flights

NEW long-haul flights to one of the world’s best cities to are launching from a regional airport – the first time in decades.

Cardiff Airport currently only has one long-haul flight route which is to Barbados.

However, from next year, the airport will be welcoming a new long-haul flight route to Toronto.

Launching from May 23, 2026, the route will be operated by Canadian budget carrier WestJet.

It will be the first direct flight between Wales and Canada in 20 years,

The last time Cardiff had flights to Canada was in 2008.

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However, the collapse of airline Zoom led to the scrapping of the transatlantic route, despite hopes of another operator, Flyglobespan, taking its place.

Jon Bridge, Cardiff Airport’s chief executive officer, said: “This new Toronto route marks an exciting milestone in our growth and a major step forward in reconnecting Wales with North America.”

Chris White-DeVries, senior airport affairs manager at WestJet, added: “We’re thrilled to bring WestJet’s friendly, affordable and reliable service to Wales for the first time.”

Toronto was named one of the world’s best cities earlier. thisyear.

It came in 17th in the World’s Best Cities list for 2026.

Travel writer Emily Webber recently visited the city after Virgin Atlantic launced new flights.

She told The Sun: “The bucket-list destination is now even easier for Brits to reach, thanks to Virgin Atlantic’s new direct service between Heathrow and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

“After touching down, you can be in the heart of Canada’s “city that never sleeps” in just 25 minutes via the UP Express train (£6.70 one way).

“Step off at Union station and you’re surrounded by glitzy skyscrapers, great nightlife, fabulous food and Canada’s biggest natural history museum, the Royal Ontario Museum.

“You’ve even got the stunning Niagara Falls right on your doorstep.”

Cardiff is getting other new flight routes as well.

By the end of 2025, skiers will be able to travel from from Cardiff to Salzburg in Austria for winter breaks.

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And Ryanair added extra flights to Alicante and Dublin from Cardiff Airport back in the summer.

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

EasyJet is launching two new routes from a UK airport.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nothing beats wandering around a Christmas market with a spiced mulled wine for some festive merriment – and there’s one unsuspecting, yet charming spot just a short flight away

Some of the most magical and charming Christmas markets are scattered across Europe, but many often go unnoticed.

The likes of Berlin, Vienna, Bruges, and Copenhagen are renowned for their annual festivities, as their streets are transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland. However, there’s one lesser-known city that offers just as much jollity.

Italy might not spring to mind when you think of Christmas markets, but in fact, it has one of the most spectacular ones, nestled in Naples. While the Italian city is famed as the birthplace of pizza and its iconic landmarks like Pompeii, it welcomes festive merriment every year.

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From November 29 to January 6, wooden cabins filled with artisans, restaurateurs and wine producers will adorn the streets of Naples for its annual Christmas market. Twinkling lights will decorate the streets while local artists and bands are set to fill the atmosphere with merry melodies.

Those fed up of paying £8 for a mulled wine in the UK will be delighted to hear that the warming spiced drink starts from just £2.50 at this Christmas market, according to research from easyJet. And that’s not all, as you can feast on sausages from one of the stalls from £3.

In addition, there are shows, cabarets, theatrical performances and live concerts to enjoy after stocking up on festive gifts. There is even a full list of activities for kids to enjoy, from writing a letter to Santa Claus and meeting him at his workshop, to gazing upon the locomotives that famously towed the Polar Express.

But the magic doesn’t end there, as visitors will feel at the heart of the movie and its journey to the North Pole, as the market is located at the National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa. Stalls are lined up outside, adjacent to an old railway line that runs through the cobbled streets of Naples, for a scenic scene like never before.

The Naples Christmas market is said to welcome everyone, “combining culture and tradition with the magic of Christmas.” It’s one to be missed if you’re looking for somewhere away from the typical tourist hotspots, and what’s more, flights start from just £20.99 with easyJet.

And there’s plenty more to see and do in Naples if you’re looking to extend your stay away from the Christmas market. You can explore the ancient sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, or visit the historic landmarks of Castel dell’Ovo, Castel Sant’Elmo, and the Piazza del Plebiscito.

But a visit to Naples wouldn’t be complete without indulging in their authentic pizza – a must on everyone’s list. Even if it’s far from a Christmas tradition, you can certainly make it one! If you’re looking to soak up even more festivities, you’ll also find another Christmas market at Via San Gregorio Armeno, featuring nativity workshops by local artisans.

You can also take a trip to Santa Claus Village in Piazza del Plebiscito, just a 30-minute walk or 20-minute drive away from Via San Gregorio Armeno, which is perfect for young families. It’s free to explore and will run from December 8 to 21.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ryanair has expanded its operations for this winter

Ryanair is offering flights to a sun-soaked destination with December temperatures of up to 18C from £15. The budget airline recently announced a 37% increase in its operations at Murcia airport for the upcoming winter, introducing four routes, including a new route to London Stansted with four weekly flights, and additional flights to Birmingham and Dublin.

Starting fares for flights to and from Murcia are as low as £15 from Stansted, and the expansion in connections will create over 450 local jobs and provide passengers with more choices at the lowest fares, according to Alejandra Ruiz, Ryanair’s spokesperson in Spain.

Ryanair’s schedule in Murcia for the 2025/2026 winter season continues to strengthen connectivity outside the peak season, creating over 450 local jobs and boosting year-round tourism in Murcia.

Despite Ryanair’s growth at Murcia Airport this winter season, the airline has been forced to cut one million seats from its overall schedule in Spain for the 2025/2026 winter season due to excessive increases in AENA charges (+6.62%) and ineffective ‘incentive schemes’, which are making regional airports financially unviable.

Ryanair has long championed and invested in regional airports, supporting access to low fares to stimulate tourism and employment, but it cannot justify continued investment in airports whose growth is hindered by uncompetitive charges.

Murcia is popular for its culture, warmer climes, and rich history, as well as its cuisine and beaches.

This destination also has the most beautiful Christmas tree and it’s easy to see why

If you’re yearning for a festive break that won’t leave you skint or battling the crowds, one European city has just been hailed as the cheapest place in Europe to visit at Christmas. According to Skyscanner, you can jet off there in December for a mere £35.

Vilnius, the stunning capital of Lithuania, isn’t just a bargain; its Christmas tree has been voted the most beautiful in Europe on several occasions, including 2019 and 2020. It’s now been dubbed the European Christmas Capital for 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network.

Vilnius kicks off its Christmas festivities on 29 November, when its dazzling Christmas tree is illuminated in Cathedral Square. The colossal tree, a winter highlight in the city, will stay put until 6 January 2026, giving both visitors and locals plenty of time to soak up the holiday spirit.

Folks can wander around the city’s enchanting Christmas Market, glide on the Vilnius ice rink nestled in the heart of the Old Town, and hop on the Christmas train, which meanders through Vilnius’ most festively adorned streets.

Out of 15 cities, Vilnius clinched the top spot on the list of Europe’s best-value festive getaways in the annual Post Office Christmas Markets Barometer, thanks to its impressively low cost of £509 for a two-night weekend escape, reports the Express.

This price includes return flights, two nights in three or four-star digs, airport transfers, two evening meals with wine, coffee, festive tipples and Christmas Market nibbles.

Costs have stayed largely the same since last year and have actually dropped by 0.4% compared to 2024, making it an unusual bargain at a time when numerous European destinations have become pricier.

The destination is 8% more affordable than Riga, which came second, where costs have risen by 1.8% despite meals, beverages and airport transfers being cheaper in Riga than in Vilnius.

The research also revealed that costs have declined in half of the destinations examined, despite sterling having weakened against several European currencies.

Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at Post Office, said: “A short break to one of Europe’s colourful Christmas markets is an attractive holiday option at this time of year.

“However, sterling’s drop in value is an important factor for travellers to consider before booking a trip because this varies between currencies. The pound’s fall against the euro is smaller than against other European currencies – five per cent compared with 10.6 per cent against the Hungarian forint and 10.9 per cent against the Swedish kronor.”

She added: “Budget-conscious travellers stand to save hundreds of pounds if they choose carefully.”

Travel photographer, Jacqueline, journeyby_jacq, wrote on Instagram that Vilnius is “pure magic without the crazy crowds” during the festive season.

“This city is decked out from head to toe, almost every storefront has a stunning display, and the city is just oozing with charm.”

Another TikTok user shared: “November In Vilnius is a big Christmas vibe, lights in every corner, ice-skate rings being prepared and everyone looking forward to the Christmas markets. Christmas in Vilnius, Lithuania is worth the trip!”.

A different user named Karolis added: “Vilnius is a hidden gem if you want to really feel Christmas. Amazing Christmas markets, Christmas decorations and honestly just Christmas in Vilnius. With nominations of the best Christmas tree, it’s a place not to skip.”

AN airline is launching its first flight from a London Airport to a city that has been compared to New York.

Condor Airlines has confirmed that a new flight route to Frankfurt will be launching from London Gatwick.

The new route will start from April 2026, with three flights a day.

While Frankfurt might not look like New York at first glance, it has it’s own “mini Manhattan”.

The city’s financial district’s skyline of skyscrappers has led to the moniker of ‘Mainhattan’.

CNN Travel previously said: “Frankfurt looks and feels more like a modern American city than any other metropolis when people visit Germany.”

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Being home to more than 95 per cent of Germany‘s skyscrapers, it is now even nicknamed Europe‘s skyscraper capital, with plans for another 50.

For some of the best views in the city, head up the 200m-high Main Tower which is one of the tallest in the city.

It even once was home to Europe’s tallest building before being overtaken by The Shard.

Of course, there is more to Frankfurt than it’s banking district, including its beautiful Old Town.

While stunning, most of it was destroyed during WWI, so the majority of buildings are replicas, leading to its nickname New Old Town.

The most popular attraction in the city is Städel Museum which has “700 years of art”.

And, of course, the city’s Christmas market launches next week which runs from Zeil down to Römerberg and Mainkai,

Make sure to try some local delicacies there too, including apple wine and of course some Frankfurter sausages.

And Frankfurt will be easier to travel to next year as well, with a huge £3.6billion airport terminal set to open.

Until the new flights launch, you can fly to Frankfurt with Ryanair with return ticket from £30.

Future plans will even see trains from the UK to Frankfurt.

Eurostar unveiled future routes that could one day launch from the UK which would also connect to Germany as well as Switzerland and Italy.

There is also a city in the UK that has been compared to New York.

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Liverpool is often used to film Hollywood blockbusters like Batman due to its skyscrapers and red brick buildings.

And here is a New York style attraction you can find in the UK.

SPAIN’S Costas have long been British holidaymakers’ top choice for a summer getaway.

But that’s by no means all this captivating country has to boast about.

Its rich culinary scene comes alive in winter, with the northern regions revelling in truffle season while the Asturias readies its cider houses for an influx of visitors.

Anna Viladot, of Vueling, says: “Social media has influenced how people choose where to travel. For many, the food comes first and the destination follows.”

Whether it’s hearty stews in Santiago de Compostela or seafood in Seville that takes your fancy, Sophie Swietochowski has a winter escape guaranteed to tickle your tastebuds.

STEWS IN SEVILLE

TRADITIONALLY a peasant dish, Andalusian stews are some of the heartiest out there, served with hunks of meat and beans that have spent hours bubbling away in spices. Seville is a great city to sample it in and the traditional, family-run restaurants do it best.

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Book a well-located base, like the 4* Porcel Torneo – which puts you within easy reach of all the best spots – and go for a basic, room-only package so you can sample grub from all the best places.

The modern, practical hotel is just a short walk from the Guadalquivir river and a 15-minute drive from the Royal Alcazar, a former royal palace that’s a must-see.

For a true flavour of the city, book on to a 2.5-hour Flavours of Andalusia food tour, which costs just £31 with tastings (for details see getyourguide.co.uk)

GO: A week room-only at the 4H Porcel Torneo is from £379pp, flying from Gatwick January 17.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

Flights-only, Gatwick to Seville, are from €38.99 one way at vueling.com.

BODEGAS IN BARCELONA

IN summer, Barcelona has a glorious sandy beach flanked by laid-back bars, but in winter when the crowds disperse, you can enjoy the city’s magic in relative solitude, sipping wine in charming bodegas.

Bodega J Cala, in the Sant Marti district to the east of the centre, is one of the best.

The vermouth really packs a punch and you can chase it down with tapas. Make sure to try the anchovies.

Calcots are another famous food in Barcelona and the Catalonia region in general. The long onions, which are sweet in flavour, are generally griddled on an open fire.

Roll yourself back to The Moxy, a rather swish hotel with a rooftop pool, hip atmosphere and neon signs decorating the rooms and the lobby.

GO: Four nights’ room-only at Moxy Barcelona, right, is from £328pp, flying from Birmingham on February 22.

See jet2citybreaks.com.

Flights-only, Gatwick to Barcelona, from €35.22 one way at vueling.com.

APPLES IN ASTURIAS

FANCY a cider? The mountainous region of Asturias will have you guzzling it back like juice.

The apples are harvested in autumn and the cider houses open for winter, serving small glasses that are meant to be knocked back in one hit.

Holidaymakers can follow the official cider trail, which visits some famous houses to explain how the apple-flavoured booze is produced to create one of three kinds: Natural, newly-pressed or sparkling.

Oviedo, a city that sits between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Bay of Biscay, is one of the more popular areas to stay in thanks to its many hotels.

The Silken Monumental Naranco is an excellent place to base yourself, and has a restaurant serving hearty local dishes (perfect for after a day of cider-drinking).

GO: Seven nights’ room-only is from £265pp including flights from Stansted on January 26.

Book at onthebeach.co.uk. Flights-only, Gatwick to Asturias, from €30.99 one way at vueling.com.

MACKEREL & MORE IN MALAGA

IF you like a side of architecture and culture with your dinner, look no further than Malaga.

The southern coastal resort is loved for its vibrant beaches where travellers can soak up 30C sunshine during the ­summer.

The winters are just as decent, rarely ­dropping below 17C during the day.

Mackerel, especially horse mackerel (jurel), is a popular and affordable fish here, prepared in various ways such as fried or grilled.

Grilled ­sardines are popular, too, traditionally skewered into a sardine kebab, scattered with salt and then scorched on wooden embers that gives them a deep smokey ­flavour.

El Espigón de Pepe, set back from the beach front, is an excellent place to try them.

Stay at the modest, but cosy and well-located, Casual del Mar Málaga, right, a 3H hotel a short walk from the port.

GO: Seven nights’ room only costs from £349pp including flights from Luton on February 4.

See loveholidays.com.

Flights-only, Gatwick to Malaga, from €30.23 one way at vueling.com.

ARROZ IN ALICANTE

THE southern region of Alicante has so much more to it than action-packed beaches.

If you’re a fan of classic Spanish rice dishes (arroz) then the ones here, piled high with seafood and charred at the edges, won’t disappoint.

Book a stay in the modern Hotel Bonalba Alicante, a sprawling resort geared up for laid-back winters thanks to the wellness centre with a whirlpool, Turkish bath and sauna.

It’s home to one of the best golf courses in the region, where holes boast epic views.

The resort has some excellent restaurants, whose menus are littered with classic local dishes.

But if you fancy venturing out for the evening, Taberna del Mar, 15 minutes away by cab, dishes up some of the best home-cooked rice dishes in the area.

GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 4H Hotel Bonalba Alicante, right, is from £259pp including flights from Manchester on January 30.

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Flights-only, Gatwick to Alicante, from €30.99 one way at vueling.com.

Two tourists have spoken about a “beautiful” city in Europe that is also one of the most affordable places to visit in the continent. The best part is it’s just a short flight from the UK

Budget-conscious travellers reckon they’ve discovered one of Europe’s most affordable cities, combining stunning beauty with wallet-friendly prices.

Two Italian tourists are convinced this destination is ideal for those seeking a holiday that won’t empty their pockets. The historic city whisks visitors back through time with its Old Town, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features cream-coloured architecture, Gothic churches and cobblestone streets perfect for leisurely exploration. But where is this hidden gem?

In a popular TikTok clip, the travel fans enthused: “This is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and it is also affordable. Its Market Square alone is worth the trip.

“Its castle is fascinating, It seems that it once hid a dragon. Within its walls, you’ll find the beautiful cathedral. The medieval historical centre is beautiful.

“It has an important Jewish quarter with historic synagogues. And the street food is irresistible.

“A few kilometres away, there is a cathedral made completely of salt in a mine 100m below the ground. And in the evening you can drink delicious beer in peculiar places.

“We are in Krakow, Poland.”

Things to do in Krakow

1. Explore the Main Market Square – Rynek Gowny is the largest medieval town square in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and the Cloth Hall.

2. Visit Wael Castle and Cathedral – It’s a symbol of Polish royalty and national identity that shouldn’t be missed.

3. Make a pit stop at St. Mary’s Basilica – Renowned for its breathtaking altarpiece and the hourly trumpet call from its tower.

4. Explore the Kazimierz District – Home to synagogues, Jewish museums, vibrant street art and a plethora of hip bars and eateries.

5. Pay a visit to Schindler’s Factory Museum – Here you can delve into Krakow’s WWII history and the tale of Oskar Schindler.

6. Take a stroll along the Vistula River – Soak up the picturesque views and pause at a riverside café to take it all in.

How affordable is Krakow?

Accommodation:

Krakow offers a range of hostels and budget-friendly hotels, as well as more luxurious options if that’s your preference.

You can bag accommodation from as little as £20 per night.

Transport:

Flights from London to Krakow can be bagged for as low as £40. It’s a straightforward journey that only takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.

The city is highly walkable, allowing you to save on transport costs. Alternatively, public transport is efficient and won’t break the bank.

Food and drink:

Eating and drinking is reasonably priced, particularly if you choose local restaurants known as “milk bars”.

There are also numerous affordable food truck options if you’re looking to keep costs down. Try Plac Nowy for Polish sausage zapiekanka and other local delicacies, or the food truck parks in Judah Square for a more international selection.

Nov. 16 (UPI) — Emergency flight reductions ordered at 40 major U.S. airports by the Federal Aviation Administration earlier this month will be lifted Monday morning, federal officials announced Sunday.

The flight reduction emergency order will be terminated at 6 a.m. Monday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a joint statement.

Since Nov. 7, the FAA has been enforcing an ordered 10% reduction in flights at 40 U.S. airports due to staffing shortages at air-traffic control facilities that were being exacerbated by the government shutdown, which began Oct. 1.

Amid the shutdown, millions of passengers were affected by the thousands of canceled and delayed flights, and officials warned the disruption could get worse heading into the upcoming holiday season if Congress failed to act on passing a government funding bill in time.

That bill was passed last week, and the government shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — ended Nov. 12.

According to the FAA, since the resumption of normal government operations, staffing levels at air-traffic controller facilities have continued to “snap back,” with this weekend seeing five staffing triggers Friday, eight on Saturday and only one on Sunday compared to a high of 81 on Nov. 8.

“Now we can refocus our efforts on surging controller hiring and building the brand-new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system the American people deserve,” Duffy said.

BREAKINGBREAKING,

Federal Aviation Administration says airlines can resume normal schedules from Monday.

Flights in the United States are set to return to normal after the country’s aviation authority announced an end to restrictions introduced during the government shutdown.

Airlines will be able to return to their normal schedules from 6am Eastern Time (11:00 GMT) on Monday after the lifting of an emergency order reducing the number of flights, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement on Sunday.

The FAA ordered reductions in flights at 40 major airports during the shutdown to ensure safety amid reports of air traffic controllers exhibiting fatigue and refusing to turn up for work.

The restrictions resulted in the cancellations of thousands of flights and delays to countless more.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a bill to resume government funding and end the shutdown, bringing to an end a six-week standoff between Republicans and Democrats.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the lifting of the order reflected a “steady decline in staffing concerns.”

Staffing triggers, which refer to instances where the number of available air traffic controllers falls below safe levels, dropped from 81 on November 8 to six on Friday, eight on Saturday and just one on Sunday, according to the aviation authority.

Under the restrictions, airlines were ordered to reduce flights by 4 percent by November 7 and 6 percent by November 10.

Officials on Friday scaled back the restrictions to 3 percent, pointing to improving staffing levels following the end of the government shutdown.

In its statement on Sunday, the FAA said it was also “reviewing and assessing enforcement options” amid reports of airlines not complying with the emergency order in recent days.

Just 149 flights were cancelled on Sunday, according to flight tracking website FlightAware, well below the 3 percent cut mandated by the FAA.

Budget airline Wizz Air plans to reduce the number of flights from Gatwick Airport, instead shifting its fleet to Luton, due to operating costs and ‘inferior slots’

Budget airline Wizz Air is set to cut the number of flights it operates from Gatwick Airport.

József Váradi, chief executive of Hungarian firm Wizz Air, said his airline is losing money in its operations at the UK’s second busiest airport. The carrier is instead set to shift towards operating more flights out of Luton due to lower costs.

This process will start with Wizz Air moving a single plane from Gatwick to Luton, Mr Váradi said. This will kickstart an “ongoing process” to slowly shift the fleet.

This follows the closure of an Abu Dhabi-based offshoot of Wizz Air, announced in July, as well as the scrapping of its base in Vienna due to “airport costs and taxes”.

Mr Váradi told The Telegraph: “Gatwick is expensive and we have been operating an inferior set of slots there. We think that we can enhance financial performance by operating that capacity from Luton.”

“Circumstances change and you have to take action. Whichever bases give you the most profitability, you should be biased toward them. That includes moving aircraft over from Gatwick to Luton.”

Mr Váradi added that the airline doesn’t plan on leaving Gatwick entirely, but instead aims to “optimise” its base there. He added: “You have to churn your network for profit. We are simply more efficient financially in Luton.”

This comes after Wizz Air revealed ‘Wizz Class’, which will allow passengers to pay extra to sit on a row with an unoccupied middle seat – giving them a little extra room in the process.

Other perks include priority boarding, a carry-on bag allowance and guaranteed space in overhead bins. The airline said Wizz Class is “designed to meet the demand of travellers seeking more space, comfort and a quicker exit from the aircraft”.

Commercial officer Silvia Mosquera said: “The roll-out of Wizz Class follows feedback from our growing number of business travellers who value low-cost travel options and prefer additional space during the flight.”

The new seating option will appear on selected flights departing from London, Rome, Warsaw, Bucharest and Budapest in December.

WIZZ Air is pulling back at Britain’s second-busiest airport as it races to stem rising costs in a Europe-wide shake-up.

The Budapest-based budget carrier will slash flights from Gatwick after deciding it is losing money there, boss József Váradi said.

High operating fees and badly timed departure slots have made Gatwick a drag on performance.

Mr Váradi said: “Gatwick is expensive and we have been operating an inferior set of slots there.

“We think that we can enhance financial performance by operating that capacity from Luton.”

As part of the overhaul, Wizz will start by moving one aircraft from Gatwick to Luton, giving Luton 13 jets and cutting Gatwick’s fleet to seven.

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He added: “Circumstances change and you have to take action.

“Whichever bases give you the most profitability, you should be biased toward them.

“That includes moving aircraft over from Gatwick to Luton.”

Gatwick has been near capacity for years, keeping prices high and limiting space for rivals.

A £2.2billion plan to convert an emergency strip into a second runway is expected to double passenger numbers, but not until the 2030s.

Wizz insists it isn’t quitting Gatwick entirely.

Mr Váradi said the base will be “optimised”, adding: “You have to churn your network for profit. We are simply more efficient financially in Luton.”

He dismissed any link to Jet2’s plan to position seven aircraft at Gatwick from next year.

“Gatwick is stuck. It is so set with regard to slots that no newcomer can make any significant difference. Jet2 will be very sub-scale versus the established players,” he said.

The retreat comes as Wizz battles a series of financial shocks.

The airline has been hit hard by the Ukraine war, which has disrupted some of its biggest routes, and a global recall of faulty Pratt & Whitney engines that has grounded up to 45 planes at a time.

Mr Váradi has responded with aggressive cost-cutting.

The carrier shut its Abu Dhabi offshoot in July and is axing its Vienna base because of “airport costs and taxes”.

The shake-up in Austria has already triggered fresh disruption for UK passengers.

Earlier this month Wizz said it would cease operations to Vienna next year after a “strategic review”.

The decision will end two daily Gatwick–Vienna flights, which drop to one over winter, with all services stopping by March 2026.

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“We are ceasing operations in Vienna. After a strategic review, we are gradually closing our base in Vienna,” the airline said on X.

Routes to Bilbao and London Gatwick will be pulled on 26 October 2025, with all remaining Vienna flights stopping on 15 March 2026.

Concerns have been raised about a ‘humanitarian organisation’ that flew people from Gaza to South Africa. Inquiries into Al-Majd Europe revealed a website based in Iceland, crypto payments and AI images showing ‘executives.’ The company didn’t respond when asked to comment.

Nothing says Christmas like a festive market packed with inspiring gifts and seasonal treats, and what better way to enhance your experience than an affordable European getaway to marvel at the magic

Wandering around a Christmas market with the aroma of spiced mulled wine and wooden cabins stacked with unique gifts is part of what makes the festive season so magical. And there’s one in Europe, where it’s been dubbed the cheapest for a winter getaway.

There is a catalogue of European countries offering some of the most spectacular Christmas markets, set within their enchanting towns with mountain backdrops that could easily resemble something out of a Hallmark movie. Nevertheless, some of these locations can come with a hefty price tag as costs are bumped up during the festive season, but that doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice our European winter wonderland.

One European destination that offers the magic of Christmas at a bargain rate is the capital of Latvia, Riga, with direct flights starting from just £20. The city, renowned for its pedestrian-only medieval Old Town and Art Nouveau architecture, offers everything you could wish for in a festive winter break.

The biggest appeal during this time of year is their charming and traditional Riga Christmas Market in Dome Square, packed with stalls and a thriving food scene with wintery street-food dishes and Latvian cuisine. Warming mulled wines are also available, along with festive cocktails, while visitors browse the stalls of local Latvian artisans.

And it might be one of the best places for some Christmas shopping inspiration, with a selection of handcrafted gifts such as beeswax candles, gingerbread, socks, wool gloves, and creative kits to create wreaths, wall decor and acrylic dishes. Adding to the magic of the Riga Christmas Market, which runs from 28 November to 4 January , will be music from a DJ every Friday, choirs and music ensembles performing on Saturdays and folk music on Sundays.

The city, considered the ‘Art Nouveau capital of Europe’, is nothing short of captivating with its charming, colourful homes decorating the streets and its lively cultural scene. What’s more, it’s filled with shops and cosy restaurants for a traditional taste of Latvia, and its bustling Livu Square, boasting bars and nightclubs.

Another hugely appealing factor about this European city is its affordability. The annual Post Office Christmas Markets Barometer found that Riga is one of the most affordable European destinations for a two-night weekend Christmas market experience, compared to Copenhagen and Vienna, which have been ranked as some of the most expensive.

The Post Office revealed how much you’re likely to spend in Riga during a two-night break for two during the Christmas market season, and it’s certainly good value for money. They revealed the following prices:

• Four cups of coffee from a cafe or bar = £11.49
• Two three-course meals for two (including a bottle of wine) = £132.89
• Two return bus/train transfers from the airport to the city centre = £7.18
• Four glasses of mulled wine, punch or Glühwein at the Christmas market £14.37
• Four pieces of cake/gingerbread/stollen at Christmas market £12.57

Additionally, the Post Office found that a two-night B&B stay in Riga and direct flights or Eurostar for two would cost a total of £377.00. With everything included, this weekend getaway for two in Riga would cost £555.50 in total, or £277.75 per person.

This is in stark contrast to Copenhagen in Denmark, which was estimated to set two people back a whopping £1,056.55 for the exact same amenities as above. Or £926.41 for the same two-night trip to Vienna in Austria.

Direct return weekend flights from London Stansted to Riga start from around £87 per person, while you can snap up a mid-week return flight from around £45. Meanwhile, you can grab a flight from Leeds to Riga for as little as £20, or a return for around £42.

Additionally, direct flights from Manchester start from around £25, or £45 for a return flight. You can also fly from the East Midlands Airport (EMA), near Nottingham, from £22 to Riga, or spend around £45 on a direct return.

You can check the best flights on the Skyscanner website here.

Laura Plunkett, head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: “A short break to one of Europe’s colourful Christmas Markets is an attractive holiday option at this time of year. However, sterling’s drop in value is an important factor for travellers to consider before booking a trip, as it varies between currencies. The pound’s fall against the euro is smaller than against other European currencies – five per cent compared with 10.6 per cent against the Hungarian forint and 10.9 per cent against the Swedish kronor.

“The cost of flights and accommodation will also have a significant impact on overall costs so it is doubly important for holidaymakers planning a trip to do their homework to factor in how sterling’s value, flight and hotel capacity and meal costs will affect overall costs. Budget-conscious travellers stand to save hundreds of pounds if they choose carefully.”

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WE might be heading into winter, but looking ahead to a summer getaway for 2026 doesn’t hurt.

One airline in particular is doing exactly that and has announced that it plans to add more flights from the UK to one very popular Turkish resort.

Corendon Airlines has announced that it plans to extend lots of its summer services next year.

One of these routes from the UK heads to the Turkish resort of Antalya which is known for its family-friendly hotels and waterparks.

During the next summer season there will be daily flights to Antalya from Stansted Airport.

Matthew Carpenter, Corendon Airlines UK Country Manager said: “For 2026 we’re doubling down on the routes that have performed well for us – for example, we’ve had two flights a week to Antalya from Stansted and this will be increasing to five flights a week in the shoulder seasons and daily flights in peak season.”

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There will also be multiple weekly flights from Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle.

Antalya sits on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey and has been nicknamed as ‘paradise on Earth‘ thanks to its beautiful beaches, mountain scenery and great weather.

In the summer months, Antalya has average highs of 33C – and it still has daily highs of 23C in November this week.

Thanks to this, Antalya is incredibly popular with Brits, around 1.5 million British tourists visited Antalya between January and October 2024.

To make it even better, the average flight time from the UK is around four and a half hours.

There are plenty of great beaches around the coast like Lara Beach, known for its fine sand and luxury resorts.

Other popular beaches include Konyaaltı Beach, which has a long pebble and sand coastline.

Patara Beach is one of Turkey‘s longest beaches, and there’s also Kaputaş Beach which is small cove between the towns of Kaş and Kalkan.

Being such a family-friendly destination, there are plenty of huge hotels with on-site waterparks, kids clubs, activities, and beach access.

One writer visited the Regnum Carya Golf and Spa which has a full-size football pitch, a golf course, seven pools and a waterpark.

Stacey Solomon even stayed at the new sister hotel called Regnum The Crown this summer which has a Blue Flag beach and unique ice fountain.

This summer, another writer took a visit to the Titanic Deluxe Lara in Antalya, the hotel’s design was inspired by the fateful Titanic ship.

And another destination that airline hopes to expand to is Heraklion, the capital of Crete.

Corendon will increase its Heraklion capacity by 20 per cent as the popularity of the city grows for Brits.

The island is known for its beautiful beaches, as well as nightlife, historical sites like the Palace of Knossos.

If you fancy booking, Corendon Airlines has also extended its reservation system to be able to make bookings 700 days ahead of the trip.

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Turkey’s ‘best kept secret’ is a quiet seaside village that’s right by Antalya…

Just 90 minutes away from Antalya is the seaside village of Cirali.

It’s found on a quiet sea valley, surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches.

The village was called “one of Turkey‘s best-kept secrets” in an article in the Sunday Telegraph.

Despite not being far from Kemer and Antalya, only a few Brits seem to holiday in Cirali.

Because of its protected status as a nesting site for loggerhead turtles, the seaside village doesn’t have huge all-inclusive resorts or large hotel chains.

The beach, which is a mixture of shingle and sand, is its main attraction. While metal cages mark the turtle nests, there is still plenty of space for holidaymakers.

Other facilities at the beach include several restaurants that serve a range of grilled fish and rustic stews.

Away from the beach, other activities include yoga classes, cycling routes and walking routes.

Here’s more on where Brits should visit in Turkey from a Turkish flight attendant.

Plus, check out the luxurious new 5* all-suite hotel is jewel of Turkey’s Turquoise coast, with stunning sky pool, 22 restaurants & 30 bars.

The airline’s website told passengers ‘We deeply regret the inconvenience that this will bring to your travel plans’

Blue Islands, the Channel Islands-based airline, has ceased operations and grounded all flights. The carrier, which employed around 100 staff, had been running services to various destinations across the British Isles and beyond for two decades.

This marks the second regional airline to collapse in less than three weeks, after Eastern Airways’ cessation of operations on 28 October. The Jersey-based operator announced on Friday it had stopped trading and cancelled all bookings.

Blue Islands, operating a fleet of five ATR-72 aircraft, had its headquarters in Guernsey but chiefly linked Jersey with airports in England, including Bristol, Exeter and Southampton. From Guernsey, the airline ran flights to Southampton and an inter-island service to Jersey.

The airline’s website tells passengers: “We regret to inform you that Blue Islands has suspended trading effective on 14 November 2025. All future flights operated by Blue Islands have been cancelled. Please do not travel to the airport unless you have made alternative travel arrangements. We deeply regret the inconvenience that this will bring to your travel plans.”

Thousands of passengers who have advance bookings with the carrier are urged to contact their bank or payment card provider if they booked directly. Blue Islands further stated: “For bookings made through our codeshare partner Aurigny but travelling on a Blue Islands flight, please contact Aurigny directly – some flights may still be operating. For bookings made through a travel agent or holiday company, please contact the company through whom you booked for advice and guidance.”

The Jersey government provided Blue Islands with £8.5m in funding, with a report in August 2025 showing that £7m remained unpaid.

Elaine Millar, Jersey’s minister for Treasury and Resources, voiced her dismay: “I am saddened by the announcement that Blue Islands has suspended operations, and my immediate thoughts are with the people whose jobs have been affected and the passengers whose travel will be disrupted.”

She confirmed that “For those employees based in Jersey, government support is ready and available.” She also stressed the vital nature of air links for the island and provided reassurance that backup measures were already prepared to quickly restore connections.

“Government is working with an alternative airline to ensure that Jersey has reliable and sustainable air links for the long term.” she added.

Aurigny and Loganair have confirmed they are adding additional services to their timetables to assist Blue Islands passengers. Loganair announced it was launching services from Jersey to Guernsey, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton alongside Guernsey to Southampton from Sunday, whilst Aurigny has introduced flights for the Southampton to Guernsey and Guernsey to Jersey routes “initially until Wednesday”.

Both carriers confirmed special fares were being offered on the services to help passengers who needed to travel on any of the impacted routes.

A Loganair statement said: “We understand this will be a worrying time for those hoping to travel to and from Jersey and in response we’re starting operations from Sunday 16 November.”

An Aurigny spokesperson said the airline was “deeply saddened” about Blue Islands ceasing trading.

“Following the announcement that Blue Islands has entered administration, Aurigny is taking immediate action to assist Blue Islands customers across the Channel Islands,” the spokesperson added.

RYANAIR is set to scrap even more flights across Europe next year.

It comes just months after they confirmed that two million seats would be scrapped across Spain.

Earlier this year, the budget airline said they would be cancelling all flights to three French airports –  Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg.

However, more are set to be axed, they have confirmed, affecting passengers in summer 2026.

Chief Commercial Officer Jason McGuinness told local media: “We will be leaving several regional airports in France this summer. 

“When you increase taxes by 180 per cent, it makes these airports unviable for us.”

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The new taxes will see an extra €4.77 per flight ticket when it comes to short haul flights.

However, long haul flights will increase by €120 (£105). 

Which airports in France will be affected is yet to be confirmed.

Back in August, Ryanair said confirmed that two million seats across Spain would be being scrapped.

This affects all flights to and from Tenerife North, Vigo, Santiago Valladolid and Jerez.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said at the time: “If the costs in regional Spain are too high, I will fly elsewhere.

“We are better off flying at the same cost to places such as Palma [on the island of Mallorca] than flying to Jerez.”

The airport worst affected is Vigo, as the cancellations mean there are no longer any direct UK flights.

Another 1.2million seats are set to be cancelled across Spain next summer.

Lots of airports across Germany are also seeing a reduction in flights.

Memmingen Airport is losing 27 flights a week this winter, while Berlin will lose 76 in January alone.

Cologne is losing 44 in January as well.

Ryanair’s CEO Eddie Wilson said back in August: “Germany’s air travel market is broken and needs an urgent fix.

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“As a result of these high Govt taxes/fees (the highest in Europe), and Lufthansa’s high-fare monopoly, German citizens/visitors now pay the highest air fares in Europe.”

Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig airports are to stay closed over winter.

A POPULAR holiday choice for Brits has revealed plans to become a ‘super destination’.

With more cheap flights coming from the UK, it’s about to be even easier to get to.

Turkey as a holiday destination isn’t anything new to Brits, who have been fleeing to the affordable resorts there for decades.

However, the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has now teamed up with Trip.com to relaunch the country as a “Super Destination” for travellers.

The new plans will push locations such as the cities of Istanbul and Izmir.

Other highlights spots include Cappadocia – known for its hot air balloons – and the much-loved beaches of Antalya.

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TGA’s general manager Sinan Seha Türkseven said they were wanting to offer “distinctive, exceptional experiences”.

This was backed by Trip.com’s Amanda Wang, who added: “Türkiye is one of those destinations that truly has everything: beauty, culture, history, and an incredible story to tell.

“This partnership with TGA is about turning that story into meaningful travel experiences.

“To pursue this vision, we are curating high-end journeys that blend cultural authenticity with digital innovation.”

More flights are already being added to Turkey from the UK.

Turkish airline Corredon is launching more flights to Antalya from London Stansted, Manchester, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle.

SunExpress, a budget airline, is launching flights from the East Midlands to Antalya.

Last year, Ryanair launched its first ever flights to Turkey, with routes from London Stansted to Bodrum and Dalaman.

And TUI is opening two new hotels in Turkey next year.

TUI Blue Maviss in Belek and Akra Didim Resort & Spa in Mugla will both open in April 2026.

A number of places around Turkey have even been named top places to visit in 2026 too.

The Black Sea Coast was highlighted in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026.

Citing it as a “less traveled alternative to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts,” cities such as Samsun and Bartin were named as having “sandy strands on blue coves”.

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And İstanbul was named “Europe’s Most Desirable City at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.

The Scottish Sun’s Travel Editor revealed what its like to visit a new hotel in Antalya.

Ever dreamt of walking on a beach resembling popcorn? A European shore on the Canary Islands has a striking natural phenomenon that is well worth a visit for some winter sun

With temperatures plummeting in the UK, holidaymakers are turning their attention to European winter getaways to bask in a warmer climate, and there’s one fascinating place with a ‘popcorn beach’ that reaches a welcoming 24C in November.

The Canary Islands, known as the sunshine centre of Europe, have long been top of the list for Brits hunting for some sun, with beaches offering golden sand and crystal clear blue waters. But it’s not just the picture-perfect coastlines that entice tourists to the southern region of Spain.

Elsewhere on the islands, visitors can stumble upon beaches with shimmering or dark sand, due to the islands’ volcanic origin, or admire the sand dunes in Gran Canaria that resemble those in the Egyptian desert. With a fascinating collection of shores, there’s one that has caught attention, so much so that it’s been given its own nickname.

Popcorn Beach, officially called Playa del Bajo de la Burra, is one of the most striking beaches in the world. Found in Fuerteventura, the beach is fantastically composed of white, fossilised coral or calcareous algae that has been washed up on the shore, resembling puffed-up popcorn pieces.

The similarity to edible popcorn on the beach is so striking that in photos, it could easily be mistaken for the tasty cinema snack. Holidaymakers have flocked to the beach to marvel at the natural wonder, labelling it the “most bizarre in the world” and comparing it to the likes of the Caribbean.

One traveller shared a review of Popcorn Beach on TripAdvisor and said: “Great place to visit and just sit and relax. Nice wind and when the tide is out, plenty of rock pools to explore. Beware of the slippery lava rocks, very dangerous. When the tide is in, the white popcorn algae makes it look like the Caribbean!”

A second holidaymaker commented: “This a brilliant little beach near Corralejo Town, the bits of stoned algae that look like pop corn allow for brilliant photos. We visited with our toddler and filled in a nice half hour.”

“Unusual beach that truly looks like popcorn. Very nice views. Beach itself is a bit small,” a third shared. While another warned that you can’t swim in the sea, “Unfortunately, there is no direct water access on site, but the experience of Popcorn beach belongs on every adventure list on Fuerteventura.”

However, anyone planning to visit Popcorn Beach should be aware that there is a strict law against taking any of the coral home, no matter how tempting it might be as a souvenir. Unfortunately, it’s such a problem that the beach reportedly loses around 1,000kg of natural material per month.

Tourists have been urged to preserve the endangered ecosystems and refrain from removing any of their precious sand in the Canary Islands. Otherwise, visitors can face a fine of £128 (€150) to £512 (€600) for “minor” offences, or up to £2,563 (€3,000) for “major” breaches, depending on the amount pocketed, according to the Canarian Weekly.

Despite the strict laws, visitors are welcome to capture themselves among the popcorn-shaped coral in photos and stroll along the shore to admire its distinctive beauty. It’s well worth a visit to admire the natural phenomenon, and with temperatures in Fuerteventura reaching between 22 to 24C in November, it’s the ideal spot to bask in some sunshine.

Not only this, but the island is incredibly easy to reach with direct return flights from London Stansted to Fuerteventura, starting from as little as £36.99 with Ryanair.

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