City and finance

Spain relaxes Covid rules, but Monkeypox concerns grow

Spain confirms unvaccinated can travel to Spain if tested, however, worries are growing about the spread of a new virus in Europe and around the world

Consumer confidence crumbles and PM avoids more ‘partygate’ fines

The grim economic news continues as cost-of-living worries drive down confidence, while Boris Johnson will face no further fines over lockdown parties in Whitehall

EasyJet Holidays on course to top one million annual sales

EasyJet hails the success of its package holiday brand launched to the trade during the pandemic

Russian airlines banned from selling £50m slot portfolio

UK government slaps ban on Russian carriers selling lucrative take-off and landing slots

BA parent IAG confirms new Boeing 737 aircraft order

Group orders 50 new aircraft, with options for 100 more

EasyJet to hike capacity to ‘near 2019 levels’ this summer

Budget carrier records reduced first-half loss before tax of £545 million ahead of first near-normal summer for three years

British Airways summer strike threat and triple tax cut boost

Airline travellers could face more disruption this summer, while the government looks to cut taxes to ease cost-of-living pressures

Consumers continue to prioritise holidays and inflation hits 9%

UK holidaymakers plan to keep spending on travel as inflation reaches its highest level for 40 years

Tui seeks fresh cash injection to speed up Covid state aid repayments

‘We are in stable waters, the market is intact, and we expect a strong summer of travel and a good fiscal year,’ said Tui chief Fritz Joussen

Flights still cheaper than pre-Covid and Japan plans limited reopening

Prices for summer flights remain below 2019 levels, while Japan is set to allow limited package tours

Ryanair trims full-year loss amid ‘fragile’ recovery

Budget carrier hopeful of exceeding pre-Covid carryings over the next year and returning to ’reasonable profitability’

EasyJet offers cabin crew bonus and Ryanair still discounting

Battle to recruit new airline staff continues to heat up, while Ryanair warns of ’fragile’ market

Emirates Group cuts loss as travel demand recovers

Owner of Emirates and dnata said bookings have “picked up pace”

Norwegian Air cites Omicron and Ukraine crisis for Q1 loss

Carrier on Friday (13 May) posted a NOK 849 million (£70 million) operating loss for three months to 31 March

WFH ‘still the norm’ and Venice's remote workers campaign

Working from home continuing across the economy, new survey finds, while Venice is looking to tempt remote workers to come to the city to work

Govt poised to intervene on energy bills, plus Heathrow fees row

Ministers reportedly set to bow to pressure and help squeezed householders this summer, while Heathrow has come under fire for its plans to raise passenger fees

UK still Tui's 'most advanced' market as group reports strong summer outlook

UK bookings were up 11% in the first half of its 2022 financial year compared to sales in summer 2019

Govt mulling cost-of-living help; plus, BA embroiled in refund row

Government warned 1.5 million households will need financial aid in the coming months, while BA has been accused of refusing to pay EU261 compensation

Cost of living squeeze likely to hit bookings by end of year

The travel industry should still see a strong summer though, said industry experts at the annual Barclays Travel Forum in London.

Travel spend bucks retail slowdown; plus, industry awaits Queen's Speech

Increased holiday spend continued in April despite fears over the cost-of-living, new research reveals, while travel awaits possible new legislation in the Queen’s Speech

Caribbean hotel deaths and more pressure on UK carriers

Two tragedies beset different Caribbean destinations, while several of the UK’s leading carriers are continuing to battle staffing and supply chain issues

Royal Caribbean Group sees ‘acceleration’ in wave bookings

Cruise company expects its full fleet to resume operations by this summer

British Airways parent IAG set to return to profit

Airline group says ramping up capacity is creating “challenges” for BA

Families face record squeeze and passport renewal crisis continues

Grim economic news suggests UK consumers will be hit hard by high inflation