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Doncaster Sheffield airport is finally set to close after its owner refuted claims it had been in last-gasp talks with a potential buyer.
The Department for Transport, meanwhile, is looking at savings across all its programmes ahead of the government’s fiscal statement on 17 November, which is expected to see severe cuts to public spending.
Elsewhere, An MSC Cruises ship is set to be home to the partners of England’s football team at the World Cup in Qatar, while the Queen Mary has received $1 million to stop the former Cunard ship from sinking at its Californian home.
Here are the headlines the travel industry woke up to on Friday (4 November).
Doncaster Sheffield owner refutes claims of credible buyer
The owner of Doncaster Sheffield airport has refuted claims that it has been in talks with a credible buyer. The airport is due to close to all flights on Friday (4 November) after Peel Group said it was no longer financially viable. (BBC News)
Department for Transport looks for savings
New transport secretary Mark Harper said his department was “looking at all of the programmes” for potential savings ahead of the government’s fiscal statement on 17 November. This could include making cuts to the HS2 high-speed rail project. (The Daily Mail)
Travel firms face two-year recession as interest rates rise
The Bank of England has warned the UK is facing its longest recession since records began, as it raised interest rates by 0.75 percentage points to 3% on Thursday (3 November) – the highest single rise in 33 years. The bank warned the UK would face a "very challenging" two-year slump with unemployment nearly doubling by 2025. (Various)
MSC ship to be used as ‘HMS Wag’ at World Cup
MSC World Europa is to be used as the base for the wives and girlfriends (wags) of England’s football players during this month’s tournament in Qatar. But the players will not be allowed onboard the cruise ship. (The Sun)
Queen Mary gets $1 million to stay afloat
The Queen Mary, the former Cunard cruise liner turned into a tourist attraction, has received $1 million in funding to prevent the ship from sinking. The converted vessel, which is permanently docked in Long Beach, California, has been closed to the public since 2020. (The Times)
