TWO major tech outage have caused hundreds of flight cancellations and delays across the UK this month – yet Brits will struggle to get any compensation, according to experts.
Earlier this month a major Air Traffic Control failure in the UK resulted in thousands of flights cancelled across the globe.
Thousands of flights have been disrupted by two Air Traffic Control failures in the UK this monthCredit: Reuters
And another failure yesterday caused more than 200 flight cancellations and widespread delays.
With the two incidents less than two weeks apart, many travellers have been left out of pocket.
Unfortunately, it’s bad news – the NATS issue was classed as an “extraordinary circumstance” which means travellers are not entitled to cash compensation.
The maximum compensation you can get is for long-haul flights which are delayed four hours or more, which would be £520.
This is only for when the problems are caused by the airline, directly, however.
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel previously said: “Airlines are only required to give you compensation if the delay or cancellation is the airline’s fault, as in a technical failure on a plane or issues with crew.
The two incidents took place less than two weeks apartCredit: Getty
“In this situation, where ATC is the reason for the chaos, there is unfortunately no compensation due.”
But one thing you should note is that airlines have a duty of care.
This means that when you flight is delayed, they must provide you with food, drink and accommodation.
Sometimes the airline might provide you with a voucher, but if this isn’t provided you can keep your receipts to claim back any expenses.
Often airlines will automatically book you accommodation, but you may also be asked to book accommodation yourself through its website or a dedicated app.
Travellers are advised to always check with airport staff though before booking any hotel yourself.
And passengers are unlikely to get compensationCredit: GettyThough airlines do have a duty of careCredit: PA
And make sure to keep your receipts for your hotel as well, to claim back your costs.
Don’t book anything lavish though – airlines will usually only cover a hotel at a reasonable price.
Airlines will usually have a dedicated expenses claims page for you to fill out on its website.
The CAA also recommends asking for an itemised receipt to show what you purchased and how much was spent on each thing.
Lisa added: “Check your insurance policy to see if you have any redress if you have incurred additional costs like missing a concert or unable to pick up car hire. You may be able to claim for that.
“Generally for delays, if an airline looks after you or provides you with food and drink or hotels, you cannot claim for the same costs against your travel insurance.”
EASYJET is set to be disrupted by staff walkouts next month – with flights to and from the UK expected to be cancelled.
The airline’s cabin crew in Portugal have voted to strike on two separate occasions across October and December.
easyJet cabin crew in Portugal are set to strike next month – and again in DecemberCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Members of the SNPVAC union have announced walkouts from October 2–6 and again in December on 19–23.
The strike will affect flights from busy airports including Lisbon, Porto and Faro.
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From the UK, easyJet operates flights to Portugal from the likes of Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Gatwick, Luton, Southend, Manchester and Newcastle.
The union has estimated that the strike in October alone could ground around 500 scheduled flights overall.
This is likely to include 35 return flights to and from the UK.
A spokesperson from the airline added: “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.
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.
“We are doing everything we can to minimize the impact of the strike on our customers including actioning some cancellations in advance to allow our customers to rearrange their travel plans.”
FAA halts East Coast flights due to equipment outage, affecting major US airports in New York, Newark, and Philadelphia.
Published On 21 Sep 202621 Sep 2026
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has halted flights to several busy East Coast airports amid an equipment outage, snarling more than 1,000 flights.
On Monday, the FAA issued ground stops at large commercial airports, including New York’s John F Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia; Newark Liberty International in New Jersey, as well as Boston Logan and Philadelphia International Airport.
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The flights were halted on the day that 130 world leaders and dozens of ministers were arriving in New York for the annual high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a post on social media platform X that flights have resumed into New York’s LaGuardia and into Philadelphia, but that ground stops are still in effect at Newark, JFK, and Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. The ground stop has also been lifted in Boston.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told reporters on Monday that it had “lost the primary circuit” at what is called Philadelphia TRACON, or Terminal Radar Approach Control, which controls air traffic into Philadelphia and airports across the busy northeast US airspace.
Bedford said that the backup fibre had a break and told reporters that it could take up to 13 hours to repair. He said the cut was between the city of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Newark, New Jersey, which is home to Newark Liberty International Airport.
“An Amtrak construction crew accidentally cut into a fiber line in New Jersey which caused a telecom outage and forced FAA to pause flights in the Northeast,” Duffy said in a post on X.
Newark delays
At Newark alone, more than 1,000 flights had been delayed or cancelled. Throughout the US, there were nearly 4,000 delayed flights and 500 cancelled.
United Airlines said it would waive change fees for impacted travellers. Newark serves as a major hub for the airline.
“Flights that had been destined for Newark have either been held at their departure airport or diverted to alternative airports. Once the FAA outage is resolved, we will work to safely get our customers to their destinations and have issued a travel waiver to give our customers flexibility to manage their travel plans,” a representative for United Airlines said in a statement provided to Al Jazeera.
Newark has recorded the highest levels of delays and cancellations of any airport, according to FlightAware, which tracks flight disruptions in real time. As of 3pm Eastern Time in the US (19:00 GMT), 31 percent of departing flights from Newark had been cancelled, along with 29 percent of inbound flights. Meanwhile, 17 percent of departing flights from the United hub had been delayed, as had 17 percent of inbound flights.
A ground stop was also issued at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, a private airport neighbouring New York City.
Hundreds of flights have been delayed at major airports in the US after construction workers accidentally cut a cable needed for air traffic control.
Ground stops and delays were issued on Monday afternoon for airports in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Hours later, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the cable had been repaired and airports would resume normal operations, though delays were still expected.
The major east coast disruption came ahead of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City on Tuesday, which is expected to be attended by scores of world leaders arriving into New York-area airports.
That includes UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who managed to board his flight before the delays began and was expected to arrive on time.
The delays happened after the damaged cable impacted the Terminal Radar Approach Control system, which is used to guide planes during takeoff and landing, transport officials said.
New Jersey public transportation agency NJ Transit told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, that its construction workers had accidentally severed the line and that markers had been wrongly placed at the digging site.
The BBC has reached out to NJ Transit for comment.
Duffy earlier said the damage was caused by workers from Amtrak, the US national operator of intercity railroad service, who were doing the construction work. This “caused a telecom outage” which forced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ground flights, Duffy posted on X.
An Amtrak spokesperson said in a statement, reported by US media, that the incident involved a NJ Transit contractor. Telecommunications company Verizon, which owns the cable, also said it was not responsible.
The severed cable was actually a backup network, and the error was only discovered after the primary circuit failed, according to the head of the FAA, Bryan Bedford.
Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey – one of the three major airports that services New York City – was the most heavily impacted by today’s air traffic control disruptions, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware.
It reported that 267 departing flights were delayed today, while a further 257 flights destined for Newark were also delayed.
John F Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, both in New York, were also affected, as was Philadelphia International Airport.
One passenger, Douglas Tewnion, said he boarded a flight to New York from Edinburgh and that his plane had been diverted to Boston, Massachusetts instead.
He told the BBC that, two hours after his flight was due into New York, he and the other passengers were still “sitting on the same plane, on the tarmac at Boston with no information”.
Though “everyone is in good spirits”, Tewnion said “it’s just a pain” to see two more hours waiting added onto a lengthy flight.
If you love a pint after a long day of sightseeing then this city break is a must-visit for autumn. Its self-serve beer fountain means you can try beers from across the region for just a few Euros
The town is just 90 minutes from Ljubljana by train(Image: Getty Images/RooM RF)
After a long day of exploring a new destination, the highlight of a city break for many of us is sitting in the town square, enjoying a nice cold pint of local, reasonably-priced beer.
And if you visit a small, but charming Slovenian town, you can not only order a pint, but pour your own from a ‘beer fountain’ that offers a variety of local brews to sample.
Žalec in the Lower Savinja Valley is a town that’s beer-obsessed. Even its coat of arms features a beer hop. The region is known as the Valley of Green Gold, named for the color of hops as they ripen in the sun, and it has 150 years of beer-making experience.
Next to Žalec’s marketplace lies the Green Gold Fountain, a unique attraction composed of a variety of shiny silver beer taps. Visitors buy a small glass for €12, just over £10, which pays for the souvenir glass plus six 100ml tastings of various local beers. The cups come with a chip, which is scanned by the fountain, so you can serve yourself.
The fountain opened in March and is set to run through October, so visitors can make the most of the crisp autumn weather while they sample local beers. The 150-year anniversary means there will be a larger variety of ales this year, with 34 craft beers from 25 Slovenian breweries expected to be on tap.
Alex Dyer, a managing director at Ski Famille, highlighted the unusual spot. He said: “The fountain is memorable enough to be one part of the day without making beer the whole purpose of a family visit. I think parents will enjoy the stop more when younger travellers have something of their own to look forward to nearby, because that keeps the day balanced rather than leaving anyone waiting around.”
The town’s visitors can also follow an official tourist route called the Path from Hops to Beer, which is just over 3-miles long, taking in a Roman necropolis and caves along the way. Once you’re back in town, the Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing Industry is an interactive way to learn about the town’s proud heritage.
Visitors from the UK can fly from London, Manchester, or Edinburgh to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, which takes just two hours and 20 minutes, making it perfect for a short weekend break. EasyJet has flights in October to Ljubljana from £45.99 one-way.
Žalec is less than an hour from the capital by car, taking you down some seriously steep mountain roads and through the untouched Slovenian countryside. But a more relaxed alternative is the 90-minute train ride, which runs along the River Sava in parts, taking you past charming traditional villages as you head to beer country.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
ONE airline has announced it is axing all flights from three UK airports next year.
It cited “high fuel costs” and “changing consumer demand” for the cancellations.
Corendon Airlines has cancelled flights from three UK airports next yearCredit: NurPhoto via Getty ImagesAntalya is a popular spot in Turkey where Brits head to during the summerCredit: KenanOlgun
Turkish carrier Corendon Airlines will reduce its schedule for next summer which includes cutting the UK airports it serves from six to three.
It will stop flying to Antalya from Gatwick, Birmingham and Newcastle in 2027.
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The airline increased its offerings with additional flights from the UK just last year.
Despite the reduction, Corendon Airlines will still fly to Antalya twice-weekly from Glasgow with three flights a week from both Manchester and London Stansted.
The airline confirmed it will take a “disciplined approach to capacity for 2027 following a year shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, high fuel costs and changing consumer demand”.
UK country manager Matthew Carpenter said: “In response to a difficult trading year owing to the impact of the Iran conflict, we’ve therefore decided to reduce the number of UK airports we serve.
“We have also decided to end some aircraft agreements, with a consequent reduction in the overall fleet, which has a natural impact on our UK schedule and capacity.
“This is a short-term reaction and we plan to review the trading conditions again in January and hope to re-introduce flights to Birmingham, Newcastle and Gatwick as soon as oil prices stabilise and trading conditions improve.”
Corendon Airlines will stop flying from three UK airports next yearCredit: Alamy
Corendon Airlines will continue flying to Crete from both London Gatwick and Manchester Airport.
The airline was first formed in 2004, and launched its first flight one year later.
In 2025, Corendon Airlines reportedly carried 10 million passengers a year across Europe.
THE under fire boss of air traffic control has been told he “must quit” after a number of UK airports were hit with delays following another technical glitch.
Thousands of passengers saw their flights disrupted after an issue with the National Air Traffic Services [Nats] affected airspace in the north of England and in Scotland.
Passengers faced lengthy delays after another air traffic control failureCredit: ZenpixMartin Rolfe, the head of NATS, Britain’s air traffic control service is under-fireCredit: Alamy
Holidaymakers are facing lengthy delays after the issue which began at Nats’ Prestwick centre in Scotland.
Airports in Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester were registering delayed flights and urged passengers to check with their airlines while Luton Airport said domestic flights had been disrupted.
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Nats has stressed that the issue was unrelated to a massive outage that saw hundreds of flights cancelled just two weeks ago.
In a statement on the most recent air traffic control outage, a Nats spokesperson confirmed the issue was now fixed – but disruption is still on the cards for many holidaymakers.
But calls for Nats chief Martin Rolfe to resign have intensified after the latest debacle.
The 51-year-old senior executive of National Air Traffic Services was paid £1.5 million, including £871,000 in bonuses, last year and has already faced questions over his future.
The executive has previously been accused of overseeing a “litany of failures” during his time as CEO of the UK’s air traffic control services.
At least 200 flights departing or arriving into the UK have been cancelled so far today, aviation analytics company Cirium has said.
Ryanair has said more than 25,000 of its passengers are expected to be disrupted after the latest air traffic control incident and called for Rolfe to resign.
Chief operations officer Neal McMahon said: “Just three days after Nats assured airlines and passengers that it had introduced robust ‘mitigation plans’, its flight data processing system has failed again.
“More than 25,000 Ryanair passengers have already suffered disruption, with over 140 Ryanair flights delayed, yet Nats still cannot tell passengers when this disruption will end.
He added: “Rolfe has presided over repeated system failures, repeated passenger disruption and repeated failures to deliver an effective back-up system.
“Enough is enough. Martin Rolfe should resign today.”
Easyjet said in a statement: “A NATS Air Traffic Control system failure in its Prestwick Centre is causing delays to flights with some unable to operate.
“This, once again, calls into question the resilience of NATS’ systems and demonstrates the need for firm actions to prevent these repeated failures.
“We will do all we can minimise the impact of this for our customers and advise anyone due to fly today to check our flight tracker for the latest information.”
The airline said the latest disruption “calls into question the resilience of Nats’ systems.”
The firm said earlier this morning that engineers were working to resolve the issue but that regulations had been imposed to “maintain safety.”
Some passengers were left stuck on the tarmac while the issue was dealt withCredit: WovenPete/XQueues build up at Manchester Airport this morning after the latest technical glitchCredit: ZenpixDisgruntled passengers at the major airportCredit: Zenpix
And, British Airways said it is “disappointing” that some customers may experience disruption after “yet another technical fault with Nats”.
A spokesperson for the airline said: “Yet another technical fault with Nats means some of our customers are likely to experience disruption to their travel plans today.
“This is disappointing and whilst it is an issue that is entirely out of our control, we’re doing everything we can to limit the impact on customers and are keeping them updated.”
A Nats statement this afternoon read: “The issue in our Prestwick centre is now fixed. We are working with airports and airlines to safely lift air traffic regulations as quickly as we can to minimise any further disruption.
“Passengers should still check the status of their flight with their airline.
“We apologise for the disruption.”
Passengers tpoday are being advised to check with their airline for information on their flights.
Holidaymakers at Glasgow airport were reportedly been left waiting on the tarmac for hours amid the delays.
Meanwhile, Luton Airport said domestic flights had been disrupted by the air traffic control issue.
And several flights at Manchester Airport have been delayed with passengers warned to expect further disruption.
However, most airports south of Manchester are broadly unaffected by the issue but flights travelling north may be subject to some delays, Nats said.
British Airways and Easyjet have issued messages to passengers hoping to travel today, warning them that some delays are expected.
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited has said flights are being disrupted across all of the airports it operates.
Meanwhile, Belfast International Airport said it is experiencing some delays amid the air traffic control issue.
Passengers and airlines “deserve better”, an aviation industry body has said after the second air traffic control issue within two weeks.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “The UK’s ATC (air traffic control) system is critical national infrastructure and it must be resilient enough to keep people moving.
“Passengers and airlines deserve better and the independent CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) report, together with the forthcoming Civil Aviation Bill, must address the underlying weaknesses in the system so that these failures stop happening.”
The previous Nats failure affected thousands of passengers with many stuck abroad amid the chaos.
Nats announced that a “technical issue” with its “flight processing system” had caused the widespread travel chaos just two weeks ago.
A majority of the UK’s biggest airports were brought to a standstill by the failure, which is understood to have been caused by a software error.
It led to calls for Nats chief Martin Rolfe to resign with furious airline executives blaming him for the failure.
TransportSecretary Heidi Alexander previously demanded Rolfe launch a rapid review into the chaos last week and said that she did not believe the most recent air traffic control issue was “unavoidable.”
He previously faced turbulence in 2023 when he oversaw his first failure in air traffic control, which affected more than 250,000 passengers.
The August bank holiday failure was sparked when a small piece of incorrect data set off a mass system failure lasting just a few hours.
LOOKING for your next big holiday? Look no further as British Airways has revealed a major update to its summer 2027 schedule with flights to TWO East African destinations.
British Airways (BA) has announced that it will be launching new flights to Tanzania from May 29, 2027 – which last took off 14 years ago.
British Airways will launch flights to Tanzania in May 2027Credit: Getty
The flights will take off from London Gatwick Airport and head to Kilimanjaro before heading onto Zanzibar.
The flights will then continue for the season, until October 31.
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In Kilimanjaro, you can obviously visit the famous mountain, which is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s highest free-standing mountain.
It takes about 45 minutes from the airport to reach Moshi – the gateway town.
The National Park is home to rainforest, as well as an arctic summit.
In the region, there’s also Tanzania’s loved Northern Safari Circuit to explore, which is one of the continent’s most famous wildlife routes.
It includes the Serengeti Wildlife Park, where the Great Migration is found, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Ngorongoro Crater, which is home to the Big 5.
Or head to Tarangire National Park as well, which is well-known for its elephant herds.
The flights will run across the season until October 31Credit: Getty
Meanwhile, Zanzibar is famous for its white, sandy coast that’s home to an abundance of marine life including dolphins and sea turtles.
There’s also the UNESCO-listed streets of Stone Town to explore, with hand-carved wooden doors and coral-stone buildings.
Across the island, there are a number of spice plantations, giving visitors the chance to sample fresh vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Flights will take off three times a week from London Gatwick, landing in Kilimanjaro, before going on to Zanzibar.
Flights from London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro International Airport and then onwards to Zanzibar, will take off on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The flights will depart at 9:05am and land in Kilimanjaro at 8:20pm,before then taking off to Zanzibar at 9:20pm and landing there at 10:25pm.
Return flights from Zanzibar back to London Gatwick, will take place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing at 12:25am and landing at 7:55am.
Flights will cost from £849 return.
Tanzania is known for its white-sand beaches as well as amazing wildlifeCredit: GettyThere are several spots you can go on safari on in the countryCredit: Getty
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer said: “We’re excited to be launching flights to two exceptional new destinations that showcase the very best of Tanzania.
“From the vast plains of the Serengeti and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, these new routes strengthen our footprint in East Africa and open the door to some of the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences.
“Alongside these new routes, we are strengthening our wider long-haul network, adding capacity to a number of popular destinations across Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean.
“By increasing frequencies and extending seasonal services, we’re giving customers more choice and flexibility, while deepening London’s connectivity to key destinations around the world.”
In addition to the Tanzania flights, BA is increasing its capacity to Latin America by 25 per cent.
There will also be new non-stop flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina and onward service to Santiago, Chile.
Additional seats have been added to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as well, and flights to San José, Costa Rica, will become year-round.
Las Vegas in America and Cape Town in South Africa will also gain additional flights.
Looking at today’s schedule, it’s mostly arrivals into the airport after 9.30pm that are affected.
Only two flights from the UK are affected by the strike action today.
The first is a flight from Manchester Airport to Charleroi which was scheduled for 10.55pm and has since been cancelled.
The second is a flight from Charleroi to Manchester Airport which was scheduled for 19.35pm and has also been cancelled.
Ryanair has asked passengers to monitor their Ryanair App for the latest updates regarding their flight.
In a previous statement, the airline said: “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of these ATC strike delays/cancellations, which are entirely beyond airlines’ control.”
Yesterday, about 40 flights in total were cancelled at Charleroi Airport.
According to Skeyes, the Belgium‘s official national air navigation service provider, the nightly strikes are expected to affect more than 800 flights.
The strike is set to continue until October 10Credit: Getty
Joy Ryan, 96, has visited six continents since getting her first passport at 91, but she must follow her doctor’s advice to do the same routine every hour on long-haul flights
Joy Ryan, pictured with her grandson Brad, has visited six continents (Image: grandmajoysroadtrip/Instagram)
A 96-year-old grandmother who didn’t get her first passport until she was 91 has still found the time to visit six continents. Joy Ryan shared one of the biggest issues with long-haul travel in her advanced years as she has to follow strict doctor’s orders.
Since first travelling abroad, Joy has explored destinations including Kenya, the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica. But her adventures come with a health concern: long-haul flights increase the risk of blood clots, something she has experienced before.
Flights lasting more than four hours can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis, with the risk rising further on journeys lasting more than eight to 10 hours. For Joy, following her doctor’s advice to keep moving is an important part of her travels.
The grandmother, from Duncan Falls, Ohio, USA, and her grandson Brad are set to visit Thailand, Australia and South Africa later this year.
Her passion for travel began long before she needed a passport. Joy had originally planned to see the world with her husband, but he died just months into his retirement in 1994.
Two decades passed before another opportunity arose. She hadn’t even seen a mountain before joining Brad on an overnight trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, along the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
Brad had been struggling with depression after starting vet school and hoped spending time in nature with his grandmother would help his mental health.
That overnight stay grew into a mission to visit every US national park. Along the way, Joy discovered her favourite destination: American Samoa.
The US territory in the South Pacific sits almost 5,000 miles from America’s west coast. Joy was determined to visit its national park, and got her first passport ahead of the trip, reports the Express.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, she said: “You just feel comfortable because everybody’s so friendly. They don’t have much, but they share it with you.
“They take care of their elders, too. There are no nursing home. They take them into their homes and keep them, and then, when they pass away, they bury them in the front yard so they’re still looking after them.”
Now 96, Joy says it is remarkable to witness how differently people communicate around the world, even when she cannot understand them.
The pair’s Instagram account, @grandmajoysroadtrip, has more than 115,000 followers. Joy shares their adventures there, along with dating advice.
Brad’s book Grandma Joy and Me: A Journey of Healing, One National Park at a Time was published earlier this year.
AirBaltic, the national airline of Latvia, has filed fo Chatper 11 protection in New York. The airline currently operates direct services between London Gatwick and Riga, as well as twice-weekly seasonal Aberdeen to Riga service
AirBaltic has filed for bankruptcy, casting the airline’s future in serious doubt.
Latvia’s national airline filed for Chapter 11 protection in New York on 14 September as it seeks to restructure its debts.
AirBaltic currently operates direct services between London Gatwick and Riga, as well as twice-weekly seasonal Aberdeen to Riga service. These serve approximately 4,144 passengers each week, according to AirAdvisor.
Earlier this year, the airline announced it would launch flights from the UK to Lapland in December, offering five new routes to Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland from European airports, including services from London Gatwick and Manchester.
The airline plans to reduce its fleet from 54 aircraft to 36 by the end of 2026, while some staff members may also lose their jobs. CEO Erno Hilden has said that consultations are underway regarding workforce reductions, although no figure has been decided.
AirBaltic has faced a number of financial challenges since it took a €30 million (£26 million) state loan in April 2026, the company said in a statement, “including increased fuel costs arising from the crisis in the Middle East.”
Supervisory board chairman Andrejs Martinovs said in a written statement: “We have carefully assessed the restructuring options available to the company, with one priority in focus – to give airBaltic the best possible basis to continue operating and to build a sustainable financial structure. Under court supervision and with protection from creditor claims, this process provides a clear framework and timetable for reaching agreements with creditors, including aircraft lessors and other stakeholders. At the same time, it allows the company to continue operating.”
What does this mean for passengers?
If you have a flight booked with airBaltic, you shouldn’t panic. Passengers should not interpret the word ‘bankruptcy’ as meaning the airline has stopped flying and cancel valid bookings themselves – it has not cancelled any flights.
The airline has a commitment for €350 million (£300 million) in financing, subject to court approval, and insists that scheduled flights, bookings and customer services are continuing normally.
AirBaltic said flights would operate as scheduled during the court-supervised process, which it expects to finish by June next year.
Flights departing the UK fall under UK261. Riga to UK services are protected under EU passenger-rights rules because they depart from an EU airport. In either direction, a cancellation would normally allow passengers to choose between reimbursement and rerouting.
Anton Radchenko, Aviation Expert and CEO of AirAdvisor, said: “Chapter 11 is designed to give a company space to keep operating while it restructures, so I would not cancel a valid airBaltic booking when the airline is still flying and says the ticket remains valid. Cancelling voluntarily could leave the passenger subject to the ticket’s normal restrictions, whereas waiting for the airline’s decision preserves their statutory rights if the service is later changed or cancelled.
“I would use this moment to identify exactly what protects the booking. A direct flight is not usually ATOL protected, airline-failure insurance is not standard, and the practical fallback may depend on whether the passenger booked a genuine package, paid directly by credit card or can make a chargeback claim.
If airBaltic cancels while continuing to operate, passengers should request a refund or rerouting and the necessary care rather than accepting whichever option is presented first. Fixed compensation may also apply depending on the notice and reason, but if an airline ceases trading completely, possessing a legal claim does not guarantee immediate repayment, which is why the financial protection behind the booking matters.”
PASSENGERS are facing disruption today at an airport in Sicily following a volcanic eruption.
Catania Airport has suspended all flights until this afternoon due to an eruption on Mount Etna – and it’s not for the first time as hundreds of flights were forced to cancel last month.
Catania Airport has been forced to close again after more eruptions on Mount EtnaCredit: Roby Fazio / SplashNews.comAsh has drifted into the airspace resulting in flight cancellations and diversionsCredit: Roby Fazio / SplashNews.com
An ash cloud has caused airspace closures in Sicily which is affecting both arrivals and departures at Catania Airport.
Due to volcanic ash into the atmosphere, flights have been suspended until at least 2.30pm (local time) today.
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The airport said: “Passengers are kindly requested to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport.
For Brits, the disruption today has affected one easyJet flight so far, it is departing London Gatwick at 10am and will be diverted to Palermo.
Another easyJet flight heading to London Gatwick from Catania Airport remains on the schedule for 10.35am – although it’s likely to be cancelled following the suspension.
Later today, a BA flight scheduled to depart London Gatwick for Catania Airport remains scheduled for 7.55pm.
Flights first started being cancelled and diverted yesterday when Mount Etna erupted again.
Last month, ongoing eruptions from Mount Etna forced Sicily’s busiest airport to shut for five days in a row resulting in hundreds of cancelled flights.
Families who had their flights cancelled were left stranded with videos on social media showing holidaymakers sleeping on the airport floor and even luggage belts.
Last time Mount Etna erupted nearby Malta International Airport had to cancel 19 flights due to volcanic ash.
What does the disruption due to Mount Etna mean for passengers?
Anton Radchenko, air passenger rights expert and founder and CEO of AirAdvisor, explainedwhat the disruption means for customers…
“When volcanic ash closes airspace, airlines will usually class it as an extraordinary circumstance, which means fixed cash compensation is unlikely.
“However, I would urge passengers not to confuse ‘no compensation’ with ‘no rights’.
“The airline must still offer a refund or rerouting and provide reasonable meals, accommodation and transport while passengers wait.
“If you still need to get home, do not automatically accept a refund.
“Once you accept it, the airline’s rerouting and care obligations will normally end.
“Ask for the earliest reasonable alternative and, if another airline can get you back significantly sooner, ask to be transferred to that service.
“If you have to pay for reasonable essentials because the airline fails to provide them, keep every itemised receipt so you can seek reimbursement.”
This is supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s current cancellation guidance which you can findhere.
TRAVEL chaos caused by a major tech outage across all UK airports earlier this week has left thousands stranded – with many left out of pocket when booking back up flights and hotels.
An Air Traffic Control failure in the UK on Tuesday saw thousands of flights cancelled, resulting in travel chaos across the globe.
An Air Traffic Control issue in the UK left thousands of travellers stranded this weekCredit: EPA
Many have since been asking if they can claim compensation back, with flights both delayed and cancelled for days.
However, as the NATS issue was classed as an “extraordinary circumstance” travellers are not entitled to cash compensation.
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The maximum compensation you can get is for long-haul flights which are delayed four hours or more, which would be £520.
This is only for when the problems are the caused by the airline, directly, however.
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel said: “Airlines are only required to give you compensation if the delay or cancellation is the airline’s fault, as in a technical failure on a plane or issues with crew.
“In this situation, where ATC is the reason for the chaos, there is unfortunately no compensation due.”
Yet, airlines do have a duty of care, so you can recoup some of your costs.
When affected by flight delays, airlines must provide travellers with food and drink as well as accommodation.
‘Care’ you should receive includes food and drink, two phone calls, accommodation and transport between the airport and where you are staying.
Usually, an airline will provide you with a voucher to get food or drink, however if a voucher isn’t provided, make sure you keep your receipts to claim back expenses incurred.
As the issue was outside of airlines’ control, it is class as an “extraordinary circumstance” meaning passengers cannot claim cash compensationCredit: EPA
While an airline might automatically book your accommodation when your flight is delayed or cancelled, sometimes you might be asked to book it yourself via its website or a dedicated app.
Although, it is advised to always ask airport staff before booking a hotel yourself.
If you pay for your own hotel, you must make sure to keep all your receipts so you can claim back your costs.
Airlines will cover a hotel with a reasonable price though, so don’t go booking a five-star stay.
Then head to your airline’s website and find their expenses claims page and fill out the form with the relevant details.
The CAA also recommends asking for an itemised receipt to show what you purchased and how much was spent on each thing.
Lisa added: “Check your insurance policy to see if you have any redress if you have incurred additional costs like missing a concert or unable to pick up car hire. You may be able to claim for that.
“Generally for delays, if an airline looks after you or provides you with food and drink or hotels, you cannot claim for the same costs against your travel insurance.”
A technical glitch on September 8 triggered chaos at major air transport hubs across the countryCredit: GettyIt lead to the cancellation of more than 2,000 flights arriving or departing the UKCredit: Getty
With the weekend fast approaching, families are wondering: “Will my holiday still go ahead, and who is footing the bill?”
Here is everything you need to know about the current travel situation, why flights have still been grounded, and what aviation bosses are saying.
Aviation analytics company Cirium confirmed that cancellations are slowing down, with schedules expected to return to normal later today (September 10).
BA said it was “sorry” to its customers, but stressed the meltdown was “out of our control”.
Taking a swipe at air traffic bosses, a BA spokesperson said: “Our customers and colleagues are tired of dealing with these issues, time after time. This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”
Meanwhile, Heathrow has assured passengers that it is working with airlines to ensure the majority of flights operate normally.
If your flight was cancelled or delayed due to the outage, you’re unlikely to see a payout.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has said that the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) meltdown is considered an “extraordinary circumstance”.
Under passenger rights rules, this means airlines do not legally have to pay out compensation for delays or cancellations caused by the incident.
But airlines are still legally required to “look after” passengers, meaning they must provide food, drink, and overnight accommodation if you’re severely delayed or rebooked onto a flight the next day.
Who is to blame?
NATS chief executive Martin Rolfe is facing mounting pressure to resign over the fiasco, with Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary branding Rolfe’s position as “untenable”.
Despite the backlash, Downing Street has said it still has confidence in Rolfe, who stated he takes “full responsibility” for the outage.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the outage was due to a technical issue at NATS’ Swanwick site, ruling out a cyberattack.
She told MPs she did not believe the issue was “unavoidable” and ordered the CAA to conduct an independent, six-month review into what went wrong.
FURTHER disruption to air travel could be on the horizon with easyJet pilots confirming strike action in Europe.
The walkout is set to take place across two days meaning flights could be delayed or cancelled – including some to and from the UK.
easyJet pilots in France are set to strike across two days next weekCredit: Alamy Stock PhotoFlights to destinations like Strasbourg could be disrupted next weekCredit: Alamy
Affecting flights in France, members of the SNPL pilots’ union have said that its members who work for easyJet will walk out over a pay dispute.
It will start at 4.59am on September 13 and end at 11.59pm on September 14.
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According to a statement by Syndicat National des Pilotes de Ligne (SNPL) which is the main French national union for airline pilots, the dispute is around the pilots’ rosters with the airline.
Currently, there is no official estimate of how many flights could be cancelled or delayed as a result of the strike.
The amount of disruption will depend on how many pilots participate in the strike and how easyJet changes its schedule.
For Brits, it could affect the airline’s flights to the likes of Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Lyon, Nice, Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Rennes, La Rochelle and Strasbourg.
It’s likely that not every easyJet flight from these airports will be affected and passengers should check their flight status before travelling on these days for updates on their journey.
Last month another strike by easyJet staff in France resulted in almost 100 flights being cancelled.
The news comes after there were huge delays across all UK airports this week due to a NATS tech outage that left thousands of passengers stranded.
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.
ABTA has issued a statement on the situation at airports across the UK, advising passengers of their rights and what steps they should take if their flight is cancelled or delayed this week
Thousands of flights have been cancelled(Image: Henry NICHOLLS / AFP via Getty Images)
According to BBC figures, obtained from aviation analytics firm Cirium, 1,750 flights were cancelled yesterday (Tuesday, September 8), and more than 150 have been cancelled today so far. Significant delays are also expected to persist today due to the knock-on effect of yesterday’s cancellations.
At least 16 major UK airports have been affected by the wave of cancellations, which are due to a major technical problem impacting National Air Traffic Services (NATS), leading ABTA to issue advice to affected passengers.
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA, said in a statement: “If your flight has been delayed or cancelled customers will have rights, which will vary depending on whether they booked their flight separately or as part of a package.
“ABTA members will be supporting those booked with them, to help make alternative arrangements, and we have advice on abta.com to help people understand their rights.
“While the immediate priority is supporting customers, as this isn’t the first NATS outage to cause widespread disruption, the industry and the public will want answers as to what has gone wrong, what lessons are being learned, and how the system will be made more resilient to avoid this happening again.”
ABTA has advised passengers to visit it FAQs page, which gives passengers a breakdown of their rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled. If a flight is delayed, your airline is required to offer certain support, from refreshments to accommodation and transfers, depending on the length of the delay and the route.
ABTA also says: “If the delay exceeds five hours, your airline must offer you the choice of taking a refund of the flight cost.” However, it’s unlikely passengers hit by today’s delays and cancellations will be able to claim for additional compensation. It states: “if it wasn’t the airline’s fault, you won’t be entitled to receive any compensation. Delays caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.”
For those hit by cancellations, ABTA says: “If your flight is cancelled and you’re departing from the UK, your airline must offer you the choice of a replacement flight at the earliest opportunity or a refund.”
It advises: “If you were at the airport when your flight was cancelled, and you’ve chosen rerouting, you’re also entitled to care and assistance while you wait to be rerouted. This usually means food, drink, access to communications (e.g. two free phone calls) plus accommodation and the necessary transfers if the replacement flight departs the next day or later.”
Airlines affected by delays and cancellations include London-Heathrow, Gatwick, London-Stansted, London-City, London=-Southend, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Liverpool John Lennon, Aberdeen, Belfast, EMA, Southampton, Leeds and Jersey.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
LONDON — More than 400 flights were canceled Tuesday due to a technical issue in Britain’s air traffic control system, reported the flight monitoring website Flightradar24.
Britain’s National Air Traffic Services said a problem had been identified in its flight processing system and engineers were urgently working on the issue, which affected flights across the U.K.
In an update, it said it had “implemented a fix and our flight system is starting to recover.”
About 425 flights to and from U.K. airports, including Heathrow, were canceled, affecting services operated by multiple airlines including British Airways, EasyJet, KLM and Lufthansa.
The affected airports, which also included Stansted and City in London, as well as airports in Manchester, Birmingham and Scotland, said the technical issue caused disruptions. They warned passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline.
Budget airline EasyJet said some of its flights were “unable to operate” and that the system failure caused “delays to flights across Europe.”
Some passengers took to social media to complain about being stuck on the tarmac for hours. Many expressed frustration about a lack of communication from airlines.
Heathrow’s website showed that many short-haul flights departing for European destinations had been canceled or delayed.
Arriving flights did not appear to be affected. It was not immediately clear what caused the technical problem.
ALL departing flights from UK airports including both Heathrow and Gatwick are majorly disrupted due to an “air traffic control failure”.
Thousands of passengers have been stranded across the country as flights are grounded.
Passengers have been stranded as all departing flights face major disruption including at HeathrowCredit: AlamyUK airports are in chaos as departing flights are disrupted or cancelledCredit: @flightradar24/ X
The country’s air traffic control service NATS has a “technical issue” causing widespread chaos for departing flights.
Planes arriving into airports are not impacted.
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A Heathrow spokesperson said: “The air traffic control service NATS is experiencing a technical issue which is affecting departing flights at UK airports.
“We are supporting our local NATS team in their efforts to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Major airports like Gatwick are included in those affectedCredit: AlamyPassengers have been warned to expect disruption (stock image)Credit: Getty
“We will provide updated information when we have it.
“We apologise to those disrupted and advise passengers to check with their airline for the latest flight information.
“This is affecting all UK airports, not just Heathrow and Gatwick.”
Fuming passengers told The Sun they’re stuck abroad because their flights are unable to leave over the issue in the UK, and have been warned they may have to get hotels for the night.
A National Air Traffic Services spokesperson said in a statement: “We are investigating a technical issue which is causing some disruption to flight departures.
“Our engineers are on site and we will provide an update as soon as we can.
“We apologise for the delay this will cause to journeys, passengers should check with their airline on the status of their flight.”
Are you affected? Email emily.davies@thesun.co.uk
It said in an update: “We have identified that the issue was in our flight processing system. Our engineers are on site and working urgently to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
“We recognise the ongoing disruption to travel, for which we sincerely apologise. Flights are still departing and airspace is open, but recovery will take some time.
“We will provide further updates as soon as possible. Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline.
“We will provide further updates as soon as we have confirmed information, at http://www.nats.aero and on X at @NATS.”
Airport management at Heathrow said all outgoing flights have been temporarily halted.
Belfast City Airport also warned of “some disruption” to flights.
Manchester Airport Group, the company that operates Manchester Airport, Stansted Airport in Essex and East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire, said flights from all three had been affected by the air traffic control issue.
It grounded 500flightsacross the UKand Brits were stuck for hours on a Bank Holiday.
The “one in 15 million” event led to thousands of flights being cancelled and delayed.
An investigation launched by NATS revealed that a flight plan errorresulted in the failure, which meant the air space was forced to close down – and only resumed 10 hours later.
In the aftermath, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said NATS could raise the amount it charges airlines by 25 per cent to ensure “safety and quality service”.
The fee increased from £47 to £64 per flight, an increase of 43p per passenger to £2.08 on average.
Sarah, from Manchester, said that people were left “confused and upset” by the chaos while at Lisbon Airport.
She told Sun Travel: “We arrived at the correct time for our 4.30pm flight to Heathrow but were then told our flight was four hours delayed.
“The queues are backing up at the BA check in desks with confused and upset people and crying babies.”
A spokesperson for Jersey Airport said: “UK air traffic control is currently experiencing issues which is impacting flights across the UK including services between Jersey and UK.
“Passengers are advised to check the latest flight information directly with their airline.”
Gatwick Airport added: “We are aware of a NATS technical issue that is currently affecting a number of UK airports, including London Gatwick.
“Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for more information regarding their flights.”
Disgruntled travellers have flocked to social media following the disruption.
One said: “Still stuck next in line on the runway at LHR. 90 minutes in.” Another said: “BA 742 back to engines off and waiting. Approaching 2 hour mark in 15 minutes.”
Another person posted on X: “We are currently sat on Alicante tarmac going to Manchester and this is affecting us. Not just London!”
A third said: “Luton airport too! We’re stranded on the actual plane.”
Four tips to help you claim back compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled
MORE than seven million of us are expected to fly to European holiday spots this summer.
As peak holiday season hits, some delays are unavoidable.
If you’re one of those whose flight is disrupted, knowing your rights will help you claim back compensation.
GROUNDED: If your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before you fly, you are entitled to a new flight or refund and possibly compensation.
This applies to flights departing from a UK or EU airport, regardless of airline, and to flights arriving at a UK or EU airport, if operated by a UK or EU airline. In other cases, you’ll probably be entitled to a refund or an alternative flight, but you may not get compensation.
LATE LEAVING: Again, for EU or UK flights or airlines, if your arrival is delayed by more than three hours, you’re usually entitled to compensation — unless the delay was caused by circumstances beyond the airline’s control, like severe weather or air traffic control strikes.
Email or phone the airline, providing flight details and booking references, as well as the length of the delay. The amount you’ll get depends on the delay length and journey distance.
MEAL MATHS: If a flight is delayed by at least two hours for short flights or three hours for medium-distance, or four hours for long-haul, the airline must provide free meals and refreshments.
If the delay means you have to stay overnight, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel.
If it doesn’t provide these and you end up paying for food, a hotel or transport yourself, keep all receipts so you can claim back reasonable expenses later.
PAPER TRAIL: Airlines often dispute compensation, so arm yourself with clear evidence.
Take photos of delay announcements on departure boards, and gate changes.
Keep emails, text alerts and boarding passes.
You can claim for delays that happened up to six years ago.
Two new eruptions were recorded as Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau continued to spew volcanic ash, disrupting hundreds of flights at six airports. Travellers describe sudden cancellations, while residents deal with ash blanketing roads and public spaces.
Hundreds of flights have been suspended after an airport had to be closed because of the ash cloud caused by a volcanic eruption. Tens of thousands of passengers have been left stranded. 209 flights were suspended after ash from Anak Krakatau blew into the airspace near Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday.
Soekarno-Hatta is the main airport in Indonesia. The volcano started erupting on Friday night and there were two more eruptions on Sunday. More than 22,000 people have been hit by the suspension of flights, which has hity major international routes.
There is no tsunami warning linked to the eruption in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. The health minister has urged residents to stay indoors and wear face masks.
Local newspaper Kompas said schools cancelled activities on Saturday after students reported eye irritations. Fishing vessels have also been grounded amid health concerns.
Resident Aldi Candra Prayogi told Kompas it felt like “small grains of sand had gotten into my eyes” and he is having to clear the path outside his home every five minutes.
Anak Krakatau emerged from the sea in 1927 inside the caldera formed by the catastrophic, climate-altering eruption of the original Krakatoa volcano in 1883.
Indonesia’s Geological Agency said the volcanic island located in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait between the main Java and Sumatra islands had shown signs of activity since Friday before erupting for 30 seconds at 3.53am.
CCTV footage showed lava flares from the volcano. No casualties were reported and no evacuation order was issued. The nearest settlement is more than 16 kilometres (10 miles) away, but authorities warned residents and visitors to stay at least three kilometres (2 miles) from the active crater.
Volcanic ash spread across parts of Jakarta and Lampung province on Sumatra’s southern tip, Indonesia’s centre for volcanology and geological hazard mitigation said. AirNav Indonesia closed airspace around Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma airports in Jakarta, as well as four other airports, including Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung, because of volcanic ash.
By mid-afternoon, the closure had affected 516 flight movements, with 202 in Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta airport alone, affecting about 22,800 passengers, on Sunday. The airport was ordered closed until at least 5.30pm.
Indonesia’s directorate general of civil aviation said it was closely monitoring the eruption’s impact on air travel and co-ordinating with airlines, airport operators, air navigation services and the meteorology agency.
“Safety remains our top priority in every operational decision,” Lukman F Laisa, ministry of transportation director general of civil aviation, said in a statement.
He warned flight schedules could face cascading disruptions affecting aircraft rotations, fleet availability and terminal capacity as airlines work to restore operations.
The eruption also disrupted services at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and at Medan.
Indonesia’s volcanology agency and the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre identified two ash clouds using satellite imagery. One plume rose to 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) and drifted northeast over Jakarta, Banten, West Java and nearby waters. A second cloud reached 50,000 feet (15,200 meters) and spread over parts of Banten, Lampung and Bengkulu provinces, the southern Sunda Strait and sections of the Indian Ocean west of Sumatra.
Lana Saria, head of Indonesia’s geological agency, said activity at Anak Krakatau has intensified since July, with Sunday’s eruption the strongest during the current period of unrest.
The repeated eruptions indicate a continued supply of magma and volcanic gases beneath the volcano, she said, though officials cannot predict whether a larger eruption will occur.
“We continue to evaluate the volcano’s development based on all monitoring data, not solely on the number of eruptions or the height of the ash column,” Ms Saria said in a video briefing.
She said the main hazards include volcanic ash, high concentrations of gas and the ejection of hot rocks and other material around the crater area.
THE Portuguese love a summer spent in the Algarve as much as the rest of us.
But instead of the better-known Albufeira, Faro and Lagos, they head to the quaint fishing town of Tavira.
Tavira’s whitewashed buildings are strikingCredit: GettyThe beautiful Praia da Ilha de Tavira, which spans eight miles, leaves plenty of room for your beach towelCredit: Alamy
On the eastern end of the famous coastline, it has calmer, cheaper and more cultured experiences than its neighbouring tourist hotspots.
And with easyJet having launched new routes from the UK this summer, it’s the perfect time to explore new Algarvian shores.
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WHY SHOULD I GO?
Put simply, for the numerous beaches. Tavira is a paradise within the Algarve, which was last year crowned the World’s Best Beach Destination 2025.
These numerous wild, sandy stretches are largely unspoilt and crowd-free, even in peak season.
Notably, they include the beautiful Praia da Ilha de Tavira, which spans eight miles, leaving plenty of room for your beach towel.
Here, the sea is famously warmer as it is more sheltered from the chilly expanse of Atlantic Ocean.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?
The Gilao river is great to walk alongCredit: Alamy
To reach Praia da Ilha de Tavira, you will need to take a ferry or, if you feel you like splashing out, a water taxi.
From Tavira, the easiest place to hop on is at the town’s pier.
Ferries, which operate between March and October, take 20 minutes and cost around £2 for a return trip.
Back on dry land in central Tavira, however, the town’s winding, cobbled streets can be easily explored on foot.
Make sure to stroll along the picturesque Gilao river, which runs through the centre, flanked by traditional tile-covered buildings.
And linger to take in the live music at golden hour on the old Ponte Romana bridge.
Want to rest your legs? You can travel past the town’s key landmarks on a traditional hop-on, hop-off “tourist train”.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?
The historic Ponte Romana bridge connects the townCredit: Alamy
For those who like to relax on holiday, the port town’s beaches include the option to rent sunloungers, as well as surfboards, and enjoy beach club drinks served while you sunbathe.
While you’re between the sandy dunes and saltwater lagoons, you may even see the flamingos, dolphins and turtles that call this area home.
If you often get itchy feet and like to immerse yourself in the local culture — or need to walk off the traditional dessert of a freshly baked pastel de nata — then this is a Portuguese spot rich in history.
The ruins of a Moorish castle can be found in Tavira, and they are free to explore.
Plenty of architectural evidence also remains of the sailors and fishermen who came to inhabit the town in the Middle Ages.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
Pastel de nata are like Portuguese custard tartsCredit: Getty
Given its proximity to the coast, seafood is the most popular choice here.
Try Mesa Farta, which has a modern take on traditional Portuguese food, including homemade sourdough and mackerel, as well as fresh chocolate mousse.
Special occasion? You can’t beat A Ver Tavira. Situated near the castle and with the best views in town, it is one of only seven Michelin-starred restaurants in the Algarve, with mouthwatering dishes that take culinary inspiration from the local area.
A particular favourite of the locals is Restaurante Pedro, in the nearby village of Cabanas de Tavira.
I FANCY A DRINK
There are no shortage of bars in Tavira. One popular option is Arcada, positioned on the main square, which serves freshly-shaken cocktails.
Meanwhile, the Black Anchor is an Irish bar with a terrace that overlooks the river, with the Portuguese beer Sagres on the menu — or even a Guinness on tap if you must.
If you are more of an early bird than a night owl, the town is brimming with cafes where you can get your caffeine fix for less than a couple of euros.
Flat white or matcha more to your taste? Then head to speciality coffee shop, The Table.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
For complete tranquillity, head to the 4* Quinta dos Perfumes, with its rooms and pool area nestled in an oasis of orange and avocado trees.
It is less than a ten-minute drive from the centre, a 15-minute walk to the boats at Cabanas de Tavira and close to Benamor golf course.
GO: TAVIRA
GETTING THERE: easyJet flights from Newcastle to Faro start from £25.99pp.
