launches

A MAJOR UK airport has launched new flight routes to 12 different destinations.

The planned expansion will see eight different airlines join the fleet.

London Gatwick airport is set to broaden its network ahead of summer this year.

The plans to include flights to 12 new locations will see the airport serve more than 230 destinations across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Jet2, among seven other new airlines, will be serving Gatwick airport, bringing the total up to 62.

The popular holiday company will operate 29 routes throughout the summer holiday season, including destinations in Spain, Turkiye, Portugal, and Malta.

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This will create more than 300 jobs in the airport’s region with employees needed for the flight deck, cabin crew, engineering and ground operations.

Plus, hundreds more will be required through the wider supply chain.

The airport’s expansion will also see many existing airlines expanding their services too.

Royal Air Maroc will begin flights to Tetouan, Morocco, twice weekly from March 29, with Norwegian launching a new route to Aalborg, Denmark, starting April 2.

From May 15, Air Transat will introduce a service to Ottawa, Canada, and SWISS will increase its Zurich route to twice daily from March 29.

Speaking to The Brighton Argus, Pierre-Hugues Schmit, chief executive of London Gatwick, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jet2 to London Gatwick, marking an exciting new chapter for the airport and our passengers. 

“Jet2’s arrival brings even more choice and flexibility to passengers across the South East and beyond, strengthening London Gatwick’s vision to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey.

“It is an exciting time for Jet2 to join London Gatwick following the recent government approval for routine use of our Northern Runway, which will further expand connectivity and economic growth.”

WANTING to go on holiday but don’t want to spend much money? Well, British Airways has just launched a sale.

British Airways is offering up to 25 per cent off flights to Europe and beyond, including popular destinations such as Malta, Marrakech, Madeira and Faro.

The sale on return flights operated by Gatwick-based subsidiary airline, BA Euroflyer, is running from February 19 to 24 and is available on travel between March 1 and July 31.

Passengers will also get a complimentary drink and snack onboard, as well as hand luggage allowance.

For example, you could head off to Faro in Portugal from London Gatwick from £104 return.

The city is the capital of southern Portugal‘s Algarve region and is known for its historical buildings including the 13th century Faro Cathedral.

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Visitors can also head to the Municipal Museum, which is inside a 16th-century convent and boasts a collection of prehistoric displays and medieval artefacts.

Or perhaps you want to go further afield? Well, you could travel to Marrakech in Morocco from £118 return.

Dubbed the ‘Red City’, Marrakech features a large medina – which is the old walled city that was built centuries ago.

In the medina, visitors can explore a network of narrow, winding alleyways with hidden treasure shops selling everything from brass lamps to freshly made flatbreads.

Elsewhere in the city, you can head to Ville Nouvelle, where you will find the modern part of the city with art galleries, boutiques and cafés.

Want to spend less than that? Travel to Majorca, Spain, for £84 return.

This Spanish island is loved for its blue waters, sandy beaches and secret coves.

You can spend time exploring charming villages, but there are also a number of world-famous beaches to venture to.

Make sure to try some of the local food, which consists of Mediterranean dishes with pork, lamb, fresh vegetables and olive oil.

And it isn’t just flights you can save on…

British Airways Holidays is also offering up to £200 off European holidays.

Currently, you can get £200 off a £5,000 holiday, which includes flights and a hotel.

Or £100 off a £2,500 holiday, which includes flights, hotel and car reservations.

There is also a £50 discount on £1,250 holidays and £25 off of £625 holidays.

For example, you could head to Majorca for seven nights and stay at the five-star Hotel De Mar Gran Melia costing from £1,229 per person between May 1 and 31.

If you don’t fancy spending quite that much, then head to Morocco for seven nights, staying in the four-and-a-half-star Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech from £879 per person between May 1 and 31.

In other holiday news, here are cheap holidays for under £250 – city breaks and family deals not to miss.

Plus, 10 cheap holiday spots about to go BIG in 2026 that you’ve probably never heard of – with a week away from £189.

BUTLIN’S is already a cheap holiday, but what if we told you that holidays to its resorts are about to get a lot better?

Butlin’s is making one of its popular all-inclusive packages better value for money.

The all-inclusive drinks package now includes seven new drinks including spirits and cocktails.

Partnering with Coca Cola, there will be three new cocktails including the ‘Birthday Bonanza’ which features vodka, amaretto and Coca-Cola to celebrate Butlin’s’ 90th birthday.

In addition to the new cocktails, guests will also now be able to order Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange Gin, Captain Morgan Dark Rum and Disaronno.

And there will be another non-alcoholic and low alcohol option as well – Madri Excepcional 0.0%.

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Per adult, the drinks package starts at £25.95 per day and includes the above as well as soft drinks, wine, draught beers and cider and Proud to Serve Costa Coffee.

In total, guests get a choice of over 60 drinks with the all inclusive drinks package.

Travel writer, Helen Wright, who has tried the drinks package, said: “To add the all-inclusive drinks package onto the booking, it was an extra £41.45 for us and £51.95 for Gen and the boys per day. An overall £124.35 and £155.85 respectively.

“When you check in, you are given a wristband and a QR code to use when you want to order drinks during your stay.

“But with the amount of activities and entertainment, I was unsure whether I would get through £42 worth of drinks in one day.

“It was almost 1pm and with them occupied for 15 mins, Gen and I could enjoy our first cocktail of the weekend along with some adult conversation.

“Alcohol is served from 11am at the resort. A glass of house wine is £4.90 and a pint is £5.95.

“I’m more of a cocktail girl, so I decided to get into the holiday spirit with a margarita, usually £7.75, but free with my wristband.

“Doing a quick tally, it wasn’t even lunchtime yet, and I’d spent over a third of my initial £30 a day outlay already.

“Only the adults wear the band, so it does mean that kids can’t go up and order their own drinks.

“However, it was easy to get drinks, and despite the resort being very busy in high season, none of the bars were too crowded or had a long wait.

“There is no question, if you like a beer or cocktail in the sun or you plan on drinking at lunch and dinner, with a few extras like coffee and a lemonade in between, £30 a day is well worth the money. 

Alex Meyer, head of marketing at Butlin’s, said: “We’re all about offering incredible value for money, and with the latest additions to the All Inclusive drinks range the package is even better value for guests.

“Now with over 60 drinks to choose from, including our new cocktails and spirits, our All Inclusive drinks package continues to be unrivalled compared to other UK holiday resorts’ offerings.

“As we celebrate our 90th birthday, guests can raise a glass to the landmark occasion with our brand-new Birthday Bonanza cocktail.

“The new creation is set to rival our guest favourite cocktail, Butlin’s On The Beach, which has been the most popular cocktail since the drinks package launched in 2024.”

If looking to head off on a break to Butlin’s, you could book a Showtime Term-Time Midweek break with the drinks package for £399.

In September 2025, Butlin’s holiday resort also revealed it’s latest expansion plans with hundreds more lodges.

And here’s how to get a cheeky mid-week break at Butlin’s with all the frills for a fraction of the price.

Kim focuses on improving economic activity in opening speech at Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

North Korea has kicked off a rare party congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, held once every five years, that will see the leadership in Pyongyang set major policy goals in defence, diplomacy and the economy, state media reports.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Friday that the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) was under way, marking the start of the country’s most consequential political event since 2021.

“The Ninth Congress of the WPK opened with splendour in Pyongyang, the capital city of the revolution,” KCNA said, reporting that the high-level meeting started on Thursday and observers say it is expected to run for several days.

South Korea’s official Yonhap News Agency said the gathering will be closely followed for any signs regarding North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons or overtures towards the administrations in Seoul and the United States, which the North considers its chief foes.

Yonhap reports that North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, made no mention of relations with either South Korea or the US in his opening speech to the congress on Thursday and, instead, focused on boosting the country’s economy.

“Ahead of our party are heavy and urgent tasks of advancing economic development and improving people’s livelihoods, and transforming all aspects of social life in the country as quickly as possible,” Kim said, according to KCNA.

While the true state of North Korea’s often struggling economy is hard to gauge, The Associated Press news agency reports that outside experts suggest the country has seen a gradual recovery in economic activity, helped by a post-COVID boost in trade with China and the export of weapons to help Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Several thousand North Korean troops have fought on Moscow’s side against Ukraine, and Pyongyang is believed to have exported large amounts of ammunition to help the Russian invasion of its neighbour.

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South Korea’s spy agency said last week it was monitoring the congress for any sign that Kim will officially designate his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his potential successor, formalising her position as heir apparent in a fourth-generation succession of the Kim family as North Korea’s leaders.

At the previous party congress five years ago, Kim declared that the US was his nation’s “biggest enemy”, the AFP news agency reports, and there is deep interest in whether the North Korean leader will soften his rhetoric – or double down – at this year’s congress, particularly amid the US presidency of Donald Trump.

Trump – who met Kim in 2019 when he briefly stepped foot into North Korea to shake Kim’s hand and pose for photos – said during a tour of Asia late last year that he was “100 percent” open to meeting Kim again.

So far, Kim has demurred on Trump’s overtures to meet again.

Observers of North Korean politics are reported to be scouring satellite imagery for any signs of the vast military parades that have accompanied previous congress meetings in Pyongyang.

Such parades will be closely watched for signs of a shift in North Korea’s weapons capabilities, as the country has used previous processions to show off its newest and most advanced weapons.

Kim held a ceremony on Thursday to unveil the deployment of 50 new launch vehicles for nuclear-capable short-range missiles as the congress kicked off.

According to Yonhap, the congress brings together some 5,000 party representatives from across the country, including 200 senior officials from the WPK’s headquarters. More than 4,700 officials from regional and industrial sectors are also in attendance.

The budget airline, Jet2, is offering travellers the chance to explore a lesser-known island with diverse landscapes and uncrowded beaches as they launch a new exclusive route

Jet2 has launched a new route to a beautiful island with ancient streets, traditional villages and pristine beaches, offering a laid-back ambience away from busy crowds.

Jet2 has expanded its summer 2027 program from London Gatwick and launched a new route to the beautiful Greek island of Lesvos. The lesser-known island, also known as Lesbos, is situated in the northeastern Aegean Sea, offering turquoise waters, unspoilt sprawling beaches, hot springs, majestic forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

As the third-largest island in Greece, and with its capital, Mytilini, Lesvos is brimming with history, from its charming medieval streets and traditional Mediterranean villages to its fascinating architecture. It’s renowned for its ouzo, an anise-flavoured liqueur, and its olive groves, with more than 11 million trees nestled around the island.

The new Jet2 route to Lesvos will operate weekly on Sunday, from May 2 to 10 October 2027, and when we took a look, we found fares from £123. Flights to the Greek island, which offers blistering rays of 30C during the summer months, are available to book now.

In the meantime, Jet2 has announced a major sale for 35 of its sun-soaked destinations, including Lesvos, for holidaymakers travelling from London Gatwick next summer. The destinations currently on sale include:

• Antalya
• Tenerife
• Lanzarote
• La Palma
• Fuerteventura
• Gran Canaria
• Alicante
• Malaga
• Girona
• Palma (Majorca)
• Ibiza
• Menorca
• Faro (Algarve)
• Madeira
• Crete (Heraklion)
• Corfu
• Kalamata
• Kefalonia
• Kos
• Lesvos (Mytilene)
• Preveza
• Skiathos
• Rhodes
• Thessaloniki (Halkidiki)
• Naples
• Verona
• Pula
• Reus
• Zante
• Agadir
• Hurghada
• Bourgas
• Malta
• Paphos
• Sharm El Sheik

The new exclusive route to Lesvos and the summer sale come just weeks before the budget airline launches flights and holidays from London Gatwick for the very first time on March 26. The major travel change is intended to give Jet2 passengers greater flexibility for their holiday getaways.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Since we announced the launch of flights and holidays from London Gatwick, the reaction from customers and independent travel has been incredible, showing just how much demand there is for our industry-leading product and service. This popularity means we are significantly expanding our programme in just our second summer of operations from London Gatwick, offering holidaymakers even more choice and flexibility.

“As well as offering a fantastic selection of flights and holidays to choose from, we are giving customers the chance to get their Summer 2027 holiday booked in nice and early. With the launch of flights and holidays from London Gatwick just around the corner, and Summer 27 going on sale too, this is an incredibly exciting time, both for our company and for customers across the region.”

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While this lesser-known region in Spain is growing in popularity, it still gets only a fraction of visitors that other cities see, and it allows you to enjoy a completely different type of Spanish culture

TUI has added a new city break destination to its roster for spring, and it’s in a part of Spain that’s growing in popularity with Brits and has a unique look.

If you’re bored of the Spanish Costas and want to escape the usual packed tourist spots, then Northern Spain is becoming an alternative for Brits who want to see a different part of the country. The Basque Country alone saw a 40% increase in visitors last year, although this still only puts the area at 182,000 tourists a year- a fraction of the visitors to Southern Spain.

At the heart of the Basque Country is Bilbao, and if you’ve never been to this part of Spain, it’s an excellent starting point for immersing yourself in the area’s unique beauty and culture.

TUI will offer city breaks to Bilbao from four major UK airports this spring: Bristol, London-Gatwick, London-Heathrow, and Manchester. With flights from London taking just under two hours, it’s ideal for a long weekend or mini break.

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In a Lonely Planet article, one travel writer wrote: “When your plane banks toward Bilbao Airport for the final approach, the lush forest passing below looks nothing like the Spain you thought you knew.”

The climate and landscapes of this region are worlds away from the dry, sunny south, with milder weather that can be a respite from summer heatwaves. In March and April, daily highs are around 17C, while over the summer, it hits around 26C, and the south often bakes in temperatures in the mid-30s. It also gets more rain than the south, giving the surrounding area a fresh green look.

Bilbao sits on the banks of the Nervión River, and one of its most popular spots is its old town, also known as Casco Viejo. With colourful buildings dating back to medieval times, a grand cathedral, and the beautiful neoclassical Plaza Nueva, full of bars and restaurants, it’s the perfect city break destination.

In contrast, the Guggenheim Museum, with its unique Frank Gehry-designed exterior, looks different from anything else in the city, yet draws people in with its vast collection of contemporary art. Even if you don’t venture inside, it’s worth walking past to see its titanium-clad exterior shining in the sun.

In addition to its cultural delights, Bilbao is known for its colourful food scene, and as you wander the streets, you’ll find plenty of pintxos bars. A northern alternative to tapas; pintxos are bite-sized pieces of bread topped with ingredients from jamón to seafood or cheese, held together by a cocktail stick.

Another famous product of Northern Spain is its Rioja wines, which are the perfect pairing for a plate of pintxos. You can enjoy a day trip to wineries near the city, or simply visit one of the many wine bars for a tasting.

TUI’s deals include a 7-night stay 4T NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels on a room only basis from £583 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Double or Twin Comfort Room departing from London Gatwick on the 14th of April 2026 with hand luggage only.

Or you can book a seven-night holiday staying at Hotel Sirimiri on a room-only basis from £451 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Double or Twin Standard Room departing from London Heathrow on the 21st of April 2026 with hand luggage only. Prices are subject to availability and may change. To find out more, visit the TUI website or download the official app.

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TRAVIS Kelce showered Taylor Swift with gifts from the heart at the weekend – but that’s just the start of something special, insiders have told The U.S. Sun.

Loving Travis wanted to commemorate their last Valentine’s Day together before their blockbuster wedding this summer with a string of surprises.

A source close to the A-list pair said the Cruel Summer star was treated to three stunning Louis Vuitton items, a beautiful Hermes caftan and two classy, stylish watches costing in excess of $100,000.

The insider says NFL legend Travis wanted to make their last Valentine’s Day as an engaged couple “unique and special” and ended up spending $141,000 in total.

But The U.S. Sun understands in the build up to the big day, which is slated for June, the romantic three-time Super Bowl winner, who has a strong track record of beautiful gift surprises, has something very loving in the works. 

“Starting 100 days before the big day — then again at 50 days, 30 days, and every day during the final month — he will have flower bouquets delivered to her,” claimed the well-placed insider.

“She’ll receive all her favorite flowers: roses in many colors, hydrangeas, and orchids. He wants her to feel overwhelmed in the best possible way — surrounded by one of the things she loves most in life: flowers and their sweet scent.”

The U.S. Sun revealed last year that Taylor wants to turn the proposed wedding venue – her sumptuous $32 million pad in Rhode Island – into a floral wonderland. 

There are plans to reportedly spend a whopping $1.2 million on the landscaping, including hiring specialist gardeners to ensure their dreams are transformed into a stunning reality.

But as our insider revealed, Taylor will have fallen further in love after Travis’ super thoughtful Valentine’s day surprises.

The couple love keeping up with the latest trends – it’s claimed they regularly text each other with pieces they are interested in.

So Travis, knowing Taylor had mentioned the Louis Vuitton pieces recently, snapped up a $3,900 knit jacket, a $2,330 skirt and a signature patch varsity jacket. 

“Travis had them very high on his list of gifts for his fiancée,” said the source.

According to the official description, the Denim-Effect Knit Jacket looks like classic denim but feels far more luxurious. 

It’s tailored and polished, and effortlessly cool – perfect to throw on for a casual day out or dress up for a night in the city. 

Ever the fashionista, Travis paired it with the matching Denim-Effect Knit Skirt, while the Varsity Jacket is described as a “statement piece.”

THOUGHTFUL GIFTS

The Hermès caftan was spotted in a magazine recently and Travis reportedly “immediately thought” of his superstar singer partner. 

The source said Travis felt it was the kind of piece she would love wearing on upcoming trips — especially with trips to warmer destinations in the coming weeks and for their honeymoon.

“They fit her style perfectly,” added the insider. 

It’s a wonderful haul – but Travis wasn’t finished there. 

He also bought her an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch costing a cool $91,600.

The couple noticed the shiny, extremely luxurious piece on someone’s wrist a couple of weeks ago. 

Travis, says the source, loves watches and wants his wife-to-be to build a strong collection too.

On top of that, there was also a classy, $33,600 Rolex 1908 — a more masculine model, which fits her taste. 

“She likes incorporating slightly masculine pieces into her style, whether it’s jackets, vests, or watches, to add edge to her outfits. He enjoys spoiling her with beautiful, high-end items like that.”

Iran launched naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea, state TV reports, ahead of US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday. Video shows Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, overseeing the drills.

A MAJOR regional airport in the UK has launched its largest ever flight schedule as it prepares for its busiest year yet.

Newcastle Airport is expecting to see six million passengers this year, as it adds 19 new routes.

New destinations include Lisbon and Porto in Portugal; Nice in France; Palermo in Italy and Preveza in Greece.

A number of flight routes are also returning to the airport including Berlin in Germany; Copenhagen in Denmark and Enfidha in Tunisia.

And there will be services to:

• Malta
• Antalya
• Malaga
• Alicante
• Gran Canaria
• Tenerife
• Paris
• Faro
• Geneva
• Paphos

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Of the new routes, easyJet will start flights to Nice, France in March 2026 and Malta this summer.

The airline will also start flights to Faro in Portugal between March and October and to Enfidha, Tunisia, flights will begin in time for summer.

Jet2 will start operating flights to Preveza, Greece in May 2026, for the summer season and flights to Palermo, Sicily from May too, with weekly flights until November.

The airline will also launch its first flights to Porto in Portugal in May, running for the summer season until October.

The airport also recently announced that easyJet is launching new routes to Lisbon and Rome Fiumicino.

The two routes will launch this summer with the Newcastle to Rome route starting on March 30 and the Newcastle to Lisbon route starting on June 22.

Both new routes will operate on Mondays and Fridays.

Leon McQuaid, director of Aviation Development at Newcastle Airport, said: “Lisbon is a brand-new destination from Newcastle Airport and one we’ve been keen to deliver for the region on the back of strong customer demand and feedback, so it’s fantastic to see flights and package holidays now on sale, alongside easyJet’s new route to Rome.”

“With just two months to go until easyJet opens its new base, this investment is not only delivering exciting new routes but will also bring significant economic benefits to the North East, including creating 130 direct jobs and supporting around 1200 UK jobs in total as well as attracting more visitors to the region.”

The new routes come as the airport expects 120,000 passengers this half-term, which is a 10 per cent increase compared to last year.

In total, over 750 flights will arrive and depart the airport, with popular destinations including Alicante, Antalya, Dubai and Tenerife.

Ski trips are also expected to be popular, with families heading to Chambery, Grenoble and Geneva.

The new routes are part of a wider £60million investment plan at the airport, which will see facilities updated as well as a larger departure lounge and international arrivals baggage hall.

In the departures lounge, there will be more seating areas, toilets and additional food and drink spots.

The three-storey terminal expansion will also have a new security search area with extra check-in desks and new self-service bag drop counters.

By 2040, the airport hopes to welcome nine million passengers a year.

In other aviation news, the 37 new flights launching from a major UK airport this year, including budget routes to Asia and Jet2’s first ever.

Plus, four-hour airport queues set to cause chaos for Brits this summer.

Operation Hawkeye has killed and captured more than 50 ISIL fighters after hitting about 100 targets.

United States forces have carried out a series of strikes against ISIL (ISIS) targets in Syria in retaliation for last year’s killing of two of its soldiers and an interpreter.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on Saturday that it attacked more than 30 ISIL targets in Syria between February 3 and 12, hitting the armed group’s infrastructure and weapons storage facilities with “precision munitions”.

CENTCOM said it launched the most recent attacks to “sustain relentless military pressure on remnants from the terrorist network”.

ISIL attacked US and Syrian forces near the historic city of Palmyra in December, killing Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, and Ayad Mansoor Sakat, identified as an American civilian interpreter.

Launched after the killings, Operation Hawkeye has killed and captured more than 50 fighters and hit about 100 ISIL infrastructure targets over the past two months, said CENTCOM.

The US military on Friday completed the transfer of thousands of ISIL detainees from Syria to Iraq, where they are expected to stand trial.

The prisoners were sent to Iraq at the request of Baghdad in a move welcomed by the US-led coalition that had for years fought against the armed group.

In other developments, the Syrian Ministry of Defence confirmed that government forces took control of the al-Tanf military base in the east of the country, which was run for years by US troops fighting ISIL.

The US-led coalition worked alongside the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the battle that led to ISIL’s territorial defeat in Syria in 2019.

However, Washington has now drawn close to Syria’s new authorities, recently saying that the purpose of its alliance with the SDF was largely over.

The US withdrawal from al-Tanf comes as Damascus seeks to extend its control over all of Syria.

Feb. 12 (UPI) — A United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur rocket launched successfully Thursday morning while experiencing an issue with its booster.

An apparent burn-through could be seen near the nozzle of the rocket’s fuel booster about 20 seconds after liftoff. Despite this, the Vulcan Centaur’s launch was a success.

“We had an observation early during the flight on one of the four solid rocket motors,” ULA posted on X. “The team is currently reviewing the data.”

The rocket, carrying a classified payload for Space Force, launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 4:22 a.m. EST.

The launch marks the beginning of the USSF-87 mission. The mission is to collect data to support U.S. Space Command surveillance, U.S. Space Force says. The satellites communicate with Air Force Satellite Control Network ground stations.

Thursday’s payloads include two satellites used for the United States’ Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program.

Since the program started in 2014, six spacecraft have been put into place.

“They provide ‘neighborhood watch’ services in the geostationary Earth arena, improving flight safety for all spacefaring nations operating in orbit,” Space Force said in a statement.

Thursday’s launch marked the beginning of the Vulcan Centaur’s fourth mission to space.

FANCY a cheap holiday? Well, British Airways has flights for a couple of quid, but there is a catch.

British Airways has released its latest batch of Avios-Only flights to two picturesque European destinations.

Avios-Only flights are where all of the seats on the plane are Reward Seats.

And the latest version of this offer includes flights from London City Airport to Madrid in Spain and Toulon Saint-Tropez in France.

But you will need to be a member of the British Airways Club to get the offer.

Seats included in the offer will be available to book from February 12, with return prices starting just £2 plus 21,500 Avios for Toulon and £2 plus 28,000 Avios for Madrid.

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The flights include 23kg checked baggage as well.

For Club Europe (business class) the Avios-Only flights to and from Madrid cost from £30 and 49,000 Avios.

The flight departs on May 22 at 11am and arrives in Madrid at 2:20pm.

The return flight is then on May 25, leaving Madrid at 3:10pm and landing down at London City Airport at 4:30pm.

For the Toulon St-Tropez Avios-Only flight, Club Europe costs from £30 and 36,000 Avios for a return flight.

The flight will leave London City Airport on June 13, arriving into Toulon at 10am.

The return flight will be on June 20, leaving Toulon at 10:45am and landing down back in London at 11:50am.

Travellers that also have a British Airways American Express Credit Card can use their Companion Vouchers on these flights.

These allow members to get a second seat for no extra points – all you have to pay are the taxes and fees.

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “These flights are always incredibly popular, and we’re delighted to give our loyal customers even more opportunities to enjoy the benefits of the British Airways Club.”

Adam Daniels, IAG Loyalty’s CEO, said: “With all seats onboard only available to book with Avios, the initiative shows the continued power of loyalty, and opens up greater redemption opportunities for customers during the peak summer months.”

The British Airways Club is free to join and when you fly with British Airways or its partner airlines, you collect Avios.

You can also collect them by shopping at over 2,000 retailers.

The points can then be used towards flights.

In other flight news, hundreds of flights cancelled at short notice in Europe with thousands of Brits hit.

Plus, a budget airline is scrapping six routes from Europe – including a mega-cheap UK flight.

Published on 10/02/2026 – 17:37 GMT+1•Updated
17:51

The Vatican Bank has announced this Tuesday the launch of two equity indices, both in the US and in the eurozone, selecting stocks from firms that purportedly respect and adhere to Catholic tenets.

The initiative was set up in partnership with Morningstar and represents an abnormal association between the Vatican and the financial sector.

The Vatican Bank is officially known as the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR) and these new indices are labelled as the Morningstar IOR US Catholic Principles and the Morningstar IOR Eurozone Catholic Principles.

Each of these indices holds 50 medium and large-cap companies, including Big Tech and major financial firms, that the Vatican Bank argues are “consistent with Catholic teachings on life issues, social responsibility and environmental protection”.

According to Morningstar, the fund’s top American holdings feature companies like Meta and Amazon, while its European counterpart includes firms such as ASML, Deutsche Telekom and SAP.

This partnership between the Vatican Bank and Morningstar comes after initiatives to rehabilitate the IOR’s image, which had been damaged over the years through various scandals involving fraudulent activities such as misappropriation of funds.

The late Pope Francis had already ratified a series of reforms to address those problems.

ESG outflows and Catholic-based investing

This move by the Vatican Bank also occurs during a period when ESG funds are experiencing substantial outflows.

However, the concept of Catholic-based investing is not new or unique. These new indices already face rivals in the sector.

For example, there is a US-based ETF named S&P 500 Catholic Values Index structured in a similar way and worth over $1bn (€840mn).

Additionally, a US-based family fund named Ave Maria Mutual Funds reported over $3.8bn (€3.2bn) in assets under management last year. This fund also claims to follow a Catholic-based investment strategy.

The Chadian government has launched the 2026 National Humanitarian Response Plan (NHRP) and the Refugee Response Plan (RRP) to coordinate assistance for vulnerable people uprooted by war. Amid a growing refugee crisis, including the arrival of 7,000 new Sudanese refugees at the eastern Oure Cassoni camp, the Chadian authorities established these schemes to tackle the humanitarian crisis overwhelming the country.

At an event held on Feb. 5, in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital city, the coordinator of the initiatives, Francois Batalingaya, commended humanitarian actors for their “constant engagement, which is essential for support to populations confronted by multiple crises”. He stressed the importance of mobilisation at both national and international levels, recognising the contributions of government, technical, financial, and humanitarian partners.

According to Batalingaya, the humanitarian plan is based on an analysis of four major drivers of crisis: conflicts and displacement, food and nutritional insecurity, sanitary emergencies, and climatic shocks. He revealed that 4.5 million people in Chad need assistance, with 3.4 million identified as priority targets, requiring nearly US$1 billion in financing.

He acknowledged persistent challenges, including financial deficits, insecurity, administrative constraints, and the need for stronger national appropriations and leadership. “Faced with these stakes, we must reinforce collective action and increase advocacy in order to avoid certain populations going without assistance,” he said.

The Minister of Social Action, National Solidarity and Humanitarian Affairs, Zara Mahamat Issa, described the launch of the NHRP and RRP as “a key moment for strategic planning and an exercise in accountability towards vulnerable populations.” She noted Chad’s continued solidarity in hosting refugees despite regional security crises, climate change, forced displacement, and socio-economic fragility.

“The government reaffirms its engagement to place the protection of vulnerable populations at the heart of its public action, considering humanitarian response as a factor of stability, social cohesion and sustainable development,” Zara said. She noted that transparency, accountability, and localisation of assistance are priorities, and called for better coordination amid limited resources.

During Batalingaya’s visit to the Oure Cassoni refugee camp, where more than 7,000 Sudanese refugees had recently arrived, he highlighted issues around the humanitarian crisis in Chad. He described the visit as “an immersion into an increasing humanitarian crisis which necessitates immediate responses.”

Testimonies from refugees, community leaders, and aid partners revealed feelings of uncertainty, exhaustion, and a shortage of basic necessities in the refugee camps. “Behind each of these problems are the suspended lives of children lacking access to education and families deprived of shelter,” stated a local humanitarian worker.

The refugees urgently need water, sanitation, healthcare, nutrition, food security, shelter, household items, protection, and education. “Oure Cassoni is an alarm signal. Without rapid and reinforced mobilisation, humanitarian needs would continue to overwhelm response capacities. The urgency is real, and inaction is no longer an option,” Batalingaya warned.

Wizz Air has added a new route to the Greek island of Santorini from London Gatwick starting July 2026, with flights from £45.99 offering crystal-clear waters and whitewashed villages

Wizz Air has unveiled new routes to a stunning island boasting scorching sunshine and crystal-clear azure waters, with fares kicking off at just £45.99.

As dreary British weather continues, many of us are fantasising about a sun-drenched holiday, making it the perfect moment to discover that Wizz Air has expanded its routes to the iconic Greek island of Santorini. The breathtaking destination has remained a firm favourite amongst holidaymakers craving a peaceful retreat amongst its whitewashed and blue-domed clifftop villages.

The fresh Wizz Air route connecting London Gatwick to Santorini will officially launch on 1 July 2026, as the airline bolsters its Greek connections ahead of the busy summer travel season. The new service, offering Brits greater flexibility for their summer holiday plans, will run twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Direct flights begin at only £45.99 one-way, making it simpler than ever to secure that tranquil getaway during the summer break without the eye-watering cost. Santorini delivers plenty for travellers, from its spectacular clifftop vistas and black volcanic sand beaches to some of the most breathtaking golden sunsets imaginable.

Tourists can meander through cobbled pathways flanked by whitewashed structures adorned with pink bougainvillaea blooms for a picture-perfect Mamma Mia! moment. Due to its dramatic position perched atop volcanic cliffs, there’s an array of hiking trails to appreciate the island’s distinctive charm, including the renowned Fira-Oia trail.

Beyond that, visitors can discover the ancient ruins at Akrotiri, embark on a boat excursion across the turquoise waters, enjoy a dip in Santorini’s hot springs, and taste local wines during a vineyard tour. Additionally, there’s a wide selection of delightful restaurants, lively bars and authentic cafes where guests can savour Greek cuisine, from Gyros to Horiatiki.

The introduction of the new Wizz Air route to Santorini arrives as the carrier continues to broaden its UK- Greece connections. Wizz Air has also announced extra flights to Chania, Corfu, Mykonos, Rhodes and Zakynthos launching this summer.

Yvonne Moynihan, Managing Director at Wizz Air UK, said: “The addition of Santorini to our London Gatwick network comes at the perfect time ahead of the peak summer season. Our upcoming Greek routes are already set to become firm favourites with our customers, and Santorini is a bucket list destination that people dream of visiting.

“As London’s low-cost airline, we’re delighted to give travellers the opportunity to experience this iconic island destination at an affordable price. We listened carefully to what customers wanted, and through our Customer First Compass framework, we are making sure their needs remain front and centre in every decision we take.”

The upcoming flights from London Gatwick to Santorini, with a journey time of less than four hours, will soon be available for booking on the Wizz Air website or through their app. Prices for a one-way direct ticket will kick off at £45.99, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 1 July 2026.

Got a travel tale to tell? Drop us an email at webtravel@reachplc.com

NEW YORK — The Trump administration on Thursday launched TrumpRx, a website it says will help patients buy prescription drugs directly at a discounted rate at a time when healthcare and the cost of living are growing concerns for Americans.

“You’re going to save a fortune,” President Trump said at the site’s unveiling. “And this is also so good for overall healthcare.”

The government-hosted website is not a platform for buying medications. Instead, it’s set up as a facilitator, pointing Americans to drugmakers’ direct-to-consumer websites, where they can make purchases. It also provides coupons to use at pharmacies. The site launches with over 40 medications, including weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

The site is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to show it’s tackling the challenges of high costs. Affordability has emerged as a political vulnerability for Trump and his Republican allies going into November’s midterm elections, as Americans remain worried about the cost of housing, groceries, utilities and other staples of middle-class identity.

Trump stressed that the lower prices were made possible by his pressuring of pharmaceutical companies on prices, saying he demanded that they charge the same costs in the U.S. as in other nations. He said prescription drug costs will increase in foreign countries as a result.

“We’re tired of subsidizing the world,” Trump said at the evening event on the White House campus that lasted roughly 20 minutes.

The administration is touting substantial discounts, though it’s unclear just how much impact the changes will have for family budgets. The site includes the disclaimer that prices “may be even lower” for people with insurance, as it lists the “out-of-pocket price.” Also, some consumers might be able to use available generics that cost less than brand-name medications.

Still, Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, hyped the website as being transformative. He said the lower prices for Ozempic and Wegovy would cause the country to collectively lose 100 million pounds this year. He suggested that lower prices for the fertility drug Gonal-F would trigger pregnancies nationwide.

“We’re going to have a lot of Trump babies with these costs,” Oz said.

The president first teased TrumpRx in September while announcing the first of his more than 15 deals with pharmaceutical companies to lower drug prices to match the lowest price offered in other developed nations. He said in December the website would provide “massive discounts to all consumers” — though it’s unclear whether the prices available on drugmakers’ websites will routinely be any lower than what many consumers could get through their insurance coverage.

The website’s Thursday release came after it faced multiple delays, for reasons the administration hasn’t publicly shared. Last fall, Oz told Trump the site would share prices for consumers before the end of the year. An expected launch in late January was also pushed back.

The president has spent the past several months seeking to spotlight his efforts to lower drug prices for Americans. He’s done that through deals with major pharmaceutical companies, including some of the biggest drugmakers like Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Merck, which have agreed to lower prices of their Medicaid drugs to so-called “most favored nations” pricing. As part of the deals, many of the companies’ new drugs are also to be launched at discounted rates for consumer markets through TrumpRx.

Many of the details of Trump’s deals with manufacturers remain unclear, and drug prices for patients in the U.S. can depend on many factors, including the competition a treatment faces and insurance coverage. Most people have coverage through work, the individual insurance market or government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, which shield them from much of the cost.

Trump’s administration also has negotiated lower prices for several prescription drugs for Medicare enrollees, through a direct negotiation program created by a 2022 law.

Swenson writes for the Associated Press.

SEOUL, Feb. 5 (UPI) — South Korean radar solution company bitsensing said Thursday it launched an aftermarket advanced driver assistance system kit that can be installed in existing commercial vehicles.

The company said that the kit, which is composed of radar sensors and cameras, would enhance safety and driving awareness by providing real-time alerts for collision risk and blind-spot hazards.

bitsensing is targeting commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks, which the firm claims are more prone to road accidents due to longer braking distances and larger blind spots compared to passenger cars.

Commercial vehicles account for 14% of all fatal road crashes in the European Union and 9% in the United States, according to data from transportation authorities in those regions.

The Korean company said that it has been conducting pilot tests of the new product since November in partnership with Koreawide Express Group, the country’s bus operator.

Under the collaboration, bitsensing’s driver assistance kits were installed across Koreawide’s fleet of intercity and city buses in real-world road environments, with plans to expand deployment to more than 500 buses.

“Commercial vehicles operate in some of the most demanding road environments, yet many fleets still lack access to modern driver warning systems,” bitsensing CEO Lee Jae-eun said in a statement.

“The ADAS kit was developed to close that gap, delivering a complete, system-level ADAS solution that can be deployed on existing vehicles without redesigning the vehicle platform,” he added.

Observers point out that aftermarket safety systems continue to gain traction as fleet operators seek cost-effective ways to upgrade older vehicles.

“Newer commercial vehicles tend to be equipped with advanced safety features, but many conventional vehicles lack such systems, making them more vulnerable to accidents,” Daelim College automotive professor Kim Pil-soo told UPI.

“To deal with such problems, aftermarket solutions are necessary to help commercial vehicles navigate increasingly complex urban driving environments more safely,” he said.

Kim said he expects an increasing number of ADAS kits to compete in the market, including LiDAR sensor-free solutions, such as bitsensing’s products that can be competitively priced.

Short for Light Detection and Ranging, LiDAR is a costly sensing technology that enables vehicles to perceive their surroundings in three dimensions with very high precision.

Saudi Arabia has launched a project to issue passports for camels, in a move seen as a “qualitative step” to regulate the sector and strengthen the kingdom’s credibility in local and international markets, the government said on Wednesday, Anadolu reports.

A statement by the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said Deputy Minister Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti inaugurated the camel passport project Tuesday evening.

The initiative is designed to organize the camel sector, document identity and improve service efficiency while enhancing market trust domestically and internationally, the ministry said.

The project seeks to record camels’ data, ownership and breeds and link them to verified health and regulatory information, making the passport an officially recognized reference that supports more efficient services, the statement added.

READ: Saudi minister denies claims of refusal to receive UAE’s deputy ruler

The camel passport serves as a comprehensive identification document, containing a microchip number, passport number, the camel’s name, date of birth, breed, sex, color, place of birth, and date and place of issuance, as well as photographs of the animal from both sides to ensure accurate identification, the ministry said.

It also includes a dedicated vaccination table that clearly documents veterinary immunization records, certified by the name, signature and stamp of the veterinarian, according to the statement.

The ministry said the passport will help regulate sales and trading by tightening controls over camel sales, transport and official documentation.

In a census released in June 2025, the ministry said the total number of camels in the kingdom reached 2,235,297 heads.

Saudi Arabia ranks among the world’s top camel-owning countries, with an estimated 80,000 owners, according to unofficial figures.

READ: Saudi Arabia: Citizens can invite Muslim friends abroad for Umrah on new visa

AT Diggerland you can forget classic fairytale castles and rollercoasters because this one-of-a-kind theme park has none of that.

What it does have is plenty of JCBs, tractors and dumper trucks that kids can drive around themselves – which makes it arguably the strangest… and best day out for a family.

The theme park, which has four sites across the UK, will reopen on February 14, 2026 – just in time for half-term digging fun.

Diggerland is where kids can drive and operate real construction machinery – something they can’t do anywhere else.

They can use them to dig for treasure, navigate mini-tractors, and get spinning on the Spin Dizzy ride.

There’s also a tractor ride, safari adventure course, and kids can even use mini-excavators to play hook a duck.

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And new for 2026 is the Crazy Trikes attraction – three-wheeler bikes that are designed to make OTT spins.

Diggerland says of the experience: “Buckle up and unleash your inner dare-devil as you spin, twirl, and whirl in every direction imaginable in our new Crazy Trikes.

“Spin into doughnuts like a pro or cruise at superb speeds.”

Diggerland is running a very limited-time special offer during February half-term.

Families can buy two standard general admission tickets on the day of their visit for £39.50pp and get two more tickets completely free.

So, a family of four can enjoy a full day of digger fun for £79.

Just make sure to present the voucher (found online) on arrival – and note that you can’t use this on pre-booked tickets.

The offer is valid only during February half term, on days Diggerland is open between February 14 and March 1, 2026 and is available at all four UK locations.

Lauren Nelson, Marketing Manager at Diggerland, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming visitors back for our 2026 season, and we’re already planning to start the year with a bang.

“February half term is the perfect time for families to enjoy something a little different, and with our special offer plus the launch of the brand new Crazy Trikes attraction, there’s never been a better time to visit and create unforgettable memories together.”

‘Diggerland has to be seen to be believed’

The Sun’s Head Of Travel, Digital, Caroline McGuire, visited Diggerland in Rochester and here’s what she had to say…

“Diggerland has to be seen to be believed – and even then it’s quite hard to compute.

“We spent the day riding dumper trucks around a gravel pit, digging stones out of a hole with a full-sized digger and riding around a muddy concourse while seated in an enormous bucket.

“In fact, there are quite a few variations on each of those themes.

“You can dig for mud, “gold bricks”, stones or toy ducks. You can drive a dumper, take a digger safari, ride backwards in a bucket carousel – somehow, they’ve made 20 different rides from machinery.”

“If that doesn’t suffice, there are also plenty of coin- operated (you’ve guessed it) car and digger rides dotted around the place.

“With the exception of a couple of car attractions, everything comes straight off a construction site, and if you know any young kids you’ll know there lies the appeal.

“And if the weather is bad, there’s also an indoor soft-play area and bouncy castle next door.”

FEBRUARY in Britain is officially a washout – so now’s the perfect time to book your next holiday.

ClubMed has just launched a massive flash sale, slashing 20% off a bundle of luxury all-inclusive ski holidays.

Club Med: 20% off ski holidays

Whether you fancy skiing the French peaks or the Italian slopes, you can bag a serious bargain with the travel operator – but only for the next few days.

This promotion launched earlier today (3rd February) and runs until midnight on Friday (6th February).

Best of all, it covers holidays all the way from November 2026 to May 2027.

The discounts on offer are for a wide number of ClubMed resorts across the European Alps.

At Alpe d’Huez, you get ski-in, ski-out access to a massive 250km piste area.

When you aren’t carving up the snow, you can also try dog-sledding or hit the PAYOT spa.

You can even enjoy a legendary apres-ski session at the beautiful lobby bar.

If you want to go all out, Grand Massif offers contemporary chalet-apartments with private fireplaces.

Guests there even enjoy a daily glass of champagne from 6pm.

Meanwhile, Les Arcs Panorama is a family dream, featuring a Scandinavian enchanted forest design.

You can even soak those sore legs in an open-air jacuzzi while looking out over the Paradiski area.

Because it’s all-inclusive, your lift passes and lessons are usually sorted, meaning there are no nasty, hidden-cost surprises.

ClubMed ski holiday deals this February

The 20% discount is automatically applied to these price drops (per person, per week):

• Val Thorens, £1,226 (was £1,440) – book here
• Tignes, £1,397 (was £1,594) – book here
• Les Arcs Panorama, £1,414 (was £1,661) – book here
• Peisey Vallandry, £1,522 (was £1,788) – book here
• Val d’Isere, £1,549 (was £1,820) – book here
• Valmorel, £1,614 (was £1,896) – book here
• La Rosiere, £1,616 (was £1,899) – book here
• Pragelato, £1,644 (was £1,931) – book here
• Alp d’Huez, £1,659 (was £1,949) – book here
• Serre Chevalier, £1,730 (was £2,033) – book here

Remember, it’s savvy holidaymakers who plan months or even years in advance.

This is a chance to get a late-2026 or 2027 adventure locked in for less.

But don’t hang about: this sale is only runs for a few more days.

Further afield, there’s a Balkan resort with £1 beers has been named Europe’s most affordable ski destination.

Jan. 31 (UPI) — Israel on Saturday launched airstrikes at targets in Gaza, with Palestinian authorities reporting that at least 30 were killed in the attacks.

The strikes come after Israel accused Hamas of violating a shaky cease-fire in Gaza ahead of the expected reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza.

The strikes hit an apartment building, tent camp and a police station, hospital officials told the Los Angeles Times.

Ten officers and detainees were killed in the police station strike in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood outside Gaza City. Officials are searching the rubble for bodies and said the number of dead could increase, The Guardian reported.

The outlet added that three children and two women were killed in the apartment building in Gaza City, in addition to seven who died in strikes in the Khan Younis tent camp.

In a statement, Israel said the strikes were in response to militants leaving a tunnel in Rafah, which is controlled by Israel and would constitute a violation of the cease-fire.

The latest outbreak of violence comes one day before the land crossing between Gaza and Egypt in Rafah is due to reopen, part of the multi-part cease-fire that Israel and Hamas agreed to last October.

Israeli officials said the crossing would be open to a “limited” number of people and that all individuals entering or exiting Gaza will be required to obtain a security clearance from Israel in coordination with Egypt, NBC News reported.

Hospitals and ambulances in Egypt already have been preparing to receive sick and injured Palestinians from Gaza when the crossing opens on Sunday morning.

Despite the both Israel and Gaza accusing each other of violating the cease-fire, an Israeli official told The New York Times that Israel will not alter plans to open the Rafah border crossing.