2007 Articles

Heathrow Airport 'will see changes in 2008'

Heathrow Airport is set to be undergo significant changes in 2008, it has been revealed.

Duncan Garrood, commercial director of airports operator BAA, told the Independent that 2007 had posed challenges for the company but that the opening of terminal five in late March will have a big effect on how the airport functions.

"At the moment the airport is handling around 20 million more passengers each year than it was originally designed for.
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Heathrow Airport cracks down on late passengers

Travellers heading off on holiday from terminal five at Heathrow Airport are being warned to make sure they arrive on time for their flight or risk the plane leaving without them.

The Independent reports that British Airways, which will operate all the flights leaving and departing the terminal when it opens in March 2008, is planning to crack down on passengers who do not make their way through the airport promptly in an attempt to ensure that flights leave on time.

If a passenger is not waiting to go through security at least 35 minutes before their departure time, they will be classed by British Airways as having failed to turn up.
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Stansted: Easy connections to US available

People looking to visit the US could consider taking a flight from Stansted Airport in the New Year, it has been suggested.

With the pound extremely strong against the dollar, many people have been flocking to the US in recent months but according to a spokesman for BAA Stansted Airport, its still worthwhile hopping across the Atlantic for a break.

"January is a great time to visit the US - especially if you're looking to pick up a bargain in the post Christmas sales," he said.
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January 'good month for a holiday'

People willing to take a holiday in January can make significant savings on the cost of their break, it has been suggested.

Frances Tuke, a spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents, pointed out that the first month in the New Year is usually slow for holiday companies, with many cutting prices and providing travellers the opportunity to "really clean up" financially.

"People do realise that if they are flexible about when they want to go away - which can be good in terms of work, so if you want to go away during a [quieter] period of the year you know people will be in the office - they can take advantage of that," she said.
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Passengers urged to head to airport early

People scheduled to depart from Nottingham/East Midlands Airport have been urged to ensure they don't leave it too late to head to the airport.

Millions of people heading off on a festive holiday or travelling to visit family members will be on the move today, making it vital that those trying to get away ensure they get an early start.

Amy Buckley, a spokeswoman for the airport, told the BBC that around 8,500 people departed from the hub on Friday alone.
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Heathrow Airport announces lounge revamp

Heathrow Airport is to undergo a facelift designed to make it easier for passengers to get through security checkpoints.

The Guardian reports that airport operator BAA intends to remove two shops from terminal three and use the space to add two new security lanes, in a bid to reduce the amount of time people have to wait before they are able to enter airport lounges

Once through, travellers will be able to enjoy a greater range of dining options, with three new restaurants scheduled to be opened.
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Business as usual at Birmingham

Birmingham Airport has commented on the potential problems that travellers at London airports could face over coming months and pointed out that it will be "business as usual" in the Midlands.

It was announced today that BAA workers belonging to the trade union Unite plan to take industrial action in January, potentially causing disruptions to the operations of London's three major airports.

Fears have emerged that the strikes could have catastrophic effects on both the travel industry and the economy.
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Durham Tees Valley boosts Spanish services

Durham Tees Valley Airport has celebrated a boost to its Spanish services, with new flights to Alicante launched by Ryanair.

The carrier announced that the new connection will launch on March 4th next year and operate three times a week.

An additional 40,000 passengers are expected to pass through Durham Tees Valley Airport every year as a result of the link, bringing Ryanair's total annual passenger figure at the hub to 150,000.
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Gatwick breaks 35m barrier

Gatwick Airport has announced that in the 12 months to the end of November 2007, it handled over 35 million passengers for the first time.

In November Gatwick saw a passenger increase of 6.2 per cent compared to the same month in 2006.

There was an increase of 15 per cent in the number of people travelling to and from the Republic of Ireland and a rise of 12 per cent in long-haul travellers outside the North Atlantic.
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Mamma Mia! booking period extended

Theatregoers in London will be able to catch popular musical Mamma Mia! for an extended time next year after it had its booking period lengthened.

The show was given a ten-month extension to its run and will now take bookings up to April 25th 2009.

Mamma Mia! has been showing at the Prince of Wales theatre since June 3rd 2004, following a transfer from the Prince Edward Theatre.
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Xmas and new year 'to see record traveller numbers'

Record numbers of Brits are expected to jet off to holiday destinations all over the world during the Christmas and new year period.

According to the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), some 3.5 million people will head overseas between December 21st and January 2nd, in search of guaranteed sunshine and snow.

The former weather type is expected to be the biggest lure, with the hotspots of the Canary Islands, Egypt and Goa set to top the list of desirable destinations.
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