ONE airline has announced it is axing all flights from three UK airports next year.
It cited “high fuel costs” and “changing consumer demand” for the cancellations.
Corendon Airlines has cancelled flights from three UK airports next yearCredit: NurPhoto via Getty ImagesAntalya is a popular spot in Turkey where Brits head to during the summerCredit: KenanOlgun
Turkish carrier Corendon Airlines will reduce its schedule for next summer which includes cutting the UK airports it serves from six to three.
It will stop flying to Antalya from Gatwick, Birmingham and Newcastle in 2027.
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The airline increased its offerings with additional flights from the UK just last year.
Despite the reduction, Corendon Airlines will still fly to Antalya twice-weekly from Glasgow with three flights a week from both Manchester and London Stansted.
The airline confirmed it will take a “disciplined approach to capacity for 2027 following a year shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, high fuel costs and changing consumer demand”.
UK country manager Matthew Carpenter said: “In response to a difficult trading year owing to the impact of the Iran conflict, we’ve therefore decided to reduce the number of UK airports we serve.
“We have also decided to end some aircraft agreements, with a consequent reduction in the overall fleet, which has a natural impact on our UK schedule and capacity.
“This is a short-term reaction and we plan to review the trading conditions again in January and hope to re-introduce flights to Birmingham, Newcastle and Gatwick as soon as oil prices stabilise and trading conditions improve.”
Corendon Airlines will stop flying from three UK airports next yearCredit: Alamy
Corendon Airlines will continue flying to Crete from both London Gatwick and Manchester Airport.
The airline was first formed in 2004, and launched its first flight one year later.
In 2025, Corendon Airlines reportedly carried 10 million passengers a year across Europe.
A GROWING number of UK airports are facing delays and cancellations following another air traffic control failure.
This comes just a fortnight after a major outage left thousands of passengers stranded at airports across the UK.
Brits are facing delays at a number of UK airports following air traffic control issuesCredit: Zenpix
London Gatwick, Glasgow Airport and Belfast International Airport are amongst airports currently seeing disruptions.
Earlier this morning, it was reported that an issue with National Air Traffic Services (NATS) was affecting airspace in the north of England and Scotland.
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NATS has stressed that the issue is unrelated to the major air traffic control outage that saw over 500,000 passengers stranded.
Belfast International Airport has confirmed on its website that it is experiencing NATS-related delays, saying: “We are currently experiencing some delays to flights due to a NATS air traffic control issue.”
Passengers who do not have a confirmed flight have been instructed to not travel to the airport.
Glasgow Airport has also issued a statement on its website about the delays, saying: “A technical issue affecting NATS air traffic control services at the Prestwick Centre is causing disruption to some flight departures and arrivals.
Passengers have been seen waiting for their flights at Manchester Airport this morningCredit: ZenpixNats have now fixed the issues, but delays are expected to continueCredit: Zenpix
“As a result, some services operating to and from our airports are experiencing delays, primarily at Glasgow Airport, and further disruption is expected due to the knock-on impact across the network.”
London City Airport said on X: “We are experiencing some disruption due to an issue at @NATS Prestwick.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and working with NATS as they resolve the issue.“
It also told passengers to check with their airline to find out the latest flight information.
Both London Gatwick and Stansted are “operating as normal”, the airports have confirmed, but a handful of departing flights may be delayed.
After over an hour of fixing delays, NATS has now confirmed the issue at its Prestwick centre in Scotland is now fixed.
Full list of airports facing delays following NATS outage
Aberdeen Airport
Belfast City Airport
Belfast International Airport
Bristol Airport
Glasgow Airport
Highlands and Islands Airport
Leeds Bradford Airport
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
London City Airport
London Gatwick Airport
London Stansted
Manchester Airport
Newcastle Airport
The air traffic control firm has apologised for today’s flight disruption and said it is working with airports and airlines to “minimise any further disruption”.
Transport Secretary also commented on the incident, calling the disruptions “deeply frustrating” and warning passengers of “some delays”.
Jet2 passengers with flights before midday can check-in and drop off their luggage during a four-and-a-half hour window the day before their trip at 12 UK airports
09:26, 13 Sep 2026Updated 09:26, 13 Sep 2026
Jet2 passengers can drop their bags off the day before their flight at 12 airports (stock)(Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Jet2 has confirmed a rule allowing passengers with flights before midday to check-in and drop off their luggage a day earlier.
Passengers usually have to arrive at their departure airport at least two hours before their flight and queue at check-in desks to get boarding passes before dropping off luggage.
However, Jet2 offers a twilight check-in service at 12 airports across the UK which allows passengers to bypass this process the night before, making morning departures less stressful.
Not only can passengers save valuable time on the day of their flight, they can also avoid having to wait in long check-in queues to drop off bags.
Jet2’s twilight check-in service is only available to passengers with flights due to depart before midday at the 12 airports listed below.
If you have an eligible flight, you can use the free twilight service within a four and a half hour window the evening before your morning flight and drop your bags off between 4.30pm and 9pm.
Passengers must also check-in for flights online any time from 28 days and no later than 24 hours before their flight via Jet2’s website or app.
Explaining how the service works, Jet2 said: “Check in online. You need to do this no later than 24 hours before your flight, but to make sure you don’t miss out, we recommend you check in as soon as online check-in opens, 28 days before you travel.
“Drop your bags at the airport. One person in your party can drop off up to six people’s bags. Simply take your luggage to the airport between 16:30-21:00 the evening before your flight. Don’t forget your boarding passes and passports!
“Sail straight through to security. On the morning of your flight, bypass check-in and head to security. Relax and enjoy your getaway!”
UK airports where Jet2’s twilight check-in is available
POWER banks are an essential when it comes to travel – but there are strict rules in place for them.
Most know the main ones – like it cannot be used inflight – but here’s one some of you might not know about which could see it taken off you before boarding.
Power banks are allowed on airplanes but must be of a certain WhCredit: GettyJapan Airlines is another that is very strict on its power bank allowanceCredit: Getty
Most airlines allow power banks up to 100Wh without special approval onboard.
But anything over that, without the say-so from the airline, and they could be confiscated for being too big and some countries being particularly strict.
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The Wh – which translates to watt-hours – should be printed on the label of your power bank and if travelling on most planes it needs to be under 100Wh or less.
In places like China and Japan, some passengers have had their large power banks taken off them.
Someone on Reddit explained: “Accidentally brought a power bank that was larger than 100 watt-hour on my international trip.
“It passed US TSA as under 100, clocked 106 and 136 watt-hour in two airports in China and refused on board as over 180Wh at Guangzhou International Airport.”
Rules are strict in Japan too with Japan Airlines currently allowing two power banks with 160Wh or less in hand luggage – but that is going down to 100Wh from January 2027.
A lot have warned that the label with the Wh must be clear or risk it being taken off you as well.
Someone else said: “It is the label that matters and if you have old ones that is too faint, it is almost foregone conclusion that it will be taken.
“Friends encountered in Korea and China recently where their older power banks were taken as it wasn’t clear enough.”
The popular item has been banned in some casesCredit: Alamy
For those travelling to China, there is another requirement and this is that all power banks must be marked clearly with the mark ‘CCC’.
The 3C mark is a China Compulsory Certification and the power banks must also be 100Wh or under for all flights.
Any power banks over 160Wh require airline approval – and anything over that is banned.
Most airlines will also only allow one power bank onboard – but check prior to flying as some do allow two.
Power banks must be stored in hand luggage during a flight but not used while in the air as the lithium battery inside is a fire risk – and storing them in the wrong way can cause huge disruption.
In May of this year, aneasyJetflight travelling fromEgyptto the UK was forced to divert to Rome after a passenger revealed they had left a phone connected and charging via a power bank in their checked luggage
A technical glitch on September 8 triggered chaos at major air transport hubs across the countryCredit: GettyIt lead to the cancellation of more than 2,000 flights arriving or departing the UKCredit: Getty
With the weekend fast approaching, families are wondering: “Will my holiday still go ahead, and who is footing the bill?”
Here is everything you need to know about the current travel situation, why flights have still been grounded, and what aviation bosses are saying.
Aviation analytics company Cirium confirmed that cancellations are slowing down, with schedules expected to return to normal later today (September 10).
BA said it was “sorry” to its customers, but stressed the meltdown was “out of our control”.
Taking a swipe at air traffic bosses, a BA spokesperson said: “Our customers and colleagues are tired of dealing with these issues, time after time. This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”
Meanwhile, Heathrow has assured passengers that it is working with airlines to ensure the majority of flights operate normally.
If your flight was cancelled or delayed due to the outage, you’re unlikely to see a payout.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has said that the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) meltdown is considered an “extraordinary circumstance”.
Under passenger rights rules, this means airlines do not legally have to pay out compensation for delays or cancellations caused by the incident.
But airlines are still legally required to “look after” passengers, meaning they must provide food, drink, and overnight accommodation if you’re severely delayed or rebooked onto a flight the next day.
Who is to blame?
NATS chief executive Martin Rolfe is facing mounting pressure to resign over the fiasco, with Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary branding Rolfe’s position as “untenable”.
Despite the backlash, Downing Street has said it still has confidence in Rolfe, who stated he takes “full responsibility” for the outage.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the outage was due to a technical issue at NATS’ Swanwick site, ruling out a cyberattack.
She told MPs she did not believe the issue was “unavoidable” and ordered the CAA to conduct an independent, six-month review into what went wrong.
A TSA agent screens travellers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Thousands of UK holidaymakers are being stopped at international borders and refused entry due to confusion around visas, permits, and entry requirements, new figures have shown/ Data obtained by Confused.com found that more than 2,800 British travellers were refused entry at the US and Australian borders between 2023 and 2025. 2,836 Brits were denied entry across the two countries over the three-year period. More were turned away in 2025 alone (1,607) than in the 2 previous years combined (1,229).
In the US, the 2,533 refusals related to visa or travel-documentation requirements under the visa waiver programme (VWP). In Australia, 303 Brits were refused immigration clearance between 2023 and 2025.
The US figures show a sharp rise in recent years, more than tripling from 424 refusals in 2024. Of the 2,533 Brits turned away, men made up more than two-thirds (1,745), while 18–35-year-olds were the largest age group (1,498). Nearly 100 under-18s were also refused.
Incorrect documentation was behind over half of UK refusals at the Australian border. While some destinations now offer visa-free access, many still require certain permits or specific documentation to be allowed in the country.
Travellers often assume they can rely solely on their passport or arrange permits upon arrival, when in reality, permits can take time to process or come with additional costs. This leaves them at risk of being turned away at the border.
Further research suggests the problem is part of a broader lack of awareness and confidence among travellers. Half say they aren’t confident which countries require a tourist visa for entry and 54% say the visa application process is too complicated or confusing.
Over half of travellers cite visa fees as a deterrent.
Confused.com has launched a new visa checker tool, designed to help UK travellers quickly understand the entry requirements for their destination before they travel.
Tom Vaughan, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “Being turned away at border control is something no traveller expects, but it’s a real risk if you’re unsure about the entry requirements for your destination. Visa rules can be complex and vary between countries, so even small mistakes can result in people being refused entry and losing out on their holiday.
“And it’s worth knowing that if you’re refused entry, it may not be covered by standard travel insurance. Insurers may treat refusals as a preventable risk rather than an unforeseen emergency. This means you could be left to bear the cost of return flights and non-refundable bookings yourself.”
He added: “Visas are just one part of getting ready for a trip. Travellers should also check their passport validity, make sure they have appropriate travel insurance and understand what it does and doesn’t cover, and keep important documents and emergency contacts easily accessible to avoid any last-minute issues.”
Destinations with visa requirements
European Union
Requirement: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) permit required for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period).
Cost: €20 application fee (exempt for under 18s and over 70s).
United States of America
Requirement: Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program.
Cost: $40 USD.
Australia
Requirement: eVisitor visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), valid for stays up to 3 months.
Cost: Free eVisitor visa, or a service fee of $20 AUD if applying via the ETA app.
China
Requirement: Temporary visa-free entry allowed for short stays under a policy running until December 2026.
Cost: N/A (Free during the temporary policy window).
India
Requirement: e-Visa or regular paper tourist visa (passport must be stamped upon arrival).
Cost: £25–£80 for an e-Visa (depending on duration); approximately £127 for a standard paper tourist visa.
Pakistan
Requirement: Tourist visa required prior to arrival; Intent to travel must be submitted at least 24 hours before departure to obtain a Visa Grant Notice.
Cost: Varies by visa type and duration (processing takes 7–10 business days).
Kenya
Requirement: Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) applied for online in advance (recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure).
UK airports are experiencing delays after a tech outageCredit: Alamy
What is happening right now at UK airports?
Airports across the UK are experiencing huge delays and cancellations with passengers reporting being stuck parked at gates due to Air Traffic Control outages.
It comes after NATS experienced a technical issue just after 1pm today according to multiple sources, halting departures at UK airports.
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NATS stated: “We have identified that the issue was in our flight processing system.
“Our engineers are on site and working urgently to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
“We recognise the ongoing disruption to travel, for which we sincerely apologise.
“Flights are still departing and airspace is open, but recovery will take some time. We will provide further updates as soon as possible.
“Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline. We will provide further updates as soon as we have confirmed information, at http://www.nats.aero and on X at @NATS.”
Are flights being affected?
Flights are being impacted across UK airports London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester.
More than 20 flights have been cancelled at London Heathrow AirportCredit: Alamy
More than 50 flights departing London Heathrow have already been cancelled.
Manchester Airport has advised passengers to “check the latest status of their flight with their airline” amid the turmoil caused by the air traffic control failure.
The airport said it would “Continue to monitor the situation and share further updates as more information becomes available.”
At Luton Airport a Ryanair flight to Dublin scheduled to leave at 4.10PM is now estimated to leave at 7PM.
And a Jet2 flight to Alicante scheduled to leave at 4.25PM, is now estimated to leave at 6PM.
What are my rights if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
Airlines have a duty of care they must offer passengers affected by delays or cancellations.
The Civil Aviation Authority states: “If your flight is delayed, and UK261 applies to it, your airline must look after you while you are delayed.
“This includes providing you with food and drink based on how long your delay is, and accommodation if you are delayed overnight.”
If your airline doesn’t provide these and you end up paying for food, a hotel or transport yourself, keep all receipts so you can claim back reasonable expenses later.
If your flight is cancelled, they must also offer a refund or an alternative flight, even with another airline.
If you accept a refund, they no longer need to offer you any additional forms of care, such as hotels or food vouchers.
Can I claim compensation?
Airlines are not required to offer any compensation if the situation is deemed “extraordinary circumstances”.
This can mean anything out of the airline’s control like extreme weather – or air traffic control failures.
As a result, the current NATS technical outage is classed as an “extraordinary circumstance”.
In the last major NATS outage in 2023, travellers did not receive compensation.
The Civil Aviation Authority revealed that around 700,000 passengers were impacted by the last outage.
This included 300,000 people by cancellations, 95,000 by delays of over three hours and a further 300,000 by shorter delays.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
ALL departing flights from UK airports including both Heathrow and Gatwick are majorly disrupted due to an “air traffic control failure”.
Thousands of passengers have been stranded across the country as flights are grounded.
Passengers have been stranded as all departing flights face major disruption including at HeathrowCredit: AlamyUK airports are in chaos as departing flights are disrupted or cancelledCredit: @flightradar24/ X
The country’s air traffic control service NATS has a “technical issue” causing widespread chaos for departing flights.
Planes arriving into airports are not impacted.
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A Heathrow spokesperson said: “The air traffic control service NATS is experiencing a technical issue which is affecting departing flights at UK airports.
“We are supporting our local NATS team in their efforts to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Major airports like Gatwick are included in those affectedCredit: AlamyPassengers have been warned to expect disruption (stock image)Credit: Getty
“We will provide updated information when we have it.
“We apologise to those disrupted and advise passengers to check with their airline for the latest flight information.
“This is affecting all UK airports, not just Heathrow and Gatwick.”
Fuming passengers told The Sun they’re stuck abroad because their flights are unable to leave over the issue in the UK, and have been warned they may have to get hotels for the night.
A National Air Traffic Services spokesperson said in a statement: “We are investigating a technical issue which is causing some disruption to flight departures.
“Our engineers are on site and we will provide an update as soon as we can.
“We apologise for the delay this will cause to journeys, passengers should check with their airline on the status of their flight.”
Are you affected? Email emily.davies@thesun.co.uk
It said in an update: “We have identified that the issue was in our flight processing system. Our engineers are on site and working urgently to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
“We recognise the ongoing disruption to travel, for which we sincerely apologise. Flights are still departing and airspace is open, but recovery will take some time.
“We will provide further updates as soon as possible. Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline.
“We will provide further updates as soon as we have confirmed information, at http://www.nats.aero and on X at @NATS.”
Airport management at Heathrow said all outgoing flights have been temporarily halted.
Belfast City Airport also warned of “some disruption” to flights.
Manchester Airport Group, the company that operates Manchester Airport, Stansted Airport in Essex and East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire, said flights from all three had been affected by the air traffic control issue.
It grounded 500flightsacross the UKand Brits were stuck for hours on a Bank Holiday.
The “one in 15 million” event led to thousands of flights being cancelled and delayed.
An investigation launched by NATS revealed that a flight plan errorresulted in the failure, which meant the air space was forced to close down – and only resumed 10 hours later.
In the aftermath, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said NATS could raise the amount it charges airlines by 25 per cent to ensure “safety and quality service”.
The fee increased from £47 to £64 per flight, an increase of 43p per passenger to £2.08 on average.
Sarah, from Manchester, said that people were left “confused and upset” by the chaos while at Lisbon Airport.
She told Sun Travel: “We arrived at the correct time for our 4.30pm flight to Heathrow but were then told our flight was four hours delayed.
“The queues are backing up at the BA check in desks with confused and upset people and crying babies.”
A spokesperson for Jersey Airport said: “UK air traffic control is currently experiencing issues which is impacting flights across the UK including services between Jersey and UK.
“Passengers are advised to check the latest flight information directly with their airline.”
Gatwick Airport added: “We are aware of a NATS technical issue that is currently affecting a number of UK airports, including London Gatwick.
“Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for more information regarding their flights.”
Disgruntled travellers have flocked to social media following the disruption.
One said: “Still stuck next in line on the runway at LHR. 90 minutes in.” Another said: “BA 742 back to engines off and waiting. Approaching 2 hour mark in 15 minutes.”
Another person posted on X: “We are currently sat on Alicante tarmac going to Manchester and this is affecting us. Not just London!”
A third said: “Luton airport too! We’re stranded on the actual plane.”
Four tips to help you claim back compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled
MORE than seven million of us are expected to fly to European holiday spots this summer.
As peak holiday season hits, some delays are unavoidable.
If you’re one of those whose flight is disrupted, knowing your rights will help you claim back compensation.
GROUNDED: If your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before you fly, you are entitled to a new flight or refund and possibly compensation.
This applies to flights departing from a UK or EU airport, regardless of airline, and to flights arriving at a UK or EU airport, if operated by a UK or EU airline. In other cases, you’ll probably be entitled to a refund or an alternative flight, but you may not get compensation.
LATE LEAVING: Again, for EU or UK flights or airlines, if your arrival is delayed by more than three hours, you’re usually entitled to compensation — unless the delay was caused by circumstances beyond the airline’s control, like severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Email or phone the airline, providing flight details and booking references, as well as the length of the delay. The amount you’ll get depends on the delay length and journey distance.
MEAL MATHS: If a flight is delayed by at least two hours for short flights or three hours for medium-distance, or four hours for long-haul, the airline must provide free meals and refreshments.
If the delay means you have to stay overnight, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel.
If it doesn’t provide these and you end up paying for food, a hotel or transport yourself, keep all receipts so you can claim back reasonable expenses later.
PAPER TRAIL: Airlines often dispute compensation, so arm yourself with clear evidence.
Take photos of delay announcements on departure boards, and gate changes.
Keep emails, text alerts and boarding passes.
You can claim for delays that happened up to six years ago.
IF you need a loud announcement to tell you when it’s time to board, you might be in trouble at certain airports.
More silent airports are being introduced all over the globe – and these ones have no background noise, but it means you could potentially miss your flight.
Helsinki Airport was the first ever airport to go ‘silent’Credit: AlamyBristol Airport was the first UK to enforce the quiet policyCredit: Alamy
Silent airports were first launched in 2015 to create a calmer, less stressful environment for travellers.
Essentially these are terminals that significantly reduces certain sounds like general boarding calls, final calls, and flight updates – or gets rid of them altogether.
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Airports Council International (ACI) Angela Gittens previously told CNN Travel that silent airports are designed to “create a calm, relaxed ambiance.”
She added: “Passengers can wind down while they wait for their flight to board in the common airside lounges, commercial, and food and beverage areas.”
Kara said: “Returning from Amsterdam Schipol Airport and having checked what gate I would be flying from, I headed straight there and sat down with my headphones on, waiting to board.”
London City Airport is the second silent airport in the UKCredit: Alamy
Kara continued: “Yet I didn’t realise the gate had changed until I saw a group of people from the corner of my eye all get up and start running.
“It was only when I saw the women leaving the boarding gate desk that I asked and she told me the gate had moved to one on the other side of the airport.
“So while they can be “less stressful” – keep an eye on your flights.”
Sept. 2 (UPI) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a warning to airlines to stay clear of Russian airspace and airports due to a large-scale escalation in drone strikes on Russian targets by the Ukrainian military.
Zelensky said Tuesday that he wanted to notify every airline flying in Russian airspace, every insurance company and anyone that still used airport hubs such as St. Petersburg and Moscow, which have six airports between them, that the skies above Russia were “becoming completely dangerous.”
“There will simply be drones in Russia’s skies on a scale that has to be taken into account,” he said.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and our other institutions will provide international organizations with full information about the dangers in Russian airspace. Drone-infested skies are no place for civilian aviation,” added Zelensky.
Zelensky stressed that the warning was not intended to “threaten civilian aviation as such — not a single civilian aircraft” and Ukraine did not want the loss of any innocent lives.
The majority of Western airlines stopped over-flying Russia after the start of the war in 2022 but Chinese, Turkish and Middle East carriers and some others continue to do so, particularly on long-haul Asia to Europe flights where the Russia route can slash up to 2,250 miles from the journey, equivalent to four hours’ flight time and as much as 30 tons of extra fuel.
Russian aviation authorities automatically suspend flights if a drone sighting is confirmed within a certain radius of a specified zone with civil aviation disrupted on numerous occasions over the past year after Ukrainian drone assaults, often involving hundreds of drones at a time.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Zelensky’s warning was a “declaration of state terrorism,” vowing that Russia would not let up in its attacks on Ukraine.
On Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry stoked Ukrainain fears they were facing another very tough coming winter by saying the Russian military was gearing up for “massive strikes” against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as a “response to the continuing attacks of the Kyiv regime against the Russian civil infrastructure and fuel and energy facilities.”
The defense ministry was referencing a sustained military campaign by Ukraine targeting Russia’s oil processing capabilities and logistics faclilities with long-range drones.
Retired Deputy Police Chief Sam Pulia places American flags at the 9/11 memorial south pool before the start of the 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the National September 11th Memorial and Museum in New York City on September 11, 2025. Nearly 3,000 died in the September 11 attacks. Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo
FROM major hubs like London Heathrow and Gatwick to regional airports – a number of airlines have scrapped been forced to scrap lots of routes in recent months.
Here are all the routes that have been axed this year by airlines like Ryanair, Vueling and Virgin Atlantic.
London Heathrow has had multiple routes axedCredit: AlamyVirgin Atlantic has scrapped flights to Riyadh and suspended routes to Dubai and SeattleCredit: Getty
Flights to Seattle have been paused until March 27, 2027.
A Virgin spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our seasonal service to Dubai for the winter 2026 season, while services to Seattle will also be temporarily suspended for the winter 2026 season only, before resuming in March 2027.
The airline had flown to Dundee, 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.”
London Gatwick
Norse has cancelled its route between London Gatwick and a US cityCredit: Alamy
The airline cited the “global fuel crisis” as the main reason.
Norse only introduced the route between the UK and American city back in June 2023.
At that time it operated seven flights per week.
Bournemouth Airport
Jet2 pulled five scheduled routes from Bournemouth AirportCredit: Alamy
Jet2 pulled five scheduled routes from Bournemouth Airport before they even launched earlier this year.
The airline began flying from the airport in February 2025 with two aircraft.
Plans even included adding a third aircraft along with more destinations in 2026.
But the company said in July 2025 that following a review, it had “taken the decision to withdraw services to Malaga, Dubrovnik, Jersey, Reus and Verona for summer ’26”.
Leeds Bradford
easyJet announced that it will cancel all routes from Leeds Bradford
Current routes from Leeds Bradford Airport include Barcelona, Majorca, Malaga and Paris, as well as Geneva and Belfast.
Last week, 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.”
It added: “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.”
Cardiff Airport
Vueling has cancelled its flights to Alicante from Cardiff AirportCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
The airline had provided routes from Manchester to New York, Orlando and Barbados.
In January of this year, the airline said it was “undergoing a period of uncertainty on transatlantic services” at its Manchester base.
It continued: “To minimise customer disruption in the event of a closure of the Manchester base, which operates transatlantic flights from Manchester to New York, Orlando and Barbados, Aer Lingus is no longer selling transatlantic flights to/from Manchester for travel from 31 March 2026.”
The closure means that flights between Southampton and Manchester and Manchester and Exeter have been cancelled. The final flights were on August 20, 2026.
London Stansted
Ryanair will decrease its flights from London Stansted to Berlin this winterCredit: BrasilNut1
Ryanair has been forced to make several major changes in 2026 – one of which will affect London Stansted.
The airline announced it would be closing its Berlin base in October which is set to impact routes from Stansted as part of the winter 2026/27 schedule.
The details on which services and reductions hasn’t been specified yet.
A UK airport with international flights is set to undergo a multi-million redevelopment – its first in nearly a decade.
Belfast City Airport in Northern Ireland has revealed the latest plans for its £200million expansion.
Belfast City Airport has revealed £200million expansion plansCredit: Cyanotype MediaThe airport plans to have thousands more flights each yearCredit: Cyanotype Media
The plans are part of the airport’s Master Plan 2040 and would include expanding passenger facilities as well as creating new airfield infrastructure.
There will be new airport access as well as a new forecourt, additional parking and a hotel.
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There are currently no plans to extend the airport though.
The airport is also hoping to increase its operating hours from 15 to 16 hours per day.
The wider 2040 plan includes serving up to seven million passengers per year, compared to just 2.36million today.
Eventually there will be new aircraft stands, aprons and a taxiway too.
The airport will have a new hotelCredit: Cyanotype MediaThere are plans to increase to seven million passengers by 2040Credit: Cyanotype Media
Routes from the airport are mainly to other UK destinations, but there are flights to Amsterdam as well as seasonal routes to destinations including Majorca in Spain.
Matthew Hall, Chief Executive of Belfast City Airport, said: “Delivery of our Master Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will benefit passengers and businesses across the region, whilst delivering key elements of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for Government.
“Every airport on the island of Ireland will need to play its part in meeting future demand, and this draft Master Plan exemplifies Belfast City Airport’s commitment to doing so, while reinforcing our position as a vital economic enabler for the region.
“We want more passengers to arrive by public transport and leave their cars at home, hence a focus on greener journeys within the Master Plan.
He added that they have partnered with Translink to look into creating a new rail halt linking the airport with Belfast city centre on the Bangor line.
