flights

A UK airline has been forced to cancel its London flights due to rising fuel costs.

Skybus operates daily flights between London Gatwick and the seaside town of Newquay.

This started back in November 2025, taking on the route from Eastern Airways which went into administration last year.

The service was due to end on May 31, however it has now said it will be ending now – nearly two months earlier.

The airline’s Managing Director Jonathon Hinkles said it was for a number of reasons.

This includes the increase in fuel costs, as well as lack of passenger bookings.

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He explained: “At a time of great economic uncertainty and steps being taken to conserve energy worldwide, it is neither environmentally nor economically sound for us to continue flying with vastly reduced passenger numbers.”

Passengers affected will be fully refunded.

The flights between London and Cornwall take around 1hr20 and start from £79.99 each way.

This is not only faster – trains take around five hours and include a change to Newquay – but cheaper than the average train fare which is around £85.

Some passengers use it as a way of travelling further onto Europe as well.

One Brit, who was meant to fly from Newquay to Gatwick, then onto Seville told the BBC: “Gatwick is not the easiest airport to get to so our contingency is probably to use rail.”

In the mean time, Ryanair offers flights between Newquay and London Stansted all year round.

And easyJet is due to start a new flight route to Newquay from June 23, with two a week from London Gatwick on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

A Cornwall Airport Newquay spokesperson said: “We are actively working with airline partners and stakeholders to secure sustainable London connectivity for the future.”

It isn’t the only airline to warn of future flight cancellations due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has warned of travel chaos this summer if the crisis continues.

He said: “We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June.”

While he said he didn’t see the airline having to cancel flights just yet, he warned that as much as 20 per cent of its jet fuel is costing them nearly $150 a barrel.

Other airlines around the world have already started cancelling flights.

Both Air New Zealand and SAS confirmed that more than 1,000 have been cancelled, mainly affecting domestic routes.

And United Airlines said five per cent of flights would be cancelled in the second and third quarters of 2026 – working out to around 250 a month.

You could find huge savings on your next flight by following three tips from a former flight attendant – including booking your trip on a certain day of the week

The day you choose to book your flights can influence the price you pay. Holidays can become costly rapidly if you’re unaware of how to hunt for the best bargains, including your destination, accommodation, and which flight to select. Securing the finest deals can be challenging, and it can hinge on seemingly arbitrary factors, such as when you browse.

According to a former flight attendant, there are some straightforward steps you can take to cut costs on your next plane ticket. Bianca, who has been sharing travel tips online since departing her flight attendant role three years ago, posted a video on social media in which she encouraged travellers to capitalise on several flight hacks, including booking flights on particular days of the week, and even which time of day is optimal.

She said: “Do not book another flight until you do these things.”

1. Book flights on particular days

Bianca explained it doesn’t matter which day of the week you actually fly, but you should purchase your tickets on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. She maintained airlines frequently offer superior deals or more affordable seats on those days, irrespective of which day you’re actually intending to travel.

She said: “Book your flights only on a Tuesday, a Wednesday, or a Saturday. I mean book your flights on those days. Which means you’re going to sit down on one of those days and you’re going to book your flight. The flight can be on any day, but you’re going to book it on those days. They’re cheaper [and have] better deals.”

2. Always use incognito mode

The former flight attendant implored everyone to utilise incognito mode on their web browser, or to employ a virtual private network (VPN) to keep their browsing data concealed from the website they’re using to arrange their flights. This could help secure a more economical deal on your flights – though that’s not always guaranteed.

She said: “You’re going to use a VPN or incognito mode, depending on what device you have and depending how well it works on your device. If incognito mode does not do enough, then get a VPN.

“You generally just don’t want your demographic to show where you are when you’re going to buy a flight. Because they [websites] will literally rack up the prices of flights based on where you live. I know it’s crazy, but they do it.”

3. Book flights in the morning

If you’re after the best bargains on flights, you’ll need to rise early – or stay up late. Bianca maintains that, alongside booking flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, you should also attempt to purchase your tickets between 3am and 4am.

She explained: “Three or four in the morning, if you’re a night owl, this is all for you. This is the best time to book your flights. [There are] cheaper deals [because] flights drop in the middle of the night. I’m telling you, it’s the best time.”

Commenters on Bianca’s post expressed gratitude for her tips, with many stating they’d be implementing them to obtain a more affordable flight for their forthcoming summer holidays.

One person said: “Okay, I’m going to travel.”

Another commented: “Thank you, sis! This is good.”

A third endorsed the advice, stating: “Yup, I bought my flight to LA in the middle of the night and paid $150 (£112) round trip.”

HOLIDAYS are getting more expensive from today with a rise in Air Passenger Duty (APD).

ADP, first introduced in 1994, is the ‘tax’ that passengers have to pay when flying from the majority of UK airports, which is built into the cost of flights.

From today, the rates have increased, and how much you pay depends on the final destination and the class of travel.

Band A is any destination abroad whose capital city is 2,000 miles or less from London, which covers all of Europe and parts of North Africa.

For example, flying in economy to a short-haul destination like Spain, Greece or Portugal has some of the lowest rates from £15.

A family of four could therefore expect to pay £60 under the new rules if travelling in economy.

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However, this can go up to £32 per passenger depending on the class they are flying in.

When flying further afield, or in a premium economy or higher, the tax goes up.

Band B is any destination whose capital city is 2,001-5,500 miles from London, so long-haul destinations such as Egypt or the Maldives.

These range from £102 to £244 – so it would be £408 for a family of four in economy flying to resort towns like Sharm El Sheikh.

Band C is for destinations whose capital city is over 5,500 miles from London.

These include Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Buenos Aires and all Australia.

The rates range from £106 to £253 – meaning it could be more than £1,000 for a family of four at the top rate.

There is an even higher rate which in line with Band C can be as high as £1,141 – but this applies to private jets.

UK domestic flights range from £8 to £16 depending on class.

The government will review the rates of APD again on April 1, 2027.

There aren’t many ways to avoid paying APD, but if you still want to go abroad and avoid the extra fee, there are a few ways to do so.

Passengers under 16 who are travelling in basic economy are exempt from paying APD – although if they fly premium economy or above, they will be charged.

One is to fly into the UK on one plane and out within 24 hours on another.

But you need to have them both included in the same ticket.

Or, fly on a route from a UK airport that is not subject to APD.

Scottish Highlands and Islands region are exempt like Inverness, Oban, Sumburgh and Stornoway.

Direct long-haul flights from Northern Ireland are also exempt as long as the first part of the journey is to a destination not in the UK or in Band A.

When the departure tax was first introduced, it was just £5 European flight and £10 on long-haul services.

For how to save money on holiday, TUI expert reveals how to save hundreds on the same break – as well as the little-known money saving tool.

And from someone who has travelled to 41 countries – the simple hotel trick that saved my family of four hundreds.

A UK budget airline has added new routes and destinations to their summer itinerary with prices of return flights only costing around £50 for British holidaymakers

A popular UK budget airline has announced a £50 summer flight sale from London airports with the launch of new travel destinations.

Wizz Air has announced it will take holidaymakers to 77 destinations from the UK this summer – with return prices starting as low as £50 per person.

The budget carrier will run more than 104 routes from the UK, with 69 routes from Luton Airport and 20 from Gatwick.

Luton will now carry passengers to Bilbao, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Alicante and Seville.

It will also continue to run daily flights to Madrid and two daily services to Barcelona.

The airline will also serve seven destinations in Greece from London, including Athens, Mykonos and Crete.

Flights between London and destinations in Europe between June and September are currently on sale for bargain prices.

A return flight from London Luton to Kosice in Slovakia in June cost £42.98 per person and a return flight to Lyon in September is on sale for £31.98.

These prices do not include cabin bags or hold luggage.

Wizz Air UK managing director Yvonne Moynihan said: “ This summer, our customers told us exactly what they wanted – more sunshine, more choice and unbeatable value – and we listened.

“We’re stepping up while others step back, launching more routes, more flights and even better prices to Europe’s most loved destinations.

“From buzzing Spanish cities to iconic Greek escapes, we’re delivering the routes people actually want, at the best prices in the market.”

IF YOU are looking for your next holiday spot, then you could head to a European city two hours from the UK that has just got new flights from a major airport.

Budget airline easyJet has launched flights from Manchester Airport to Montpellier in France.

The flights will operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, throughout the summer season and cost as little as £26.99 per way.

The historic city of Montpellier is found in southern France, around six miles from the Mediterranean Sea.

The city is often dubbed one of the sunniest in France thanks to boasting an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.

The city’s Mediterranean climate means that it has mild winters and hot, dry summers.

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Because the city has a lot of sunshine, there is a lot to do outdoors in Montpellier including heading to the medieval Old Town where you will find narrow, winding streets with historic townhouses and a number of independent boutiques.

Another highlight of the Old Town is heading to Place de la Comédie, which is a lively square with the Three Graces fountain.

You can also head to Saint-Pierre Cathedral which dates back to the 14th century and has a fortress-like appearance.

In the Antigone district, which is mostly pedestrianised, has lots of fascinating architecture to explore, including copies of famous Greco-Roman sculptures.

For a mix of nature and history, venture to the Botanical Garden, which is the oldest one in France, founded back in 1593.

The garden features a bamboo forest, orange trees, a lotus pond where you might spot some carp and a greenhouse with a myriad of cacti.

You can even make a wish in the wishing tree called Phallaire.

If you fancy a nice walk, head to the Saint-Clément aqueduct.

Built in the 18th century, the dual-level aqueduct is responsible for the fountains littered across the city.

Each Tuesday and Saturday, you will also be able to catch a market at the foot of the aqueduct.

If you don’t mind heading slightly out of the city, then there are a number of chateaux you can explore, including Château De Flaugergues – a 19th-century chateau with Flemish tapestries and pretty gardens.

It costs £9.98 per person to visit.

The city has a number of hotels to choose from, including Pullman La Pléiade Montpellier Centre, which costs from £166 per night.

The hotel can be found in the centre of the city and features a panoramic rooftop pool and restaurant.

Alternatively, you could head to the Radisson Blu Hotel for £107 per night, which also boasts an outdoor pool as well.

When out and about in the city, you can expect to spend about €55 (£47.75) on a mid-range three course meal for two and between €4 (£3.47) and €5 (£4.34) for a beer.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “We are really pleased to be celebrating our inaugural flights to the fantastic city of Montpellier, just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean coast.

“By introducing new connections from Manchester on our unrivalled leisure network, customers from across the northwest can now enjoy even more choice this summer to book and travel with ease.”

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “Montpellier is not currently served by any other airline so passengers planning a holiday to the south of France this summer will have even more choice of destinations when flying from Manchester.

“We’re sure this new route will prove extremely popular.”

In other flight news, an airline has launched its first flights in two years from UK airport to one of the world’s best food destinations.

Plus, a major airline is set to launch new flights from a London airport – it will be its first in nearly 20 years.

Finland has been crowned the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report 2026, and it’s just three hours from the UK with direct flights from £17

The world’s happiest nation has been unveiled, and it’s just three hours from the UK with £17 flights available.

For the ninth year running, Finland, with its varied terrain and exceptional quality of life, has been crowned the happiest country of 2026. The Scandinavian nation claimed top spot in the World Happiness Report 2026, released by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.

The findings emerged after a survey of approximately 100,000 individuals across 140 nations, with Finland singled out for freedom to make life choices, social support, and life expectancy. Additional factors thought to contribute to Finland’s satisfying way of life include its minimal crime levels, unpolluted environment, and work-life equilibrium, alongside its stunning natural splendour.

The Nordic nation boasts thousands of unspoilt lakes with sparkling waters and captivating woodlands that blanket over 70 per cent of the territory. The varied scenery is genuinely spectacular and undeniably elevates the standard of living for Finnish residents, providing abundant prospects for outdoor pursuits and wellness.

It’s not exclusively those residing in the nation who can discover its marvels. Finland has emerged as a sought-after holiday spot for visitors eager to observe the shimmering northern lights, trek through its remarkable landscape, or sample its extraordinary saunas, with over 3 million scattered throughout the country.

Whilst many associate Finland with its enchanting Lapland winter wonderland, particularly beloved during the festive season, the country is undoubtedly a year-round destination spanning its four distinct regions. From lakeside retreats to woodland escapes and seaside breaks.

Finland’s capital, Helsinki, makes for a perfect starting point for a pedestrian-friendly city break, boasting cutting-edge art galleries, legendary saunas, thriving eateries and stunning Nordic architecture. The city’s peninsula position, encircled by islands, provides convenient access to some of the nation’s finest natural attractions, from woodlands to islands and shorelines.

Direct flights to Helsinki in April start from £17 one-way, according to Skyscanner. Although you’ll need to layer up with temperatures hovering around 8C during spring, the city’s stunning scenery makes it well worth the journey, with countless walking routes through its peaceful, postcard-perfect landscapes.

Additionally, with an exceptionally strong sauna culture, you’re never far from a warming dip after a day’s exploration. Among Helsinki’s most sought-after destinations is Löyly, a striking waterfront sauna and dining venue, housed in a modern Nordic building with seaside panoramas.

Further notable Finnish destinations include Rovaniemi, celebrated as the Lapland gem, and Tampere, offering another stylish urban getaway. There’s also Kuopio for those seeking to retreat to the peaceful lakes, and Turku, famed for its historic castle and waterside dining establishments.

Beyond Finland, other Scandinavian nations, including Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, also featured amongst the globe’s happiest countries. Meanwhile, Costa Rica, boasting its tropical climate, rainforests and beaches, secured fourth position, with European destinations commanding the list.

Top 10 happiest countries in the world 2026

1. Finland
2. Iceland
3. Denmark
4. Costa Rica
5. Sweden
6. Norway
7. Netherlands
8. Israel
9. Luxembourg
10. Switzerland

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

AN AIRLINE has returned to a major UK airport for the first time in two years.

ITA Airways has returned to London Heathrow Airport after two years and has launched a route to Italy.

The Italian airline is operating two flights a day between the UK and Rome, Italy after securing slots from Lufthansa.

The flights from London Heathrow will depart each day at 10:30am, landing at 2:10pm and the second flight will take off at 4:30pm and arrive at 8:10pm.

Flights from Rome to Heathrow will leave at 7:50am and arrive in London at 9:40am and then at 1:50pm, arriving at 3:40pm each day.

A one-way flight in April costs as little as £57.45 with the airline.

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Last year, Rome was named the world’s best food destination in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.

The awards recognise destinations with a high volume of “above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period”.

TripAdvisor stated: “In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct.

“Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino.”

Italy might be well-known for being the home of pizza and pasta, but more specifically a number of great dishes originated from Rome.

For example, Cacio e Pepe, spaghetti carbonara and tray-baked pizza were all created in the city.

Earlier this year, Rome was also named the best city for ‘noctourism’ by Radical Storage.

The luggage storage platform assessed over 50 destinations across four categories including experiences (such as the number of night tours) and natural factors (light pollution levels).

Rome came out on top scoring 6.07 overall out of 10.

The Italian capital scored particularly well in the experience category (9.2 out of 10), offering an impressive 305 night tours.

ITA Airways used to operate flights from London Heathrow but suspended operations due to high costs.

The airline also did not own its Heathrow slots, instead it was leasing them from Etihad Airways for around £3.3million per year.

Instead, the airline turned to focus on London City Airport and London Gatwick Airport.

The airline’s return to Heathrow Terminal 2 has been made possible through its partnership with the Lufthansa Group, which means the airline has been given slots at the airport by Lufthansa.

According to Travel Weekly, the airline said in a statement: “The resumption of flights from Europe’s busiest airport – the most connected airport in the world – was made possible thanks to the co-operation with Lufthansa, which made the necessary airport slots available to ITA Airways.

“Connections between the British capital and Milan Linate will continue to operate via London City Airport.”

ITA Airways chief executive Joerg Eberhart added: “Today we celebrate a major milestone: our company is back at Heathrow, the UK’s only hub airport and the most connected airport in the world.

“Returning to Heathrow will bring many advantages.

“Thanks to the characteristics of the airport, we will be able to operate flights with larger aircraft and greater capacity, increasing both passengers and revenues.”

In other flight news, a UK airport has revealed plans for its first long-haul flights in 15 years – with a massive £500million investment.

Plus, find out when flights are cheapest and what is the best day to book a flight, here.

RYANAIR has scrapped all flights to a popular destination often compared to Hawaii.

The low-cost airline has axed its direct service as a result of soaring airport fees.

From today – March 29, 2026 – all services to and from the Azores – which are famous for their stunning beaches and vibrant greenery – have been stopped.

The move means six different routes have been scrapped, impacting approximately 400,000 passengers who visit the islands annually.

The airline previously pointed to a 120 per cent rise in air traffic control charges and the introduction of a new travel tax as the breaking points.

Ryanair’s CCO Jason McGuinness said: “We are disappointed that the French airport monopoly ANA continues to raise Portuguese airport fees to line its pockets, at the expense of Portuguese tourism and jobs – particularly on the Portuguese islands.”

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As costs continue to climb, the airline stated it had no choice but to move its planes to cheaper airports elsewhere in Europe.

McGuinness added: “As a direct result of these rising costs, we have been left with no alternative other than to cancel all Azores flights from 29 March 2026 onwards.”

The region – located about 950 miles from mainland Portugal – has lost direct low-fare links to London, Brussels, Lisbon and Porto.

The nine volcanic islands are known for having unspoiled beauty, which includes vibrant green hills and black sandy beaches.

British Airways still flies to the islands seasonally, with direct flights from London Heathrow to Ponta Delgada and Terceira.

BRISTOL Airport has submitted plans to expand with thousands more flights and long-haul journeys.

Along with more passengers the terminal will be larger, there will be new shops, restaurants as well as an extended runway at the cost of £500million.

New plans have been submitted to North Somerset Council for Bristol Airport to extend its runway which will allow for long-haul flights.

The proposal revealed the airport had plans to reach “world cities within Europe and beyond”.

This includes a limited number of new flights to North America, the Middle East and Asia.

By the late 2030s, the expansion is hoping to increase passenger numbers too from 12million to 15million.

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The amount of travellers that pass through Bristol Airport is currently 10.8million.

The increased take-offs and landings mean that there could be up to 100,000 flight movements a year- up from 85,990.

On the busiest days, there could be as many as 35 aircraft movements.

Bristol Airport added: “The plans would see around £500 million invested in improvements at the airport and local infrastructure.

“These include extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and increasing capacity of the terminal that includes a number of improvements to enhance the customer experience, including more space, a wider choice of retail and restaurants and the ability to walk onto aircraft without getting on a bus.”

Along with the extended runway are plans for a larger terminal with more space for a bigger immigration hall, baggage handling facilities, shops and restaurants. 

Other improvements detailed in the plans include travelators, better public transport and the expansion of car hire facilities.

Chief executive Dave Lees said: “Our proposals deliver what customers have told us they want to see at their local airport. 

“We will open up opportunities to visit places further afield and for businesses to expand into new international markets.”

Bristol Airport originally revealed its masterplan to expand last year with the ambitious plans taking it up to 2040.

There are currently 14 airlines operating from Bristol Airport which go to 115 destinations including Alicante, Majorca, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Tenerife and Barcelona.

In 2024, Amsterdam was the most popular destination, followed by Alicante and Majorca.

Bristol Airport once offered flights as far as New York, operated by now-closed Continental Airlines.

However, these were scrapped back in 2010, with the longest route from the airport now just under six hours to Cape Verde.

Plus, another major UK airport launches 12 new routes to popular destinations with eight new airlines.

And this affordable African city to get massive new £960million airport expansion with space for 20million passengers.

British holidaymakers in Tenerife admit they have “booked early flights home” recently. A specific issue seems to have impacted their holidays over the past few weeks

UK holidaymakers visiting a beloved travel hotspot say they’ve been “booking early flights home” after their breaks were disrupted by an unexpected issue. While many jet off abroad hoping to bask in the sunshine, unwind and enjoy some well-deserved rest, things don’t always go according to plan – no matter how much we’d like them to.

Brits in Tenerife recently discovered this first-hand, with some suggesting their holidays were “ruined” due to an unlikely problem. A string of videos have gone viral on TikTok, with visitors expressing their frustration after trips to the destination over recent weeks, catching many completely off guard.

This follows yet another Tenerife-related announcement made earlier this month, when it was confirmed the island had been added to a warning list.

A man, known online as Gazza, posted a video of his recent getaway, stating: “Come here every year and this is the first bad downpour experience.” He also described the weather as “brutal” for four days due to the relentless rainfall.

The clip has since racked up thousands of views, sparking hundreds of responses. It appears many fellow travellers have encountered similar situations.

One commented: “Had wind, clouds and cold one year for four days out of the seven. Never went back.” Another added: “I was there last week and got an early flight home.”

Gazza responded to this remark, saying: “Was debating it too.” While a third chimed in: “I just got back. It was mental.”

A further user wrote: “It’s been almost a week!!! Everywhere/everything closed!!!” While another remarked: “That’s pretty unlucky. I would feel gutted.”

Others, however, claimed to have had a wonderful time during their visit, with some reporting an entirely different experience.

One holidaymaker shared: “It’s heaven. Chill.” Another added: “Here at the moment and not that bad. People need to chill out.”

Someone else also weighed in with: “Still rather be there than here. It’s the getting away that matters.”

What’s actually been going on?

While heavy rainfall is uncommon in Tenerife during March, a powerful storm has recently battered the Canary Islands. Storm Therese is reported to have wreaked havoc on the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, with an unexpected mix of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds and even snowfall at high altitudes.

Authorities confirmed it was amongst the most devastating storms to strike the archipelago in over 10 years, which may well explain why so many visitors encountered such dreadful weather during their stays.

The silver lining, however, is that conditions appear to be on the mend. Current forecasts predict sunny spells over the coming days, with temperatures potentially reaching highs of up to 26 degrees, which could explain why some travellers have recently reported a marked improvement in the weather.

One visitor said: “It’s sunny now.” Another wrote: “I’m just back yesterday. Was there for a week. We had a ball even with the storm and rain.”

POPULAR airline JET2 has launched its first flights from a major UK airport.

Jet2 flights to Tenerife and Alicante in Spain have taken off from London Gatwick, marking its first flights from the airport.

This summer, travellers can fly to 29 destinations with Jet2 from Gatwick, including the Canary Islands, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus.

And the airline won’t stop at the end of the season either, as for the winter season it will fly to 14 winter sun destinations, ideal for Brits wanting to escape the cold.

Jet2 will also fly to five ski destinations and four Christmas market spots over the winter period.

Looking ahead to next year, even more routes will be added.

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The airline’s routes will rise from 29 to 34 destinations including flights to Lesbos – a large island in Greece – which will operate weekly.

Lesbos is Greece’s third largest island and boasts a lot of history as well as sprawling olive groves.

For those flying from Gatwick with Jet2, there will be six aircraft including the new Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Jet2’s arrival at the UK’s second largest airport comes after increased demand, especially with travellers from the South East of England and marks the airline’s 14th base.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Today is an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2, as we welcome our first customers at London Gatwick and wave off our inaugural flight.

“After years of demand to come to London Gatwick, we are delighted to be bringing our award-winning service, recognised 11 years in a row by Which? as its recommended travel provider, to the UK’s largest beach and city leisure destination airport.

He added: “Since going on sale, we have experienced phenomenal demand from customers and independent travel agents, and we are looking forward to a hugely successful future from our newest UK airport base.”

The arrival of Jet2 at London Gatwick Airport is the airport’s largest airline launch in more than a decade.

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive, London Gatwick said: “Today’s inaugural Jet2 flights mark an exciting moment for London Gatwick and for passengers across the region.

“The launch of 29 new routes and the creation of more than 300 jobs demonstrate the strength of demand for travel from our airport and the confidence airlines have in London Gatwick as a place to grow.”

According to The Independent, Jet2 has been trying to get slots at Gatwick Airport for years and it was only when slots were freed up that the airline could move in, first announcing this four months ago.

In other flight news, easyJet has returned to a major UK airport after six years away and has announced 11 new routes.

Plus, how savvy Brits are bagging £449 return flights to Australia with clever £5 subscription service.

Ryanair is calling on passengers to act

Thousands of Ryanair flights have been cancelled, with the budget carrier continuing its campaign to “keep EU skies open”.

Ryanair has set up a a petition, aimed at the European Commission, to reduce the impact of French Air Traffic Control (ATC) strikes on EU flights. The campaign has now garnered support from more than two million people, with thousands of flights scrapped – and more disrupted – in 2025 alone. In October of last year, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said: “It is inexcusable that Europe’s worst performing ATCs in France, Spain, Germany and the UK continue to inflict avoidable delays and cancellations on millions of EU citizens every month.

“Despite warnings, Europe’s ATC performance is not improving, as national providers fail to properly staff and manage their operations. EU ATC needs reform and its passengers who are paying the price.

“ATC delays have already disrupted 33m citizens so far this year, with France, Spain, Germany and the UK consistently failing to staff and manage their services properly.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported last month that Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) delays in Europe have “grown sharply” in recent years, with this “far outpacing traffic growth”. ATFM delays, it said, “have cost airlines and passengers an estimated EUR 17.5 billion since 2015 (in 2025 prices), of which over 70% is linked to capacity shortages and staffing issues”.

The Council of the European Union said last year that “the air traffic control system is increasingly struggling to manage this growing demand”, noting that while “close coordination has been underway for many months between the European Commission and EUROCONTROL as well as ongoing planning between the EUROCONTROL Network Manager, airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and the military … resolving the issue also requires political will at the national level as each country is responsible for providing adequate air traffic services and making the necessary investments to support these services.”

Families heading off on the Easter holidays and days out face paying an average 150p a litre for petrol and as much as 180p for diesel – on top of the usual Bank Holiday misery of congested roads

Brits beginning the Easter getaway face price hikes and possible disruption.

The economic shockwaves from the Middle East war mean the millions taking the road are in for pain at the pumps when filling-up for long journeys. It came as petrol prices rose to close to 150p a litre and diesel nears the punishingly high 180p mark.

And there are warnings those planning to jet abroad face higher fares – if they have not booked ahead – and the risk of cancellations. That is all on top of the usual misery of queues on routes near holiday hotspots for those staying in the UK. The rush is expected to start from Friday as schools break up for the holidays, and will peak over the long Easter weekend.

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The AA said more than 19 million people travelled on Good Friday last year, with 18.5 million on the Saturday and 18.2 million each on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Many will end up paying through the nose when they stop off to fill-up, given a sharp rise in fuel prices since the start of the Iran war at the end of March.

The nationwide average for unleaded has jumped to almost 150p a litre, up 17p since before the conflict erupted. Diesel drivers have been hit even harder, with diesel now averaging 176.66p per litre, a leap of 34p in recent weeks.

Motoring groups and ministers have urged drivers not panic buy fuel. Ministers insisted the UK was well stocked, despite Iran’s effective blockade of oil through the key Strait of Hormuz. A handful of forecourts have displayed signs saying they are out of fuel.

RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “Fuel prices may have risen sharply in recent weeks, but our research with drivers shows they are still determined to make the most of the Easter break. Despite diesel costing around £19 more per tank than last year and petrol about £8 more, only a small number of people are actually changing their plans. For many, Easter is the first real chance to get away since Christmas, so we’re urging drivers to use the myRAC app to find the cheapest forecourts near them.”

He added: “This year we’re expecting one of the busiest Easter getaways since 2022, with planned leisure trips rising again for the second year running.

“Traffic is likely to build from Thursday as schools break up, with the M5 towards Devon and Cornwall and the M25 set to be particularly congested. The worst delays are expected from around 10am, so getting on the road early is still the best way to avoid the queues.”

Predictions that Brits are in for a cracking Easter, with blue skies and temperatures climbing towards 20C, are expected to mean are even busier than normal.

National Highways said it was lifting around 1,500 miles of roadworks between next Thursday and Easter Monday, “meaning 98% of our motorways and major A-roads will be free of roadworks over the bank holiday,” it added.

Airports are also braced for a rush families taking advantage of the Easter break for a week in the sun. Yet it comes amid warnings of possible cancellations to some long haul destinations, partly due to fears of jet fuel shortages. The soaring cost of aviation fuel has also led to concerns that flight prices will rise.

Regulator the CAA says it expects over two million passengers through UK airports across the Easter break, including 1.6 million over the Easter weekend.

It is urging travellers to check the flight status with their airline and ensure they are up to date with the latest government foreign travel advice on any countries they are transiting through before you leave for the airport.

Anticipating possible disruption, it said: “If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to meals, accommodation or alternative travel arrangements provided by your airline.” It went on: “Travel insurance can protect against missed flights, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen belongings. Carefully review the terms and conditions to understand your coverage.”

Selina Chadha, group director for consumers and markets at the CAA, said: “With many UK travellers planning to get away over the Easter holidays, it’s important that those planning to travel know their rights and plan ahead to make their journeys as smooth as possible.”

Gatwick Airport says its near 60 airlines have flights to more than 220 destinations over Easter. “Short-haul breaks are expected to lead over the Easter holidays with bookings for Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante, Dublin and Geneva currently topping the most popular list,” a spokesperson said.

“Passengers are also preparing to travel further afield, with top long-haul options currently including Orlando, Shanghai and Cancun.” The airport’s busiest day over the holidays is set to be Easter Sunday.

A POPULAR flight subscription service has just slashed its membership to £5 for three months.

Jack’s Flight Club is a great way to bag the super-low prices that are often caused by rare glitches and error fares on airline websites.

Jack’s Flight Club Takeoff Membership: 3 months for £5

Lucky members have even snapped up return flights to Australia for less than £450.

Between airline cancellations and predicted price increases, booking holiday flights can feel like a losing battle right now.

With fares being hiked by ‘dynamic pricing’, it’s hard to know if you’ve actually found a bargain, or if you’re being ripped off.

That’s why Jack’s Flight Club has become the secret weapon for thousands of UK travellers who are fed up with paying over the odds.

The service’s Takeoff membership gives you first dibs on rare error fares and massive discounts, saving travellers an average of £400 per booking.

But you’ll need to move fast; this flash sale only runs until Saturday (March 28th, 2026).

How Jack’s Flight Club Works

While most travel sites rely on cold, heartless algorithms, JFC uses a team of “human navigators.”

They scan thousands of routes daily from every major UK and Ireland airport to find the deals airlines don’t want you to see.

These experts check every single deal by hand, filtering out the junk to ensure only the real gems hit your inbox.

Weekend escapes, bucket-list adventures, romantic getaways: you can get them all delivered to your inbox.

To give you an idea of the bargains up for grabs, here are some of the incredible return flights the team has unearthed recently:

• Italy: £29 return
• USA: £266 return
• Thailand: £300 return
• Australia: £449 return

“Wow!” one happy flyer has written on Jack’s website. “Our membership in Jack’s Flight Club paid off big-time today.

“Thanks to his fare alerts, we got a great fare on Virgin/Delta and saved nearly £1,000 on our annual flight to Phoenix.”

Right now, you can also pick up a £1 Premium trial for 30 days.

If you want to dodge unpredictable pricing and book a trip without stressing over the costs, don’t let this deal pass you by.

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A YouTuber who visited Riga, Latvia, was stunned by the four-star hotel prices in the city voted one of Europe’s cheapest by Post Office Travel

A YouTuber who toured Europe‘s most affordable city was taken aback by the cost of one item he purchased during his journey.

Ed Chapman, who shares his adventures on his eponymous YouTube channel, visited Riga, the capital of Latvia, and filmed a video about his experiences in the city after it was named one of Europe’s cheapest in a survey by Post Office Travel.

His primary reason for visiting Riga was to compare it with one of the priciest cities in Europe, Oslo, Norway. According to Skyscanner, flights to Riga can be purchased for as little as £28 from Leeds Bradford Airport.

One of the most striking differences between the two, Ed pointed out, was the disparity in hotel prices.

In Oslo, he stayed at a three-star hotel for one night, while in Riga, he lodged at a four-star hotel, but the price difference was significant, reports the Express.

After exploring and commenting on his hotel room, he remarked: “We’re in the heart of the city centre, literally one street away from the main stuff. Four-star hotel. £62 a night. Now that’s tasty. For a capital city, for the middle of the city centre that’s a bit mad isn’t it?

“Bearing in mind in Oslo I stayed in a three-star hotel, also bang in the city centre and that was £140 for a night there. Less than half price that’s crazy.”

Ed isn’t alone in highlighting Riga’s charm. The city, home to approximately 600,000 residents, is located at the centre of the Gulf of Riga where the Daugava River flows into the Baltic Sea.

Additionally, the city’s historic centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Jugendstil and Art Nouveau architecture standing out as two of its main attractions.

Among Riga’s most distinctive landmarks is the Riga Central Market. Built using repurposed German Zeppelin hangars, these structures rank amongst the city’s most recognisable buildings, spanning 778,000 square feet and housing approximately 3,000 trading stalls.

Furthermore, Riga offers convenient access to nearby coastal areas such as Jurmala. The Mirror previously reported that one visitor was impressed not just by the affordability, but by the amenities available.

They commented in a review: “Changing pods are available on the beach and the sand is soft and flat. We paid €5 each for a sun lounger for the day, although in the afternoon people could help themselves to ones that were left or that people had finished with.

“Well worth the journey from Riga which is about 25 mins by train from central Riga and very cheap. We booked the day before online and it cost us about €6 return for both of us – amazing value.”

NEW rules being rolled out across Europe are causing so much chaos at airports, that Brits are even missing their flights.

The new The Entry/Exit System (EES) has already been causing long wait times across Europe.

EES is replacing the need for a passport stamp by automatically checking when a person enters and exits an EU country.

Non-EU nationals – which includes Brits – are required to register their details like fingerprints, facial images and scan passports on their first visit to a Schengen area country.

But at Tenerife South, passengers say that only a handful of these EES machines are working with some rejecting fingerprints.

Passengers are even saying they’ve missed flights due to delays in getting through controls.

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Some Brits are warning to give as much as three hours before a flight just in case.

One Brit wrote on social media: “The key is to arrive three hours early so at least you are in the front of the queue when problems start.”

Another added: “Love Tenerife but HATE the airport.”

Police have reportedly been called in to the South Airport on several occasions to calm the crowds of angry passengers.

With bad weather and storms hitting the Canary Islands, those who miss flights are having to sleep inside the airport overnight before catching another plane home.

On one particular day, around 100 passengers were stranded there and many were unable to find overnight accommodation, so stayed in the terminal.

Passengers are blaming lack of staff and proper organisation for the chaos, with computers not working.

“Passport control is a disaster,” posted another Brit. “One person for thousands of travellers.”

Only 20 per cent of the biometric machines are working and officials admitted to the Spanish media that there were “computer failures.”

The chaos has been going on for months and tourism chiefs and hoteliers say the island’s reputation is being hit, compounded by the bad weather.

Since last week, the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, have also been struck with flash flooding and snow as a result of Storm Therese.

Even without bad weather, many airports have experienced delays caused by the new travel requirement of EES registration.

Due to their small size, airports on the Canary Islands have seen reports of long queues.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill said she waited in line at Lanzarote Airport for three hours after landing – just to get through to EES and passport control.

And matters could only get worse with Spanish airport staff preparing to strike during March and April.

Ground staff are planning to strike at 12 airports across the country – including Tenerife South.

Other airports that could be affected include Madrid-Barajas, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche, Barcelona-El Prat, Bilbao, Valencia and Bilbao.

And on the islands; Palma de Mallorca,  Gran Canaria, Tenerife Norte, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Ibiza.

For anyone heading to Tenerife – here are the top tips from someone who has been travelling there for a decade.

And here’s more on the Spanish island that feels more like Mars and flights are just £35.

This sun-soaked city that welcomes more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and a tropical climate, is a haven for holidaymakers seeking a quieter escape from the tourist crowds

A beautiful coastal city, less than three hours from the UK, offers a scenic escape with 21C April temperatures and £13 flights.

Almería, in southeast Spain, is set against the diverse landscapes of volcanic beaches, azure waters, and dramatic desert, with balmy rays and virtually year-round sunshine. It’s a lesser-known destination compared to the likes of Costa del Sol, with quieter beaches and a laid-back atmosphere for a more authentic Spanish experience.

Due to its location near the Tabernas Desert, Almería is known as the ‘desert coast’ and enjoys a warmer, drier climate than neighbouring areas. It welcomes more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and only around 26 days of rainfall, making it a highly desirable sun-soaked destination.

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In April, visitors can expect to bask in a balmy 21C and enjoy eight hours of blistering sunshine. During the summer months, temperatures can creep up to 32C, with an inviting 12 hours of sunshine every day, and a warm 24C in the turquoise sea.

Aside from the inviting climate, the coastal city offers an affordable holiday, with flights from London to Almería starting at £13 in April, or £17 from Manchester, according to Skyscanner. What’s more, prices don’t rise too much during the peak summer season, with flights from Manchester to Almería costing from £28 one-way in July, or from £33 departing from London.

Once you’ve arrived in the pretty Spanish city, the appealing prices only continue. Travel experts at First Choice found that a beer could set you back just £3 (€3.50) in Almería, while a three-course meal for two typically costs between £25 (€30) and £30 (€35).

Alongside its stretches of golden-sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and diverse landscapes, there’s plenty to explore in the Spanish region. The walkable, compact city centre is brimming with charm, from its Gothic and Renaissance architecture to ancient landmarks, narrow streets and bustling tapas bars.

Almería is renowned for its huge tapas culture and vibrant bars, so you’ll often get free tapas with every drink, as you dine alongside Spaniards. There’s also the 16th-century cathedral towering over the streets, the Plaza Vieja with its beautiful architecture and palm trees, and the main shopping area of Puerta de Purchena, which is brimming with boutique shops.

Away from the city is the protected Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, with volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, and some of the most stunning Spanish beaches. There’s also the striking Tabernas Desert that you can explore during a guided day tour, as well as the charming whitewashed hilltop village of Mojácar.

The village may look recognisable to some as it was famously used as the backdrop for major Hollywood movies, including Indiana Jones, and the hit TV series Game of Thrones. There’s even the opportunity to visit the preserved Wild West film set of MiniHollywood Oasys, which offers various shows and attractions in a setting that will transport you straight onto the set of Indiana Jones.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

WHEN it comes to city breaks, some of the cheapest in Europe are found a bit further east.

And Romania‘s Bucharest is not only affordable, but is getting more flights too.

Romanian airline, AnimaWings, has started six new weekly flights from London Gatwick to Bucharest.

This isn’t the only option though as there are also cheap flights with Ryanair from London Stansted with one-way journeys starting from £18.99.

Wizz Air also offers cheap flights to the city from London Luton.

With a flight time of just over three hours, Bucharest is the ideal city break destination.

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Last year, The Telegraph even named Bucharest as being one of Europe’s ‘last great cheap cities’.

It added that Bucharest has everything you need for a good city break with “expansive, tree-lined avenues, lively bars and characterful museums.”

Bucharest is inexpensive, according to Numbeo – a pint of local beer costs on average £2.55 and an average meal is around £10.18.

For a three-course meal, you’re looking at around £50 and a cappuccino is just £2.45.

It’s not just food and drink that’s on the cheaper side as public transport is the same – a typical single journey on the tram and metro network is as little as 85p.

One of the most popular places in the city to go is Therme Bucharest, a spa and waterpark.

Split into three parts, the Galaxy area is a more family-orientated with 17 water slides, a wave pool and water playground.

The Palm zone is where people go to relax – with three mineral pools and swim-up bars, it has been created for relaxation.

And Elysium is a ”restoration area’ with lots of traditional and modern treatments from hammams to infrared light therapy beds.

Sun Writer Steve Corbett visited Therme and called it one of ‘Europe‘s greatest secrets’.

He compared it to Center Parcs’ Subtropical Swimming Paradise as he tried out the water slides, high-tech treatments and poolside bars.

One woman even flew to Bucharest for a spa break at the Therme because it was cheaper than one in the UK.

Kara Wildbur booked her and her mum in at the Therme for £64 after finding out a spa break would be £400 back home.

Even with the flights being £157 return for the two of them, with the hotel costing £94 – it worked out cheaper than a UK spa day.

Another attraction is the Museum of Senses, which is an interactive museum – especially good if you’re visiting the city with kids.

It’s full of optical illusions, infinity rooms and hands-on exhibits.

Tickets for adults start from £9.33, and £6.79 for children.

When it comes to eating, there’s plenty of quirky cafes within the city.

Some top spots include The Grand Café Van Gogh in Bucharest which some visitors have said reminds them of Amsterdam.

It’s an art-themed cafe filled with Van Gogh artwork in the Old Town.

Another is Dulcinella which sells éclairs, New York-style rolls and is known for having an ‘Instagrammable-vibe’.

Caru’ cu Bere is considered the most famous restaurant and beerhouse in Bucharest and was founded in 1879.

Its house beer, called Berea casei, is brewed on-site and is still made from the original recipe – you can pick up 400ml from £4.30.

The best times of year to visit Bucharest are between April and October, with highs of 31C in June and July.

Just skip the winter months – the average temperature in December and January is around -2C.

For more on Romania, here’s another city that is one of the world’s ‘most underrated destinations’ that’s super cheap with new 3-hour flights.

And one Travel Writer visited the ‘barely-known European city that has easyJet flights – with world-famous castle’.

THERE’s a Spanish city that is set to be nearly 30C this week – and luckily for Brits it’s less than three hours from the UK.

Seville’s got everything Spain has to offer from affordable wine to beautiful plazas and free flamenco performances.

This week, temperatures in Seville are set to soar with highs of 27C, according to the BBC.

Thanks to its location in southern Spain, Seville often sits 17C and higher – even in the winter months.

It’s very easy to get to as well with direct flights from all over the UK although the cheapest is with Ryanair, who has £14.99 flights from London Stansted next month.

When it comes to what to do there, you’ll be spoiled for choice at the riverside city with lots of beautiful sites and great food for affordable prices.

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On average, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant start from £10.50.

As for wine, it tends to sit between £2.50 and £3 – depending on where you go within the city.

Plaza de España is one of the biggest and most well-known landmarks in Seville.

It’s a huge semi-circular plaza stretching over 50,000 square metres with four bridges sitting over a canal decorated with brightly coloured mosaic.

It’s a favourite spot within the city for pretty pictures, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a free flamenco dance.

If you want to get out onto the water, you can rent pedalos for a few euros.

The square even doubled as the planet of Naboo in the second Star Wars film.

In the middle of the city is the enormous Seville Cathedral – which is the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world.

You can choose to go inside if you wish, but as someone who has been you can see plenty of its grandeur from outside.

But if you want to head inside a standard ticket costs €13 (£11.25).

Other hot spots include the Real Alcázar palace and La Giralda tower.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill visited the city two years ago. She said: “I loved strolling about Seville, particularly the Alfalfa neighbourhood.

“It’s got plenty of pretty little cafes and restaurants to explore – one of my favourites was Casa Toni which cooks up tasty paella.

“Salvador Square is beautiful in the morning time, take a stroll there and make sure to pick up some brunch from Sagasta.

“It has outdoor seating too so you can bask in the spring sunshine.”

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has also visited the city and has some top tips on how to see its main attractions for free.

She said: “The Royal Alcázar of Seville, a palace dating back 1,000 years, offers limited free tickets on Mondays between 6pm and 7pm.

“Or for Seville Cathedral, there are 100 free tickets a day between 2pm and 3pm.”

Kara’s favourite bar is El Rinconcillo which is the city’s oldest tapas bar which dates back to 1670.

And you can get a huge glass of wine for £3.

For more on Spain, here are last minute deals at four-star hotels in 30C temps from £249pp.

And this European city with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year named best destination to visit in 2026.

Time Out has ranked the 51 most beautiful places in the world, and the top spot goes to Spain’s Picos de Europa mountain range that’s just a two-hour flight from the UK with Ryanair

The world is brimming with extraordinary destinations to discover, and pinpointing the most stunning is no easy feat, but Time Out has tackled the task.

The publication recently unveiled a list of the 51 most beautiful places in the world, featuring everything from lakes to beaches, National Parks, libraries, vineyards, and historic towns. Yet, claiming the number one position is a breathtaking mountain range that provides remarkable hiking opportunities, and it’s merely a two-hour flight from the UK.

The Picos de Europa in Spain is a striking, rugged limestone mountain range that soars to a height of 2,650 metres. Located just over 12 miles from the coastline, the mountains ascend steeply, forming deep gorges to discover, reports Express.

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One route, the Cares Trail, ranks among the most sought-after walks in Spain, tracing a canyon and passing through craggy peaks and cascading waterfalls.

Spanning 13 miles in total, it’s not suitable for novices, though its gentle inclines make it achievable for walkers who can manage the distance. A straightforward choice is to board the Fuente Dé cable car, whisking you up the mountainside in moments and letting you relax and admire the verdant landscape below.

Upon reaching the summit, you can also explore additional hiking trails, including some demanding, steep climbs that provide spectacular vistas.

The mountains form part of the broader Picos de Europa National Park, and this region features the Lakes of Covadonga. These glistening blue waters are encircled by peaks and vegetation and resemble landscapes you’d encounter in Scotland or the Lake District, making it difficult to believe you’re in Spain.

This protected national park is abundant with wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, vultures, and eagles, and you’ll probably encounter mountain goats and vibrant butterflies amongst the limestone surroundings.

At the foot of the mountains, you can discover towns like the medieval Potes, brimming with centuries-old stone and half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets that lend it a rustic allure.

The town’s centrepiece is the Torre del Infantado, a 15th-century tower once the residence of medieval royalty, now a museum with a rooftop terrace providing sweeping views of the town.

Arenas de Cabrales on the park’s periphery is another favoured spot to stay. It’s renowned for producing Cabrales cheese, and has evolved into a gastronomic hotspot due to its plethora of acclaimed restaurants serving Northern Spanish cuisine.

Don’t expect to find paella on the menu. In this region, the dishes are hearty and rustic, such as bean stews and grilled meat, with ingredients sourced locally from the mountains.

The Picos de Europa is just under two hours from Santander Airport, and is serviced by airlines including Ryanair. Routes from the UK to Santander operate year-round from Edinburgh and London-Stansted, and seasonal flights operate from Birmingham and Manchester. Flights start from just £15 one-way and take 2 hours from the UK.

Got a story you’d like to share? Drop us an email at webtravel@reachplc.com

GREGGS sausage rolls are seriously taking off — as easyJet is serving free ones on board for the first time.

The budget airline is dishing out the popular flaky pastries to mark the opening of a base in the heart of Greggs country.

And passengers can dip them in a range of new sauces inspired by destinations around the world, including kebab.

The collaboration celebrates the launch of easyJet’s new hub at Newcastle International Airport — 75 years after Greggs’ first shop was opened in the city.

Holidaymakers flying from there yesterday were treated to a free sausage roll, and all week punters can scoff one from a special easyJet service landing in the city centre.

They will also be offered limited-edition dips, such as Turkish-style kebab, with aromatic choices of lemon, vinegar and smoky paprika.

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There is also Tunisian– inspired harissa ketchup, or Italy’s silky affogato flavour, with hints of deep-roasted coffee, cocoa and vanilla.

Flyers tucked into their favourites yesterday.

Easyjet’s new Tyneside base is the airline’s 11th in the UK, and will offer more than 80 flights a week to 22 destinations.

It will also support around 1,200 jobs, including 140 direct roles for pilots and cabin crew.

Garry Wilson, CEO for its holidays business, said: “This is a major milestone for us, so partnering with Greggs, a true Geordie icon and one of the city’s most famous exports, felt like the perfect way to ­celebrate our arrival.”

Greggs director Hannah Squirrell added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the local community, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a sausage roll.”

John Gregg founded the bakery in Newcastle in 1939, and its first outlet opened in the city’s Gosforth in 1951.

A BEAUTIFUL city often named one of the best in the world is about to become much easier to visit from the UK.

Singapore Airlines has confirmed that it will be adding more flights from London Gatwick to the city of Singapore.

From March 31 to July 2, and September 1 to October 24, three more flights will operate a week.

And during the summer season of July 3 to August 29, it will operate two flights a day.

Not only that, but TUI has launched city break packages to Singapore as well.

TUI‘s Commercial Director Chris Logan said: “Singapore will serve up an exciting new option for foodies as TUI expands its programme into Asia.

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“It’s a destination that truly has it all, world class cuisine, stunning architecture, hidden natural gems and a unique mix of tradition and innovation.”

Seven-night holidays with direct flights can be found for around £1,100pp, with flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester.

Singapore is often named one of the world’s best cities, coming sixth in this year’s ‘World’s Best Cities’ report.

it also came in 23rd in Time Out’s Best Cities 2026 list earlier this month.

While it is often used a stopover by Brits heading to other destinations in Asia and Oceania, it is also the best place or a holiday in itself.

It is 30C all year round, so you are guaranteed to get some warmth no matter the month (although December is the wettest so perhaps avoid this time).

I visited the city a few years ago and squeezed a lot into just a few days – and wished I had more time.

There is the famous sidecar tours of the city, where drivers take you around some of the best spots including the artwork of ‘Singapore’s Banksy‘, Yip Yew Chong.

Fantastic bars are aplenty, with my favourite being Jigger & Pony (on the best bars list nearly every year) and Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, home to the famous Singapore Sling.

Not only that, but it has some of the cheapest Michelin star restaurants in the world.

At Chinatown Complex Market is Liao Fan Hawker Chan, the world’s first Hawker stall to win the coveted star.

For £2 (yes, really) I gorged on the tastiest soy-sauce chicken noodles, smothered in a spicy sauce.

Near here is the Michelin Guide-recommended Hill Street Tai Hwa — where for £5 you get a huge portion of juicy noodles with tender pork liver and crispy pieces of plaice on top.

Need some green space? Singapore is also called City in the Garden for its luscious environment, so make sure to visit Gardens by the Bay.

And for some beach time, head over to Sentosa Island for stretches of white sand.

It’s here you’ll also find Resorts World Sentosa, home to huge waterparks, and a Universal Studios theme park.

Make sure to save some time for the airport too – Changi is often named the best in the world with huge waterfalls, butterfly gardens and swimming pools.