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Thursday’s headlines focus on what is expected to be the Bank of England’s largest increase in interest rates for 30 years, which will further squeeze the finances of travel companies.
Virgin Atlantic, meanwhile, is hoping to acquire extra slots at Heathrow airport to allow it to add more long-haul services as it launches a new transatlantic route to Florida.
Elsewhere, holidaymakers were left stranded at an airport in Cyprus after ground staff staged a last-minute strike.
But there was more positive news on the disruption front with workers at Southampton airport calling off a planned one-day stoppage at the weekend to consider a new pay offer.
Here are the headlines the travel industry woke up to on Thursday (3 November).
Bank set for largest interest rate rise for 30 years
The Bank of England is expected to increase interest rates by 0.75 percentage points to 3% at a meeting on Thursday (3 November) as part of the bank’s efforts to bring soaring inflation under control. The move will significantly increase borrowing costs for travel businesses. (Various)
Virgin Atlantic seeks new Heathrow slots for expansion
Long-haul carrier Virgin Atlantic is looking to obtain extra slots at Heathrow airport to allow it to introduce more routes to the US and Asia. The airline, which has just launched a new route to Tampa in Florida, plans to expand services as it takes delivery of new more fuel-efficient Airbus jets. (Bloomberg)
Chaos in Cyprus as ‘thousands’ of travellers stranded by strike
Thousands of travellers were left stranded at Paphos airport in Cyprus due to a last-minute strike by staff on Wednesday (2 November). Ground workers at the airport initially went on strike for two hours before extending the stoppage for another three hours. (The Daily Mail)
Southampton airport strike called off after pay offer
A planned one-day strike by staff at Southampton airport has been called off following an improved pay offer. Ground workers had been due to walk out on 5, 12 and 19 November. The stoppage on Saturday (5 November) has now been suspended while workers consider the airport’s latest offer. (BBC News)
‘Outrage’ as migrant hotels are forced on tourist hotspots
Councils are resisting “migrant hotels” being imposed in tourist hotspots as the Home Office attempts to disperse thousands of people who have arrived in small boats. At least four councils, including some in major tourist areas, have taken legal action after hotels were block-booked by the Home Office to house migrants. (The Telegraph)
