The airport states on the website: “Naples Airport will be closed in November 2026 for extensive and planned runway upgrades, in compliance with stringent industry regulations and in line with GESAC’s priority commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards.”
The decision to close in November was due to this being the quietest month for the airport.
EasyJet currently operates flights to Naples from London Gatwick, while Ryanair has flights from Manchester, London Stansted and Edinburgh.
Passengers heading to Naples will instead fly to Salerno-Pontecagnano Airport.
Naples Airport will instead offer a shuttle bus from the other airportCredit: AlamyIt will reopen on November 30Credit: Getty
A shuttle bus will then operate from the airport instead, costing €12 (£10).
Otherwise the train from Salerno to Naples Central is a cheaper option for £5 each way.
Travellers planning flights at the airport will have their plans changed as the hub undergoes a renovation with the hopes to increase footfall in the future
EasyJet will be impacted by the closure of the airport in November(Image: Getty Images)
An airport in a popular European city will close in November, leaving busy airlines grounded at Naples Capodichino Airport. The airport is one of the busiest in Italy – but it will shut for major works.
The modernisation works come with the aim to increase passenger numbers. Around 13 million travellers pass through the hub annually, but this is expected to rise to 17.3 million by 2035. Footfall in November will slump however, with major airlines impacted by the closure.
The works include the refurbishment of the runway, a second terminal for non-Schengen flights, which would include flights to the UK, new aircraft stands, a new area for cargo and logistics and a new hotel, with road links and underground connections. The area surrounding the airport will also be redeveloped.
Naples Airport website states: “Naples Airport will be closed in November 2026 for extensive and planned runway upgrades, in compliance with stringent industry regulations and in line with GESAC’s priority commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards.”
Airlines operating out of Naples airport include include easyJet from London Gatwick and Ryanair from London Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Travellers now need to head to the new Salerno-Pontecagnano Airport for the duration of the closure. The airport is scheduled to reopen on November 30.
GESAC, the company managing the Naples airport, has launched a shuttle bus between Naples Piazza Garibaldi and Salerno Costa d’Amalfi and Cilento Airport to help travellers get to the airport.
There will be eight services in each direction per day at a cost of €12 (£10.04) per person. There is also a train from Naples Central to Salerno for £5 per way.
IT’S BAD news for travellers heading to a popular European city as its airport is set to close for an ENTIRE month.
Naples Capodichino Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in Italy, will be closed for all of November to carry out major works.
Naples airport will be closed for the entirety of November to undergo a massive upgradeCredit: Naples Capodichino AirportThe airport’s runway will be refurbishedCredit: Alamy
Around €30million (£25.1million) of the €250million (£209.2million) project will focus on the runway with a complete refurbishment.
A second terminal for non-Schengen flights, which would include flights to the UK, will also be built.
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Across the entire airport, there will be new aircraft stands, as well as a new area for cargo and logistics.
The airport will get a new hotel, with road links and underground connections as well.
And the overall airport will be modernised to allow for increased passenger numbers.
Currently 13million travellers use the airport each year, but this is set to rise to 17.3million by 2035.
The area surrounding the airport will also be redeveloped.
All the changes being made will allow the airport to use higher-capacity aircraft, which means more passengers at the airport.
Naples Airport website states: “Naples Airport will be closed in November 2026 for extensive and planned runway upgrades, in compliance with stringent industry regulations and in line with GESAC’s priority commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards.”
And a new non-Schengen terminal will be added at the airportCredit: Alamy
Current airlines that fly to the airport include easyJet from London Gatwick and Ryanair from London Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Gesac, the company managing the Naples airport, has launched a shuttle bus between Naples Piazza Garibaldi and Salerno Costa d’Amalfi and Cilento Airport to help travellers get to the airport.
There will be eight services in each direction, each day and costs €12 (£10.04) per person.
Alternatively, you can get the train from Naples Central to Salerno for £5 per way.
STRIKES are hitting Portugal as soon as next month with disruption across the country – and it includes flights.
It comes after widespread demonstrations have swept across Europe over cost of living concerns.
Portugal is set to be hit by three strikes across November and DecemberCredit: AlamyEasyJet cabin crew in Portugal are set to strike in DecemberCredit: Alamy
One of the most major strikes when it comes to flights is by easyJet staff in December.
The airline’s cabin crew in Portugal will strike for the second time from December 19–23, with the last similar strike causing more than 400 flights cancelled.
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The industrial action is set to affect flights from busy airports including Lisbon, Porto and Faro.
From the UK, easyJet operates flights to Portugal from the likes of Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Gatwick, Luton, Southend, Manchester and Newcastle.
A spokesperson from the airline said: “We are extremely disappointed that SNPVAC is planning strike actions despite our willingness to continue a constructive dialogue.
“We had just started a conciliation process through the mediation of DGERT with the aim to reach an agreement to meet our employees’ requests and protect the sustainability of easyJet business in Portugal.
“The current union demands are unworkable especially given that our crew are already paid significantly above the Portuguese national average.”
Portugal could also face a general strike on 11 November which would coincide with a planned strike in Spain.
If the demonstrations go ahead at the same time it will be called an ‘Iberian general strike’.
Flights could be affected by the nationwide strikes in PortugalCredit: Alamy
It’s still under discussion who would take part but reports say it could be a ‘nationwide stoppage’.
A few weeks later, a nationwide strike in Portugal has been announced by the Frente Comum of Public Administration Unions.
It is in protest against the proposed 2027 State Budget and is set to disrupt the country.
It could particularly affect sectors in public administration which includes schools, healthcare and admin services.
IF YOU are thinking about where to head off to this winter, then you won’t be short for choice as several airlines are launching new flights from the UK to warm and sunny destinations.
Whether you fancy a city break in the sun or a beach trip to soak up rays, across October, November and December airlines are launching new flights.
Several airlines are launching new flights from the UK to winter sun spotsCredit: Getty
The city of Colombo is known for its vibrant temples, such as the Buddhist Gangarama Temple.
Visitors can also visit bustling markets, such as Pettah Market, with local spices and handmade textiles.
Then on October 25, flights were launched between London Gatwick and Bridgetown, Barbados.
Bridgetown is the largest city of Barbados and has heaps of history to explore including the central area which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During December, temperatures reach around 29C.
The same day, flights launched between London Heathrow and San Jose, Costa Rica after being moved from Gatwick Airport.
San Jose is home to a mix of neoclassical architecture as well as sprawling markets and even active volcanoes.
Make sure to have a walk through Mercado Central (Central Market), which is an indoor market dating back to 1880 selling local produce and gifts.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic launched new flights to Phuket earlier this monthCredit: Getty
Earlier this month, Virgin Atlantic launched flights between London Heathrow and Phuket, Thailand.
Phuket is a great destination for beach hopping, with white sand spots and beaches ideal for surfing.
Make sure to visit Phuket Old Town as well where you can spot colourful 19th century houses, as well as shops, cafes and local galleries.
It is also nice and warm in December, with temperatures reaching up to 32C.
EasyJet
Hurghada, Egypt is getting new easyJet flightsCredit: Getty
Despite being an airline that mainly serves Europe, easyJet is launching three new winter sun routes over the coming weeks.
The first will be between Newcastle and Hurghada, Egypt, with flights taking off on October 27.
Hurghada is surrounded by the Red Sea that is full ofcoral reefs and colourful fish where you can head snorkelling.
Make sure to visit the Marina too at sunset where you can even see across to the minarets of the El Mina mosque.
This route will be followed by flights between London Luton and Rabat, Morocco, launching on November 5.
The capital of Morocco is known for its historic architecture and has up to just eight days of rain in December.
Then on November 9, Manchester will get a route to Giza Sphinx/Cairo, Egypt.
In Cairo, you can visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, which is the last surviving wonder of the ancient world with daytime highs of 21C.
Ryanair
Porto in Portugal will have a new route from LiverpoolCredit: Getty
Budget airline Ryanair will be launching flights from Birmingham to Marrakech, Morocco in late October.
The city is home to an abundance of souks selling spices and locally crafted items as well as a medieval Medina with hidden courtyards.
Around the same time, the airline will also start flights between Liverpool and Porto, Portugal.
The coastal city of Porto is known for its wine but also has a UNESCO-listed medieval riverfront, where you can stop by an outdoor cafe.
TUI
TUI is launching a few new routes including to Punta Cana in the Dominican RepublicCredit: Getty
On October 25, TUI launched flights between the East Midlands and Antalya, Turkey.
The Turkish city is full of narrow cobblestone streets in its Old Town to get lost exploring, with Ottoman-era houses and artisan shops.
You’ll also be able to pick up a cheap pint, with beers costing as little as £3 a pint.
The airline will follow this by also launching flights to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from the airport in early November.
Sharm El Sheikh is great for an adventure holiday with snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea as well as desert activities such as quad biking, dune buggies and camel rides.
Later, in mid-December, TUI is then also set to start flights between Belfast International and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana is known for its world-famous, all-inclusive resorts but also jungle adventures and vibrant nightlife.
Temperatures can reach up to 32C in December, which is the ideal weather for sinking a cool pint that will set you back as little as £1.80.
SPRAY painting graffiti on a wall was definitely not what I had planned for my first visit to Lisbon.
But there I was paint can in hand and even the appearance of not one, but two, policecars didn’t deter me.
Heather tries her hand at graffitiThe masterpiece from the Andaz Girls CrewGraffiti artist Miguel with Heather and pals at just one of his many creations in LisbonThe graffiti tour was organised by the funky Andaz Lisbon hotel
To be honest I reckon they took pity on my miserably bad skills, as they stood, arms folded, watching, as me and my pals created our own masterpiece, under the watchful eye and helping hand of graffiti genius Miguel Brum
He’d taken us on a brilliant tour of the city’s most colourful and beautiful urban street art, including a few stunning creations of his own, before we got to try our hand at it ourselves.
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Donning white all-in-one suits, blue booties over our trainers, rubber gloves and face masks, we looked like we’d stepped out of an episode of CSI!
I’ll confess, the design was all Miguel’s, all we had to do was fill in the blank spaces with the coloured spray cans he handed us. Like paint by numbers only on a grand scale, but we’re still chuffed with the final results.
Our adventure with Miguel, one of the city’s leading street artists, had been arranged through they city’s newest, and hippest, hotels, The Andaz Lisbon.
It only opened six months ago but is already one of the most popular in the city, with its roof top bar and the already award-winning Luzzi restaurant, serving up incredible creations from chef Bruno Alves.
Set in a beautifully adorned former bank building, inside the design is funky and trendy, with lots of fabulous pieces from local artists and sculptors.
Moody corridors, lined with eye-catching thick carpets, lead to equally stylish rooms, with all the mod cons, massive walk in shower, and dream-inducing beds.
Beautiful bedrooms come as standard at the Andaz LisbonSpacious bathrooms have everything you need including fabulous rainfall showerHeather at the Jerónimos Monastery and Santa Maria churchSpectacular Tower of Belem
Andaz has introduced a curated collection of six exclusive, bespoke experiences for guests to book, designed to reveal the capital’s hidden gems and help you get under the skin of the city.
As well as the graffiti tour, my pals and I went on a guided evening tour to discover Lisbon’s seven hills which house all the popular, as well as hidden, neighbourhoods and local treasures.
Starting with a chilled glass for Rose at one the Lisbon’s many traditional kiosks, before a cocktail at a hidden, vintage speakeasy, we ended with a soulful Fado experience where the wine flowed, accompanied by huge slices of custard tarts and glasses of chocolate mousse! Well it was a Friday.
Hopping back into our people carrier, we enjoyed a final night-cap at the hotel lounge, before it was ‘boa noite’ from us all.
The Andaz is set just one street back from the huge Praça do Comércio, Portugal’s most famous square and that’s where we headed next day.
Taking a walk through the main entrance, the Arco da Rua Augusta, we pulled up a seat at one of the bars under its majestic architectural arches, and drank in the view of the Tagus River and the Christ the King statue on the other side on the hills in Almada.
This place is where the palace once stood, before it, along with most of Lisbon, was destroyed in a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 1755.
If you didn’t know about the tragedy, you wouldn’t guess by looking at the city. The locals will point to ancient-looking buildings and say ‘this is the new one’ – but when they say new they mean built after the quake not the 21st century!
One area not to be missed is the waterfront district of Belem, with its colourful tile-clad houses and historic landmarks like the Tower of Belem.
The massive Jerónimos Monastery dominates the area and inside you’ll find the tomb of explorer Vasco de Gama, who charted the first maritime route between Europe and India, around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa.
GO : LISBON
GO: ANDAZ LISBON
GETTING THERE: easyJet.com fly to Lisbon from Glasgow and Edinburgh with fares from £30.99pp. Visit Lisboa have introduced a fixed-price taxi service from the airport, with fares from approx £13.50 for Zone 1 and £16 for Zone 2, for up to four passengers with luggage. Weekend and public holiday fares from £17-£19.50. Get taxi vouchers from the Ask Me Lisboa Tourism Desk at the airport. STAYING THERE: Rooms at 5* Andaz Lisbon start from around £234 per night on a room-only basis. See hyatt.com. MORE INFO: Get a Lisboa Card from approx £26 which includes free public transport, free entry to 51 museums and monuments, fast-track access at selected attractions and discounts on a range of other experiences and services. For that and more on visiting the city, see visitlisboa.com.
Swing by the marina to ogle the yachts moored in the harbour and then take a trip up the sail-shaped Padrão dos Descobrimentos (or Monument to the Discoveries) for incredible views.
And here’s a top tip – forget Pastel de Nata. Belem is home to the original Portugese custard tarts and here they’re called Pasteis de Belem, first made at the historic Pastéis de Belém bakery way back in 1837, using a secret recipe passed to them by the monks from Jerónimos Monastery when it closed.
The queues here were insane when we arrived, but you can jump them if you opt to eat in the sit-down dining room or, like us, book a tuk tuk tour of the city which includes a visit to try the flaky little pieces of food heaven.
Delicious Pasteis de BelemThe award-winning Luzzi restaurant at the AndazJust one of the many incredible dishesRooftop bar is great for a drink with a view
It was other tasty little bites that drew us back to the Andaz and the Luzzi restaurant, which recently won the Rooftop Category at the 2026 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, an award very well deserved, in my humble opinion. It’s simply stunning.
We shared moreish plates full of tuna tartare, grilled prawns, chicken dumplings, prawn moqueca( a Brazilian fav of mine) baked seabass and even a cauliflower vindaloo – who knew!
Earlier in the evening we enjoyed a pre-dinner Fado trio in the Andaz Lounge and after dinner we headed through to enjoy some chilled tunes from the DJ at the rooftop bar.
Next day we made a bee-line for Livraria Bertrand, the oldest bookshop in the world, where our pal Rashmi was delighted to find a guide book she’d help write for sale. Amazing!
Livraria Bertrand, the oldest bookshop in the worldRashmi was thrilled to see her travel guide stocked there
The bookshop has been in constant operation since 1732 and has various sections dedicated to different themes and languages and if you wander right to the back, you’ll find a lovely courtyard cafe where you can pour over your purchase with a coffee and custard tart, of course.
And typical of Lisbon it features a marvellous mural of Portuguese poet and writer Fernando Pessoa painted by acclaimed street artist Tamara Alves.
Looking at this impressive work, I decided it was time to hang up my spray can and leave the graffiti to the professionals.
HOLIDAYMAKERS are swapping Spanish escapes for bargain breaks to North Africa, where glamour comes without the premium price tag.
Tour operator TUI has seen a rise in British passenger numbers for this winter, with particular interest in all-inclusive, luxury holidays to Egypt as well as Tunisia.
Explore the Red Sea in Sharm El SheikhCredit: GettyThe idylic beach in HammametCredit: Getty
Meanwhile, easyJet recorded a growth of 14 per cent year on year to North Africa.
Garry Wilson, boss of easyJet holidays, said: “Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco offer huge potential, with high-quality hotels, brilliant value, warm hospitality and great connectivity from airports across the UK.”
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Sophie Sweitochowski shares her pick of premium North African getaways for 2027 that won’t break the bank.
THE Hilton Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa is an absolute steal at under £700pp for seven nights with flights.
It’s chic and contemporary in style, with five swimming pools — one adults-only and a few overlooking the sea where you will spot surfers riding Taghazout’s notorious waves.
Bedrooms are generously sized and come with balconies, perfect for soaking up those 22C highs, plus there is a lavish spa dishing out local treatments like
Don’t skip brekkie. The extensive feast features freshly baked pastries, yoghurts, fresh fruits and live cooking stations as well as local honeys and traditional flatbreads.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa is from £656pp including flights from Gatwick on December 3, plus luggage and transfers. See jet2holidays.com.
SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT
IT is impossible to feel bored at the Jaz Mirabel Beach Hotel.
The sprawling resort is home to an on-site waterpark with whirling slides, a water sports centre where you can try windsurfing, parasailing and water-skiing, plus an open-air amphitheatre for regular shows and entertainment.
The highlight is the location, bordering the Red Sea. Guests can use the hotel’s private jetty to plunge into one of the best snorkelling spots in the area.
Scenic boat trips and desert safaris to traditional bedouin camps are some of the bucket list excursions on offer from the hotel.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Jaz Mirabel Beach Hotel is from £762pp including flights from East Midlands on December 14. See tui.co.uk.
SOUSSE, TUNISIA
Enjoy sightseeing in Tunisia’s SousseCredit: Getty
A CHAMPAGNE lifestyle on a lemonade budget is achievable in Tunisia, especially at the Sousse Palace Hotel & Spa.
Right in the centre of town, there are glam restaurants and bars right on the doorstep — not that you will need them with this all-inclusive package, however.
The main buffet restaurant operates around a theme of international dishes every night with live cooking and meat carving stations.
If you are willing to shell out a little extra, though, you should visit the hotel’s Le 12ème which serves elegant plates such as freshly-caught fish carpaccio and slow-cooked lamb shank.
Outside of the food, there’s a sandy beach, wellness centre with a traditional Tunisian hammam, steam rooms and massage suites, and several swimming pools.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Sousse Palace Hotel & Spa is from £360pp including flights from Gatwick on November 25. See easyjet.com/en/holidays.
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
The iconic market place, Jemaa el-Fnaa square, in MarrakechCredit: Getty
ON the hunt for a relaxing couples break? The Be Live Collection Marrakech is an adults-only haven, set back from the chaos of the city centre but with a free daily shuttle bus direct to Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
There is a quiet pool if you are after complete relaxation, while the activity pool has a livelier atmosphere.
If you have never experienced a traditional Moroccan hammam, this is the place to do it.
The wellness area is equipped with two authentic traditional Moroccan hammams where therapists use authentic black soap to remove dead skin cells.
Come night time, indulge in a drink at one of the four sleek bars.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Be Live Collection Marrakech is from £479pp including flights from Manchester on December 12. See loveholidays.com.
HAMMAMET, TUNISIA
ON a private beach and surrounded by greenery, The Sindbad offers pure luxury escapism in the heart of the town.
Its infinity pool looks a little like the sort you would get in a fancy Ibiza or Mykonos resort, only this place is a fraction of the price.
In to golf? The resort offers discounted green fees to Yasmine Golf Club and Citrus Golf Club, two of Tunisia’s top 18-hole courses, with free shuttle buses.
The buffet restaurant is excellent and a great opportunity to sample the local cuisine such as couscous and brik, a mashed potato dish usually served with fish.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H The Sindbad is from £370pp including flights from Newcastle on December 10. See travelsupermarket.com.
EASYJET has announced a major new perk on its flights – WiFi.
The budget airline is installing high-speed internet onboard its planes in collaboration with Starlink.
EasyJet is the first budget airline in the UK to install Starlink WiFiCredit: Alamy
The move means that easyJet is the first budget airline in the UK to get Starlink WiFi alongside Wizz Air, who are also launching WiFI next year.
Starlink will be rolled out across the airline’s A320 and A321 fleet from the first half of 2027 and expected to be completed by early 2028.
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With the new WiFi, passengers can stream, game and browse, although it isn’t clear yet how much it will cost.
Kenton Jarvis, CEO at easyJet, said: “In an increasingly digital world, staying connected matters more than ever to many of our customers, whether that’s holidaymakers looking to unwind with inflight entertainment, or our business customers keeping up to speed with what’s happening on the ground.
“Innovation is in easyJet’s DNA and partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet connectivity onboard for the first time will not only further enhance the experience we provide millions of customers, but means we are offering more of the options both business and leisure travellers want when they choose who they fly with.
“Giving customers the opportunity to get online in the air will mean even greater choice and convenience when you fly with easyJet.
WiFi will be rolled out on the airline’s planes during the first half of 2027Credit: Alamy
“Ultimately, it’s yet another way we’re making travel easy.”
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, said: “We’re proud to bring Starlink onboard easyJet and transform the way their customers stay connected throughout their travels.
“Fast, reliable connectivity from take-off to landing means people can work, stream, or stay in touch without interruption.”
easyJet has announced a new scheme to pay for baby passports, but families will need to book by its deadline if they want to use the offer
12:40, 22 Oct 2026Updated 12:50, 22 Oct 2026
An update has been issued to parents from easyJet – and it’s good news(Image: Getty Images/Stock Image)
EasyJet has issued a travel update for all parents planning a holiday with their babies. It’s part of a new initiative to make travelling with little ones even easier, while also helping to save money on their first trip abroad.
The cost of a standard child’s passport in the UK, including for babies, is £66.50 when applied for online, or £80 when applied for by paper. However, in an exciting announcement for parents, easyJet and easyJet holidays confirmed they will cover the £66.50 cost of newborn babies’ passports.
The offer will be available to parents who book an easyJet holiday, and you’ll need to have booked by November 26. The aim is to make travel for young families as easy as possible, while helping to save extra cash. It comes after a survey from the airline and tour operator found that 75 per cent of parents said the cover of their baby’s passport would make a holiday feel more affordable.
Elsewhere in the study, easyJet found that 4 in 5 parents said a baby’s first holiday was a defining family moment, with more than half noting it was one of their proudest milestones as a parent. Meanwhile, 47 per cent of parents said that taking their children abroad makes them more curious about the world, with easyJet holidays seeing a 10 per cent increase in the number of babies travelling this year compared to 2025.
With the cost of the baby passport covered by easyJet when booking a holiday through the provider, the parents will just need to capture an approved passport photo. Almost a quarter of parents surveyed said it took them about six attempts to capture the right image, while almost one in 10 admitted they didn’t know their baby needed a passport until they started planning their getaway.
While it can be challenging to get a baby passport photo, parents can take it with their phones at home before submitting it online, as long as it meets the official guidelines from HM Passport Office. Certainly a much easier task than having to take a baby to the passport booth at the local supermarket.
In addition, families can watch easyJet’s new short video on the Peppa Pig Muddy Puddle Parenting YouTube channel, starring easyJet Captain Kate West, a new parent, alongside Mummy Pig and the family. The video provides advice to parents on taking a baby passport photo, as well as tips for jetting off abroad with little ones.
Captain Kate commented: “We carry millions of families across Europe every year, and we know that travelling with a baby brings a whole series of exciting firsts. We want to make travel as easy and accessible as possible for everyone, including young families, so they can enjoy all the experiences and memories that travel can bring. We hope that covering the cost of a baby’s first passport goes a small way towards making that first family adventure a little easier and gives our youngest travellers a warm welcome to the world.”
For more information on the baby passport scheme, you can visit the easyJet website.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
A Brit holidaymaker was left amazed after finding out that the plane he was aboard had driven over his suitcase – ‘completely destroying’ the bag and everything inside it. Louis Maybury, 27, was flying home from Madrid to Manchester Airport after a fortnight’s holiday with his partner when cabin crew woke him up with an unexpected request.
With approximately 30 minutes until touchdown, he was asked to remain on board once the other passengers had disembarked. He was then escorted to the cockpit, where the pilot delivered the unwelcome news: his luggage had been run over by the aircraft back in Madrid.
Louis could do nothing but watch in disbelief as his mangled suitcase appeared on the baggage carousel, containing what he claims was around £5,000 worth of belongings. His partner filmed the moment the battered bag was handed back to him in tatters on 11 July.
Louis, from Manchester, said: “I was extremely upset by the situation. I had packed two full weeks’ worth of belongings, including everything I needed for my trip.
“Unfortunately, all of my belongings were destroyed.” EasyJet staff informed Louis that his suitcase had been run over on the tarmac at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, resulting in a two-and-a-half-hour delay.
Since then, he has been engaged in a dispute with the airline over compensation for his possessions, which he valued at £5,000. Among the damaged items were a Burberry bag worth just over £1,000, an Invisalign retainer costing £500, and three Acne Studios shirts valued at roughly £300 each.
He said: “I was eventually left with no choice but to accept the minimum compensation offered and try to recover the remaining losses through my own insurance. Everything was destroyed, included a designer bag, four pairs of shoes, expensive chargers and an Oral B Toothbrush.”
An easyJet spokesperson said: “We’re very sorry that Mr Maybury’s luggage fell from a baggage cart and was damaged by an aircraft as it was coming onto stand. Safety is our highest priority and our engineers subsequently carried out an inspection of the aircraft and cleared it for departure.
“We know how important it is for customers to feel confident that their belongings are well cared for when travelling with us, so we investigated this with our ground handling providers in Madrid at the time and contacted Mr Maybury to apologise for his experience and provided him with the compensation he is due.”
A MAJOR regional UK airport is set to lose another airline – just weeks after easyJet announced it is withdrawing flights.
Aurigny, a Channel Islands airline, has announced that it is suspending its flights at Leeds Bradford Airport between Yorkshire and Guernsey.
Aurigny is suspending flights in 2027 at Leeds Bradford AirportCredit: Getty
The airline has been at the airport for a decade, with several thousand passengers using the service each year.
However, the route will be scrapped in 2027, with Aurigny saying citing aircraft availability as the reason.
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The Yorkshire to Guernsey service used to operate twice a week between May and September.
According to The Press, a spokesperson for the airline said: “The route has been traditionally popular with travellers from the North of England and will not be operated next year solely due to aircraft availability.
“Aurigny would like to place on record its thanks to the management at Leeds Bradford airport for all the support received whilst operating to the airport.
“Travellers to/from Yorkshire and beyond will still be served by Aurigny’s flights between Manchester and Guernsey, which will continue to provide good access to customers across the North and North-West of England.”
A spokesperson for Leeds Bradford Airport said: “Aurigny is choosing to prioritise its core island flying next year and, as a result, LBA sadly drops out of its programme for summer 2027.
“This will be disappointing for the several thousand passengers who have used the service each year, and certainly disappointing news for Leeds Bradford Airport as we know performance this summer was excellent.”
It comes after easyJet also announced it is withdrawing its flights from the airportCredit: Alamy
The decision follows easyJet‘s announcement of also withdrawing from the airport.
EasyJet will axe all its flights from the airport from January 5, 2027 including routes to Barcelona, Majorca, Malaga and Paris, as well as Geneva and Belfast.
The airline previously said in a statement: “Following a review of our routes from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have made the decision to no longer operate flights from the airport after 5 January.
“Our focus is on maintaining and developing routes which prove most popular with customers.
“We value the relationship we have built with Leeds Bradford Airport and we always keep options for our network under review, with the aim of providing more choice and connectivity where we see demand.”
Airlines such as Jet2 and Ryanair still operate from the airport.
EASYJET is allowing parents to claim back the cost of their baby’s first passport from today.
Simply book an easyJet holiday, use the promo code and the £66.60 will come off the price of the break.
Families can redeem the price of their baby’s passport when booking a holidayCredit: Joe Pepler/PinPepThe airline will take £66.60 off the price for qualifying familiesCredit: Getty
The new initiative starts from today after research showed that almost four in five parents said a baby’s first holiday was a landmark family moment.
Usually when Brits apply for a baby passport online, it costs £66.60 – a paper application sent by post increases the price to £80.
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But with the airline, this cost will be paid for by easyJet when families book their next holiday.
Use the promo code FIRSTPASSPORT when making the booking to get the extra discount.
There’s no minimum spend on the holiday and children must be two-years-old or younger at the time of travel.
The offer ends on November 26 at 11pm – for more information, head here.
Stuart Wright, Customer Director at easyJet holidays, said: “Travel has a unique way of bringing families together, and a baby’s very first holiday is often one of those moments parents remember for years to come.
“By covering the cost of a baby’s first passport, we’re helping more families start making those memories that little bit sooner.
“Combined with our great-value packages, family-friendly hotels and thousands of Free Kids Places, it’s another way we’re making family holidays easier and more affordable.”
If you need some inspiration on where to book, easyJet recently announced it would be launching six new routes from UK airports in time for autumn.
Use the promo code FIRSTPASSPORT when making the booking to get the extra discountCredit: David Parry/PA Media Assignments
One of these flights will be from Newcastle to Fuerteventura which will start on October 25, and operate twice a week – on Thursdays and Sundays.
Easyjet’s Luton-Ljubljana flights start on October 26 three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
There are 18 new routes launching next summer too with a choice of city breaks to island escapes.
Two of these routes will be to Girona which will be a first for easyJet.
One will take off from Liverpool on March 28 and operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Girona will also take off from Gatwick starting on June 3, operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
SPAIN has long reigned as the most popular holiday destination for Brits – but a cheaper alternative is set to rival it, according to easyJet.
Destinations across North Africa are seeing a huge boom in bookings, as holidaymakers look for better value holidays.
North Africa is continuing to boom in popularity as Spain slowsCredit: AlamyDestinations like Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia are seeing a jump in demandCredit: Alamy
North African holiday destinations include Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia – which all offer great winter sun options as well.
EasyJetholidays CEO Garry Wilson said at the recent ABTA convention in Madeira: “When we look at demand for next year, places like North Africa, we will see that continue to grow in popularity.
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“Spain has been a bit overheated and we will see capacity demand slow down a bit.”
Luxury five star hotels are much cheaper across North Africa compared to mainland Europe.
For example, a five-star, all-inclusive week in Egypt can be found for under £450 each in November with loveholidays – the same in Spain is over £1,000.
Tunisia is even cheaper, with five star, all inclusive breaks just £249pp each in November for seven nights, while Morocco is around £509pp.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explained further: “Holidaymakers looking for the best value this winter and into nextsummer should be honing in on the emerging – and wallet-friendly – North African destinations of Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt.
“With the number of flights from the UK more than doubling since 2019, they have become a serious contender to our traditional Spanish favourites.
“Now tour operators are joining the fray with easyJet Holidays, TUI and the UK’s largest tour operator Jet2 all offering even greater choice – at very competitive prices.”
She added that Brits are “recognising the value they offer as the cost of living crisis continues to hit family budgets,” which is despite the conflict in the Middle East.
New flights and holiday to Egypt have resulted in record tourism numbers this yearCredit: Alamy
Lisa continued: “I saw for myself the premium offering in Marsa Alam on a trip in February and holiday prices for this winter to the Red Sea resort are lower than before the escalating tensions.”
Egypt recently announced they had welcomed a record 14.4million international tourists in 2026, an increase of four per cent compared to last year.
With a target of 30million by 2030, hotel capacity is set to double, with plans for 35,000 extra hotel rooms.
EasyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis announced that the airline is removing a further 600,000 to 700,000 seats from its winter schedule, on top of 700,000 that have already been cancelled
The airline has cut over a million seats(Image: Reinhard Krull/Getty Images)
EasyJet is cutting thousands of flights this winter, with customers urged to check one date before their flight is due to depart.
EasyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis told reporters in Brussels on 8 Octoberthat the airline is removing a further 600,000 to 700,000 seats from its winter schedule because of elevated fuel costs. This comes after it announced around 700,000 seats would be removed earlier this year, bringing the total reduction to between 1.3 million and 1.4 million seats.
EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis told the FT: “People are taking capacity out, we see that across all competitors,” adding that was “no surprise” given fuel costs. However, he admitted that the high cost of fuel had not been expected. “I honestly think it’s been quite a surprise for the industry that fuel has stayed as high as it is,” he said.
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Jet fuel costs have doubled following the start of the Iran conflict, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Although prices have started to fall, they remain far higher than airlines expected when the war began.
EasyJet passengers have been urged to check their tickets for one date. If your booking is cancelled, you may not get paid compensation. Whether you do or not depends on your flight date, when you were notified of the cancellation, the reason recorded for that particular cancellation and the timings of the replacement journey.
Under the law UK261, passengers notified between seven and 14 days before departure are entitled to compensation unless the replacement leaves no more than two hours earlier and arrives less than four hours later . Passengers notified fewer than seven days before departure are entitled to compensation, unless the replacement leaves no more than one hour earlier and arrives less than two hours later.
Compensation ranges from £220 to £520 depending on the distance, unless easyJet proves that extraordinary circumstances caused the cancellation. It is unlikely that they will be able to in this instance. Passengers notified at least 14 days before departure are not entitled to fixed compensation, although their refund or rerouting rights remain fully intact.
Refund and rerouting rights apply separately. Passengers who still need to travel should therefore compare the proposed replacement before accepting a refund. If another airline can reach the destination significantly sooner, the CAA says the passenger may have the right to be rerouted on that alternative service.
An easyJet spokesperson said: “Like all airlines, we review our schedule on an ongoing basis and sometimes make some changes. The changes to our winter flying represent a tiny proportion of our flying programme. We make any changes in advance and typically choose multi-daily frequency flights so customers can easily move to an alternative flight.”
The airline originally released more than 25 million seats across almost 138,000 flights between 19 October and 31 January, giving an average of approximately 181 seats per flight. On that basis, the latest reduction is equivalent to roughly 3,300 to 3,900 one-way flights, with the total winter cuts equivalent to approximately 7,200 to 7,700 one-way flights.
These are capacity estimates, not confirmed cancellation numbers. EasyJet has not published the affected routes, the proportion involving UK services or how many removed seats had already been sold. The airline has said it makes changes in advance and typically targets routes with several daily services so passengers can be transferred to another flight.
Anton Radchenko, aviation expert and CEO of AirAdvisor, said: “Airlines commonly describe these decisions as capacity management, but passenger-rights law examines the individual booking. If a flight was sold and subsequently withdrawn, the airline should be able to show when the passenger was informed, the specific reason that service was removed and what comparable rerouting was offered; a general reference to higher fuel costs would not, by itself, establish extraordinary circumstances.
“The most revealing cases will be passengers transferred between services on a route that operates several times a day. Moving someone from a morning flight to an evening departure may appear to be a straightforward consolidation. Still, the resulting arrival time can change the compensation position, and the existence of a substantially earlier flight with another carrier may determine whether the rerouting offered genuinely met the earliest-opportunity requirement.”
“Passengers affected by a schedule change should retain the original itinerary, the timestamped cancellation email and every replacement option offered. Those three records will be considerably more important to an individual claim than the airline’s overall capacity figure.”
A MAJOR airport has been hit by strike action with thousands of passengers facing cancelled strikes.
Ground handling group, Alyzia, are taking part in a national strike which affects airlines like Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Air Arabia and United Airlines.
Staff at Brussels Airport is staging a walkoutCredit: Getty
The airport expects only half of the flights handled by Alyzia to operate as planned.
Brussels Airport said that airlines working with Alyzia have contacted passengers directly to inform them about the status of their flight and their options.
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It added: “We regret the inconvenience caused by this union action.”
The strike action comes as workers protest against governmental policies.
According to FlightRadar which monitors movements of planes, Brussels Airport has had 103 cancellations today and 34 flights have been delayed.
As this strike is outside the control of individual airlines, it will be deemed an ‘extraordinary circumstance’, which means if your flight is cancelled you will not be entitled to compensation.
Public transport is also expected to be disrupted in Brussels today too.
The good news for Brits is that flights handled by Aviapartner will not be affected.
This includes major airlines serving UK destinations such as British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Tui, and Wizz Air.
The airport told The Independent that around 400 flights will still operate as usual today.
The strike is expected to affect almost 20 airlinesCredit: AP
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
EASYJET is the latest airline to cut flights from its winter schedule in order to manage fuel costs.
The airline in total has now cut almost 1.4million seats between October 2026 and March 2027.
EasyJet has announced it will be cutting a further 600,000-700,000 seatsCredit: ALBIT / SplashNews.comIn total 1.4million flights have been axedCredit: Getty
EasyJet usually offers around 50million flights over the winter season.
But earlier this year it announced 700,000 flights would be axed from the schedule.
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And now almost another 700,000 flights have been cut with latest axing meaning it’s had a reduction of two days’ worth of flying, according to Gurufocus.
Talking to the Financial Times, chief executive Kenton Jarvis explained that easyJet would be scaling back capacity over certain months so that it could avoid paying high fuel costs.
In a statement, the airline said “Subject to pricing and passenger demand, Ryanair expects this one-off winter schedule cut to reduce [November 2026 – March 2027 losses] by €70 million to €100 million (£85.8million).”
The two million seats works out to as many as 13,000 flights, although which routes will be affected is yet to be confirmed.
Ryanair has also cut seats for this year with warnings of price increasesCredit: Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
Talking about 2027, Michael O’Leary said that flight prices were “only going one way”, which is “significantly upward”.
He added: “Fares for Ryanair passengers and every other passenger into the summer of 2027 are going to rise materially, I believe, because of significantly higher oil prices.”
However, if you are due to fly with the likes of Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air or British Airways – ground handling for these airlines is carried out by another provider at the airport.
The strike action comes as workers protest against governmental policies.
Unfortunately, as this strike is outside of the airline’s control it will be deemed an ‘extraordinary circumstance’, which means if your flight is cancelled you will not be entitled to compensation.
Ground handling staff are set to walk out and around 140 flights are expected to be cancelledCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
However, airlines do still have a duty of care to passengers.
This means that they should rebook or refund your flight free of charge as well as provide you with food and drink, as well as accommodation if required.
