Meanwhile, a leading business group has warned that travel firms could face a doubling in their energy bills next spring if the government does not extend its support scheme.

Elsewhere, passengers onboard Viking Polaris have spoken of their “sheer terror” when the cruise ship was hit by a “rogue wave”, while it’s the end of an era for air travel with the final Boeing 747 jumbo jet rolling off the production line in the US.

Here are the headlines the travel industry woke up to on Thursday (8 December).

Christmas flights hit by airport walkouts

Hundreds of thousands of passengers will have their Christmas travel plans ruined as airport border staff go on strike for eight days over the festive period. Airlines are being told to cancel up to 30% of flights on strike days to prevent “chaos” at the six affected airports. (The Times)

Business energy bills to double if support withdrawn

Energy bills for businesses will more than double next year if the government withdraws financial support, according to the CBI. Removing the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which is subsidising energy costs until April 2023, could leave many firms on the brink of collapse. (The Telegraph)

Viking Polaris passengers speak out about ‘rogue wave’ hitting cruise ship

Passengers who were onboard the Viking Polaris cruise ship when it was hit by a “rogue wave” - killing a woman from the US and injuring several other holidaymakers - have described the “sheer terror” of the incident during their voyage to Antarctica. (The Daily Mail)

Final Boeing 747 rolls off production line after half a century

The last Boeing 747 jumbo jet has rolled out of the aircraft manufacturer’s factory in the US. The iconic 747 first made its debut in 1969 and the final aircraft in production is a freighter ordered by cargo carrier Atlas Air. (The Guardian) 

Ryanair trolls Dublin Airport for ‘long security queues’

Budget carrier Ryanair has used social media to criticise Dublin airport for its “long” security queues which it said were caused by not having enough lanes open. The Irish airline took to Twitter to hit out at one of its main bases. (The Independent)

Blackpool airport could lead in sustainable flights, says MP

Blackpool airport presents a “fantastic opportunity” to develop “clean, green, short-haul flight technology”, according to one of the area’s MPs. The airport is currently closed to commercial flights but Fylde MP Mark Menzies said it could become “a leader in sustainable short-haul aviation”. (BBC News)