EasyJet

At least 15 JetBlue passengers were injured after an A320 aircraft suddenly dropped in altitude and was forced to make an emergency landing

Some air travel across the United Kingdom will be disrupted over the coming days as several airlines carry out software updates on some Airbus 320 aircrafts, an aviation agency said.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued the instruction on Friday, November 29, as a “precautionary action”, impacting travel across the UK.

The Associated Press news agency reported that at least 15 JetBlue passengers were injured in last month after an A320 aircraft suddenly dropped in altitude and was forced to make an emergency landing in Florida. The plane had experienced a “flight control issue” which could be linked to its software system, AP reported.

“The requirement will mean the airlines flying these aircraft will in some cases have to change software over the days ahead or remain on the ground from Sunday onwards until the software has been changed,” EASA, the main certifying authority for the A320 aircraft, said.

“This action is likely to mean that unfortunately there may be some disruption and cancellations to flights.”

Several UK airlines have these aircrafts in their fleet and could be impacted.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the impact on UK airlines should remain “limited”.

“The good news is it seems the impact on UK airlines seems limited, with a smaller number of aircraft requiring more complex software and hardware changes,” Alexander said.

Low-cost airline Wizz Air warned that their passengers may face disruption over the weekend as a result of the update. The airline said it has already immediately scheduled the necessary maintenance to ensure full compliance with the identified mitigation and as a result, some flights will be affected over the weekend.

The UK’s EasyJet said in a statement that there may be changes to their flying schedule as a result of the update and passengers will be informed.

Three British Airways aircrafts require the update, limiting any significant disruption to passengers.

Irish airline Aer Lingus said it was not expecting major operational disruption due to the limited number of its aircrafts impacted.

Jet2.com also said will be no impact to its flying programme as the software updates were on a small number of aircrafts.

“We have been made aware of an issue that may affect some of the A320 family of aircraft and the precautionary action that EASA has taken,” said Giancarlo Buono, director of Aviation Safety at the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

“We appreciate the disruption this may cause to some people flying over the coming days… Airlines have a duty of care to look after passengers when a flight is delayed,” Buono added.

Gatwick Airport also warned passengers may face some disruption over the coming days, but a spokesperson for the airport said the software update will only impact a small number of airlines at the airport.

Both Heathrow and Luton Airports are expected to run their flying schedule as normal.

IF you’re searching for quick, easy and affordable flights for your holiday next year – then check out easyJet’s new routes.

The budget airline has added a whopping 16 new flights to its roster including beautiful islands as well as places within the British Isles – including one that’s been compared to the Caribbean.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands and the best news for Brits is that these sunny spots are just five hours from the UK.

The islands are known for having great winter high temperatures with beautiful beaches and plenty to do – plus there’s only a one hour time difference.

easyJet launched their first-ever flights from the UK to Sal back in April, with routes from London Gatwick and Manchester.

Now, the budget airline has since confirmed that another flight route will be launching to Sal, from Bristol Airport.

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Flights will take off from 1 May 2026 and operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Bari, Italy

Another new route from easyJet will offer new routes from Bristol to Bari.

The port city on the Adriatic Sea coast of southern Italy – the Pugliese capital has even been nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic‘.

You can delve into the city’s history in Bari Vecchia which is the historical centre where you’ll find a maze of narrow alleyways, open piazzas, and cobbled side streets.

For sightseeing, you’ll find 40 churches in Bari – but one of the most popular is Basilica di San Nicola. It was originally constructed to hold the remains of Father Christmas, which were stolen from Turkey in the 11th century.

Flights start from April 18, 2026 twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Seville

If you fancy a trip to Spain’s fourth-largest city of Seville – easyJet has added more flights to its roster.

Anyone living in and around Bristol can rejoice as the new route will launch from the airport next spring.

Top sites include the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de España which is a cobbled square with four bridges over its small river.

easyJet is launching a new route from Bristol to Seville from May 2, 2026 – it will operate twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Inverness

It might be less exotic but easyJet is also starting a new route between Birmingham and the Highlands’ capital city of Inverness.

It’s surrounded by water as it’s the city where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth – and there are plenty of great sites like the cathedral and Old High Church.

There’s also the indoor Victorian Market where you can pick up food, clothes and crafts.

The new service starts on March 30, 2026, operating twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

Nice

If the delightful Mediterranean coast calls to you then head to the French city of Nice.

Here you can stroll along vibrant the city’s cobbled streets, check out the art-deco architecture and ornate 19th-century properties that rival Paris.

Nice is also a great spot if you want to explore the likes of Monaco, Antibes and Cannes.

The main boulevard of Promenade des Anglais holds a classic French market on a Saturday where you can buy flowers, goats’ cheese, cured meats, cakes and grab a souvenir like lavender soap.

Flights from Birmingham start from May 1, 2026, which operates twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

Montpellier

Very near the Mediterranean coast of southern France is the city of Montpellier.

It’s filled with grand buildings that are a mix of medieval and modern architecture – in the summer it can reach highs of 28C.

While Montpellier isn’t directly on the coast, you don’t have to travel far to find pretty beaches like Carnon, La Grande Motte, GrandsTravers, and Palavas-les-Flots.

Not to mention that just outside of Montpellier, Domaine de Massereau was named the most eco-responsible campsite in Europe last year.

It has plenty to entertain the kids like the Aquatic area which heated swimming pool and one that’s for adults-only with whirlpools and water jets.

For little ones, there’s a spray park, waterslides and a paddling pool as well as two on-site kids’ clubs.

The airline is launching new flights to Montpellier from Manchester on 30 March 2026.

Preveza

On the west side of Greece is the city of Preveza which is the capital of the Epirus region.

The region itself is known for its incredible mountain landscape, as well as pretty beaches.

It’s home to Vikos Gorge, one of the world’s deepest, and clean rivers where locals and tourists like to go kayaking, rafting, and canoeing.

In Preveza you can explore sites like the Nicopolis Museum and Pantocrator Castle or relax on the long, sandy Monolithi Beach.

If you fancy checking out some other places too then you can head to other destinations like Parga, Lefkada and Sivota easily from Preveza.

Flights to Preveza from Manchester start on June 24, 2026.

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal has always been a solid choice of holiday for Brits.

With a flight time under three hours and plenty to do from riding the iconic trams up the hilly roads, to hiking up to Castelo de São Jorge – Lisbon is a solid choice.

And there are plenty of viewing points to see the incredible views across the city like Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

There are two new routes to Lisbon, the first is from Manchester with flights departing from March 31, 2026.

The other route is from Glasgow which will provide direct links to Lisbon from March 29, 2026

Paphos

Last year, Paphos in Cyprus was been voted the most liveable small city in the world.

When one writer visited the seaside spot, she made sure to check out the delicious seafood, and headed out to sea on a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon.

She also said that “the Unesco World Heritage site of Kato Pafos really is a must-see. The park includes sites and monuments from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages”.

Paphos is a great option for summer if what you like is the heat as it has highs of 30C in July and August.

Or even during the cooler months like November where you can still have average highs of 22C.

You’ll be able to fly from Manchester to Paphos from August 2, 2026.

Jersey

Another short journey that’s easy to make is to Jersey – the British Isle that gets summer weather before the mainland.

The Channel Island has even compared to the Caribbean and its one of the warmest places in spring.

It even has some of the country’s best beaches – and you can get there in under an hour.

easyJet will start its route from Southend Airport to Jersey from March 30, 2026.

Paris

Another new route is from Stansted to Paris – the capital of France is known for its great food and plenty of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.

It’s also home to the theme park, Disneyland Paris, which is set to open its new Frozen land on March 29, 2026.

There will be new rides, frosty mountain peaks and you can see it all from inside a miniature Arendelle.

Find out more from The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski who got an exclusive peek at the new land.

Flights from London Stansted to Paris will start on March 5, 2026

Tenerife

Tenerife is well known for its year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, amazing stargazing opportunities, and lively nightlife.

For years its been a popular place for Brits to visit, particularly those looking for some winter sun.

It’s good news for those who are fans of the island as Ryanair recently announced it would be cutting flights due to rising tax.

Flights from Newcastle to Tenerife will start on August 1, 2026.

Pisa

The city of Pisa in the Tuscan region of Italy is of course best known for its Leaning Tower which is a must-see when visiting.

But there are lots of other positives too like exploring the beautiful cobbled streets and tasting fantastic food from pizza to cecina (a savory chickpea flour pancake) and Torta co’ Bischeri (a chocolate-filled pastry).

easyJet flights from Glasgow to Pisa start from August 1, 2026.

Sharm El Sheikh

Trips to Egypt are back on the rise with the likes of TUI starting trips and holidays there – and now easyJet is offering flights too.

The holiday destination that was huge with Brits in the noughties has plenty of pretty beach resorts, high temperatures and year-round sunshine.

During the summer months, temperatures in Sharm el Sheikh sit between 35C – 38C.

Sharm el Sheikh is also a popular winter sun destination because its average temperature is 24C which is around 17C warmer than the UK for that time of year.

Routes between Glasgow to Sharm El Sheikh will start from August 1, 2026.

Malta

Malta, which is smaller than the Isle of Wight, can slip under the radar when it comes to holidays.

But with new flights from easyJet, it’s bound to get more popular.

When one Sun writer visited the country, she discovered plenty of things that Brits will love from its red telephone boxes to restaurants offering English breakfasts.

Locals drive on the left and speak English (along with Maltese).

New flights from Glasgow to Malta will start from August 4, 2026.

For more holiday destinations – here are five alternative European holiday destinations you can still fly to after Ryanair axed hundreds of flights.

Plus, one of the best budget getaways in Europe for winter has been revealed and pints are 90p.

The island’s microclimate means daytime highs hover around 19C in January, making it a great winter sun destination, and those seeking winter sun can find cheap flights if they visit in January

Budget airline easyJet has launched a Black Friday sale, offering dozens of routes at bargain prices. For those seeking a winter sun getaway, one particular destination is likely to pique your interest, with flights in January starting from just £15.99 each way.

Madeira, situated just north of the Canary Islands, is gaining popularity during the winter months due to its microclimate that provides mild weather. January is an especially pleasant time to visit, with daytime temperatures averaging around 19C. The month of January 2025 was particularly warm, with historical data indicating temperatures soared up to 23C.

Often referred to as ‘Europe’s Hawaii’, Madeira shares similar volcanic terrain and lush greenery with the islands. Like Hawaii, the Portuguese island of Madeira also boasts some breathtaking beaches to discover.

Many of Madeira’s beaches are pebble or black sand, a result of its volcanic nature, so don’t forget to pack your flip flops. However, there are some manmade sandy beaches such as Praia da Calheta, a popular spot with crystal clear seas and piers that create tranquil swimming zones, reports the Express.

If you’re looking to swim and unwind by the sea, another option is to visit the stunning Complexo Balnear do Lido – a lido complex in Funchal. Made up of two seawater pools that overlook the ocean, you can either take a dip or simply grab a sun lounger and bask in the weather.

Madeira is a top choice for hiking enthusiasts, particularly during the winter months when the trails are less crowded and the weather is pleasantly mild.

One of the favourite hikes is along the cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço at the easternmost point of the island. This trek spans just under four miles in total, taking roughly 2.5 hours to complete on some uneven paths.

But stick with it and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of both the north and south sides of Madeira.

The trail at Pico do Arieiro takes you to one of the island’s highest points, standing at an altitude of 1,818 metres. There’s a challenging seven-hour trail for experienced hikers, offering ample time to soak up the lush green mountain landscape.

If you’re after a hike that’s a bit easier on the knees, you can choose to walk one way and catch a shuttle bus back.

When it comes to accommodation, there’s plenty of choice. The capital, Funchal, is a popular pick, especially around the historic Zona Velha with its narrow cobbled streets, traditional Portuguese houses, and independent shops.

It’s also a vibrant spot to visit in the evening, boasting a variety of bars and restaurants, many featuring outdoor terraces where you can watch the sunset.

Machico, located on the southeast of the island, is another fantastic spot to consider for your stay. It boasts a sandy beach with breathtaking mountain views, popular coastal and inland hiking trails, and a popular golf club.

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From Machico, you can also embark on numerous tours for whale and dolphin watching. While summer is the prime time for spotting these magnificent creatures, visitors earlier in the year have reported sightings too.

Check out easyJet ‘s Black Friday flight deals here. The £15.99 price applies to departures on selected dates in January from London Gatwick, or you can jet off from Bristol for just £18.99 one way.

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UNDISTURBED views of hazy mountains are all around.

My focus, however, is on the plate in front of me, piled high with cheeses including sulguni, a sour and briney variety famous in this part of the world.

I take a glug of red wine and notice everyone at my table, like me, has been rendered speechless by the sumptuous spread.

You may think I’m in the South of France or Italy — but no, I’m in Georgian capital Tbilisi, and the place is stunning.

In April this year easyJet launched a direct route to this former Soviet republic from Luton — and with the city’s magnificent wine scene and travel prices that won’t break the bank, it’s not hard to see why it is soaring in popularity.

Now is an ideal time to visit, when temperatures are in the low twenties — perfect for exploring and, more importantly, eating until you’re fit to burst.

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Georgians take great pride in their culinary excellence and there are several dishes which simply have to be tried while you’re here.

Khachapuri, a national delicacy, is top of my list and can be picked up from most cafes and restaurants in the city.

Made of gooey cheese melted into a thick, hollowed-out, loaf-like bread, and often served with runny-yolked egg, this traditional staple is as heavy as it is tasty.

Luckily, virtually every meal in Tbilisi comes with a Georgian salad, consisting of tomatoes and cucumbers, so don’t worry about getting towards your five-a-day.

It’s amazing how much flavour the city’s chefs can add to the simplest of ingredients — and beans are no exception.

I tried them in a dish loved by locals, lobiani. Mashed kidney beans are cooked in onions and spices and stuffed into a flatbread.

Sofiko restaurant does an excellent version and what’s better is that its dishes are served alongside mesmerising city views.

When you are able to eat no more, Tbilisi’s cobbled streets are ideal for walking off all the food.

The city’s architecture reflects a fascinating blend of Persian, Arabic and Soviet styles, due to its occupations by all of these empires over the years.

Just make sure you pack comfy shoes. I’d booked a tour with a local guide, Nik, who told me: “Georgia would be the biggest country in the world . . . if it was flat”.

Bearing this in mind, I opted for the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress —an ancient stronghold built by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali in the fourth century, which looks over Tbilisi.

Up there you can see the imperious Mother of Georgia statue, a 20-metre figure built in 1958 to mark the city’s 1,500th anniversary.

In one hand she carries a sword — and in the other wine, to reflect the area’s fine vineyards.

Some of the world’s most celebrated grapes are grown in Georgia’s Kakheti region and no restaurant or bar is short of a good local white or red.

Kiketi Farm, a natural wine cellar around 45 minutes from Tbilisi, is the place to head if you want to sample some of the best tipples.

For such quality, I expect a steep bill for my tasting session. But the 30 lari I am charged works out at a very affordable £8.50.

Don’t guzzle too much, though, as you’ll also want to take advantage of everything else on offer at the farm — which includes horse riding.
Staff are so friendly that they even attempted to give me a culinary masterclass.

It’s safe to say that despite their efforts to teach me how to make khinkali — a type of dumpling crammed with meat or veg — I reckon this job is best left to the local chefs.

If you’re after even more rural delights, an hour or so from Tbilisi is the Kass Land attraction park and its spectacular Diamond Bridge.

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Bestriding the Dashbashi canyon 300 metres below, this transparent glass walkway is no more than two metres wide but 240 metres long — and features a colossal diamond- shaped structure at its centre, housing an all-glass sky bar with panoramic views.

Some find the experience rather daunting but I found it truly spectacular — especially when you can sip wine while drinking in the knockout views.

easyJet is launching two new routes from Manchester Airport for summer 2026, with fares starting from £34.99 and £40.99 for the two sunny, beach-rich destinations

EasyJet is launching two new routes from a UK airport.

The budget airline has announced new routes for summer 2026 from Manchester Airport, with seats now on sale.

New connections to Montpellier in southern France will operate on Mondays and Fridays, starting on 30 March. Customers can now explore the historic city centre of Montpellier, visit the impressive Place de la Comédie, and enjoy the vibrant local cafés and markets. sunny Mediterranean climate and proximity to the coast. Fares will cost from £34.99.

EasyJet’s new route to Preveza in Greece will start from 24 June and operate on Wednesdays and Sundays, costing from £40.99. Preveza, part of the Epirus region, sits at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf on mainland Greece. It enjoys stunning views over the Ionian Sea and is home to plenty of excellent beaches.

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“Although this is an area largely untouched by mass tourism, you will find there‘s a pleasant buzz around during the summer months when the port is full of luxury yachts and boats and the street cafes are frequented by holidaymakers. Preveza has a charming seaside esplanade and a pedestrianised centre so you can spend many a leisurely hour browsing the various shops and stopping to eat and drink at the bars and restaurants,” writes Designer Travel.

“Preveza itself has a low-key charm and is worth stopping by if you’re in the area. True, there are no real tourist sites in town, but if you enjoy taverna-hopping then Preveza really excels. It has a cute old quarter packed with colourful tavernas and shaded alleyways. There’s lots of seafood on offer including the local specialties → specialities, shrimps and sardines. Yachts moor next to the wide cafe-lined promenade which runs between the town and water,” writes Steph of the Mediterranean Traveller

Preveza is mostly known for its international airport, Preveza-Aktion, which is small but served by seasonal European budget and charter airlines. It’s the primary gateway by air for those visiting the island of Lefkada and the region of Epirus, particularly the pretty resort town of Parga.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK country manager, said: “In our 30th year, we’re still as committed as ever to making travel easy and affordable for our customers in the UK. With two new routes and package holidays now available to book from Manchester Airport for next summer, we’re continuing to provide our customers in the Northwest with even more choice and connectivity at fantastic fares, and we look forward to welcoming them onboard.”

EasyJet has been growing in Manchester and this summer launched new routes to Izmir, Kalamata, Larnaca, Madrid and Rennes for the first time last summer and now operates 23 aircraft from the airport. This means easyJet will connect customers in the North-West with 88 routes throughout the UK, Europe and North Africa. EasyJet serves 22 UK airports, offering more than 630 routes to 140 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond.

IF you want winter sun, without the long flight, then you’re in luck as a group of islands are about to be much easier to travel to.

Cape Verde is just five hours from the UK, yet has highs of 27C even in winter.

Not only that, but there is just one hour time different so you won’t be getting any jet lag when you land.

The African islands were made popular with Brits after TUI launched holidays years ago.

However, easyJet launched their first-ever flights from the UK to Sal back in April, with routes from London Gatwick and Manchester.

And the budget airline has since confirmed that another flight route will be launching to Sal, this time from Bristol Airport.

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The new route will start on May 1, 2026, with three flights a week.

Cape Verde is often nicknamed “Africa‘s answer to the Caribbean” because of its beautiful beaches.

While made up of 10 islands, the two that are more popular with Brits and have direct flights from the UK are Sal and Boa Vista.

If you want the hottest month to travel, head to the islands in September when they have highs of 31C, although they rarely drop much below 20C throughout the year.

When it comes to Sal, it is known for both its sandy beaches and its watersports.

The Sun’s Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited the island of Sal with her family.

She said: “For those who like a bit of adrenaline, there’s kite-surfing along the aptly named Kite Beach (you’ll need strong arms), plus quad-biking on the desert landscape that makes up the bulk of the inner island.

“But for us, our break was all about relaxing — and we did just that on a four-hour catamaran cruise along the coast of Sal, where away from the shore the waters were calm enough for a dip.

“These beautiful beaches, as well as adventure activities and watersports, were all within a short drive of our hotel, the Riu Palace Santa Maria, south of the island of Sal and near the idyllic beach town of Santa Maria.”

While Sal’s capital is Espargos, the main tourist centre is the town of Santa Maria, where you will find all of the restaurants and bars.

Expect to hear the famous morna music playing out across the beach as well.

While Sal is the more popular island, there is also the quieter Boa Vista.

Popular activities include sandboarding and stargazing, but you can expect far fewer tourists.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who earlier this year, said: “While less built up, it also means barely any crowds with laid back bars and restaurants.

“Even some of the beaches felt like the Maldives or Thailand – bright white sands with basically no one else there.”

One of the most famous is Santa Mónica, often being named one of the world’s best beaches.

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It could soon be easier to island hope across Cape Verde as well.

Cabo Verde Airlines has revealed plans to add more connections between the islands, after adding two new planes to their fleet.

The World Airline Awards rank the best airlines for each continent, and its top list for Europe includes a number of surprises, including a strong ranking for British Airways and a winner that few have heard of

The World Airline Awards have published its list of the Best Airlines in Europe, which includes a number of big names. However, popular budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet failed to make the top 10.

Skytrax, whose site allows users to post airline and airport reviews, put together the list based on customer surveys that included rankings for a number of factors from staff friendliness to cabin cleanliness, seat comfort, and even the quality of the airline’s website.

At number one is Turkish Airlines, which is the flag carrier for Turkey. This airline offers several routes from the UK to Turkish destinations including Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya from bases in London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.

Certifying it as a four-star airline, according to its own ranking system, Skytrax said: “Turkish Airlines delivers a good experience to customers, and for short-haul travel the airlines provides a superior experience versus many other legacy carriers in Europe, and benchmarks well against Middle Eastern competitors.”

Another winner was Air France, which operates from London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, with destinations including Paris and other major cities.

UK-based British Airways managed to clinch fourth place, while Virgin Atlantic was the next UK airline on the list, taking sixth place. The latter flies from London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh, and offers services to far-flung destinations such as the USA, Canada, Korea, and India.

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Recently, a study revealed the airline with the worst legroom, and the results were surprising. Which? looked at 12 popular airline and worked out how many inches passengers got for their money.

At the top of the list was Aer Lingus offering 31-32 inches of space, and in second place, British Airways offered a decent 29-31 inches. But in third place was easyJet with 29 inches, showing that budget airlines aren’t necessarily more cramped than their premium counterparts.

At the bottom of the list were TUI and Wizz Air who offered seat pitches of 28 inches, so there’s not a huge amount of difference between the best and worst legroom when it comes to economy class.

10 best airlines in Europe according to Skytrax

1. Turkish Airlines
2. Air France
3. Swiss International Air Lines
4. British Airways
5. Lufthansa
6. Virgin Atlantic
7. Iberia
8. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
9. Austrian Airlines
10. Finnair

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easyJet has launched new routes to a stunning beach resort with crystal clear blue waters, popular for snorkelling, and stretches of golden sand beaches, and flights start from just £91.99

With the temperature taking a dramatic drop in the UK, many of us are dreaming of blue skies and days spent basking in the sunshine without the need for roll-neck jumpers and padded coats. Luckily for us, easyJet has introduced new routes to a stunning beach resort that boasts an inviting climate of 22°C in January, making it the idyllic escape to avoid the British chill.

easyJet unveiled its new schedule to the lesser-known holiday hotspot of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, offering direct flights from Newcastle to the city known for its pristine sand beaches and turquoise blue waters. The budget airline already offers direct flights to Sharm El Sheikh from six UK airports, but its Newcastle addition is set to make travel even easier for those in the north seeking some winter sun.

Located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh is packed with luxury resorts dotted along the coastline, offering direct access to the crystal-clear sea that is home to tropical marine life, with scuba diving and snorkelling popular activities. Most resorts have their own sunbeds and parasols lined up in their own private area along the golden beaches for maximum ease and comfort.

Away from the coastline, holidaymakers can explore the Pyramids of Giza during an excursion, or visit the Ras Mohammod National Park, which is home to a breathtaking coral reef and rated as one of the top things to do on TripAdvisor. In addition to its awe-inspiring landscapes, tourists can enjoy places like Shark’s Bay Beach, Naama Bay Beach, the Old Market, and the Heavenly Cathedral, all in easy reach of Sharm El Sheikh.

Making this stunning location more accessible for tourists on a budget, flights from Newcastle will be available to book from August 2026 and will start from £91.99, so you can already think ahead for your winter getaway towards the end of next year. And with the flight time of around five and a half hours from Newcastle, you can be transported to the glorious city under the blazing sun in no time.

Alternatively, there are several flights already operating directly to Sharm El Sheikh from Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Luton, and Manchester, with flights in December 2025 starting from £91.99. For more information on flights to Sharm El Sheikh, you can check the easyJet website.

“We’re delighted to be putting 11 new routes on sale from Newcastle for next summer as we gear up to the opening of our new base, which is enabling us to provide greater direct connectivity and choice for customers in the North East to even more destinations across Europe and North Africa, all with great value fares and fantastic service,” said Kevin Doyle, the UK country manager at easyJet.

Holidaymakers have taken to TripAdvisor to share their glowing reviews of Sharm El Sheikh. One shared: “I’ve been to Sharm five times now, and still want to go back. There is so much to see and do, but anyone coming to Sharm MUST, MUST, MUST see what is under the water. If you can’t swim, don a life jacket or go on a glass-bottom boat. The fish are every colour of the rainbow. We’ve seen sharks, dolphins and rays too.

“Great nightlife that does go on all night, including Pacha. Great restaurants and shopping. Get ready to haggle! Tons of trips including desert trips, camel treks(a must), diving and snorkelling and also trips to Cairo, Luxor and the pyramids (well recommended). It gets very, very hot from May onwards, so take lots of high-factor sun cream. Don’t forget to use it when you are snorkelling too. Burnt bum cheeks are very painful!!”

However, one warned: “I have really enjoyed my visits to Sharm, especially in the winter months where it’s one of the only places close to home you are guaranteed sunshine in December and excellent snorkelling. But if you’re not smart about things you will be taken for a ride by the locals and not get the best out of the place.”

Luxair, Finnair, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Loganair have already made the change with two others to follow

Passengers at one UK airport are advised to be aware of two significant changes taking effect from later this week. A number of key airlines have already mde a change to their operations at the regional airport.

Now, although Emirates and easyJet are not yet operating from Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2, that will soon change. In an update to X, formerly Twitter, Manchester Airport said: “Reminder! From 19th November, all airlines, except Ryanair, will operate from Terminal 2.

“This change is part of our £1.3bn transformation programme, bringing more airlines into our upgraded terminal and improving facilities for passengers.” While Emirates departures currently take place at Terminal 1, this will switch to Terminal 2 on November 18. Meanwhile, easyJet departures will move to Terminal 2 on November 19, just one day later.

Luxair, Finnair, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Loganair are among the numerous other airlines that have already transferred to Manchester’s Terminal 2. Additional developments to Terminal 2 will also be occurring over the coming months.

The X update, published on November 14, continued: “Further parts of Terminal 2 will be opening over the coming months including the Great Northern Market, the airport’s first Wetherspoons pub, new shops and bars including Fever Tree, and a new pier that will allow more flights to depart from the Terminal.

“As part of our multi-million-pound investment, we’ll be expanding Terminal 3 to make use of space that will be available when Terminal 1 closes. Some new parts of Terminal 3 will open early next year, including new sports bar Sporting Chance.”

Further guidance from Manchester Airport states that ‘all airlines will contact passengers directly to confirm the details’ and staff will be available to support these arrangements. Check-in desks for Terminal 2 are located on the upper level of the Terminal.

If you’ve reserved a parking spot in Terminal 1 or 3 but your flight has been relocated to Terminal 2, the airport can transfer your reservation to the nearest parking area at no additional cost. You will need to fill in an online form to have these changes applied.

However, this is only possible if you booked parking directly through the official Manchester Airport website, including Meet & Greet or multi-storey car parks. Unfortunately, the airport cannot modify third-party bookings, so you must contact the provider directly in such cases.

For those who have reserved a lounge in Terminal 1 or 3 but are now flying from Terminal 2, the airport adds: “If you booked your lounge directly on the official Manchester Airport website, you’ll need to cancel your current booking and rebook a lounge in Terminal 2, subject to availability.

“If no availability is shown for Terminal 2 lounges, you can still cancel your original booking for a full refund. If you booked through a third-party website or provider, please contact them directly. We’re unable to make changes to third-party bookings.”

For more information, head to Manchester Airport’s website here.

Airlines including British Airways, easyJet and TUI have confirmed a host of new places they will be flying to next year. Here’s the full list of new destinations being introduced in 2026

As the chill of winter descends upon the UK, many Brits are already dreaming of sun-soaked holidays in 2026. The great news is that airlines are adding a whopping 31 new destinations to their schedules for those looking to jet off next year.

Major airlines such as British Airways, easyJet and TUI have unveiled a plethora of new locations they’ll be servicing in the coming year. The majority of these fresh flights will kick off in the spring, carrying on throughout the balmy summer months.

Newcastle Airport is set to benefit the most from these additions, with easyJet preparing to establish a new base there in 2026, leading to an additional 11 destinations departing from Newcastle.

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In other news, Jet2 has confirmed seven exciting new destinations from East Midlands Airport. These include the picturesque Split in Croatia, the exotic Agadir in Morocco and the stunning Chania in Greece.

Scroll down for the comprehensive list of new destinations being introduced in 2026, reports the Express.

London Heathrow

• St Louis, USA, with British Airways from April 2026.

London Gatwick

• Bangkok, Thailand, with British Airways from Summer 2026 (upgraded to year-round).

Newcastle Airport

EasyJet is gearing up to launch a new base at Newcastle Airport come next spring. This will result in an expansion of its network from the airport, including flights to:

• Antalya, Turkey, with easyJet from March 29, 2026.
• Dalaman, Turkey, with easyJet from March 31, 2026.
• Rhodes, Greece, with easyJet from Summer 2026.
• Corfu, Greece, with easyJet from April 3, 2026.
• Faro, Portugal, with easyJetMarch from 29, 2026.
• Malta with easyJet from March 30, 2026.
• Prague, Czechia, with easyJet from August 2, 2026.
• Reus, Spain, with easyJet from March 31, 2026.
• Nice, France, with easyJet from March 29, 2026.
• Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, with easyJet from August 3, 2026.
• Enfidha, Tunisia, with easyJet from March 29, 2026.

East Midlands Airport

• Antalya, Turkey, with SunExpress from Easter 2026.
• Agadir, Morocco, with Jet2 from Summer 2026.
• Costa de Almeria, Spain, with Jet2 from Summer 2026.
• Preveza, Greece, with Jet2 from Summer 2026.
• Thessaloniki, Greece, with Jet2 from Summer 2026.
• Chania, Greece, with Jet2 from Summer 2026.
• Pula, Croatia, with Jet2 from Summer 2026.
• Split, Croatia, with Jet2 from Summer 2026.
• Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, with TUI from Easter 2026 (re-introduction).

Bristol Airport

• Reus, Spain, with easyJet from June 25, 2026.
• Thessaloniki, Greece, with easyJet from June 27, 2026

Stansted Airport

• La Palma, Spain, with Jet2 from October 26, 2026.
• Jerez, Spain, with Jet2 from May 2026.
• Samos, Greece, with Jet2 from Summer 2026 (new weekly services).

Manchester Airport

• La Palma, Spain, with Jet2 from April 3, 2026.
• Samos, Greece, with Jet2 from Summer 2026 (new weekly services)

Birmingham Airport

• Samos, Greece, with Jet2 from May 4, 2026.
• Rome, Italy, with easyJet from March 5, 2026.

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You can buy it at the airport, but some airlines won’t let you board with it

If you’re planning on jetting off abroad any time soon, it’s worth knowing that you might not be able to bring a common item, typically costing around £3, on board your flight. Ryanair and Jet2 both have a clear ban, but you can bring the same product onto easyJet or TUI services.

While many airline rules are consistent across carriers, certain restrictions differ depending on your chosen operator. When travelling by plane, passengers often browse airport retail outlets and restaurants, purchasing everything from duty-free goods to refreshments and snacks.

But before spending money in the departure lounge, it’s handy to know that hot drinks cannot be taken onto certain flights. Many travellers opt for a caffeine boost at the airport, and there are normally plenty of opportunities to purchase a tea or a coffee before you’re called to the gate.

But you’ll be required to finish that drink prior to boarding with Ryanair or Jet2, according to their individual policies. Ryanair states it “cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks” for safety considerations, whilst Jet2’s website confirms: “You may not bring hot food or hot drinks onboard the aircraft”.

Should you be flying with TUI or easyJet, however, you’re permitted to carry your airport coffee onto the aircraft, provided it has a secure lid. As well as this, recent post-Brexit rules mean certain items purchased before departure cannot be transported into any EU nations, and this applies irrespective of which airline you’re travelling with, reports the Liverpool Echo.

You’re not allowed to bring meat or dairy into the EU, even if they’re part of food items like sandwiches, regardless of whether you purchased them at the airport or elsewhere.

A British YouTuber was left stunned by the price of a small beer on his flight to Portugal after he had been delighted to get his ticket for just £17.99

A British YouTuber managed to fly from Manchester Airport to Portugal for a mere £17.99 – but the cost of a small beer on his flight left him stunned.

The content creator, known to his fans as Just Deano, jetted off abroad to spend a week filming in Albufeira, a seaside resort that’s a hit with Brits due to its affordable prices and sunny climate.

Kicking off his vlog, he quipped: “Terminal one I hear you say? Ryanair is in terminal three Deano. You’re a cheap skate! Well, this flight cost me £17.99… £17.99! And it is in terminal one because we are flying with easyJet.”

After breezing through security, Deano, whose flight was scheduled for the evening, decided to indulge in a pre-holiday tipple at Bar MCR.

However, despite planning to enjoy a pint of Guinness, he was appalled to see the iconic dark beverage being served in generic non-branded glasses.

With that in mind, he opted for a pint of Mahou lager instead, and raising his eyebrows, he remarked: “Airport prices of course – £7.40 a pint…”

Deano had loaded episodes of the Netflix series House of Guinness onto his phone for the flight, and was pleasantly surprised when everything ran like clockwork, a welcome change after recent travel nightmares.

Settling into his seat on the easyJet flight, he commented that the smoothness of his journey was “unusual for all the right reasons” and he even had an entire aisle to himself.

However, deciding to spoil himself with another beer, he later mused: “So, with everything going so well, I thought let’s treat myself to a couple of beers…

“The only reason I got two and not one is because it is €7 (approx £6) for one can of Birra Moretti and it is €10.95 (approx £9.50) for two.”

After sampling his pricey drink from a plastic cup, he remarked: “Lukewarm. What a shame. The only thing going wrong today is the lukewarm beer. So far.”

Upon his delayed arrival at Faro Airport, he then shelled out €21 (approx £18) for an Uber to his accommodation, before turning in for the evening.

Following the upload of his video, which you can view in its entirety here, numerous viewers from his 33,300-strong following were swift to weigh in on the costs.

One viewer commented: “Deano spent more on beer than the air travel.”

Another remarked: “Great video mate but I would not be paying 11euros for two small warm cans of lager.”

A third chimed in with: “Ridiculous the prices of beer on the plane I say I’m not going to every time but always do. Belter episode DEANO.”

One individual referenced the earlier Guinness glass controversy, stating: “Guinness in a non-Guinness glass should actually be illegal and I am not joking!”.

Finally, another supporter observed: “Weird your taxi is more than your flight. Yet the plane costs far more in fuel to fly there.”

In response to claims made in this story, a spokesperson for easyJet said: “A flight to Portugal and two beers for under £30 doesn’t sound like something to complain about.”

I’M standing open-mouthed on the edge of the desert, south-west of Cairo, the magnificent Great Pyramid of Giza directly in front of me.

For 4,000 years it was the tallest structure on the planet, and it is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.

Here in Egypt at its base, with the heat of the afternoon sun radiating around me, I’m struck by its awesome scale and the astonishing human endeavour that constructed it in the desert 4,500 years ago.

Experts believe it took around 100,000 men 20 years to build this tomb for the ruling pharaoh Khufu, and mystery still surrounds the methods of its construction.

“Could they build this without belief? Could they build it without science? Could they build it without art?” says my tour guide, Dr Tarek Sarhan.

“Three things: Belief, science, art. This is the triangle of civilisation.”

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A short distance away on the Giza ­Plateau is the Great Sphinx — a colossal limestone statue of a mythical creature, part lion, part human.

Even with its nose missing, this enormous creature still cuts an imposing figure.

History courses through the foundations of this captivating site.

But my four-day trip to the Egyptian capital is characterised not just by the old, but by the new.

Just over a mile from the pyramids, the $1.2billion new Grand Egyptian Museum has finally opened more than two decades after work first started.

The enormous building, covering an area of 470,000 square metres, houses more than 50,000 artefacts — and the centre­piece of its collection will bring all 5,000-plus treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb together for the first time.

Stepping through its pyramid-shaped entrance, the 3,200-year-old, 83-ton statue of Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II sits in GEM’s soaring central atrium.

Another striking set piece here is the museum’s Grand Staircase, punctuated by fascinating relics of some of ancient Egypt’s most important kings and queens.

I walk up, passing statues, columns, granite doorways and sarcophagi.

At the top, a vast window frames the three main pyramids of the Giza Plateau.

Here is where visitors will also find GEM’s 12 main galleries, but the main draw will always be the entire contents of the tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun, displayed together since it was first found by British Egyptologist Howard Carter.

The collection, of course, includes Tutankhamun’s spectacular gold mask, throne and chariots.

The collection, of course, includes Tutankhamun’s spectacular gold mask, throne and chariots

Standing in front of statues of kings and queens is only part of the picture.

At the city’s National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, I get to stand in front of their mummified bodies.

Located in the Old Cairo district of the city, this modern museum has a large and open exhibition space with artefacts spanning prehistoric times to the modern day.

But for its biggest draw, I have to descend to the underground Royal Mummies’ Hall.

This dark-walled, low-lit space is now the resting place of 20 royal mummies — 18 kings, including Ramses II, and two queens — displayed in glass cases.

Some of them are showcased with the coffins they were found in.

Sweet perfume fills the air

Shadows shift as visitors move through this superbly presented exhibition and there’s a sense that one of these mummified bodies might suddenly be reanimated.

There is certainly life to be found in Cairo’s vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

The intricate, linking alleyways of this open-air marketplace are lined with stalls selling everything from lanterns and ­candles to jewellery and figurines.

Colourful textiles and printed designs hang from walls and stands, and a sweet perfume fills the air.

Away from the buzz of the bazaar, the five-star Waldorf Astoria is an oasis of calm.

Located in the upmarket Heliopolis district, its high-ceiling, glass-walled curved atrium is part botanical garden, part chic Art Deco lounge.

There is certainly life to be found in Cairo’s vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar

My room here is spacious and quiet and the breakfast offering a lavish buffet selection with additional a la carte options and a pancake and French toast station.

EasyJet now offers year-round flights direct to Cairo’s Sphinx airport from Luton as well as a huge choice of packages with easyJet holidays.

If your visit here is brief, you won’t want to miss the sweeping and unforgettable views of this fascinating city from the citadel of Salah El Din.

This ancient fortification served as the seat of power in Egypt for 700 years and it remains one of Cairo’s major attractions.

Inside is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali with its stunning domes, towering minarets, ornate interior and huge central chandelier.

The vistas from this elevated position are wonderfully panoramic.

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As I take my transfer back to Sphinx along one of the city’s upgraded highways, I remember the words of my guide, Dr Tarek, in front of the Great Pyramid: “Egypt is a story with no end.”

Perhaps nowhere is this truer than in Cairo, which is building on its past as it looks to the future.

AN island off the coast of Africa wants to be a rival to the Spanish islands with Brits.

Djerba is off the coast of Tunisia, and welcomed new easyJet flights from the UK last year.

Mohamed Mehdi Haloui, Director General of the Tunisian Tourist Office told Travel Gossip: “We want Djerba to become an alternative to the Canary Islands and Egypt for winter sun.

“We think 2026 is going to be the year Djerba takes off.

“It’s a small place, but it offers a very diverse product, including nature, history and good food.”

British tourists have increased by 40 per cent this year to nearly 400,000 making the UK the second biggest market to the region (behind France).

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The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot was one of the first to visit Djerba after the new easyJet flights launched.

She said: “The resemblance to the alleyways of Mykonos and Santorini is striking in the small town of Erriadh, which sits at the centre of the island of Djerba.

“At its heart is Djerbahood, with more than 250 murals and sculptures from some of the world’s best street artists.

“Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites. 

“A small cup of strong coffee here costs 25p, while small ceramic gifts can be found for £2.

“Temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter.”

Plans for next year include concerts and events celebrating Star Wars, which was filmed in Tunisia 50 years ago.

Around £350million is being put into upgrading hotels, with new chains also opening.

Flights to Djerba can be found from £25 with easyJet, when travelling from London Luton

Flights take around 3hr30, and there are also flights from Manchester.

And seven-night breaks with easyJet Holidays start from £323pp.

All of the holiday packages come with return flights, hotel stays, transfers and 23kg of luggage.

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An easyJet flight attendant has revealed the ‘secret language’ that cabin crew use to communicate with each other while on board a flight

An easyJet flight attendant has spilled the beans on the covert language they use to communicate while onboard. An anonymous member of the budget airline’s cabin crew popped up on their Instagram feed to spill the secrets.

She clarified that, due to the sheer number of passengers on a plane and the length of an aircraft’s fuselage, cabin crew can’t always communicate verbally with each other. This means they have devised a ‘secret language’ for communication.

Interestingly, it is not a spoken language, but more akin to sign language, with various gestures signifying different things. She revealed: “While I’m here on my own I’ll let you into a little secret.

“As cabin crew you may be aware but we do have a secret language on board, a way of communicating to each other when we want food items and with over 200 passengers on board the plane is very long so you may have noticed that if you would like a ham and cheese sandwich we do a croque monsieur, a chicken wrap, and a calzone pizza but don’t tell anyone I told you.”

Whilst mentioning the croque monsieur, she mimicked a crocodile with her hand. For the chicken wrap, she extended an arm out like a chicken wing before rolling her hands together to signify a wrap. Lastly, for the calzone, she placed the heel of her hands together before bringing her palms and fingers together, presumably to illustrate the folding together of a calzone.

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People in the comments section were impressed, with one saying: “Absolutely iconic!”

“We were just talking about this after our flight last month,” said another, while one person said: “I saw a crew member do this to another crew member, I realised it was internal sign language!”

“I often watch the crew doing this trying to work out what they’re on about lol,” one person said. Another said: “Ha ha my Mrs worked a few out on our flight back to MAN from AGP last week.”