+ THE TRAVEL NEWS IN BRIEF - Everything you need to know

Admiralty Arch hotel

Aviation Club

Blackstone buys airport stake

Electric across the USA

Europe - The travel rules

Gatwick expansion

IHG the Garner Hotel brand

India from Manchester

Israel

Liverpool Airport Lounge

London to Cornwall

Manchester City gains a hotel

Newcastle hotel

Nottingham Airport to close

Paris Air Show

Passport cost rise

Silverstone hotel

Swiss at London City

UK airport passenger numbers

Unaccompanied minors

Wizz Air and the A321XLR

World Aviation Festival


Admiralty Arch hotel

The iconic London’s Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch hotel looks like it has been delayed further and a 2026 opening has been suggested.

The building was acquired by Reuben Brothers in 2022, and will feature around 100 rooms and suites, as well as spa facilities, a sixth-floor rooftop terrace, and a second ground floor outdoor space “where guests will be able to sit overlooking St James’ Park”.

Plans to convert the Grade I listed building – located at the end of The Mall and across from Trafalgar Square – were first announced way back in 2012, and an agreement for the property to join Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria brand was unveiled in 2017.

Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud will oversee two signature restaurants at the hotel.  

www.hilton.com/en/brands/waldorf-astoria

www.reubenbrothers.com


Aviation Club

The next club lunch will be held on Wednesday 30 April, when members and guests will be joined at the Royal Over-Seas League, St James’s, London, by Turkka Kuusisto, CEO of Finnair, which is a member of oneworld.

Founded in 1923, Finnair is the fifth oldest airline in continuous operation and is consistently referenced to be one of the safest in the world.  As national flag carrier and largest full-service legacy airline they dominate both domestic and international air travel in Finland.  

Kuusisto is the son of a former Finnair pilot, assuming the role of CEO in April 2024 having previously headed the Finnish postal service and largest logistics company around the Baltic Sea region.

https://aviationclub.org.uk

www.finnair.com


Blackstone buys airport stake    

In what some perceive as a surprise move, US-based Blackstone, said to be the world’s largest private investment fund, has acquired a 22% stake in AGS Airports, the operator of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports.

The asset management company is paying £235 million for the stake, which would place a £1.07 billion value for the three airports.

AGS was acquired by PSP, one of Canada’s largest pension investment managers, last year after the Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial and Australia’s Macquarie agreed a £1.5bn deal.

Aberdeen Airport has never been consistent with its results, very much dependent on the North Sea oil business.  Glasgow always struggled against Edinburgh, a holiday gateway and government centre, and with 8 million passengers (up 10% last year) is currently running at about half the Scottish capital’s number.  Southampton, now with an extended runway, is an enigma, but with its own railway station it is an alternative to Heathrow with the right flights for an affluent catchment area.

www.agsairports.co.uk

www.blackstone.com


Electric across the USA

From April to August 2025 the remarkable Swiss H55 two-seat training aircraft is set to deliver real-world electric flight demonstrations at key North American aviation events including SUN’n FUN in Florida and EAA AirVenture in Wisconsin.

H55 Across America is an open invitation to flight schools, government agencies, investors, and aviation professionals to experience the commercial reality of electric flight – up close and in the air.

“Aviation is at a turning point”, says Kristen Jurn, US Sales Manager, H55.  “Electrification isn’t coming – it’s here. This tour is about more than showcasing an aircraft. It’s about proving electric aviation is ready for scale. As a pilot, I believe the US market, known for embracing innovation, will respond strongly to a solution that delivers both performance and efficiency”.

https://h55.ch


Europe - The travel rules

No visa fees this summer!

For the time being at least British travellers to the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area do not require a visa.

And when will the rules change?  Nobody knows but probably not before 2027.

EU officials had originally confirmed that the much-delayed entry / exit system would take effect last November. Every UK traveller entering the Schengen Area would need to be fingerprinted and provide a facial biometric. But the date was indefinitely postponed. Any requirement does not apply to British visitors to Ireland, which is in the EU but outside Schengen.

The EU Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) launch is at least six months away.  When it is introduced some 1.4 billion people from 59 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.

A grace period has also been added but still no information on visits by UK originating cruise ships to mainland ports.  Most do not require an inspection a ships pass being enough.

Stay up to date via the UK Government advice.

Also see below regarding Passport cost rise.

www.gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area


Gatwick expansion

Gatwick Airport has provided more details regarding its forthcoming Pier 6 extension, expected to be completed in 2027.  

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is “minded to approve” Gatwick’s plans to lengthen its emergency second runway.

The work will add eight new aircraft gates, removing the need for more than half a million passengers per year to be coached to remote stands, and in turn eliminating 12,000 bus journeys annually.

www.gatwickairport.com


IHG the Garner Hotel brand

The major hotel groups seem to be inventing new brands, ad nauseam.

IHG is very much into this confusion (see below) and has introduced in Europe Garner Hotels, which it describes as a ‘midscale conversion brand’.

The 80-room Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury is the first UK opening, located close to the M6’s junction 31.  It joins IHG’s global portfolio of more than 117 open, or in the pipeline Garner Hotels.

Quality:
Hotel Indigo
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Regent Hotels & Resorts
Six Senses
Vignette Collection

Premium:
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts
HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts
voco hotels

Essentials:
avid hotels
Garner Hotels
Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

Suites:
Atwell Suites
Candlewood Suites
Holiday Inn Club Vacations
Staybridge Suites

Plus as exclusive partners:
Iberostar Beachfront Resorts

www.ihg.com/content/gb/en/about/brands


India from Manchester

For the first time Delhi is to be linked to Manchester.  IndiGo, now India’s largest airline, will fly three times per week with fights “expected to commence” in July.  Initially the aircraft will be ‘damp’ lease Boeing 787-9s, the usual arrangement being the customer airline supplying cabin crew and the aircraft operator all technical support.

In April 2024 the airline announced a firm order for 30 Airbus A350s, with options for a further 70. It is also taking a number of A321XLRs, which should have the legs to fly to Central Europe if not further.

The Manchester flights will have no direct competition. IndiGo becomes the only airline to fly non-stop from the North of England to India.

www.goindigo.in


Israel

El Al continues to fly to Tel Aviv from both Heathrow and Luton.  It has done so since the 7 October terrorist attack. Other UK airlines will bring back services as noted: British Airways 5 April, easyJet 1 June and Virgin Atlantic 25 September. Wizz has already returned.  

Starting in May, the Israeli airline will operate five weekly flights on a new route to Boston as part of an expansion plan that will bring the company to a record 52 weekly US flights.  

The US – Israel market is very strong but the carriers involved have been cautious in their approach with United already flying from Newark New York.  American Airlines will not fly until September, but does code share with British Airways. Delta is the first out of New York JFK starting 1 April.

www.iaa.gov.il/en


Liverpool Airport Lounge

Work is now underway to construct the new Aspire Executive Lounge at Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) which will complete the latest multi-million pound phase of passenger improvements at the airport, ahead of the peak summer season.

Since first opening its doors in the heart of the airport’s busy Departure Lounge in May 2012, the Aspire Lounge, operated by Swissport, has become so popular with airport users that despite a previous expansion and refurbishment, a new much larger facility is now needed to cater for the continued growing demand.

As a consequence a new Aspire Executive Lounge is under construction that will be over three times the floor space of the existing facility and able to cater for twice as many guests with space for over 200.

In addition, the new lounge will feature a two-tiered offering, with guests able to choose for the first time either the usual classic Aspire facilities or upgrade to the Luxe by Aspire offer, with its private booths, communal workspace, premium snacks and drinks and is for adults only. The lounge will also include its own dedicated toilet facilities for the first time.    

www.liverpoolairport.com

www.swissport.com


London to Cornwall

Newquay Airport Cornwall (NQY) is to be further connected this summer from London by a daily 90-minute Eastern Airways service out of Southend Airport.  It compliments Eastern’s twice daily Gatwick operation.  Flights will be by a 72-seat ATR72-600.

Badly hit by Covid, Southend is now making a comeback with easyJet establishing it once again as a base.  The airport has a huge catchment area including East London, Essex and as far as Suffolk.  There is also a rail service every 20 minutes from Liverpool Street and Stratford.  Car parking is directly in front of the terminal.

www.southendairport.com

www.easternairways.com


Manchester City gains a hotel

What looks likely to be the outgoing Premier League champions, Manchester City, has announced details of a hotel which will form part of the £300 million redevelopment of Etihad Stadium’s North Stand.

The Medlock (named after the river which runs underneath the wider Etihad Campus), will join Radisson Hotel Group’s Radisson Blu portfolio, and will offer 401 rooms and suites.

The development is set to open in late 2026, and will also see the stadium’s capacity increased to 60,000, with new facilities including a roof walk, museum and office space.

www.mancity.com

www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/brand/radisson-blu


Newcastle hotel

Now opening is the Dakota Newcastle hotel.

Located on St Ann’s Wharf, on the north bank of the Tyne overlooking the riverside promenade, Dakota Newcastle comprises 118 guest rooms and suites, including the Grand Deluxe – a two-bedroom suite believed to be the biggest in the city, which features a fireplace, steam shower, roll-top bath, lounge, and a dedicated dressing-room area. It is a short walk to the centre of Newcastle.

Later this year, Dakota Newcastle will launch a Cigar Terrace, which it says is a first for the city. The property boasts a 60-person meeting room, alongside two private dining rooms, a boardroom and a library which can all be hired for events.

Dakota Hotels also operate properties in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Motherwell (Eurocentral).

https://dakotahotels.co.uk


Nottingham Airport to close

Better known in general aviation terms as Tollerton, Nottingham City Airport is to close in June.

Vistry Group bought the site in 2022 from Truman Aviation, which is still the operator, and submitted a planning application to Rushcliffe Borough Council.  

Despite fierce opposition the Council has approved a scheme to build 400 homes.  

Once an RAF aerodrome the current operational runway, just over 1,000 metres long, can accommodate small jets and all manner of light aircraft. It is about three miles from Nottingham City Centre, close by the A52.

www.nottinghamairport.co.uk


Paris Air Show

The biennial Paris Air Show takes place at Le Bourget 16-22 June.

If you have never been before the easiest way is to take the B Line train from central Paris (via Gare du Nord) to Le Bourget station. From there take the free shuttle, usually very crowded, and prone to traffic problems.  The show entrance is an uphill 20-minute walk. The shuttle is OK for the return.  From Charles de Gaulle use the B Line.

What is new for this year?  Very little major hardware one suspects, with a first delivery expected to be announced for the Boeing 777X.  There will be drones galore and plenty of noise at the press conferences regarding AI for both commercial and military aviation.

www.siae.fr


Passport cost rise

From 10 April, the fee for a standard online application made from within the UK will rise from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and £57.50 to £61.50 for children. Postal applications will increase from £100 to £107 for adults and £69 to £74 for children.

The fee for a one-day, Premium Service application made from within the UK will rise from £207.50 to £222 for adults and £176.50 to £189 for children.

There is some good, or in truth delayed tax news. British passport holders who are currently permitted visa-free entry to the EU will not be required to obtain a travel authorisation – ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) – until April 2027, at the earliest. 

Also see above regarding European visas (ETIAS) Europe - The travel rules

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en


Silverstone hotel

With the British Grand Prix taking place 4/5/6 July, Silverstone has a new hotel called Escapade.  It is sited within yards of the motor racing circuit towards Becketts Corner and with fine views over the whole track. The approach is via the A413.

Whilst it will be fully booked on race days (and GP practice) it provides an interesting stopover to and from London and is 14 miles from Junction 15 of the M1.  Casual visitors please note that there is usually track activities on the circuit.

Escapade Silverstone comprise 60 individual residences and a clubhouse with driver-focused gym, pool, sauna, treatment rooms, restaurant, bar and roof terrace. The residences range between 2-4 bedrooms and are designed to maximise views of both the track and countryside.

www.escapadeliving.com


Swiss at London City

Flown by specialised wet lease operator Helvetic Airways, Swiss International Airlines has taken the honour as the airline with largest aircraft at London City Airport (LCY).  

The Embraer E195-E2 is now the largest aircraft operating at LCY with up to 135 passengers.  Its opening flight was 26 March.

The aircraft is seen as having great potential route possibilities for the future with Athens, Cairo, Casablanca, Gran Canaria, Istanbul and Tel Aviv within range.

Swiss has been a stalwart operator at LCY since its early days.  Part of the Lufthansa Group, it serves both Geneva and Zurich with regular daily flights.

www.swiss.com

www.helvetic.com


UK airport passenger numbers

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has now published the full 2024 passenger figures for all of the UK’s 49 scheduled airports, in total 292.5 million (2019 296.9m) a rise of 7% over 2023.

Heathrow continues as Europe’s busiest airport with a record breaking 83.9m passengers, well ahead of the 2019 pre-pandemic 80.90m total.  Gatwick was 43m up 6%, Stansted was just under 30m at the same rate of increase, Luton 17m plus 3%, City 3.5m and 4%, whilst Southend doubled its numbers from a very low base and will push towards 400,000 passengers this year.

The UK’s main provincial airports all showed growth from 2023 with Manchester up 10% at nearly 30m, Edinburgh 15.7 (10%), Glasgow 8m (10%), Newcastle 5.1 (7%), Liverpool 5m (21%), Leeds Bradford 4.2m (6%%), Belfast International 6.m (13%), Belfast City 2.4 (13%) and Aberdeen 2.3 (3%).

www.caa.co.uk/data-and-analysis/uk-aviation-market/airports/uk-airport-data/uk-airport-data-2024/annual-2024


Unaccompanied minors

A daughter of TNU’s Editor-in-Chief, 50 this year, once flew to the US when she was 12 as an unaccompanied minor on Pan Am and was upgraded.

BA does not accept any longer (cost cutting) lone children under 14. Any child aged 14 or 15 and travelling alone MUST bring a completed parent / guardian consent form and a copy of the parental passport with them to the airport.

The child cannot check-in online and must use a manned desk, with the parent / guardian present. The child will need to show a payment method for any expenses and a mobile phone which is fully charged, with sufficient credit and international roaming activated for foreign travel. 

We are indebted to Rob Burgess of Head for Points who had problems checking in his daughter.  In his case the BA staff sorted things out.

And as for Virgin Atlantic the rules are the same, but with Norse unaccompanied minors are not accepted.

With easyJet, solo children aged 15 and under are not permitted to travel alone and for Ryanair the cut off age is 16.

Look up the individual airlines but here are the BA rules.

www.britishairways.com/content/information/travel-assistance/children-travelling-alone


Wizz Air and the A321XLR

Medina (Saudi Arabia) is the latest target for Wizz Air.  Services will start out of Gatwick from 1 August and operate daily, aiming to take a share of the year round Umrah (minor pilgrimage) traffic from the UK.  

This will be the only direct flight from the UK to the sacred City. Jeddah, also daily, started on 31 March.

What makes the route particularly interesting is the use of the new Airbus A321XLR aircraft which offers exceptional range (up to 11 hours flying time) from a single aisle aircraft.

The original version, the A321LR, has already started to change transatlantic travel. Aer Lingus is using it to fly direct from Dublin to the US East Coast. TAP Air Portugal has been doing the same from Lisbon.

www.wizzair.com


World Aviation Festival

Lisbon is again the venue for the World Aviation Festival 7-9 October.

The full lineup of speakers will be announced over the next few months but industry heavyweights already set to appear include Luis Gallego, Chief Executive Officer, International Airlines Group; Pieter Elbers, one time KLM boss, now Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo; inevitably Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA; plus Eddie Wilson, CEO, Ryanair.  Acting as host is Luís Rodrigues, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive, TAP Air Portugal.

The World Aviation Festival conference features speakers from airlines, airports, and travel technology companies across the globe. The conference is designed to inspire, inform, and shape the future of aviation, offering an unparalleled platform for discussing challenges, and sharing ideas and innovations.

www.terrapinn.com/conference

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READERS' COMMENT

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 200 words maximum

Sharon July, Newquay

What is needed is a service into Heathrow T5 in order for us hoteliers to bring in business for Cornwall from North America and elsewhere, and for us citizens to take a look at other resorts.

John Giles, Truro

London to Newquay. As a youngster I was able to fly up to London. What happened to the service?