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.
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Djerba wants to be the new Canary IslandsCredit: AlamySome compare the blue and white buildings to GreeceCredit: Getty
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).
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.”
You can pick up cheap coffee and ceramic giftsCredit: Alamy
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 LondonLuton
Flights take around 3hr30, and there are also flights from Manchester.
And seven-night breaks with easyJetHolidays start from £323pp.
All of the holiday packages come with return flights, hotel stays, transfers and 23kg of luggage.
An easyJet flight attendant has revealed the ‘secret language’ that cabin crew use to communicate with each other while on board a flight
12:00, 03 Nov 2025Updated 14:27, 03 Nov 2025
The flight attendant said it was a ‘secret language’ (stock image)
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.
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.
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“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.
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.”
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Canary Islands for some winter sun, these little-known islands are just a six-hour flight away and have year-round warm weather
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Santa Maria is the most popular place to stay on the islands(Image: Getty Images)
Now that the clocks have gone back and autumn is in full swing, many of us will be back to craving some sunshine. While we often associate winter sun breaks with long flights and far-flung destinations, there is a new destination that’s becoming increasingly popular – and it’s just a six-hour flight from London.
Often dubbed ‘the new Canary Islands’ because of their year-round sunshine, Cape Verde is becoming a popular spot in December and January for those looking for an alternative to Spanish resorts.
It’s recently become a more accessible destination for Brits, with easyJet launching flights to the archipelago in March of this year. It marked the budget airline’s first route into Sub-Saharan Africa and one of its longest flights to date.
The islands, which sit off the west coast of Africa, welcomed an estimated 1.2 million visitors in 2024, however, this number is a fraction of the tourist numbers of the Canaries. Tenerife alone had approximately seven million visitors in the same year, meaning Cape Verde has less of a touristy vibe.
The main draw to the islands is arguably the pleasant weather. While January is the coldest month in Cape Verde, it still regularly hits 27C during the day, with six to eight hours of sunshine and little chance of rain. By comparison, Tenerife sits around the 17 to 22C mark during this time, gets around six hours of sun, but can be cloudy and have short showers.
If you fly on easyJet, you’ll arrive in Sal, an island with a volcanic desert landscape. Most visitors stay in Santa Maria in the south of the island, known for its long sandy beaches with turquoise seas. The town has a relaxed vibe, with palm tree-lined streets. When the sun goes down, there’s lively nightlife that includes live music and beach bars.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as windsurfing, take a boat out to spot sharks, or visit the defunct Pedra Lume salt mine, which sits in an extinct volcano. They can tour the historic mines before taking a revitalising mud bath and floating in the saline pools that are said to leave their skin feeling amazing.
Of course, you don’t need to stay on Sal for your entire trip. A three-hour ferry ride away is Boa Vista, which has a handful of resorts. This less-visited island has spectacular white sand beaches where you may spot turtles coming into shore.
Head out on a quad bike tour and enjoy the desert landscapes, or sail away on a catamaran to enjoy the best beaches. In the north of the island, you can also visit the shipwrecked MS Cabo Santa Maria, which has sat in the waters since 1968 and offers an interesting spot for photos.
EasyJet holidays’ CCO Paul Bixby said “Cape Verde is a fantastic destination, providing year-round sunshine and white sandy beaches. That’s why we’re thrilled to be offering our brilliant package holidays, whether it’s a family looking for a resort to enjoy with kids, or a couple looking for adults-only luxury, we have a great range of fantastic resorts across the island of Sal.”
When it comes to hotels, there are plenty of options from basic and comfortable to all-inclusive resorts. The Meliá Llana Beach Resort & Spa, which is adults-only and offers all-inclusive packages, has excellent reviews. One guest said: “The resort itself is beautiful, a true oasis of tranquillity and style.” The hotel also offers swim-up rooms for those who love to lounge by the pool.
A family-friendly option is the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, which is in a prime location on the lively Ponta Sino, which is a popular kitesurfing spot. One visitor said in a review: “A lovely stay at Hilton Sal Cabo Verde and would certainly return again. Great location and friendly staff. Extremely clean and good choice of food. Rooms are a great size with comfy beds.”
EasyJet currently has flights available from London Gatwick to Sal on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with January dates starting at £111.99 each way. Their current package deals include a 7-night all inclusive break at Sol Dunas Family Fun, departing January 7 2026, from £843 per person. This price is based on two people sharing a double room.
EASYJET is turning thousands of old crew outfits into school uniforms to support families struggling with rising costs.
The airline partnered with Luton-based charity Level Trust, which works across 75 local schools, providing uniforms to support the estimated 45 per cent of children living in poverty in the town.
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Children from a school in Luton with the donated uniformsOld airline uniforms will be upcycled into school uniforms
Their initiative is aiming for pilots and cabin crew to donate 100 per cent of their retired outfits – which will be recycled into shirts, skirts, blazers, jackets and trousers.
The garments will then be available for older year students through the charity’s Uniform Exchange.
It comes as 58 per cent of 2,000 parents polled said they feel the pressure of the rising costs of school uniforms.
An average of £256 a year is forked out on school uniform items for just one child, totalling over £3,072 across 12 years in education.
With over a third of parents (34 per cent) sacrificing household essentials to keep up with the costs of school uniforms.
Nearly one in five (19 per cent) have used overdrafts and credit cards to afford school uniforms, as 53 per cent reported having to purchase new items before even the end of the first term alone.
Michael Brown, director of cabin services for easyJet, which is launching a crew uniform refresh on 10th November, said: “We’re proud to launch the uniform recycling programme – our aim for this first phase is both to support parents who are facing financial hardships as well as reduce our textile waste.
“Our crew uniforms have always represented care, professionalism and unity, and we’re honoured they’ll carry those same values into classrooms to empower the next generation.”
It emerged 76 per cent would like to see more government-backed community initiatives, like the uniform exchange, to help families.
Two-thirds of parents (66 per cent) say they would consider second-hand or upcycled uniforms in order to save money.
And a further 93 per cent of parents would also favour increased flexibility when it comes to school uniforms.
With 80 per cent of parents agreeing they would like to see more businesses repurposing retired materials such as uniforms into items to support local communities.
And 85 per cent would be likely to use cheaper or free school uniforms made from upcycled materials.
The research also found that 76 per cent of British parents would like to see more government backed community initiatives like the Level Trust’s uniform exchange rolled out on a national scale.
Jennie White from the charity the Level Trust, added: “We have seen a significant rise in requests for school uniforms, highlighting the challenges many families are facing.
“easyJet’s donation of surplus uniforms is a crucial step in addressing these needs as this initiative not only helps alleviate the financial strain on parents but also ensures that children have the necessary attire to feel confident and focused at school.”
The campaign launches in Luton, home to easyJet’s headquartersAround 58 per cent of parents say they feel the pressure of the rising costs of school uniforms
IT’S all change for tour operator TUI, which will operate flights for certain package holidays through a third-party rather than its own airline.
Nextsummer, TUI will fly holidaymakers to its destinations using other airlines like easyJet and Sun Express.
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Passengers flying with TUI for a package holiday might not be on one of its aircraftCredit: AlamyOne of the routes that will change is from Manchester to FaroCredit: Alamy
According to reports, TUI is dropping its direct flights from Manchester to Portugal‘s Faro and Bodrum in Turkey.
On TUI’s website, Sun Travel found that direct flights between Manchester and Faro can’t be booked after April 19, 2026 – with only four other flights available between now and then.
The routes won’t be scrapped entirely though as these are routes are available with a package holiday deal and will be operated through a third-party airline.
On its website, TUI is offering packages from Manchester to Portugal throughout the year and into 2026 with direct flights from easyJet.
Package holidays from Manchester to Bodrum with TUI can be booked from May 2026 with flights from Sun Express.
Flights from regional airport Birmingham and Gatwick to Faro for next summer will also be operated by third-party airlines.
As a result TUI said it will be putting more capacity into destinations including Balearics, Italy, Greece and Croatia, with TUI Airlines.
Sun Travel has contacted TUI for comment.
In March, TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel said in an interview with the Financial Times that the it planned to sell more seats on other airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet in order to “generate growth”.
Earlier this year, the tour operator completely scrapped its flights from the UK to Costa Rica, St Lucia and Orlando.
You can still book a package holiday with TUI and fly from Manchester to BodrumCredit: Alamy
A seasoned traveller has shared a list of items that should never be packed in checked luggage, as they could be difficult to replace if your suitcase goes missing
15:54, 17 Oct 2025Updated 15:57, 17 Oct 2025
Some items shouldn’t be left in checked luggage(Image: Jackyenjoyphotography via Getty Images)
A travel guru has issued a stark warning to holidaymakers, urging them not to pack certain items in their checked luggage. With many travellers heading off for Christmas breaks or to enjoy some winter sun, Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI passengers are being warned about the potential dangers of packing a variety of everyday items.
TikTok user @thepointsguy has offered crucial advice on what you should “never put in your checked bag, regardless of how short your flight is.”
He’s highlighted items such as suncream and plug adaptors, due to the potential issues if your checked bag goes missing.
This guidance serves as an important reminder to always keep certain essentials within reach during travel. One item that should always be kept close at hand is any prescription medication, reports Chronicle Live.
The expert said: “One thing that should always be kept close at hand is any prescription meds. The expert said: You may be able to get a doctor to call in your prescription, but that becomes trickier if it’s a weekend or a holiday or if your medication doesn’t allow for refills before the previous prescription runs out.”
Moreover, he has advised against storing electronics in checked luggage. He cautioned that despite the honesty of most airport staff, there remains a “risk” of theft.
He also warns against packing “jewellery and cash” in checked luggage, along with any “items with significant personal value”, urging holidaymakers to keep such treasures close to hand to prevent “financial or emotional loss”.
Finally, he suggested that “plug adapters and high-quality suncream” should remain in your hand luggage, as these could be difficult to find in more remote locations if your checked baggage goes missing.
The savvy traveller suggests packing “daily necessities” in your carry-on bag – always ready for those times when a spare outfit, essential toiletries, or vision aids such as glasses or contact lenses might be needed at short notice.
Following this prudent advice going viral and receiving widespread praise online, one TikTok user commented: “Everything important goes into my carry-on. Meds, contacts, electronics in particular.”
Another agreed, adding: “I only have clothing and shoes in checked bags. Everything else is in my carry-on.”
This handy guidance comes as millions of Brits jet off to Christmas markets as well as winter sun destinations from the Canaries to the Caribbean. However, if you’re hoping to travel light with just hand luggage and space is a concern, another travel expert has revealed a clever trick to pack ‘three months’ worth of stuff’.
This strategy was shared on TikTok by @joanna. pirog, who ditched the use of packing cubes for a more simple and cost-effective method.
Her demonstration involved an empty suitcase and a selection of holiday clothes, which she neatly rolled before carefully placing them within the luggage.
Her suitcase held an impressive range of dresses, shirts, tops, skirts, and shorts with ease, and even when it appeared full, Joanna managed to fit in extra items by slotting them into small gaps. She insisted that this method allowed her to pack ‘three months’ worth of clothes into a single compact suitcase.
EASYJET has revealed it will be setting up an airport base next year in one of the most popular African cities with Brits – meaning more cheap flights.
The budget airline has announced it will be growing its program from Marrakech in Morocco.
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easyJet is expanding its program with more flights to and from MarrakeshCredit: Alamy Morocco is one of the cheapest countries for Brit to go on holidayCredit: Alamy
While the new routes aren’t currently from the UK, other existing routes will see more flights launched.
easyJet already flies from the UK to Marrakech from eight hubs including Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester London Gatwick, Luton and Southend.
In November, some of these one-way flights are as little as £14.99.
The new easyJet routes are from Hamburg, Lille and Strasbourg to Marrakech and Geneva to Tangier – each route will have twice weekly journeys meaning there will be hundreds of additional flights.
The consumer watchdog analysed the cost of 5,590 package holidays from some of the UK’s biggest tour operators, including Jet2holidays, TUI and easyJet Holidays.
Morocco was one of those places where holidaymakers can get more for their money.
Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot recently visited the Moroccan city with her familyCredit: Lisa MinotMarrakesh is known for its colourful Medina and marketsCredit: Henryk Sadura
“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.
“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”
Lisa also suggests visiting popular spots in the city of Marrakech like the Jemaa el-Fnaa square filled with cafes and colourful stalls.
It’s where visitors will see lots of performers from musicians to snakecharmers.
When you get hungry, make sure to visit one of the square’s many food stalls to pick up some maakouda – a traditional potato cake.
In the Kasbah district, you’ll find the Saadian Tombs. It’s a 14th-century site that was discovered in 1917 and the tombs are made from Italian Carrara marble.
For the best views, Lisa says head to Nobu Hotel’s rooftop where you can see the Atlas Mountains.
Of course you can tuck into some great food options too from quality sushi, and sip on a cocktail.
Another reason Morocco is set to be a big destination for next year is thanks to Ryanair.
The other budget airline announced that due to the axing of flights to Spain, the capacity removed from Spanish airports will be reallocated to more competitive European markets, including Morocco.
This means your holiday to Marrakech, or other Moroccan cities could become cheaper than a trip to Tenerife.
An easyJet flight(Image: Mrkit99 via Getty Images)
easyJet has today made an announcement, aimed at people aged above 17 and three months. The airline is launching applications for its 2026 engineering apprenticeship programme, with roles available at a number of major UK airports.
This comes at a time when the UK Civil Aviation Authority estimates that 27% of the aircraft engineering workforce is set to retire within the next decade, and after new research commissioned by easyJet suggests more needs to be done to encourage young Brits to consider a career in engineering.
Some 65% of the 2,000 16-24 year olds surveyed said they had never considered a career in the field, with many deterred by misconceptions about their suitability for the profession. Over half (59%) believed they lacked the right qualifications, while 34% said engineering was never presented as an option at school and 21% thought it was too expensive to pursue.
The study also highlighted a gender gap, with only 36% of young women considering a career in engineering, compared to 52% of young men. In reality, an apprenticeship offers an accessible alternative route into the profession, providing the skills, experience and confidence needed for a successful career in engineering.
As well as this, the research revealed a growing trend among 16-24 year-olds expressing an interest in pursuing a career with a purpose. Over half (52%) expressed a desire to be in a role that benefits society, with more than two-fifths (44%) stating they aspired to a career that would help tackle climate change.
A further 43% identified engineering as a profession that could help achieve these goals through activities such as developing lower-emission technologies. In an effort to dispel misconceptions and support young 16–24 year olds in their ambition of a purpose-driven career path, easyJet is welcoming its next batch of aspiring engineers, offering an apprenticeship programme that will provide essential skills while earning and learning on the job, without the barriers of traditional routes to access the profession.
Speaking about the call for more apprentices to join its ranks, Brendan McConnellogue, Director of Engineering and Maintenance at easyJet said: “Today’s young people are motivated by purpose – they want to solve problems, travel, innovate and play their part in building a more sustainable future.
“Our engineering apprenticeships give candidates the chance to gain valuable experience working on our state-of-the-art fleet of aircraft while helping to deliver on aviation’s commitment to decarbonisation.
“This programme not only provides a pathway to grow professionally but also allows apprentices to make a meaningful contribution to the success of our operations throughout our network. We’re looking forward to opening the doors to applicants from all backgrounds who are ready to take their first step into a rewarding career in aviation.”
Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, said: “This engineering apprenticeship scheme marks an important step in continuing to build a highly skilled aviation workforce fit for the future.
“Initiatives like easyJet’s unlock exciting, flexible routes into aviation, backing an expanding sector whilst offering young people valuable opportunities and long-term careers – helping deliver our Plan for Change.”
Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, with spots up for grabs across all of easyJet’s major engineering bases nationwide including Luton Airport, London Gatwick Airport, Manchester Airport, Liverpool Airport, Bristol Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport. Those with a minimum of 2 GCSEs at grade 3 and above or equivalent (SCQF Level 4) Scottish Qualifications in English and Maths are urged to apply here
Richard Deakin, a security consultant from Halesowen, West Midlands, has sparked debate after sharing footage on TikTok of his conversation with easyJet staff at Luton Airport
Richard Deakin said easyJet staff wanted him to prove his luggage fit the sizer four times(Image: Kennedy News and Media)
A tourist has accused easyJet of using a “money-making tactic” following a dispute about his baggage.
Footage on social media shows easyJet staff ask Richard Deakin, 37, to repeatedly put his luggage in the sizer as he checked in at Luton Airport. He claimed the suitcase – his hand luggage – fit easily but he said staff continued to ask him to pop it in the sizer. Richard asked a fellow passenger to film him doing so to “prove a point,” a clip he later shared on TikTok where it has been watched by more than 106,000 people.
He feared he was going to miss his flight to Málaga, Spain for his four-night break and became “quite angry” at staff’s insistence. He eventually made the plane, but is now speaking out to encourage people not to simply stump up cash if their luggage is within the dimensions.
The security consultant said: “If I hadn’t been so persistent they would’ve forced me to pay that fine. It’s a money-making tactic. Before I put [the bag] in I was confident it was the right size because I’d measured it and weighed it.”
Richard, who is from Halesowen, West Midlands, added: “At first it’s a bit of a struggle pushing it down but then it just slides in and goes all the way down to the bottom.
“It was hard to get in because I had several tubs of gravy granules because in Spain it’s quite expensive. I was quite angry. I did know I could just take a few things out of my bag but I was being a bit pedantic out of principle. If you want to pick on me, I don’t mind having a debate about it.
“After that video was recorded a manager came down and asked me to do it again. This is the bit that really [annoyed] me. I said ‘it’s just been witnessed by six of your staff who said it’s okay and this is the video’. He said ‘I need to see it again’.
“I’d done it once or twice before the video, and [then] two times with managers. It looked like the flight was going to take off and I was scared at that point. The ego got put away in the back pocket really quick. I took the book and the charger pack out and put [the bag] in [the sizer].”
Richard had enough clothing in his bag for the short stay last month but, despite measuring the little bag at home, came into difficulty at check-in. He admitted it was “hard to get in” but claimed it fit clearly in the end.
The security professional added: “So many people wouldn’t have been so persistent and fallen right into the trap. There are people that won’t stand up and talk and ask the question so they’re getting charged.
“While I understand the rules, it’s frustrating to pay for a bag that was underweight and would have been placed in the same overhead locker as everyone else’s.”
How to pack for your holiday if you’re only taking hand luggage
The tourist’s social media clip has divided opinion with some criticising him for “yelling” at employees. Some, though, users jumped to Richard’s defence in the comments.
One user wrote: “EasyJet should be ashamed.” Another user commented: “I will avoid EasyJet at all costs. It’s a greedy, uncaring airline. Shame on them.” A third added: “If it fits, it doesn’t matter if it’s easy or not.”
Other users criticised Richard for his demeanour. One user wrote: “Why are you yelling at them?” Another commented: “Why are you shouting at them for doing their jobs?” A third user commented: “That bag is too big. Simple as that.”
An easyJet spokesman said: “We have a well understood bag policy and customers are only charged if their bags are too large, in fairness to customers who have paid to bring larger bags, and we do not tolerate aggressive or threatening behaviour towards our ground crew. Once Mr Deakin was able to fit his bag in the gauge, he was not charged and was able to board.”
Thanks to its fertile valleys, this region in Spain is romantically known as the Garden of Europe – but as well as an abundance of fruit, veg and olives, it also offers visitors stunning architecture and beautiful beaches
A lesser-known area in Spain enjoys mild winters and flights have been extended from the UK(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A university city in southeastern Spain is often overlooked by holidaymakers but has so much to offer and is still wonderfully warm in the winter.
Murcia can cater to everyone’s tastes, with a rich historical heritage evident in its Baroque architecture and cathedral, breathtaking natural parks and stunning sandy beaches – as well local menus that make the most of the region’s bountiful produce.
Despite it being Spain’s seventh largest city, it is relatively unknown among tourists. However, that could be about to change as UK airlines are extending their summer routes into winter, allowing visitors to enjoy a much welcome sunny break during the cooler months at home.
Easyjet is now adding Luton and Bristol airports to its Murcia schedule from October to March. Previously Gatwick was the only route to the region in the winter. There are currently flights available for as little as £20 and under, one way.
Ryanair has also added a new route from Stansted as part of its winter schedule. We found a seven night round trip for just £44 in November from the London airport to Murcia.
It’s a great time of year to travel there – the area enjoys mild winters and relatively low rainfall. Temperatures in November average a high of 21C, making it the perfect place to recharge in the suns rays before the onslaught of the harsh UK weather and seasonal Christmas madness.
It’s not just the clement climate that is the province’s appeal though. Despite it being a city with the expected hustle and bustle in some areas, its people enjoy a laid back pace of life and there are less crowds than other tourist hotspots nearby such as Alicante.
The area has a rich historical heritage and has been inhabited since the Bronze and Iron ages. There are Roman sites to explore and the city’s grand Cathedral de Murcia is a favourite among visitors with its Baroque and Gothic designs and ornate carvings.
In the same square is the 18th century Bishops Palace which is the official headquarters of the Diocese of Cartagena and displays magnificent Rococo style facades reminiscent of Italian palaces of the Renaissance.
Juxtaposing the historical masterpieces in the Cardinal Belluga Square is the modern annexe of the town hall which was completed in 1999 and was designed by Raphael Moneo.
The Real Casino is another must see in the city. Its numerous rooms reflect the varying periods of design from 1847 to the early 20th century in the building which was once an exclusive establishment.
For those who want to explore the local landscape, the Barrancos de Gebas is a badland – a dry, arid land with little vegetation and rugged hills – on the outskirts of Sierra Espuña Regional Park. A hike here will uncover the area’s different species of birds, butterflies and moths as well as breathtaking views.
If relaxation is more your thing the region has around 155 miles of incredible coastline. There are quiet, sandy beaches to doze on and if travelling by car it’s even possible to find relatively deserted areas. Cabo de Palos is a hotspot for scuba diving and snorkeling with plenty of shipwrecks to explore, some from the First and Second World Wars.
When it comes to food, as previously mentioned, Murcia has come to be dubbed the Garden of Europe or Europe’s Orchard. Its long agricultural tradition thanks to the fertile valleys of its landscapes means the region produces an abundance of fruit, vegetables, oils, nuts and flowers.
Chefs in local restaurants make the most of this along with the supply of fresh seafood from the coast to serve a variety of delicious tapas dishes. One must-try speciality is Marineras – a dish with tuna, potato and vegetables on toast.
Meanwhile, Murcia al Vino is a goat’s cheese cured in a locally produced red wine and the traditional dessert is Paparajotes. Originally eaten by Murcian farmers, it is made by taking a leaf from a lemon tree, coating it in fried dough, sugar and cinnamon and peeling the batter from the leaf which gives it a zingy citrus flavour.
Airlines will not know exactly how many flights they need to cancel until the action is confirmed and almost underway, but Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said he expects Ryanair to be told to cancel up to 600 daily, affecting up to 100,000 passengers.
EasyJet’s CEO said the airline has been “held hostage”(Image: BrasilNut1 via Getty Images)
Ryanair and easyJet have issued warnings to passengers ahead of a run of disruptive strikes that could impact more than 100,000 passengers.
The main French air traffic control union, SNCTA, has announced a strike scheduled from 7 to 10 October 2025, which is expected to trigger a large number of flight cancellations and delays throughout western Europe.
Airlines will not know exactly how many flights they need to cancel until the action is confirmed and almost under way, but Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said he expects Ryanair to be told to cancel up to 600 daily, affecting up to 100,000 passengers.
He said: “We cannot have a situation in the EU where we have a single market yet we close that market every time the French go on strike. They have the right to strike, but if flights are to be cancelled they should be flights arriving to and from France. They should not be overflights.”
The union’s reasons for striking include concerns over air traffic control governance, highlighting “mistrust, punitive practices, and harsh managerial methods,” along with demands for pay increases to offset inflation.
Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, said: “While this is outside of our control, we will be doing all we can to minimise the impact this will have on our customers. Our passengers and crew have been impacted by ATC related disruption for too long and so a solution must be found.
“We are calling on the new head of the French aviation authority to urgently address this issue by building more resilience into the system and crucially, by protecting overflying on strike days to ensure the travel plans of passengers whose flights do not take off or land in France are not needlessly ruined.
“We need action on this now, so the rest of Europe is not held hostage when French Air Traffic Controllers go on strike.”
This industrial action is likely to cause major disruptions, especially affecting flights crossing French airspace, with past strikes having resulted in thousands of cancellations and substantial costs for the aviation sector.
By law, airlines must reroute passengers and provide accommodation and meals for cancelled flights, regardless of the strike’s cause—though managing these obligations becomes difficult during widespread disruption.
Latest analysis by AirAdvisor shows the strike will impact over 129,600 UK passengers, with mass cancellations expected on routes to Spain, Italy, France, and beyond. AirAdvisor expects a 50-60% disruption rate, which means 240 UK flights per day or over 720 flights to and from the UK will be disrupted, affecting 129,600 Brits over three days.
According to AirAdvisor, the routes that are most vulnerable to being disrupted are:
UK to Spain (all routes except northern Spain via the Bay of Biscay)
UK to Portugal (including Madeira and Azores)
UK to Italy (especially southern Italy)
UK to Greece (western routes)
UK to the Canary Islands
UK to Morocco and Tunisia
French airspace acts as Europe’s bottleneck. More than 30% of all UK-to-Mediterranean flights, and a huge chunk of UK-Spain, UK-Italy, and UK-Portugal routes, are about to face either outright cancellation or one to four hour delays. The disruption isn’t limited to French airports, but will affect every hub from Barcelona, Madrid, and Palma to Amsterdam and Brussels.
Airlines cannot simply fly around France as alternate, oceanic or North African routes add time, cost, and complexity. Fuel, crew, and slot constraints mean not every flight gets an alternative path.
Travellers headed to Spain and Portugal from London, Manchester, and Bristol are expected to be especially hard hit, with flights being axed at the last minute and others rerouted hundreds of miles out of the way, resulting in arrivals creeping into the early hours or simply overnighting at hubs.
It comes after an EasyJet flight was involved in an incredible near-miss incident last week
14:10, 02 Oct 2025Updated 14:10, 02 Oct 2025
A mayor is calling to replace air traffic controllers with military personnel(Image: Getty Images)
A French mayor has argued that air traffic controllers should be replaced with military personnel following a near-miss accident involving an EasyJet flight at Nice airport. On September 21, EasyJet flight 4706 to Nantes experienced a near-miss incident with a Tunisian Nouvelair jet.
Reportedly, the flight was forced to apply power in order to avoid a collision. According to preliminary findings from the Bureau of Investigation and Analysis (BEA) investigation, the aircraft from Tunisia was preparing to land on the incorrect runway – as a result, the BEA is classifying the event as a ‘serious incident’.
While the investigation is ongoing, Nice mayor Christian Estrosi pledged that he would ask the French government to replace air traffic controllers with military personnel. The surprise announcement was made during a Nice City Council meeting on Wednesday, October 1, with the subject not initially being put on the meeting’s agenda.
‘We’ve had enough of air traffic controllers’
Instead, the city council was debating a survey of Nice airport users with the goal of improving expectations. However, during the debate Mr Estrosi said: “At our next city council meeting, I will propose that the French government replace our air traffic controllers with military personnel. We’ve had enough of air traffic controllers and the DGAC (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), which is incapable of keeping them in check.”
He later told the press: “‘We are increasingly penalised by the unacceptable behaviour of air traffic controllers in both Nice and Aix-en-Provence. This has economic and social consequences.”
At the time of the incident, an EasyJet spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is EasyJet’s highest priority and in line with procedures, we are fully cooperating with the safety investigation that has been launched in order to understand what happened.”
If full, the two aircrafts would have been carrying over 300 passengers and crew members between them. It has been reported that the EasyJet pilot said there was only three metres between the two planes.
The mayor’s request will be put to a vote at the next city council meeting.
Air traffic control in France is currently operated by civil servants. In order to get the job, they generally must have graduated from the French National Civil Aviation School (ENAC). While there is some airspace which is controlled by military air traffic controllers, this is currently not the case for Nice Airport.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, 72 air traffic controllers are currently active in Nice.
A new EU rule change could mean that passengers are able to bring two bags on board at no extra cost
Ryanair and easyJet currently charge for anything more than a small personal bag(Image: Mrkit99 via Getty Images)
Ryanair and easyJet travellers could soon be permitted to bring two cabin bags aboard flights without paying extra fees. At the moment these airlines allow those flying on basic tickets to bring one small personal item onboard, with any additional baggage incurring supplementary charges.
Ryanair has been forced to expand the dimensions of the personal bag it permits, following amendments to EU regulations. Under fresh rules, passengers flying with the budget carrier will be permitted to carry hand luggage measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, representing a 20% expansion from its previous 40 x 20 x 25 cm size limits.
easyJet’s personal bag dimensions already met these requirements, reports Plymouth Live. And another EU rule change could mean travellers are able to bring a cabin bag measuring up to 100cm, alongside a personal bag, without additional charges.
The proposed legislation requires backing from at least 55% of EU member nations. Should it receive approval, the regulation would apply to all flights within the EU, plus routes travelling to and from the EU.
Members of European Parliament (MEPs) also seek to ensure children under 12 years old are seated alongside an accompanying passenger without extra cost. Currently, airlines face no legal requirement to seat children with their parents, though the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises they should do so.
The CAA states: “Young children and infants who are accompanied by adults should ideally be seated in the same seat row as the adult. Where this is not possible, children should be separated by no more than one seat row from accompanying adults.
“This is because the speed of an emergency evacuation may be affected by adults trying to reach their children.”
When it comes to short haul flights, the seat width is between 17 and 18 inches which may not sound like much – but that extra inch can make a lot of difference.
Nicola Roy Spare Time writer
10:52, 27 Sep 2025
A small seat can ruin your flight experience(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
You’re all set for your dream holiday, breezed through security and about to board the aeroplane when you spot it: a tiny middle seat that’s going to be your home for the duration of your flight.
Thankfully, there’s now a method to determine which budget airline offers the widest seats, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on comfort.
Last year, Which? did the maths to identify which airlines offer the most spacious seats, helping you get the best value for your money.
For short haul flights, the seat width (the distance between each armrest) typically ranges from 17 to 18 inches, which might not seem like a significant difference, reports the Express.
However, that additional inch can make a world of difference when you’re crammed in like sardines.
According to the experts, the airlines offering the widest economy seats include Wizz Air, TAP Portugal, easyJet and Lufthansa, all boasting widths of 18 inches.
This leaves airlines like Aer Lingus, Loganair, Jet2 and Norwegian with the narrowest seat widths, which can all be as low as 17 inches. Below is a breakdown of airline seat width and legroom in inches.
If you’re looking to maximise space on your budget flight without shelling out extra cash, there are a few tricks you can employ.
One hack is to book a seat in the bulkhead – the seats located directly behind the partitions, curtains or screens that divide the plane. With no seats in front, you’ll have enough room to stretch your legs.
However, these can be a bit narrower if tray tables are stowed in the armrest.
If a bulkhead doesn’t take your fancy, opt for a seat towards the back of the plane where they taper. This could occasionally result in fewer seats in a row – but naturally, you might find yourself next to the loo queue which can be somewhat disruptive.
If you’re on a flight that’s already airborne and you spot extra vacant seats, you can always politely ask the cabin crew if it would be possible to switch.
Remember, if you don’t ask, you won’t get – and provided you’re polite, there’s a likelihood they will accommodate your request.
If you have additional requirements that would benefit from more room, such as being tall or pregnant, you’ve got a better chance of being relocated to a more spacious area.
The budget airline has issued a warning to all passengers travelling to the EU from October 12, as the new Entry/Exit System will replace manual passport stamping with an automated process
The airline has flagged the “important changes” to border checks set to impact millions of Brits from next month(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
EasyJet has sounded the alarm over a series of “important changes” to border controls for Brits heading to the EU from next month.
The budget airline is warning passengers that from October 12 the fresh Entry/Exit System (EES) will swap manual passport stamping for an automated system that gathers biometric information.
This means your face will be photographed and fingerprints taken to help handle travellers “more efficiently,” the low-cost carrier explained, no matter which airline you’re flying with. It continued by making clear that youngsters under 12 won’t need to undergo the fingerprinting process.
EasyJet’s announcement stated: “From October 12, 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace manual passport stamping with an automated process that collects biometric data (facial photo and fingerprints) to help process travellers more efficiently. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.”
It explained: “Non-EU nationals visiting one of the 25 EU Member States or 4 Schengen Associated Countries for short stays may be affected – read the full list of participating countries. You may experience longer wait times at passport control while the system is being rolled out.”
The Foreign Office had previously issued fresh guidance for all affected Schengen nations: “New Schengen entry requirements.”
From October 12 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will commence. When journeying into and out of the Schengen zone, for brief visits, you may be required to: “If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this information will be taken at the border, before you leave the UK.”
“You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.”
The European Commission has also previously outlined the reasoning behind the scheme, with a spokesperson explaining: “The EES is an advanced technological system that will digitally record the entries and exits of non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries, including Schengen Associated ones, for short stays.”
“It will capture biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial image, and other travel information, gradually replacing the current system of passport stamping. The EES will modernise and improve the management of EU external borders. It will provide reliable data on border crossings, systematically detect overstayers as well as cases of document and identity fraud.”
It continued: “The EES will thus contribute to preventing irregular migration and protecting the security of European citizens. Additionally, with the increased use of automated border checks, travelling will become smoother and safer for all. The new system meets the highest standards of data and privacy protection, ensuring that travellers’ personal data remain protected and secure.”
By the end of the six-month process for the EES scheme, it is anticipated that the rollout will be complete., reports Birmingham Live. This gradual approach is deemed crucial to allow border authorities, the transport industry, and travellers to adapt to the new procedure step by step.
The airline said crew did everything they could to help the passenger
Maria Ortega and Robert Rowlands Deputy editor, Money and lifestyle hub
10:53, 19 Sep 2025Updated 11:01, 19 Sep 2025
An easyJet plane taking off from Nantes Atlantique Airport in western France on August 25, 2025. (Photo by Ronan Houssin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
An easyJet passenger has died on a flight to Lanzarote. Crew members did everything they could to assist during the medical emergency, the airline said.
A distress signal was issued as part of the airline’s procedures. The incident occurred on Tuesday, the airline told Le Parisien.
The flight on which the incident happened was travelling from Nantes in France to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. French media reports say the incident occurred on flight EJU4775.
The captain issued a distress signal before “making a routine landing in accordance with standard procedures”. “Our crews are trained to respond to medical emergencies and did everything they could during the flight,” the airline told Le Parisien.
“Our thoughts are with the passenger’s family and friends, and we offer them our full support and assistance at this difficult time. The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and crew are always easyJet’s top priority.”
Ouest-France said the incident caused major delays for the return flight from Lanzarote to Nantes. The return flight, which was scheduled to land at 2.45 pm in Nantes, eventually landed at around 11 pm.
The analysis looked at departure data for six of the biggest airlines – British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Tui and Wizz Air – between May 2024 and April 2025. They show that all of the airlines were less punctual now than before the pandemic in 2019
Standards have slipped over the past six years(Image: Getty Images)
The worst offending airlines for delays have been revealed amid an industry-wide slipping of standards.
Take-offs within 15 minutes of planned departure times are down significantly pre-Covid compared to now for almost all major airlines flying through UK airspace, according to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data.
There are several factors in play, including a rise in the number of flights taking off, airspace restrictions as a result of military conflicts and issues with air traffic control (ATC) staffing.
Which? studied checked departure data for six of the biggest airlines – British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Tui and Wizz Air – between May 2024 and April 2025. They show that all of the airlines were less punctual now than before the pandemic in 2019.
The experience of being stuck at the airport is becoming a more regular one(Image: Press Association)
Out of the six big UK airlines, Tui was the worst for punctuality according to the analysis, with the lowest average percentage of on-time departures. Back in 2019, an average of 67.2 per cent of Tui’s departures were on time, but by 2024–25, that had slipped to 59.2 per cent.
Second-worst for punctuality for the time period Which? looked at was Wizz Air. Its average on-time rate was already as low as 66.8 per cent back in 2019, and by 2023 it had plummeted to 55.6 per cent. In 2024–25 it now has fewer delays with 66 per cent, almost back to its pre-pandemic level.
It’s a similar story for Ryanair, whose average on-time departures were at 77.8 per cent in 2019 but fell to 63 per cent by 2022, only recovering to 66.5 per cent by 2024–25.
easyJet’s punctuality was 70.6 per cent in 2019 but dropped to 67.8 per cent in 2024–25, while the CAA data also showed a decline in Jet2’s punctuality. In 2019 departures punctuality was 81.8 per cent, and in 2024–25 was 68 per cent.
British Airways’ punctuality was at 71.5 per cent in 2019, and as high as 75.8 per cent the year before. By 2024–25 it had fallen to 68.7 per cent.
Some airlines are blaming air traffic control (ATC) for these delays. In May, Ryanair launched a website called ‘Air Traffic Control Ruined Your Flight’, along with a ‘League of Delays’ claiming to expose the worst ATCs across Europe for delays ‘due to mismanagement and staff shortages from January to May 2025’.
Eurocontrol, which speaks for the European network of air traffic controllers, admitted that in some parts of the network, the number of ATC officers is 10–20 per cent lower than would be needed to manage the demand.
The UK’s own ATC body, NATS (formerly known as National Air Traffic Services), said that it is “fully staffed and operating normally”.
Any other air traffic control delays are only exacerbated by other factors at play. Some parts of the airspace, through which major airlines fly, are closed off for military or geopolitical reasons.
Eurocontrol has said that the crisis in the Middle East has led to traffic becoming unevenly spread – after already losing 20 per cent of airspace following the war in Ukraine. Those complexities add to an already expanding ATC workload. Airport capacity is another issue.
And while delays are worsening, airlines are putting on record numbers of flights. Although Ryanair hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels of punctuality, it scheduled 162,411 flights in 2024, according to CAA data – 24,192 more than in 2019. Wizz Air put on 29,325 flights in 2024, up 3,534 from the 25,791 it flew in 2019.
A spokesperson for easyJet said: “easyJet always does all possible to get our customers to their destinations on time and minimise any delays despite flying in some of the most congested airspace in the world.”
A spokesperson for Tui said: “Punctuality is super important to us and has highest priority but there is one topic even more important: to operate each and every flight and to not cancel any flight. That’s what we do at TUI because we have holidaymakers onboard which we want to fly to their destination and also back.
TUI’s punctulatity record has slipped(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“So, sometimes we have flights delayed by a couple of hours because we need to get a replacement aircraft ready. But for guests the good news is: their flight isn’t cancelled and they can still fly. Other airlines have or use the possibility to cancel flights which then would also not be part of the delay statistics anymore.
“And, one important point: within our overall fleet of 130 airplanes we have about 11 spare airplanes – the highest number we ever had and which helps us to keep a network alive without cancellations.
“So yes we want to be more punctual but we also keep our credo to never cancel, which is the even more important topic for our holiday guests.”
A spokesperson for Wizz Air said: “At Wizz Air, every minute matters, and that’s why we are committed to ensuring our customers reach their destinations as smoothly and as promptly as possible. Some delays are outside of our control, and we do whatever we can to avoid cancellations. Our completion rate (meaning completing the flights we schedule) was one of the best in the entire industry in 2024 at 99.4% – and that has increased to 99.9% for flights from the UK between January and April this year. While we know delays are frustrating and we always try our best to avoid them, we would rather delay than cancel a flight, as we know how important it is for our passengers to reach their destinations.
“Our on-time performance (flights arriving when they are scheduled to) continues to improve. From 2022 to 2024, our on-time performance for flights from the UK improved by more than 20%. We were also named the UK’s second-most punctual airline in Cirium’s 2024 On-Time Performance Review, achieving a 70.54% on-time arrival record. The percentage of delayed flights is also decreasing year-on-year. In particular, longer delays are a rare occurrence, with just 1% of flights from the UK in 2025* delayed for three hours or more.
“The facts speak for themselves, and this progress reflects the effort and investment we have made in improving our service, which is a daily focus for us. But we know there is more work to be done. Punctuality is a key priority of our Customer First Compass – a £12 billion framework to ensure we can deliver the best possible service for our customers. As part of this, we are enhancing the resilience of our operations to minimise cancellations, reduce delays and provide fast solutions in the event of a disruption.”
