British Airways

GOOD news for Brits wanting some last minute winter sun, as British Airways has restarted one of its most popular flight routes.

The flag carrier has confirmed that flights to Dubai are back on, operating from London Heathrow.

The airline first stopped the route back in February shortly after the Iran War began.

British Airways flights to Dubai were initially scheduled to resume on October 25, but were delayed until yesterday when the first flight took off.

The daily flights between London Heathrow and Dubai take just 7hr45, departing at 8pm and landing in the UAE city at 7.45am the following day.

During summer next year, the flights will increase to twice daily.

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Dubai has always been popular with Brits thanks to its winter heat – in November it has daily average highs of 31C.

The city made up of luxury skyscraper hotels also has waterparks, theme parks and plenty of golden beaches to relax on.

If you want to find out how to do it on a budget, check out Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey and Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski’s top tips.

For cheaper hotels, there are even some Premier Inns that have rooftop pools.

Another flight route British Airways has restarted is its route to Amman, which relaunched yesterday as well.

However, the airline previously confirmed it will not be resuming flights to Abu Dhabi until the end of next year.

The airline cited the Middle East conflict and ‘airspace instability’ as the reason for its continued delay.

Currently, those wanting to travel to Abu Dhabi with BA will have to book a flight from Heathrow to Doha, then switch to another airline like Qatar Airways to continue their journey.

The indirect route takes around 11 hours rather than seven.

IF YOU are thinking about where to head off to this winter, then you won’t be short for choice as several airlines are launching new flights from the UK to warm and sunny destinations.

Whether you fancy a city break in the sun or a beach trip to soak up rays, across October, November and December airlines are launching new flights.

And there are both short haul and long haul destinations.

Here’s a roundup of the newest flight routes coming this season from the UK, ideal for a winter sun holiday:

British Airways

British Airways has a number of new winter sun routes, with a couple already launched.

On October 23, the airline launched flights between London Gatwick and Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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The city of Colombo is known for its vibrant temples, such as the Buddhist Gangarama Temple.

Visitors can also visit bustling markets, such as Pettah Market, with local spices and handmade textiles.

Then on October 25, flights were launched between London Gatwick and Bridgetown, Barbados.

Bridgetown is the largest city of Barbados and has heaps of history to explore including the central area which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During December, temperatures reach around 29C.

The same day, flights launched between London Heathrow and San Jose, Costa Rica after being moved from Gatwick Airport.

San Jose is home to a mix of neoclassical architecture as well as sprawling markets and even active volcanoes.

Make sure to have a walk through Mercado Central (Central Market), which is an indoor market dating back to 1880 selling local produce and gifts.

Virgin Atlantic

Earlier this month, Virgin Atlantic launched flights between London Heathrow and Phuket, Thailand.

Phuket is a great destination for beach hopping, with white sand spots and beaches ideal for surfing.

Make sure to visit Phuket Old Town as well where you can spot colourful 19th century houses, as well as shops, cafes and local galleries.

It is also nice and warm in December, with temperatures reaching up to 32C.

EasyJet

Despite being an airline that mainly serves Europe, easyJet is launching three new winter sun routes over the coming weeks.

The first will be between Newcastle and Hurghada, Egypt, with flights taking off on October 27.

Hurghada is surrounded by the Red Sea that is full of coral reefs and colourful fish where you can head snorkelling.

Make sure to visit the Marina too at sunset where you can even see across to the minarets of the El Mina mosque.

This route will be followed by flights between London Luton and Rabat, Morocco, launching on November 5.

The capital of Morocco is known for its historic architecture and has up to just eight days of rain in December.

Then on November 9, Manchester will get a route to Giza Sphinx/Cairo, Egypt.

In Cairo, you can visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, which is the last surviving wonder of the ancient world with daytime highs of 21C.

Ryanair

Budget airline Ryanair will be launching flights from Birmingham to Marrakech, Morocco in late October.

The city is home to an abundance of souks selling spices and locally crafted items as well as a medieval Medina with hidden courtyards.

Around the same time, the airline will also start flights between Liverpool and Porto, Portugal.

The coastal city of Porto is known for its wine but also has a UNESCO-listed medieval riverfront, where you can stop by an outdoor cafe.

TUI

On October 25, TUI launched flights between the East Midlands and Antalya, Turkey.

The Turkish city is full of narrow cobblestone streets in its Old Town to get lost exploring, with Ottoman-era houses and artisan shops.

You’ll also be able to pick up a cheap pint, with beers costing as little as £3 a pint.

The airline will follow this by also launching flights to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from the airport in early November.

Sharm El Sheikh is great for an adventure holiday with snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea as well as desert activities such as quad biking, dune buggies and camel rides.

Later, in mid-December, TUI is then also set to start flights between Belfast International and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana is known for its world-famous, all-inclusive resorts but also jungle adventures and vibrant nightlife.

Temperatures can reach up to 32C in December, which is the ideal weather for sinking a cool pint that will set you back as little as £1.80.

Walt Disney World holidays are a bucket list event but that can amp up the pressure to get ‘everything’ right – we take a look at some easy booking tips not to be missed

At 40 square miles, Walt Disney World isn’t just theme park. The entire resort is roughly the same size of San Francisco, with four theme parks, two water parks, countless hotels, and even Disney Springs, a dedicated shopping zone with a cinema, theatre and bowling alley. While all of that means heaps of rides, shows, attractions and play areas to discover, it’s not surprising that for first-timers it can feel overwhelming.

Mickey Mouse’s Orlando home is worth it; it genuinely lives up to the hype. The pyrotechnics, the immersion, the magic; it’s all brilliant. But a place this huge requires planning – it’s not somewhere you want to wing it entirely. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Walt Disney World three times and let me tell you; the difference between a magical holiday and a sweaty, feral meltdown can come down to some tactical decisions.

Here are my top tips for getting the most out of your Walt Disney World holiday…

1. Make use of Walt Disney world package deals

Booking doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, you can find Walt Disney World packages that include your hotel, flights and park tickets. British Airways Holidays currently offers seven-night packages in 2027 including your return flights, a Disney hotel stay, 2027 Free Dining + Drinks Offer and 14 days for the price of 7 Disney Magic Tickets. Package options include:

• 3* Disney’s All Star Sports Resort, from £1899pp
• 4* Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, from £2249pp
• 5* Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa from £3749pp

You can book by November 1 to make use of the deals on ba.com/orlando. Disney’s 7-day and 14-Day Magic Tickets cover all four theme parks (and park hopping), water parks, and a Memory Maker which gives you unlimited professional photo downloads.

You can find plenty more information and packages at disneyholidays.co.uk.

2. Download the Walt Disney World App

It is not optional. It is the holiday. Live wait times, park hours, maps, restaurant bookings, your photos and, if you’re staying on-site, your hotel room key all live in the My Disney Experience app.

Download it before you fly and learn where things are. Resort guests can book Lightning Lane passes up to seven days before their stay begins, so work out your must-do rides now. Turning up without a ride strategy is exactly how Snow White ended up exhausted, making a panicked apple purchase, and sharing one bathroom with seven strangers. My must-do rides? TRON, Flight of Passage, Rise of the Resistance and the new muppets-themed Rock N Rollercoaster.

Consider a MagicBand+ too. This handy watch can be used to tap into the theme parks, unlock your hotel door, scan into fast pass queues, and even download your ride photos straight to your account. There are some fun surprises along the way – one of which is how it syncs up to the evening fireworks!

3. Meal planning

Do not be a poor, unfortunate soul standing in a 40-minute queue for a cheeseburger. Nothing triggers a family mutiny faster than a hangry child in the Florida sun. Use the Mobile Order feature on the app. You tap a button, waltz past the sweating masses, grab your tray, and try to hide your supreme smugness.

For proper sit-down dining, you can book exactly 60 days out before your visit. Just be warned to get in early, as tables in the more popular restaurants feel like they vanish faster than Cinderella’s carriage at midnight. My elite tier? Space 220 and Via Napoli in Epcot, Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Hollywood Studios.

As for Character Dining, it’s worth the splurge. At the Grand Floridian’s 1900 Park Fare, I ate Eggs Benedict and gummy bears with Cinderella, Tiana, Mirabel, and Aladdin coming directly to my table. It is peak efficiency. Let the royalty come to you. (Prices for this experience cost £44 per adult and from £27 per child at 1900 Park Fare).

Currently if you book by November 4, Walt Disney World has a Free Disney Dining and Drinks deal for holidays in 2027, which includes school holiday dates. The offer includes free table service dining plans or quick service plans, along with one drink per meal (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, depending on the plan chosen). The offer applies to a minimum of five consecutive nights when booking a Walt Disney World hotel alongside a park ticket package.

4. It doesn’t have to be an intense holiday

You do not need to be strapped to a ride vehicle for 14 consecutive hours to “get your money’s worth.” The Florida heat is aggressive, and the daily walking can be tiring. Take breaks, like enjoying some downtime at your hotel. Do not become a Disney Villain just because you want to force your sobbing toddler onto Peter Pan’s Flight a third time.

Don’t dismiss the water parks either. I retreated to Blizzard Beach – a “melted ski resort” where you float down a lazy river in blazing sunshine surrounded by fake snow. It is an absolute fever dream of a concept, and it is glorious. Disney has been here for decades. The castle will still be there after you’ve had a lie-down.

5. Don’t underestimate the size of the place

Walt Disney World isn’t simply one theme park; in fact, the entire resort is roughly the same size of San Francisco. Leave the glass slippers at home and pack your broken-in trainers. You will walk a half-marathon every day, and wet shoes feel like walking on angry sponges. And for the love of Jiminy Cricket, bring a refillable bottle. Ice water is completely free at quick-service spots if you just ask.

Staying on-site at a Disney hotel comes with some handy perks; for example, you get free transfers from your accommodation to the parks, and you can get 30 minutes of Early Theme Park Entry. Half an hour may not sound like a huge amount, but it’s enough to get in the parks early and head to the biggest rides before the queues kick in. The easy transport options also mean you can park hop or head back to your hotel for a break.

My advice is plan the logistics for high-stakes elements such as key rides you want to do, or food you want to eat, but leave space on the itinerary for the plot twists, and even just time to sit by the hotel pool doing absolutely nothing. This is a holiday after all!

EASYJET has announced a major new perk on its flights – WiFi.

The budget airline is installing high-speed internet onboard its planes in collaboration with Starlink.

The move means that easyJet is the first budget airline in the UK to get Starlink WiFi alongside Wizz Air, who are also launching WiFI next year.

Starlink will be rolled out across the airline’s A320 and A321 fleet from the first half of 2027 and expected to be completed by early 2028.

With the new WiFi, passengers can stream, game and browse, although it isn’t clear yet how much it will cost.

Kenton Jarvis, CEO at easyJet, said: “In an increasingly digital world, staying connected matters more than ever to many of our customers, whether that’s holidaymakers looking to unwind with inflight entertainment, or our business customers keeping up to speed with what’s happening on the ground.

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“Innovation is in easyJet’s DNA and partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet connectivity onboard for the first time will not only further enhance the experience we provide millions of customers, but means we are offering more of the options both business and leisure travellers want when they choose who they fly with.

“Giving customers the opportunity to get online in the air will mean even greater choice and convenience when you fly with easyJet.

“Ultimately, it’s yet another way we’re making travel easy.”

Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, said: “We’re proud to bring Starlink onboard easyJet and transform the way their customers stay connected throughout their travels.

“Fast, reliable connectivity from take-off to landing means people can work, stream, or stay in touch without interruption.”

Other airlines that have already installed Starlink in the UK include British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

A MAJOR airport is about to spend billions on a huge upgraded terminal.

Not only that, but British Airways is launching the new route in January with year-round flights every day.

Melbourne Airport has announced its one step closer to its $4.5 billion (£2.35million) International Terminal expansion.

New designs show off expanded check-in, arrivals and departure areas.

It will have a larger check-in hall with high-tech, common-user systems and expanded baggage claim with additional carousels.

Five additional aircraft stands will accommodate more flights.

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Throughout the International Terminal will be windows to maximise natural light for a calming atmosphere.

There will also be more retail, dining and lounge options as well we improved waiting areas for passengers.

Works will coincide along the construction of Melbourne Airport’s third runway.

Stats revealed that in January, more than 1.26million passengers travelled through the international terminal which was their busiest month on record.

Just last month the airport opened its new Pick up and Drop off zones for Terminals 1,2 and 3 and a new pedestrian bridge linking passengers to the terminals.

For anyone who lands and immediately wants a slice of Australia, the famous “kangaroo spotting trail” is right next door to the airport at Woodlands Historic Park.

British Airways is launching its Melbourne route on January 9, 2027 – flights will operate year-round from London Heathrow, via Kuala Lumpur, on a daily basis.

Flights will take off from Heathrow at 9.10pm and land in Kuala Lumpur at 6.05pm the following day.

The plane will then take off again at 7.45pm and land in Melbourne the following morning at 6.40am.

Return flights will start on January 11, taking off each day at 4.35pm and landing in Kuala Lumpur at 9.35pm.

The flight will then take off from Kuala Lumpur at 11.15pm and land back at Heathrow the following day at 5.20am.

Return flights will cost from £1,130.

Melbourne is well-worth the visit too being Australia’s second-largest city.

It was recently named the world’s best city by Time Out for its food scene, art and culture scene nightlife.

There’s the lively arts scene in Fitzroy which also has vintage shops, record stores and cosy cafes.

The city often hosts major sporting events as well, such as Formula One, and the flights are in time for the Australian Open.

Loyal British Airways customers should be aware that the UK’s flag carrier is making a change to its Avios loyalty points scheme that will come into force on November 24

British Airways passengers should put November 24 in their diaries, as the UK flag carrier is preparing to make a change that’ll impact repeat customers.

Avios is the loyalty scheme of more than 30 major airlines, including British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus. It allows you to earn points that you can then exchange for flights, although you still need to pay taxes and fees.

Last year, BA announced a change to the scheme that left some repeat customers fuming. The price of trips booked through the scheme went up.

An off-peak return trip in economy from London to New York bought through Avios used to cost 50,000 points and £100 fee, now it costs 55,000 and £120. Similar hikes were introduced across premium economy, business, and first class.

However, now the airline has announced another change that will be a little more welcome. British Airways Holidays is updating its Avios offering. Launching on 24 November 2026, members of The British Airways Club booking a holiday package with British Airways Holidays can collect six Avios for every £1 spent on the total package price.

Avios will be calculated on the full booking value and then divided equally between all travellers on the booking. Club members will be able to collect their individual share or choose to pool their Avios through a Household Account.

BA has said that the change will make “booking with British Airways Holidays even more rewarding”. It replaces the current approach, in which all customers collect Avios on the flight element of their holiday package and the lead passenger can also collect one bonus Avios for every £1 spent on the holiday package booking.

BA has shared an example of how the new system could be better for customers. Two people heading to Crete could see each traveller collect 11,316 Avios – enough for them to secure a one-way Reward Flight to Paris each, using 10,000 Avios, plus a £2.50 fee. Previously, the lead booker could have collected 5,462 Avios and the second traveller 1,690 Avios from just the flight element of the booking.

Andrew Flintham, managing director at British Airways Holidays, said: “For many people, a holiday is the ultimate reward, so we want booking one to feel rewarding too. For Avios collectors, that relationship should be symbiotic. A holiday should not only be somewhere they can spend their Avios; it should also help them build their balance towards whatever comes next. Our aim is to create a simpler and more compelling offer for our Club members. Whether those Avios help reduce the cost of another holiday, contribute towards a future flight or make an upgrade possible, it means the value of the holiday can continue long after customers return home.”

WHO doesn’t love a holiday bargain? Well, British Airways is launching new flights that cost less than the average UK pint.

However, the two return journeys to the beautiful Mediterranean islands come with a small catch.

British Airways is launching two Avios-Only flights next summer – so you have enough points on its reward scheme to go on them.

The new return flights will be to Palma in Majorca and Heraklion in Crete.

Flights to the Greek island of Crete will depart on August 14, 2027 and returning a week later on August 21.

Seats will be available for 35,500 Avios + £5 return in Euro Traveller.

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For a return flight in Club Europe its 60,000 Avios + £40.

Crete is the largest island in Greece and one of the biggest in the Mediterranean Sea.

On the same dates, British Airways will also have an Avios-Only flight to Palma, Majorca.

Seats will be available for 28,000 Avios + £5 return in Euro Traveller.

In Club Europe, seats are available for 49,000 Avios + £40 return with checked baggage included as standard.

Majorca meanwhile has a beautiful coastline, picturesque villages and its busy capital of Palma has lots of bustling restaurants and a huge cathedral in the centre.

Once you’ve joined the British Airways Club, you can earn points by shopping online through the Avios portal, booking hotels and car hire, using co-branded credit cards, or converting Nectar points.

If you’re a frequent flier, you can earn through BA flights, as well as other IAG airlines like Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL, as well as partner airlines Qatar Airways, Finnair, and Loganair.

Other brands associated with IAG loyalty include brands like Domino’s, Deliveroo, River Island, Marks and Spencer and Boots.

For a more in-depth look at Avios and how to claim points, read more here.

The British Airways Avios-Only flights go on sale tomorrow.

A British Airways flight from a tourist hotspot was forced to divert in the early hours to land at Gatwick rather than Heathrow

A British Airways flight has been forced to divert from Heathrow to Gatwick after falling foul of strict rules over its landing time.

The BA707 flight from holiday hotspot Larnaca was diverted to the London airport after the four hour journey, according to AirNav Radar.

The flight had to be diverted to Gatwick after missing the curfew at Heathrow.

The plane left the Cyprus airport at 9.32pm, over three hours after scheduled take off.

It then landed at Gatwick at 12.12am on Tuesday.

Flights heading to Heathrow are often diverted to Gatwick or other regional hubs if they miss Heathrow’s strict nighttime curfew.

Heathrow enforces rigorous restrictions on movements late at night in order to reduce noice pollution for the millions of residents that live under its flight paths.

The core curfew means that scheduled flights are heavily restricted to land and take off between 11pm and 6am.

The airport operates under a strict ‘night quota’ system between 11pm and 6am which limits both the absolute number of flights allowed to land and the total amount of aircraft noise allowed.

Unless an official emergency is declared then air traffic control will deny landing rights past the curfew, forcing a diversion.

A MAJOR airport has been hit by strike action with thousands of passengers facing cancelled strikes.

Ground handling group, Alyzia, are taking part in a national strike which affects airlines like Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Air Arabia and United Airlines.

The airport expects only half of the flights handled by Alyzia to operate as planned.

Brussels Airport said that airlines working with Alyzia have contacted passengers directly to inform them about the status of their flight and their options.

It added: “We regret the inconvenience caused by this union action.”

The strike action comes as workers protest against governmental policies.

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According to FlightRadar which monitors movements of planes, Brussels Airport has had 103 cancellations today and 34 flights have been delayed.

As this strike is outside the control of individual airlines, it will be deemed an ‘extraordinary circumstance’, which means if your flight is cancelled you will not be entitled to compensation.

Public transport is also expected to be disrupted in Brussels today too.

The good news for Brits is that flights handled by Aviapartner will not be affected.

This includes major airlines serving UK destinations such as British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Tui, and Wizz Air.

The airport told The Independent that around 400 flights will still operate as usual today.

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.

Flight BA295 had reached a cruising altitude of 37,000ft on its way from London to Chicago before the mid-air emergency

A passenger aboard a London to Chicago British Airways flight says the cabin was “silent” as they dropped 27,000ft in minutes. A “technical issue” caused the aircraft to drop and declare an emergency, and return to London on October 5.

Scott Tanner, 39, was a passenger on the plane when it began descending “noticeably” and they were told to put on oxygen masks. Flight BA295 had reached a cruising altitude of 37,000ft after taking off from Heathrow before the mid-air emergency.

Flight tracking data showed the aircraft dropped sharply down to 9,000ft. Scott said their was “silence” for 10 minutes before they were told they could remove their masks, and retuned to London after five hours in the air.

Scott, from Torbay, Devon, told Talk to the Press: “About an hour into the flight I was listening to an audiobook when, completely without warning, the oxygen masks suddenly dropped throughout the cabin.

“An automated announcement instructed everyone to put on their masks immediately. For around 10 minutes afterwards there was no further information from the flight deck.

“There was simply silence apart from the automated announcement repeating on a loop, which was probably the most disconcerting part. Despite this, everyone remained remarkably calm. I did not hear a single scream.

“We could feel the aircraft descending quite noticeably, although it felt controlled rather than like a plunge. The captain then told us that we were below 10,000 feet and could remove our masks.

“He later explained that we would be returning to Heathrow, but because the aircraft was carrying fuel for the transatlantic journey we would need to circle for several hours to burn it off. We eventually landed safely after about five hours in the air.”

Scott says British Airways provided passengers with hotel accommodation, but further arrangements were “frustrating”. He said: “I was initially rebooked via Charlotte despite direct flights being available, and I had to negotiate to have this changed.

“When I asked whether BA might offer some gesture in recognition of what had happened, I was repeatedly sent between different desks and eventually told that any compensation would have to be dealt with online.”

The plane left London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 at 11:50am, with an expected flight time of eight hours and 40 minutes before landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The flight crew issued a squawk 7700 code – the international aviation signal for a general emergency – shortly after beginning the steep descent.

Passenger Tom Nicholls told the Mirror there was a “sudden bit of turbulence” during the emergency. Mr Nicholls explained: “The plane adjusted but it didn’t feel like it was descending rapidly. I’d say the pilots did a very good job.

“The oxygen masks popped out soon after and there was a bit of uncertainty onboard. The couple in front couldn’t get to theirs but by the time they’d found a spare seat with a mask, the captain announced we were below 10,000ft so they were not needed.”

A spokesperson from British Airways said: “The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority, and the aircraft landed safely after our highly-trained pilots returned to Heathrow following a technical issue.

“Customers disembarked the aircraft normally and our teams are working to get their travel plans back on track as quickly as possible.”

BRITS heading to or from one major European airport on Friday are set for travel chaos.

Strikes at Brussels Airport in Belgium, are set to cancel around 140 flights on October 9 as ground handling staff walk out.

The strike will be nationwide with the ground handling company Alyzia joining the walkout.

Alyzia provides ground handling services including baggage processing and passenger aircraft ground support for around 20 airlines at the airport.

These include Brussels Airlines – the airport’s main carrier – as well as ITA Airways, Air Arabia and United Airlines.

For passengers flying with these airlines, delays and cancellations may occur.

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However, if you are due to fly with the likes of Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air or British Airways – ground handling for these airlines is carried out by another provider at the airport.

The strike action comes as workers protest against governmental policies.

Public transport is also expected to be disrupted in Brussels.

Unfortunately, as this strike is outside of the airline’s control it will be deemed an ‘extraordinary circumstance’, which means if your flight is cancelled you will not be entitled to compensation.

However, airlines do still have a duty of care to passengers.

This means that they should rebook or refund your flight free of charge as well as provide you with food and drink, as well as accommodation if required.

MINI bars at your seat, fancy amenity kits and the ‘world’s biggest business class’ – British Airways’ latest announcement is transforming the way Brits will fly with the flag carrier.

The airline’s huge new upgrades are part of the A380 retrofit programme.

Set to cost millions, it will see new seats in every single cabin, including in World Traveller – economy – and its premium economy, World Traveller Plus.

It will also have what they are calling the world’s biggest business class as well, with 106 Club Suite seats which will be on the upper deck.

This is alongside 12 seats in First, 84 in World Traveller Plus and 215 in World Traveller.

The new amenity kits have been rolled out as well – First Class passengers will get bags designed by Swaine with Wildsmith toiletries, and Business Class will get unique patterned bags with anatome products.

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First passengers will be getting a few other upgrades as well.

This includes new pyjamas with a bespoke tartan pattern design, along with slippers and blankets.

A built in mini bar will also mean First passengers can get their own snacks without having to go to the galley, with chocolates, mints and even electrolytes.

A new dining experience will include onboard Bollinger, and a wide cocktail menu. Even racks of lamb and grilled salmon will be on the menu.

British Airways boss Sean Doyle said: “This is a major milestone for British Airways and the future of our A380 fleet, marking one of the most significant transformations we’ve ever undertaken on any aircraft.

‘We’ve completely reimagined the customer experience, introducing new and updated seats in every cabin, all carefully considered to deliver greater comfort and an elevated customer experience.

“From redesigned interiors and upgraded dining to new amenities and service delivery, every detail has been thoughtfully designed with our customers front and centre, helping them to have a more seamless and memorable experience when they fly with us.”

Off the plane, new airport lounges are also being introduced.

A new lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 C will open by the end of 2028, while the Heathrow Arrivals lounge is being redesigned.

Lounges across the US including Boston, Newark and San Francisco are being updated, along with Geneva.