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Jet2 Holidays Take Off from London Gatwick Big news for southern sun-seekers: Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have officially announced a brand-new base at London Gatwick, taking off from March 2026.It’s the airline’s 14th UK base a major move that gives millions of travellers across the South East even easier access to their award-winning package holidays. From the South Terminal, Jet2 will base five brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft (with another stationed overseas), flying to

From One Orange Plane to Europe’s Favourite Low-Cost Airline Thirty years ago today 10 November 1995 a single orange Boeing 737 took off from London Luton to Glasgow, and the world of air travel was never quite the same again. That first flight, captained by Fred Rivett, launched a revolution. easyJet made it possible for millions to “fly to Scotland for the price of a pair of jeans” just £29 one-way, a cheeky slogan that would go on to define an entire generation of trave

Frequent Flyer Briefing, Loyalty Offers & Points Loyalty programs continue to offer significant benefits for frequent travellers. You can earn 2,000 Virgin Flying Club points via the refer-a-friend program, a quick and easy way to boost your balance.

Wait, What? Wizz Air… Business Class?! No, it’s not April Fools’ Day.Wizz Air yes, the ultra-low-cost, pink-and-purple powerhouse that charges you extra if you look at the overhead bins too long is actually trialling a business-class-style product this December.

Norse Atlantic Airways has launched its first-ever direct flight from London Gatwick to Bangkok, opening up a new low-cost link between the UK and Thailand just in time for the 2025/26 winter sun rush. Norse Atlantic Airways launches direct Gatwick–Bangkok flights from £429 return. Discover routes, fares, and luxury-for-less Thai escapes. The inaugural Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner touched down at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport on 27 October 2025 to a Thai-style welcome, complete wi

Virgin Atlantic is finally heading to Thailand and it’s about time. From 18 October 2026, the airline will launch direct flights from London Heathrow to Phuket, operating three times a week. The route marks Virgin’s first ever direct link to Thailand and a major step into Asia’s booming premium leisure market.

Flights Delayed More Than Before the Pandemic, New Data Shows If you feel like your flights are running later than ever, you’re not imagining it. According to new data from Which? and the Civil Aviation Authority, passengers flying with six of the UK’s biggest airlines are now facing worse delays than before the pandemic. In the year to April 2025, every major UK airline performed worse than it did in 2019, with TUI, Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and British Airways all

The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards 2025 have revealed the world’s best airlines, and I’ll be honest a few of the results nearly made me spit out my Pret latte at Heathrow T5. More than 900,000 readers voted for their favourite airlines this year, split into short-haul and long-haul categories. Some results were predictable, others genuinely eyebrow-raising. It’s been a record year for UK travellers too, 95 million trips abroad last year, according to The Times’ Cathy

National Geographic has just revealed its Top 25 Travel Destinations for 2026, and alongside bucket-list heavyweights like Fiji, Beijing, and the Dolomites, there’s a surprise entry: Hull, Yorkshire, England right here in the UK.

A New Era for Train Travel Between London and Europe Eurostar has just announced plans to launch Britain’s first-ever double-decker trains a huge leap forward for high-speed travel and a major milestone for anyone planning a quick city break from London.

Welcome aboard this week’s Plane News Weekly, your Sunday fix of UK airline updates, aviation news, loyalty deals, and travel hacks from the skies. Let's start this week PLANE strong!

Qatar Airways has officially touched down at one of the Middle East’s most anticipated new destinations the Red Sea International Airport (RSI) on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. The airline now operates three weekly non-stop flights between Doha (Hamad International Airport) and the Red Sea, adding this coastal luxury hotspot as its 12th Saudi destination.

A New Way to Earn and Redeem Avios on Flights to China Avios collectors, here’s a redemption you probably didn’t know existed. It involves a SkyTeam airline, a Dreamliner, and a surprise spicy chicken.If you’re collecting Avios and planning a trip to China, here’s some big news: Xiamen Airlines has quietly joined the Avios family.

When your long-haul flight turns into a long-haul saga A TUI Airways long-haul flight from Cancun to London Gatwick became a travel nightmare after a couple were allegedly caught smoking onboard, forcing the pilot to divert to Bangor International Airport in Maine, USA. Flight BY49, scheduled to land at Gatwick on July 8, made the unscheduled stop when crew reported “disruptive behaviour” mid-flight. The two passengers were removed by US authorities, but for everyone else,

There’s good news for weary travellers touching down at Heathrow Plaza Premium Lounge has officially reopened its Arrivals Lounge in Terminal 3, once again giving flyers a place to shower, recharge, and regroup before tackling London traffic or a connecting flight. Previously operated by Delta (before the airline moved to Virgin Atlantic’s Revivals Lounge in 2017), the Heathrow Arrivals Lounge has been lightly refreshed with a clean, modern look. Expect updated seating, Tube

Welcome aboard this week’s Plane News Weekly, your Sunday fix of UK airline updates, aviation news, loyalty deals, and travel hacks from the skies. I’ve just landed back from New York, where I tested new lounges at Heathrow Terminal 3 check out my latest reviews of the No1 Lounge and Clubrooms.

British Airways has just brought a wave of Miami luxury energy to the skies with the opening of its brand-new British Airways Lounge at Miami International Airport and it might just redefine what airport luxury looks like in the US.

United Airlines will operate a new 737 MAX service from Newark to Glasgow, providing another transatlantic option for UK travellers. This route adds capacity and flexibility for passengers looking to fly between the US and Scotland. Frequent flyers will benefit from additional miles and loyalty opportunities. The new service highlights the growing range of UK-US flights available in 2025.

Right now, thanks to a limited-time partnership between Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Hilton Honors, you can save 10% off your flights and earn up to 6,000 bonus Avios. Combine that with your American Express Gold Card or Hilton Debit Card, and this becomes a powerhouse travel hack that turns every booking into an Avios-earning machine. This is not your average points deal. This is the kind of offer that gets you closer to your next Qsuite upgrade, Doha stopover, or Maldi

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has unveiled its brand-new Aspire Lounge, marking a major upgrade in pre-flight comfort and convenience. Part of a £9 million terminal enhancement, the lounge now offers more space, improved amenities, and a stylish environment for travellers. If you want to make the most of it, Priority Pass with 30% off is the easiest way to access the lounge without worrying about availability or paying full price.