airport

Exact date easyJet will cancel ALL flights from major UK airport after more than a decade

A BUDGET airline has revealed the exact date it will be cancelling its flights from a major UK airport.

EasyJet will be cancelling all its flights from Leeds Bradford Airport on January 5, 2027.

An EasyJet Airbus A320 commercial airplane on a runway at Vaclav Havel Airport.
EasyJet will stop all flights from Leeds Bradford Airport in January Credit: Getty

The decision follows a review conducted by the airline of its routes from Leeds Bradford Airport.

Current routes from Leeds Bradford Airport include Barcelona, Malaga, Paris, Geneva and Belfast.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the airline said: “Following a review of our routes from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have made the decision to no longer operate flights from the airport after 5 January.

“Our focus is on maintaining and developing routes which prove most popular with customers.

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“We value the relationship we have built with Leeds Bradford Airport and we always keep options for our network under review, with the aim of providing more choice and connectivity where we see demand.”

The airline added that customers had been contacted with bookings beyond January 5 and offered either a flight transfer or a full refund.

EasyJet first launched its flights from the airport back in 2010 and only introduced its Paris route in 2024.

If you still want to head on holiday from Leeds Bradford Airport, there are other options available.

Leeds Bradford Airport, a pilots eye view from the air, showing the main runway, Yorkshire, England, UK
Destinations the airline flies to from the airport include Paris and Barcelona Credit: Alamy

Competitor budget airline, Ryanair, still operates to and from the airport, as well as Jet2.

Leeds Bradford Airport has also recently had a £100million glow-up with a larger terminal that has more shops, seats and lounges.

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Board approves $15.5 billion budget for Trump’s Dulles Airport plans

People at the United Airlines counter check-in at the main terminal at Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Va., on July 30. President Donald Trump announced a $20 billion plan to rebuild and renovate the airport that includes terminal expansions and an underground U-shaped train to move travelers between terminals, eliminating the need for mobile lounges, or “people movers”, which have been in use since 1962. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo

Aug. 19 (UPI) — The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on Wednesday approved a $15.5 billion budget for Dulles International Airport, setting the stage for renovations proposed by President Donald Trump.

The board approved the proposal for the Revitalizing Washington Dulles International Airport Project, an initiative launched by the Department of Transportation in December.

The approval includes $3.75 billion for new underground tunnels which will replace the airport’s shuttle system, the renovation of Concourses C and D, and $6.2 million for the reconstruction of the main terminal.

The project is slated to begin in late 2027.

Trump said during a briefing at the White House last month that more than 5 million square feet will be either new or renovated space at the airport. He called the airport in its current state “a terrible place to be.”

The president said in July that the estimated cost of the project is more than $20 billion.

About $14.2 billion of the funding will come from new bond issuances, $200 million from grants and $1.1 billion in Passenger Facility Charges: fees that travelers pay for using the airport.

New expenditures included in the budget amount to about $48 million, MWAA’s report says.

President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he tours a new helipad on the South Lawn of the White House on Wednesday. Photo by Al Drago/UPI | License Photo

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EasyJet to axe ALL flights from major UK airport after 16 years

EASYJET is cancelling all flights from a major UK airport for good.

The budget airline has confirmed that the axing of all flights from Leeds Bradford Airport will come into place from January 5, 2027.

Tail fin of an EasyJet Airbus A320 passenger plane at London Gatwick airport.
EasyJet is scrapping all flights from Leeds in 2027 Credit: Getty
Leeds Bradford Airport, a pilots eye view from the air, showing the main runway, Yorkshire, England, UK
The budget airline first launched from the airport in 2011 Credit: Alamy

Current routes from Leeds Bradford Airport include Barcelona, Majorca, Malaga and Paris, as well as Geneva and Belfast.

The airline said in a statement: “Following a review of our routes from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have made the decision to no longer operate flights from the airport after 5 January.

“Our focus is on maintaining and developing routes which prove most popular with customers.

“We value the relationship we have built with Leeds Bradford Airport and we always keep options for our network under review, with the aim of providing more choice and connectivity where we see demand.”

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They also said that they had “contacted customers with bookings beyond this date,” with options including free transfer to other flights or refunds.

Other airlines still operating from Leeds Bradford Airport include Ryanair and Jet2.

EasyJet launched its first flight from Leeds Bradford Airport in 2010, to Geneva.

This followed other routes such as Belfast in 2021 and Paris in 2024.

Last year, Leeds Bradford Airport opened its new £100million terminal expansion, which includes more retail space, seating and new lounges.

Some of the recent new routes that are launching from the airport include Jet2’s Santorini and Preveza, from summer 2027.

The longest flight from the airport is to Hurghada, taking around 5hr40, although previously expressed plans to launch long haul flights in the future.

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Exact day UK airline will close base and stop all flights from airport after more than a decade

THE UK’S largest regional airline will cease operations at a popular base in a matter of weeks.

Three routes will be axed after the flights were deemed to be “financially unsustainable”.

Aerial view of Dundee Airport with the city, River Tay, and Tay Rail Bridge in the background.
A major regional airline will axe all routes to and from Dundee Airport later this year Credit: facebook/@DNDAirport
A Loganair Embraer EMB 145 aircraft on the apron at Norwich International Airport.
Loganair has made the decision to withdraw the flights after they were deemed ‘financially unsustainable’ Credit: Alamy

Loganair has confirmed plans to withdraw all flights from Dundee Airport later this year.

The airline currently runs flights from Dundee to London twice a day, having swapped from London Stansted to London Heathrow back in 2023.

However, this route, along with flights to Orkney and Shetland, will end on Friday, October 23.

A Loganair spokesperson said: “Following a review of the route’s long-term viability, Loganair can confirm that its Dundee–London Heathrow service will cease after Friday 23 October, and the operating base will close.

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“Earlier this year, we served notice to the stakeholder group behind the Public Service Obligation route after the contract became financially unsustainable.”

The airline revealed that it had “explored alternative options but have not been able to identify a viable way forward that meets the objectives of the PSO while allowing the route to operate sustainably”.

The airline, which was founded by Willie Logan in 1962, has operated flights from the Scottish city for 12 years.

Loganair advised that all customers affected by the change will be contacted directly.

“We are also supporting Dundee-based colleagues and will explore alternative roles across the Loganair network wherever possible,” the airline rep added.

“These decisions reflect the same disciplined, decisive approach that has driven previous improvements in Loganair’s punctuality and resilience, protecting the long-term future of the airline, our people, and the lifeline connectivity we provide to communities across our network.”

It comes after Loganair also confirmed it would be closing its base at Southampton too.

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Major airport issues new travel warning as flights still being cancelled and delayed

A MAJOR European airport continues to be impacted by a volcanic eruption.

Catania Airport in Sicily, Italy has has faced hundreds of cancellations and delays, as well as a multi-day closure over the past week.

Mount Etna erupting with molten lava flowing down its sides at night.
Mount Etna on Sicily has now been erupting for over a week Credit: Splash

It has since issued yet another travel warning this morning as Mount Etna continues to cause travel disruption.

In the latest statement on the airport’s website, it says: “Due to Etna’s eruptive activity, the closure of the airspace corresponding to Sector B1 has been extended.

“Arriving flight operations have been restored to 12 aircraft per hour until 6:00 PM today, 18 August.

“There are no restrictions on departures. Passengers are kindly advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport.

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“Further updates will follow.”

While the airport is now open, Etna is still erupting with a new lava flow emerging just yesterday.

Cancellations today include a flight due to land at 12pm from Manchester Airport.

While most flights remain ‘scheduled’ according to the airport’s website, as the day progresses delays could emerge.

Last week, cancellations at the airport saw passengers stranded with some even sleeping on luggage belts.

Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.
Travelers and their luggage wait in an airport terminal due to disrupted flights from Mount Etna's ash cloud.
Some flights are still facing cancellations and delays Credit: Splash

Numerous other flights were diverted to Palermo Airport, also in Sicily.

There were also disruptions at Malta International Airport last week, as an ash cloud caused by Etna travelled across the country.

What does the disruption due to Mount Etna mean for passengers?

Anton Radchenko, air passenger rights expert and founder and CEO of AirAdvisor, explained what the disruption means for customers…

“When volcanic ash closes airspace, airlines will usually class it as an extraordinary circumstance, which means fixed cash compensation is unlikely.

“However, I would urge passengers not to confuse ‘no compensation’ with ‘no rights’.

“The airline must still offer a refund or rerouting and provide reasonable meals, accommodation and transport while passengers wait.

“If you still need to get home, do not automatically accept a refund.

“Once you accept it, the airline’s rerouting and care obligations will normally end.

“Ask for the earliest reasonable alternative and, if another airline can get you back significantly sooner, ask to be transferred to that service.

“If you have to pay for reasonable essentials because the airline fails to provide them, keep every itemised receipt so you can seek reimbursement.”

This is supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s current cancellation guidance which you can find here.



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American Airlines flight blows tires on landing at Chicago O’Hare Int’l Airport

Aug. 17 (UPI) — An American Airlines jet blew two tires while landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Monday afternoon, according to federal investigators.

No injuries were reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that the incident involving Flight 386 occurred at around 2 p.m. CDT.

Passengers deplaned from the Boeing 737-800, which had departed from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, via stairs and were bused to the terminal, according to the FAA, which said it was investigating.

American Airlines said in a statement the flight experienced “a tire issue” after landing, resulting in first responders meeting the aircraft “out of an abundance of caution” and in accordance to procedures.

“The aircraft has been taken out of service to be inspected by our maintainance team,” American Airlines said.

“We apologize to our customers for their experience.”

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UK airline to cancel all flights from airport after 12 years

Aerial view of Dundee Airport with its runway, buildings, and parked airplanes, alongside the Tay Road Bridge and the city's residential areas.

A REGIONAL airline has confirmed that it will be cancelling all of its flights from a UK airport.

Loganair is withdrawing all flights from Dundee Airport later this year.

Loganair is cancelling all flights from Dundee Airport Credit: Getty
This will affect Loganair’s Dundee-Heathrow routes Credit: facebook/@DNDAirport

This will see the end of the Dundee-London Heathrow route from October 23.

It currently runs twice a day, having swapped from London Stansted to London Heathrow back in 2023.

However, the airline said the flights between the two airports were “financially unsustainable”.

And it isn’t just Dundee and London it will affect, but also flights to Orkney and Shetland.

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A Loganair spokesperson said: “Following a review of the route’s long-term viability, Loganair can confirm that its Dundee–London Heathrow service will cease after Friday 23 October, and the operating base will close.

“Earlier this year, we served notice to the stakeholder group behind the Public Service Obligation route after the contract became financially unsustainable.

“We have since explored alternative options but have not been able to identify a viable way forward that meets the objectives of the PSO while allowing the route to operate sustainably.

“Customers affected by the change will be contacted directly. We are also supporting Dundee-based colleagues and will explore alternative roles across the Loganair network wherever possible.

It comes after Loganair cancelled all flights from Southampton Airport Credit: Alamy

“These decisions reflect the same disciplined, decisive approach that has driven previous improvements in Loganair’s punctuality and resilience, protecting the long-term future of the airline, our people, and the lifeline connectivity we provide to communities across our network.”

It comes after Loganair also confirmed it would be closing its base at Southampton too.

This means the cancellations of flights between Southampton and Manchester, with the final take off on August 20.

Other flights affected include Manchester-Exeter.



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Major European airport reopens after more than a week of chaos

A EUROPEAN airport has finally restarted flights after a week of chaos – but passengers are still being warned of cancellations.

Catania Airport in Sicily, Italy, was forced to cancel hundreds of flights last week as well as close for a number of days due to Mount Etna erupting.

Mount Etna has been erupting for over a week and causing travel chaos Credit: Splash
While flights have restarted, there are still lots of cancellations Credit: Reuters

Today, the airport is open again, however flights are still being cancelled.

There are currently no restrictions on departures, but only five flights are allowed to arrive at the airport per hour.

And despite departure flights going ahead, there are already several delays this morning affecting Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways passengers.

In the latest statement on the airport’s website, it says: “Due to Etna’s eruptive activity and the associated release of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, the airspace corresponding to Sectors B1 and B2 has been closed.

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“Arriving flights are limited to 5 aircraft per hour until 2:00 PM today, Monday 17 August.

“There are no restrictions on departures.

“Passengers are kindly advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport. Further updates will follow in the coming hours.”

In the latest update, at 7:09am this morning a new volcano vent opened, creating a new lava flow.

The chaos has been causing problems for over a week Credit: Splash
Two passengers were due to fly back to London but have been stuck in Sicily since August 11 Credit: SWNS
Evgenia Filimianova has also been left stranded Credit: SWNS

“Intense explosive activity” also resumed at the summit crater, with an ash plume rising a few kilometres, according to Volcano Discovery.

Some passengers have been left stranded during the volcanic activity.

Barbara Krmelj, 35 and partner Roy Barone, 46, were due to fly back to London on August 11 but their flights were cancelled.

As a result, the duo had to take an extra week’s leave from their jobs and while they have been given new flights, they anticipate that they too will be cancelled.

The couple, who said they are likely to have been left £1,000 out of pocket, added: “We can’t enjoy all the beauty around us as we feel trapped on the island.”

Another passenger, Evgenia Filimianova, 39, flew to Sicily from London to attend a friends wedding but their return flight was cancelled.

Evgenia said: “It feels like there is no way out. Emotionally, it’s not easy – it’s stressful and tiring and we weren’t prepared for it.”

Last week, the volcanic ash also caused issues at Malta International Airport.

What does the disruption due to Mount Etna mean for passengers?

Anton Radchenko, air passenger rights expert and founder and CEO of AirAdvisor, explained what the disruption means for customers…

“When volcanic ash closes airspace, airlines will usually class it as an extraordinary circumstance, which means fixed cash compensation is unlikely.

“However, I would urge passengers not to confuse ‘no compensation’ with ‘no rights’.

“The airline must still offer a refund or rerouting and provide reasonable meals, accommodation and transport while passengers wait.

“If you still need to get home, do not automatically accept a refund.

“Once you accept it, the airline’s rerouting and care obligations will normally end.

“Ask for the earliest reasonable alternative and, if another airline can get you back significantly sooner, ask to be transferred to that service.

“If you have to pay for reasonable essentials because the airline fails to provide them, keep every itemised receipt so you can seek reimbursement.”

This is supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s current cancellation guidance which you can find here.



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Jet2 bans family from flight home from Greece after girl was sick at airport

Haylet Waters says her daughter was only ill because it was 30C in the airport and their flight had been delayed

A family was left stranded on a Greek island after Jet2 refused to let them fly home because their six-year-old daughter was sick in the departure lounge. Hayley Waters, 37, was waiting at Rhodes Airport with husband Jason, 40, and kids Addyson, six, and Xander, three, when the youngster vomited at the gate.

She said staff immediately barred the family from boarding their delayed flight to Leeds Bradford Airport shortly after midnight. They were told they could not travel with Jet2 for at least 24 hours and would have to arrange their own accommodation, transport and alternative flights – which cost them around £1,000.

Hayley, a performance analyst from Leeds, West Yorks., said: “While waiting at the gate, my six-year-old daughter was sick once. I cleaned it up immediately. She’d had no illness all holiday – she was simply exhausted after the delay, it was around midnight, and over 30C in the airport.”

The family had been due to catch the 11.15pm flight on July 31, which eventually departed at around 12.05am. They were travelling as part of a larger group of nine when a member of Jet2 staff spotted Addyson being sick.

But Hayley said nobody assessed her daughter or asked whether she had been ill during the holiday before the family was stopped from boarding. She said: “The only explanation given was ‘policy’ because my daughter had been sick.

“Nobody asked whether she had any underlying medical conditions, whether she’d been unwell during the holiday, or how she was feeling. No medical assessment was carried out – the decision was based solely on a member of staff seeing her vomit once.”

The family were forced to book an easyJet flight to Newcastle for the following day to get home. Hayley said: “We have no written explanation for why we were denied boarding, no paperwork, no medical assessment, no duty of care, and we were left stranded abroad with two young children.”

Jet2 said its team in Rhodes had followed procedures and helped the family find somewhere to stay. The airline said staff also advised them to retain their receipts so they could make a claim through their travel insurance.

A Jet2 spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of our customers is our absolute priority, and our teams have processes in place to help prevent the spread of illness onboard our aircraft. We are sorry to hear that Mrs Waters was unhappy with her experience and we are in contact with her to discuss the matter further.”

However, Hayley has disputed the airline’s claim that it had been in contact with her. The airline said it had promised a response within 14 days, by August 20, and remained on track to provide one.

Hayley said the family have not had acknowledgement that their written complaint has been received – and that they have not been told about the timescales Jet2 are working to.

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Loganair closes all operations from UK airport from October – ‘unsustainable’

A UK airline is set to withdraw all of its operations from a UK airport from October due to being “financially unsustainable” withh customers impacted to be contacted

Loganair has confirmed it will withdraw all of its operations from a UK airport in October.

The airline will not operate any flights from Dundee Airport after announcing the end of its service to London Heathrow on October 23.

The public service obligation (PSO) route is supported by the local authority and the Scottish and UK governments.

But, Loganair stated the contract was “financially unsustainable”.

After announcing the closure of the route, the airline added that it would support its Dundee-based employees to find alternative roles.

Currently, the service runs twice a day during the week and once on Sundays and has been in operation since 2014.

It was originally expected to end earlier on September 28, but the last flights will now run the following month.

The closure of its operating base in Dundee will impact air travel to Orkney and Shetland.

A Loganair spokesperson said: “Following a review of the route’s long-term viability, Loganair can confirm that its Dundee–London Heathrow service will cease after Friday 23 October, and the operating base will close.

“Earlier this year, we served notice to the stakeholder group behind the Public Service Obligation route after the contract became financially unsustainable.

“We have since explored alternative options but have not been able to identify a viable way forward that meets the objectives of the PSO while allowing the route to operate sustainably.

“Customers affected by the change will be contacted directly. We are also supporting Dundee-based colleagues and will explore alternative roles across the Loganair network wherever possible.

“These decisions reflect the same disciplined, decisive approach that has driven previous improvements in Loganair’s punctuality and resilience, protecting the long-term future of the airline, our people, and the lifeline connectivity we provide to communities across our network.”

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All Ryanair passengers told to take action or risk paying extra fee at airport

All passengers travelling with Ryanair have been told to take action. If they fail to complete a simple task, they could end up having to pay an extra fee at the airport

Lots of us look forward to going away but, if you travel with Ryanair, there’s some vital information plane passengers have been alerted to. Travellers have been told they must take action or they could have to pay more money at the airport.

It’s no secret that holidays can be expensive, and they can be even more costly when extra fees are imposed; however, you can avoid being stung if you follow a simple travel tip. Advice has recently been shared to help Ryanair passengers, as there’s something they need to do before travelling to the airport to fly.

It’s not the only vital information to have been shared recently either. Previously, an update was issued about seat rules.

Digital boarding passes and travel documents have become second nature for most travellers, making paper copies largely a thing of the past. But, alongside hidden fees, paperless travel can be one of the most frequent causes of unnecessary expense and holiday headaches.

According to one expert, the most frustrating thing catching holidaymakers off guard isn’t related to digital documents at all, but rather turning up at the airport without having checked in online beforehand. Ryanair levies a £55/€55 airport check-in fee when this occurs.

They’ll print your boarding pass free of charge – the £55/€55 is reported to cover performing the check-in procedure at the airport counter itself. However, prices can occasionally differ depending on your travel route.

The Ryanair website states: “If you do not check in online up to 2 hours before your scheduled departure time, you may check in at the airport up to 40 minutes before departure, but you will be charged an airport check-in fee.

“We urge all passengers to check in online before arriving at the airport so these fees can be avoided.” To help people out generally, some other travel advice has also been shared.

Why paper matters

Mark Finley, Manager and printing expert at Choice Stationery Supplies, said: “Paperless works right up until it doesn’t. A dead battery at the gate, no signal, an app that won’t load – a printed backup costs pence and takes the whole problem off the table.”

A flat battery is an inconvenience. A stolen phone is a disaster. Mobile theft ranks amongst the most widespread crimes targeting foreign visitors, with tourists singled out in airports, on public transport and in bustling city centres.

Lose your phone abroad and you lose your boarding pass, booking confirmations, insurance details and tickets in one fell swoop. Printed copies are the one safeguard that can’t be remotely pickpocketed.

Kept alongside your passport, they’ll see you through check-in, car hire and your hotel while you arrange a replacement handset.

More travel tips

Even when a digital boarding pass is accepted, there are other situations where printed documentation may be required. “Car hire desks, border officials, and some airports still want paper,” explained Mark.

“Finding out in the queue is the most expensive way to learn it.”

Mark advises printing out a number of documents before you head off on your travels. These include:

  • Car hire voucher
  • Visa or ETA confirmation, if required
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of return or onward travel
  • Travel insurance details
  • Prescription letter for any medication you are carrying

You may never need to use them but, if you keep these documents together with your passport, you’ll always have a backup should your phone break down or get lost.

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Passengers warned ‘do not drive’ to Heathrow Airport as flooding shuts roads to two terminals during summer holidays

PASSENGERS are facing serious delays and disruption at Heathrow Airport following flooding in the central terminal area.

Access to both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 is restricted with flyers warned not to try and access either by road.

Heathrow has asked the public to only travel to the terminals via rail and underground services.

If passengers must travel via road they are asked to use park and ride and head to Terminals 5 or 6 to use the free rail services from there.

The airport said: “Our teams are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, we apologise for any disruption caused.”

It comes amid the school summer holidays – marking the busiest period of the year for Heathrow.

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In a statment issued via social media Heathrow Airport asked passengers to utilise the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth Line and Picadilly line services to access the airport.

The statement read: “Flooding in the central terminal area has resulted in on-going road closures restricting access to Terminals 2 and 3.

“Passengers travelling to or from either of these terminals today must not travel by road.

“Passengers are strongly advised to use Heathrow Express, Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly Line rail services where possible.

“Any passengers that must travel by car must use Park and Ride, head to Terminals 4 or 5 and take free rail services from there, or change at local rail stations.

“Please allow extra time for your journey. Our teams are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, we apologise for any disruption caused.”

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Major Spain airport popular with Brits on new August capacity list – ‘two hour’ warning

It is the only Spanish airport on the official new list – issues could regularly last for two hours or more

Brits jetting off to a Spanish holiday hotspot in August should pay attention to a new official airport update. Spanish media reports say that Palma Airport will be operating beyond its capacity for 18 days throughout August, according to an official analysis – for more than two hours on 10 occasions.

It has been reported that the airport in Mallorca is the only Spanish airport featured on a list of airports where Eurocontrol – the central organisation for coordination and planning of air traffic control for all of Europe – has identified mismatches between predicted demand and available capacity during August and September.

The list also features several Greek airports – Athens, Corfu, Heraklion, Kos, and Chania – alongside Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen and London’s Gatwick. As a result, Palma Airport faces an extremely busy August, Spanish media reports claim. According to Eurocontrol forecasts, it will surpass its operational capacity on 18 days, more than half the month.

On 10 of those occasions, the excess demand will stretch beyond two consecutive hours, while on the remaining eight, it will be concentrated within two-hour windows, Eurocontrol says. The capacity for Palma is set to stand at roughly 74 movements per hour, comprising approximately 33 arrivals and 40 departures, the agency says. During particular time slots, the anticipated flight demand will outstrip the number of operations the system can accommodate, says Eurocontrol.

Eurocontrol says the forecasts do not mean airports will be overwhelmed. Yet they say their analysis aims to identify periods when high concentration of flights may require measures to regulate traffic flow.

El Diario reports that the European agency projects that demand will also surpass the airport’s capacity at least eight times between September 1 and 27, with three instances stretching beyond two consecutive hours and five lasting two hours. Yet airport operator Aena has told media in the country that under no circumstances has Palma Airport been operated “beyond its declared capacity”. They say that if demand ever exceeds the established airspace capacity due to an unforeseen event, such as storms or regulatory measures, not all operations are permitted to take place simultaneously.

In such cases, they say air traffic control regulates the flow of flights through various traffic management and sequencing measures. Sources at the airport have also told Spanish media that a major overhaul there has resulted in a larger security checkpoint featuring hand luggage screening machines that do away with the need to remove liquids and electronic devices, as well as “more efficient routes throughout all areas, including the one dedicated to inter-island passengers”.

Eurocontrol said in its assessment of Europe-wide air traffic: “July 2026 set new records for air traffic. The EUROCONTROL area recorded its highest ever monthly traffic, with over 1.13 million flights and a peak of 37,659 flights on Friday 24 July. Worldwide, commercial aviation also reached an all-time high of 153,359 flights on 23 July.

“On average, capacity among the busiest 10 carriers remained stable compared to the previous week.” The update comes as tourists heading to Spain and other EU nations face the prospect of lengthy queues this summer at airports. The EU rolled out its Entry/Exit System (EES) in April, which requires passengers from the UK and other non-EU countries to register their fingerprints, photograph and personal details upon their first arrival. This has resulted in lengthy hold-ups for countless passengers.

EES delays lead to big increase in waiting times at EU airports

The Financial Times reported this month that peak waiting times at two major European airports – Munich and Frankfurt – have doubled this summer compared with the same period last year, following the EU’s chaotic rollout of its new electronic border system. Mallorca is amongst the many airports where significant delays have been reported on multiple occasions throughout the year..

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said the system should be moved online. “Only the Europeans would invent s*** like this,” he told investors last month, adding that the airline had witnessed substantial queues at around 15 airports.

The scorching temperatures are also heaping further pressure on the airport, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. The publication reported that Palma Airport workers are once again demanding the immediate reopening of the airport canteen.

Staff say the facility is essential as somewhere they can eat and take refuge from the sweltering summer heat. The Balearic Government has urged airport operator Aena to reopen the venue as swiftly as possible.

Reports suggest that officials believe Aena is currently working to adapt the premises with the aim of getting the canteen back up and running in the near future.

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All flights cancelled and major European airport closed as eruption chaos hits SEVENTH day

A EUROPEAN airport has been forced to close for the third day in a row as a volcano eruption continues to disrupt thousands of passengers.

Flights at Catania Airport in Sicily, Italy, will now be suspended until at least early Saturday due to ash from Mount Etna’s ongoing volcanic eruption.

Catania Airport has had to close for a third day Credit: Reuters
This is due to Mount Etna volcano erupting Credit: Reuters

Over the course of this week hundreds of flights have been cancelled with further flights diverted to neighbouring airport Palermo.

The airport has been closed for three days now, with flights disrupted over the past seven days.

In the latest update on its website, the airport states: “Due to Mount Etna’s eruptive activity, the closure of Sector C1 and B3 has been extended, resulting in the suspension of departures and arrivals until 2:00 AM on August 15.

“Passengers are kindly advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport.

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“Further updates will follow in the coming hours.”

Flights cancelled today include:

  • 10:50am easyJet service to Bristol Airport
  • 11:45am easyJet service to Edinburgh Airport
  • 12:15pm easyJet service to London Gatwick
  • 12:30pm BA Euroflyer service to London Gatwick

In total, nine flights to the UK are cancelled today as well as nine flights from the UK due to arrive at Catania.

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled across this week resulting in people sleeping at the airport Credit: Reuters
Passengers already at the airport are being told there are no flights taking off Credit: Reuters
Desperate travellers are trying to find alternative routes home Credit: Reuters
Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.

Over the past days, more than 700 flights have been cancelled.

Families have also been left stranded at the airport, with videos on social media showing how some passengers have resorted to sleeping on luggage belts at the airport.

The impact has spread further than the Sicilian airport as well, with Malta International Airport forced to cancel 19 flights earlier this week too.

What does the disruption due to Mount Etna mean for passengers?

Anton Radchenko, air passenger rights expert and founder and CEO of AirAdvisor, explained what the disruption means for customers…

“When volcanic ash closes airspace, airlines will usually class it as an extraordinary circumstance, which means fixed cash compensation is unlikely.

“However, I would urge passengers not to confuse ‘no compensation’ with ‘no rights’.

“The airline must still offer a refund or rerouting and provide reasonable meals, accommodation and transport while passengers wait.

“If you still need to get home, do not automatically accept a refund.

“Once you accept it, the airline’s rerouting and care obligations will normally end.

“Ask for the earliest reasonable alternative and, if another airline can get you back significantly sooner, ask to be transferred to that service.

“If you have to pay for reasonable essentials because the airline fails to provide them, keep every itemised receipt so you can seek reimbursement.”

This is supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s current cancellation guidance which you can find here.



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