Foster + Partners (behind projects such as Crossrail Place Canary Wharf and other major airports) and and Buro Happold were accepted in late-2025.

Now, Budimex has been contracted to start the work on its foundations which will start in September of this year.

This initial work is expected to be completed in 2027 at the cost of £28.6million.

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The entire project is expected to be built for £27billion.

It’s been said that the ‘infrastructure will make it the most modern airport in Central Europe‘.

Port Polska is scheduled to open in 2032 with two runways and capacity for more than 300,000 flights each year.

It will have just one passenger terminal which will cover 450,000m².

This means it will be almost three times the size of nearby Warsaw Chopin Airport’s passenger terminal.

The terminal at Port Polska will be across three levels.

Level two will be where travellers will find the ticket and baggage check-in, security control, arrivals and departures for the Schengen zone.

Level one will be where most of the arrivals and departures for the Non-Schengen zone, transfer centres and passport control.

Level zero will have coach gates for both Schengen and non-Schengen zones, baggage reclaim and an arrivals hall.

Initially, it will have two runways, but there are plans to expand with a third runway in the future, and even a fourth.

The project includes plans for over a thousand miles of new high-speed railway.

According to the schedule, the airport’s railway station will be completed by 2029.

In its first stage, Port Polska Airport is expected to handle up to 11,000 passengers per hour, and up to 34million per year.

By 2040, the airport could see over 60million passengers per year.

In comparison, 84.5million passengers travel through London Heathrow Airport each year.

Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled a record-breaking 95.2 million passengers last year.

The airport was initially set to be called Centralny Port Komunikacyjny, or CPK.

In December last year, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the name had been changed: “We won’t be using a name that our predecessors discredited.

“Everyone who lands there, everyone who uses this airport, everyone who shops there should know: yes—this is the heart of Europe, yes—this is Port Polska.”

Palm Beach International Airport has officially been renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport, with new signage installed throughout the terminal. The move has prompted mixed reactions, with supporters welcoming the tribute while critics argued it was ‘in poor taste.’

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A South Florida airport officially changed its name Thursday to the President Donald J. Trump International Airport.

Signs for the Palm Beach International Airport have been removed as new signage goes up.

“Because an entire airport transformation doesn’t happen overnight, you’ll notice a combination of both our classic look and our new brand elements coexisting while traveling through the terminal over the next several weeks,” airport officials said in a Facebook post.

“Trump Force One,” a Boeing 757 owned by the Trump Organization, was the first plane to arrive at the airport under its new name, shortly after 5 a.m. The president’s son, Eric Trump, was one of the passengers. The Trump family regularly uses the West Palm Beach airport when they visit President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in nearby Palm Beach. A stretch of road from the airport to Trump’s estate was renamed Donald J. Trump Boulevard earlier this year.

“There is no person who has done more for Florida and our country, and no one more deserving of this incredible honor,” Eric Trump posted on X. “As a son, and someone who flies out of this airport nearly every day, I will forever be proud to see the initials ‘DJT’ on my boarding pass.”

Although the name change took effect Thursday, the three-letter airport code will change from PBI to DJT on Aug. 18.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation earlier this year that made the name change possible. Changing the airport’s name is expected to cost as much as $5.5 million for new signs, branding and other updates.

Keegan Collett, who was departing the airport Thursday morning on his way to Cincinnati, said he was surprised to see the new name. He said he doesn’t think Trump deserves to have an airport named after him but isn’t necessarily bothered by it.

“At the end of the day, it’s just the name of an airport,” Collett said. “There’s bigger things. I feel like it’s just more of a distraction. Why even worry about it?”

In Dandridge, Tenn., Thursday morning, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty and Rep. Tim Burchett attended a ceremony to rename the I-40 Bridge in East Tennessee to the Donald J. Trump Bridge.

Bessent said ahead of the ceremony that “no one is more deserving” of the honor than Trump.

Trump received 82% of the vote in Jefferson County, where Dandridge is located, in the 2024 election.

UK airports will now allow younger passengers to use the eGates, in a huge boost for families travelling this summer holidays.

From today, passengers aged eight and nine will be able to use the faster eGates at airports across the country.

Previous rules only allowed kids who were the age of 10 or over to use the eGates, meaning families had to wait in much longer queues at passport control.

The only other rule is that kids must be at least 120cm tall, so they can still access the screens.

The new rules are predicted to affect 1.5million kids.

There are more than 290 eGates at UK airports and ports, plus juxtaposed ports (where UK border checks take place in Europe).

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This means borders like the Eurostar at London St Pancras and Eurotunnel in Folkestone.

Minister Alex Norris, Minister for Border Security and Asylum said:
 ”Today’s change will make journeys easier for families with small children and reduce the hassle of travelling home after a holiday.

“It will also free up more time for tourists to enjoy our fantastic country this summer and in the years ahead.” 

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, added: “This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many.”

It’s not just Brits the new rules affect either.

Non-British residents including those from the US, Australia and Japan, along with non-Schengen countries in Europe will be able to use the eGates too.

While uncertainty lingers over improvements and timetables at LAX, the county’s second-busiest airport is on the brink of big changes.

The Hollywood Burbank Airport is due to replace its two terminals with a larger new terminal on Oct. 13. The $1.3-billion project will include 14 gates — the same number the airport has now. But the new structure will be a single terminal that’s about 50% larger than the airport’s current two-terminal layout.

In moving to a 355,000-square-foot terminal, officials say, the airport can give passengers more room and better technology while meeting safety and accessibility standards.

A rendering shows how Hollywood Burbank Airport is designed to look when its new terminal opens in October.

(Hollywood Burbank Airport)

The airport, built in 1930 and run by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, is favored by many local travelers as a simpler, faster alternative to Los Angeles International Airport. The Burbank airport’s site in the San Fernando Valley, however, has often put its leaders at odds with residents of surrounding suburban neighborhoods.

As it stands, the aged Burbank facility doesn’t meet current state seismic standards or Federal Aviation Administration design standards — which has prompted repeated safety warnings. Its nine resident airlines fly to about 30 nonstop destinations. The airport reported about 6.2 million arriving and departing passengers in 2025.

Airport officials say the new design increases the distance between the terminal and the nearest runway, currently as little as 257 feet, soon to be about 880 feet, bringing the airport into compliance with FAA standards.

Meanwhile at LAX, which reported 73.7 million passengers in 2025, the opening of a long-awaited SkyLink automated people mover (an electric train linking terminals to rail service and rental cars) has been delayed by technical and legal issues. In a June 15 report, the SkyLink contractor estimated that its public opening would need to wait until Oct. 6 or later. Asked for a revised timetable, an LAX spokesperson gave no dates, saying only that the airport is focused on “exhaustive testing of all tracks, signaling systems, and vehicles” to ensure safety and dependability.

A rendering shows how Hollywood Burbank Airport is expected to look after a new terminal opens in October.

(Hollywood Burbank Airport)

In Burbank, voters approved the airport terminal replacement project in 2016. Construction began in 2024. At the entrance, travelers will encounter a pair of 16-foot-tall sculptures, “The Two Electras,” by Cliff Garten; inside, a ceiling grid artwork by Glenn Kaino.

The new space is just north of the existing terminal, which is to be demolished. The new entrance will be at Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way. Airport officials say the change will not affect the number of flights or the airport’s operating hours, which are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In the new terminal, airport officials say, the walk from the entrance to the farthest gate will be 1,285 feet, down from 1,600 feet now, with wider corridors and sidewalks and access to power plugs for devices from every seat. Baggage claim carousels will move from outdoors to indoors.

A July 7 photo shows work in progress at Hollywood Burbank Airport, where a new terminal is scheduled to open in October.

(Hollywood Burbank Airport)

The airport project, known as Elevate BUR, has been overseen by the project management company Jacobs. The Design-Build portion of the project is led by Holder, Pankow, TEC, Joint Venture. Corgan provided architectural services in association with CannonDesign.

As it does now, the airport will supply shuttle bus service between the new terminal and Burbank Airport-South Train Station (which connects with Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner) and the Burbank Airport-North Station at San Fernando Road and Hollywood Way.

Another thing that won’t change: Passengers will continue to walk across the tarmac from terminal to stairs to planes, rather than using the enclosed jetways common in other airports, especially larger ones. It’s something travelers say they appreciate about the airport.

“The second I step onto the tarmac at Burbank, I start acting like I’m boarding a private jet,” wrote one Threads user. “And you’ll never convince me otherwise.”

Some other changes travelers can expect in Burbank:

• The new terminal’s 14 food service units are tentatively set to include a Flavor Town, Spring Chicken, Farm Table Bistro, Jones Coffee, Perry’s Joint, Poquito Mas, West Coast Smash Burger, Diane’s Pizzeria, Massis Kebab, Starbucks, Border Grill, Jet Tila’s Asian Table, Santa Canela bakery and a bar with picture-window views of the runways and Verdugo mountains.

The Grand Hall of the soon-to-open terminal at Hollywood Burbank Airport awaits finishing touches on July 7.

(Hollywood Burbank Airport)

• A new parking structure next to the new terminal will hold 2,007 parking spots, including 400 valet spots. (The airport’s total number of parking spaces will remain the same at 6,637.)
• The distance between the new terminal and the airport’s existing rental car facility and bus stop (Regional Intermodal Transit Center) will be slightly less than a mile by shuttle bus.

A SMALL airport in the UK could relaunch flights that would take Brits right to the beach.

Blackpool Airport once offered passenger flights to places in Europe such as Spain.

However, these ended back in 2014 when the airport went into administration.

Now, the airport remains open as a training centre, such as for pilots and helicopter operations.

But there could be hope for relaunching passenger flights from it in the next few years.

Sadly, none of the major airlines have said they would want to launch flights, Blackpool South MP Chris Webb said, which include previously operating ones like Jet2.

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He told local media: “I have spoken with all the airlines and they don’t have any interest in flying from Blackpool again.”

Despite this, an anonymous London businessman has suggested the launch of a small-scale airline which would connect London to Blackpool.

If it went ahead this could launch as quickly as two years – and connect the main city to one of the UK’s most iconic beach resorts.

However Mr Webb said a lot of things would have to change first, including “better facilities, bigger passenger lounge and a better building”.

He added: “But it would certainly be viable, if handled correctly.

“Blackpool is one of the biggest tourism destinations in the UK, it is crying out for a properly run airport.”

It isn’t the only airport hoping to relaunch passenger flights in Britain.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which closed in 2022, is in the process of reopening.

And there is also Manston Airport in Kent, which has been closed to passengers since 2014.

Sadly, Coventry Airport closed for good last month, after 90 years.

A military airport in the southwestern city of Gwangju was selected Monday as the site for a government-led project to create a semiconductor production cluster, a presidential official said.

The selection was made in a meeting earlier in the day between government officials and top executives of leading chipmakers — Samsung Electronics Co. and SK hynix Inc. — to discuss follow-up measures for the investment project, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said at a press briefing.

The president will hold monthly meetings to personally check the progress in the massive investment project, he added.

The envisioned chip production cluster is part of the government’s “three megaprojects” initiative, centered on large-scale investments in semiconductors, physical artificial intelligence (AI) and AI data centers in regional areas.

Under the chip cluster project, the two leading chipmakers have pledged to invest a combined 800 trillion won (US$522 billion), marking the single-largest investment plan to date in the southwestern Gwangju and Honam area.

“Through consultations with related ministries, the government will promptly finalize the (administrative) process of designating the candidate site,” Kang said.

The presidential official noted that companies proposed the military site for the production complex, describing it as an 8.3 million-square-meter track of already leveled land that would save time for preparation.

Its proximity to the city’s downtown and railway station would also facilitate easy access for workers and the transportation of goods, the official said.

Kang noted that the president has decided to hold monthly meetings to review the progress of the projects and establish a dedicated body within Cheong Wa Dae to oversee them.

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David Kelly was flown home but could not be saved

A man has died after a holiday in Turkey when he suddenly fell seriously ill hours before flying home. David Kelly was at the airport when his health rapidly deteriorated.

Within hours, the joiner was rushed into intensive care and placed in an induced coma. He was kept alive on life support as he fought for his life miles from home. His devoted wife, Dawn, remained at his bedside in a Turkish hospital for four weeks.

A fundraiser set up with the permission of David’s family said: “What was meant to be a relaxing holiday in Turkey turned into a nightmare that none of us could have imagined. Just hours before his flight home, David suddenly became seriously unwell at the airport.

“Within a matter of hours, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was rushed to intensive care. Placed into an induced coma and kept alive by life support, David was fighting for his life thousands of miles from home.

“For four long weeks, his devoted wife, Dawn, remained by his side in a Turkish hospital, never leaving him as he battled with incredible strength and courage.”

David, from Barrhead, Renfrewshire, was eventually repatriated on 8 June aboard a specialist flying intensive care unit. He was taken to the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

The fundraiser said he continued his fight while receiving “outstanding care” from hospital staff. But David sadly died peacefully on 18 June surrounded by his family. The fundraiser added: “Despite everyone’s best efforts, our warrior David passed away peacefully on 18 June, surrounded by his loving family.”

His family later announced the devastating news through his business’ Facebook page, Barrhead Joinery. They said: “We would like to share the devastating news that sadly after fighting as hard as he could, our lovable, amazing David Kelly passed away on Thursday 18 June.

“Barrhead Joinery will now cease trading, as a family we’d like to thank you all for the work you all have given David over the years. Lots of love from his wife Dawn and daughters Gemma & Sophie.”

David was described as a much-loved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. The fundraiser said: “He was someone who was always there to lend a hand, offer support, and put others before himself. Now it is our turn to be there for those he loved most.”

Tributes have also poured in from members of the local community. Noreen McHugh wrote: “I am devastated to hear this sad news about Davie. He was an excellent professional who I counted on over the years.

“But upmost a wonderful human being who was always friendly and honest. My sincerest condolences to you and your daughters. A huge loss for you all. RIP Davie, you will be sorely missed.”

Another person added: “So sorry to hear this very sad news. David did some work for me when I moved into my home in Newton Mearns some years ago. Such a lovely, lovely man. Sending you all my heartfelt condolences. x”

A fundraiser has been launched to help ease the financial impact of David’s emergency medical treatment abroad and specialist repatriation. Money raised will also support Dawn and the family, help with funeral expenses and fund donations to Kidney Research UK and the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

The appeal said the donations would recognise the “exceptional care and compassion” shown to David and his family.

Heathrow Airport has issued a reminder to travellers

A major UK airport has issued a reminder to travellers ahead of what is anticipated to be an exceptionally busy summer period for international travel.

Hundreds of thousands of people transit through Heathrow Airport daily, and a message on the airport’s official X account is encouraging those with upcoming trips to “just remember”. The social media post reads: “With over 100 touchless water stations at Heathrow, you’re never too far from staying hydrated. Just remember to empty your reusable metal or double-walled water bottle before security, and top it up before you fly.”

Heathrow scrapped the 100ml rule earlier this year, meaning travellers passing through the nation’s largest airport can now keep liquids in containers up to two litres in their bags while going through security, following the completion of its deployment of new advanced CT scanners.

Electronics such as laptops can also remain in luggage, while transparent plastic bags for liquids are no longer required. The regulation change only applies to departures from Heathrow, and travellers must verify restrictions on baggage at the airports they are flying back from before boarding flights to the UK.

Back in January a DfT spokesperson said: “Heathrow is the latest UK airport to complete its rollout of next-generation security equipment for passengers, helping ensure security checks remain robust and can be completed smoothly.

“Airports are responsible for the installation and operation of security equipment. Passengers should continue to check security requirements with airports before they travel and come prepared with liquids in containers no larger than 100ml in hand baggage unless advised otherwise.”

The TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport is a luxury plane-themed hotel that was once a disused airport terminal – transformed into a stunning hotel after a $265million (£200m) renovation

A former airport terminal that sat abandoned for years has been transformed into a stunning aviation-themed luxury hotel — following a jaw-dropping $265million (approximately £200m) restoration to revive it to its former glory.

The TWA Hotel flung open its doors in 2019, boasting a rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking views over an active runway at New York’s JFK International Airport. Originally serving as a TWA flight terminal, the iconic building was designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen before it closed its doors in 2001, only to be reborn 18 years later.

The hotel, which occupies the TWA Flight Center, now comprises two buildings at each end of the former terminal, offering 512 rooms for guests to choose from.

Designers painstakingly worked to recreate its appearance when it first opened back in 1962, hailed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission as “one of the great masterpieces of expressionistic modern design”.

Earlier this year, it was recognised as one of the top five best airport hotels on the planet at the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards.

The original terminal now serves as the lobby for the four-star hotel, which also features a round-the-clock 10,000 square feet gym — claiming the title of the world’s largest hotel gym — alongside a selection of restaurants.

One of the most striking highlights is a 1958 Lockheed Constellation aircraft that has been cleverly converted into a cocktail lounge, with an aviation history museum also housed within the hotel.

Time magazine previously featured it on their coveted list of “The World’s Greatest Places of 2019”, and one recent visitor was British travel YouTuber Hannah Ricketts.

She explained that she was keen to visit the hotel to get a taste of what the golden era of air travel felt like during the 1950s and 60s.

Upon reaching the lobby, she told her 489,000 subscribers that it was one of the “coolest entrances” she had ever seen.

Spotting a vintage Coca Cola machine, she remarked that it felt like stepping back in time, before adding that the place was far more impressive than she had anticipated.

She went on to reveal that she paid around $400 (approx £300) for a room with a deluxe runway view. Hannah confirmed this included taxes, with standard rooms starting at roughly $200.

Gazing out from her room, she exclaimed: “This looks so much better in person. I feel like the camera isn’t going to do it justice.”

She said it felt like being on the set of Mad Men, describing the building as “utterly stunning”, packed with period details that truly transported you back to the 1960s.

“I’ve never been anywhere like this in my life,” she added. “And it’s obviously pristine where it’s been refurbed. It’s almost surreal. Wow.”

The travel vlogger described the swimming pool as “insane”, though pointed out that it cost $25 (approx £19) to use, even as a guest.

She then savoured a Mile-High Margarita aboard the converted cocktail lounge plane, telling her audience: “Maybe you’re a Brit watching this and you’re going to come back from JFK, back to the UK, back to reality, back to work. If you want to plan this, it’s a really positive end to a trip.”

Her sole gripe was with the food, which she rated a 5/10, though she described the overall experience as immersive and one she would happily repeat.

Summing up her one-night stay, she said: “This is a four-star hotel, I would say this is literally better than quite a lot of the five-star hotels we’ve been looking at.”

A MAJOR airport in the UK is launching new overnight weekend trains for the first time.

Late-night airport passengers no longer need to break the bank to hail a cab.

Thousands of travellers heading to and from London Stansted Airport will soon be able to catch trains through the night.

Stansted Express is launching a trial overnight service that will run every Friday night into Saturday morning from July 3.

The new service is aimed at passengers travelling on late-night and early-morning flights during the busy summer holiday season.

During the summer trial, trains will run every 30 minutes between 11.30pm and 5am, linking Stansted Airport with Tottenham Hale and London Liverpool Street.

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Most of the overnight trains will operate between Stansted Airport and Tottenham Hale, where passengers can connect with the Victoria line Night Tube to continue their journeys across London.

A handful of early morning services will also start from, or continue to, London Liverpool Street.

The journey from Stansted Airport to Tottenham Hale takes around 36 minutes, providing a quick link into the capital.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy, said: “These overnight Stansted Express services will make a real difference to people arriving late or travelling for early flights – connecting them straight into London via the Night Tube.

“Alongside contactless ticketing at every London airport, we’re building a railway that works for passengers and drives growth across the country.”

The trial will be running until September 25, giving flyers more transport options during the busy holiday season.

Stansted Express will evaluate how many passengers use the late-night trains during the trial before deciding whether to make them permanent.

NEW travel rules are due to come into force next week impacting British families – but for the better.

From July 8, more children will be able to use eGates at UK airports.

The new rules will allow children aged eight and nine, who are at least 120cm tall to use eGates when accompanied by an adult.

The height restriction is in place as kids need to be able to see and be captured by the biometric screens at the gates.

Under the current rules, children needed to be 10-years-old to use the eGates and prior to 2023, kids needed to be 12-years-old to use them.

This meant families with younger children would have to go in the standard queue to see a border force officer, which usually involves a longer process and wait time.

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The change means that around 1.5million more children can use the gates.

The rule change will impact 13 airports across the UK that currently use eGates, including:

• London Heathrow
• London Gatwick
• London City
• London Luton
• London Stansted
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• East Midlands
• Newcastle
• Cardiff
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow

These rules will also impact other travel methods from the UK to Europe such as Eurostar and the Eurotunnel.

It will also affect people travelling from non-Schengen countries in Europe along with the US, Australia and Japan.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said: “Travel with young children can be stressful for parents.”    

“By expanding eGate access, more families can experience a swifter and smoother journey home – freeing up precious time this summer holiday season.”

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: “This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many.”

Some airports in Europe are also allowing Brits to use the eGates – here is the full list.

However, Brits are facing problems travelling to Europe this summer because of the new EES rules, so we’ve explained everything you need to know about them.

Travel could be about to get faster for some families this summer at dozens of UK airports

Families are being reminded that a major change to a key rule across more than a dozen UK airports will come into effect this summer. From next week, on July 8, a security rule will be eased for certain primary school-age children.

Back in May, the UK Government announced that up to 1.5 million more children would soon be able to use UK eGates, helping to speed up the process for them and their families during the summer holidays. Children aged eight and nine, who are at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall and travelling with an adult, will become eligible under the new measures that come into force on Wednesday, July 8.

Officials say the change to the age threshold will be a welcome relief for families returning home from their holidays with young children in tow. The government claims that passing through an eGate typically takes just a matter of minutes.

With greater numbers of passengers making use of eGates, waiting times at passport control are also anticipated to fall. Prior to 8 July, eGates were generally available to those aged 10 and above, though children under 17 were required to (and must still be) accompanied by an adult, reports the Express.

Passengers are eligible to use an eGate if they have a biometric symbol on the front cover of their passport and are either:

• a British citizen
• a national of an EU country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the USA
• a member of the Registered Traveller Service

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said: “Travel with young children can be stressful for parents. By expanding eGate access, more families can experience a swifter and smoother journey home – freeing up precious time this summer holiday season. We are delivering continued improvement to the passenger experience, while keeping our borders safe and secure.”

Border Force Director General, Phil Douglas said: “eGates are an essential part of keeping our border secure. Expanding access for families will deliver safe, smooth journeys whilst freeing up highly-skilled officers to focus on intercepting those who pose a threat to the UK.”

Karen Dee, Chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: “This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many. Airports work very hard with border authorities to ensure the UK’s front door is both secure and welcoming, with those coming home and visiting enjoying a smooth experience.”

The UK first introduced ePassport gates at airports in 2008, with the very first gate going live at Manchester Airport. Initially, the automated gates were limited to UK, EU, and Swiss citizens but have since expanded to include eligible travellers from dozens of countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Full list of UK airports with eGates (as of July 2026):

1. London Heathrow
2. London Gatwick
3. London Stansted
4. London Luton
5. London City
6. Manchester
7. Birmingham
8. Edinburgh
9. Glasgow
10. Bristol
11. Newcastle
12. Cardiff
13. East Midlands
14. Southampton
15. Southend

A UK airport is going back on the market just months after its first sale fell through.

The 350-acre site, which has suffered millions in losses at the expense of the taxpayer, is up for grabs for a second time.

Gloucestershire Airport in Staverton was put up for sale last year by joint owners Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucester City Council, with an asking price of £25million.

However an agreed deal with the preferred bidder fell through, after the terms of the proposal changed.

The councils have now agreed to put the airport on the market for a second time and are said to be “hopeful” that it can be successfully sold.

Estate agent, Savills, has been appointed to head up the process.

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It’s hoped a buyer who can offer growth and investment for the space will be found.

Gloucestershire Airport has been hailed as a “vital economic and aviation asset for our county and region” by the City Council.

It’s also been confirmed that there has been “considerable interest from potential investors” in recent weeks, making it the “right time” to put the airport back up for sale.

The airport is still in operation, with the Cheltenham-based site offering charter services for private jets and helicopters.

Flying lessons are also operated from the airport as well as gift experiences like hot air balloon flights.

Speaking on the decision during a recent council meeting, Rowena Hay, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said: ”We are hopeful this renewed sale process will attract the right partner for the airport’s future, which remains our key priority.

“We will work with partners and stakeholders to update as the new sale process proceeds.”

You could also be hit with some severe penalties

A UK airport has issued a warning that holidays could be “ruined” and flights could be cancelled if travellers fail to adhere to a particular rule.

The One Too Many campaign has been introduced at more than 20 airports nationwide, including London Luton. Airport officials posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday (June 30) to draw attention to the scheme and deliver a serious warning to holidaymakers. The update cautions: “Fly responsibly and avoid disrupting passengers, or you could pay the price”.

A graphic included with the post states that “One too many is all it takes to… ruin a holiday, cause a delay, cancel a flight, divert a plane, [and/or] land YOU in jail.” The Government-backed campaign is urging passengers to “fly responsibly” or risk facing serious repercussions.

While the message was posted by the official London Luton account, the regulations apply to all UK travellers, no matter which airport you’re departing from. Passengers causing disruption on flights could be refused boarding, handed a lifetime airline ban, or hit with fines of up to £80,000 if their behaviour forces a flight diversion.

The One Too Many message is now displayed at numerous major UK airports, including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Liverpool John Lennon, Newcastle International, and Bristol. Karen Dee, the Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, said: “UK airports are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers.

“We urge travellers to enjoy their journeys responsibly and not ruin their holidays or the holidays of others. Airports will continue to monitor and act against any disruptive behaviour to ensure everyone’s safety.”

First introduced in 2018 with backing from the government, the One Too Many campaign has received support from both the Department for Transport and the Home Office.

It is set to become the world’s largest airport after a £23.5billion expansion and refurbishment project is completed

Dubai is preparing to unveil the world’s largest and most cutting-edge airport, complete with robot staff and ‘no queues’ for passengers. Al Maktoum International Airport will become the biggest in the world once its £23.5billion expansion and refurbishment is finished.

It is anticipated to handle 260 million passengers annually and boasts features specifically designed to make travelling as seamless as possible. The airport claims it will eliminate queuing altogether, as bags can be dropped off before travellers even reach the terminal.

This means passengers will not need to repeat the security and customs processes.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths described this as a “no red lights” concept while speaking to Khaleej Times.

Another way the passenger experience will be improved is through an ‘integrated underground Automated People Mover system’ that removes the need to walk from one end of the vast airport to the other.

This will feature a multi-track train, with 14 stations to shuttle passengers between terminals and concourses.

Collecting baggage is also set to be a far quicker process, as the new system will be capable of handling tens of thousands of bags in under 60 minutes.

Luggage is also expected to be available within minutes of landing, meaning the dreaded wait at the baggage carousel will become a thing of the past.

All of these impressive features will be made possible through automated travel systems, AI security checks and robot staff. These robots will be responsible for tasks such as baggage handling and may even tackle customer service queries.

According to details published by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), the infrastructure developer for Dubai’s aviation sector, plans for DWC include “a new era of smart airport systems and passenger-centric facilities, taking travellers to worldwide destinations in the most awe-inspiring and comfortable way possible”.

The expansion also features five parallel runways and up to 400 aircraft gates.

Once construction at Al Maktoum International Airport is complete, the neighbouring Dubai International Airport will shut down permanently.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is set to close its doors for good in 2035, according to reports.

All operations currently running through the bustling travel hub will be relocated to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

The airport confirmed that it was notified of a bomb threat on a plane and it has been evacuated as emergency services are carrying out investigations

An Australian airport has been evacuated due to a ‘bomb threat’ on board an arriving plane.

Dubbo Airport, in New South Wales, 400km from Sydney, was evacuated on Monday morning (June 29) due to the threat.

All passengers on board the plane have safely disembarked.

Emergency services are carrying out investigations into the threat.

A council statement said: “Dubbo Regional Council was notified of a bomb threat on a plane destined for Dubbo this morning.

“The plane has landed safely and all 74 passengers and crew have disembarked. Further investigations are underway by relevant emergency services.

“The Dubbo Regional Airport terminal has been evacuated and is currently closed.