Travel industry news

Jet2 chief promises 'competitive' pricing at new Gatwick base despite profitability warning

Steve Heapy insists launching from Gatwick represents a 'really big opportunity' for travel agents in the airport's catchment, and hints Jet2 will look to grow at Gatwick as it has at other airports

Midcounties Co-op shuts ex-Carrick Travel branch and offers three staff new roles following strategic review

The Kenilworth branch was one of seven Carrick Travel shops that transferred to Midcounties Co-operative in 2020

Dnata to close B2C Travel Republic and Netflights brands amid 'changing market'

Gold Medal parent says consultation under way with affected staff following 'detailed review of the group's UK-based travel businesses'

Jet2 to launch flights and holidays from Gatwick airport next year

Gatwick to become airline and operator's 14th UK base next spring, flying to an initial 29 destinations

Iberostar focusing 'more than ever' on agents as it pumps €210 million into refurbishments

Trade central to group's future as it plans to accelerate its resort refurbishment plans, personalisation options and community tourism projects

Border Force chief admits worries about 'slap-back' EU Entry-Exit queues

Phil Douglas questions whether smaller EU airports will have the capacity to cope with queues caused by the introduction of the EU Entry-Exit System

Transport secretary insists SAF legislation not designed to make flying more expensive

Heidi Alexander tells Airlines 2025 conference demand for flights 'only going in one direction' and that the cost of sustainable fuel should not be a barrier to more flights

Tui Airways to increase seat-only, launch new winter routes and target Brits abroad

Chief Marco Ciomperlik reveals plans to shake up Tui's UK airline in a bid to attract more non-package customers

Travel Counsellors hopes AI tool launch will support international expansion plans

The UK's largest homeworking agency is keen to grow its global presence after unveiling its new AI tool

Travel legend Diane Court passes away: 'Her loss will be felt across the industry'

Court spent more than seven years at JTA Travel Group after roles with brands such as USAirtours, Destinology, Freedom Travel Group and Gold Medal

British Airways and Heathrow bosses clash over airport's plans to move M25 to accommodate third runway

BA chief Sean Doyle says he is supportive of Heathrow's expansion plan, but not at excessive cost, but Heathrow chief Thomas Woldbye says a shorter runway won't accommodate larger aircraft

British Airways boss rules out return of free food and warns Budget could push up fares

'It was very obvious a whole host of things needed to be transformed' at BA, Sean Doyle tells Airlines 2025 conference

Travel Counsellors' boss urges agents to embrace new AI tool: 'it will amplify your humanness'

Steve Byrne, chief executive officer of Travel Counsellors, says the new resource will enable its travel agents to focus more on their client relationships

ITC hands Haley Powell first 'on the road' role to help build trade relations in the north

Haley Powell will replace Vicky McGlynn, who recently joined Constantinou Bros Hotels, and will report into national trade partnership manager Gary Bates

Travel Counsellors names its top performing agents of the year

The company recognised its highest achievers during its annual conference in Liverpool at the weekend

Classic Collection's Chloe Turner follows colleagues to Specialist Holidays Group

Turner to join ex-Classic colleagues Jorge Quibell and Kim Sellman at new Citalia parent SHG this month

Irish agency credits TTG Top 50 programme for 20% increase in revenue

Bosses of the three high street stores that won places in this year's Ireland category tell the Travel Centres consortium conference why it was a 'no-brainer' to enter

'Trust is your new currency', plus five other AI trends influencing travellers in 2025 – and how travel agents can keep up

Travel Trends Podcast host Dan Christian shared his thoughts on how AI is changing travel for both travel agents and consumers at WTM London on Thursday, warning: 'travellers who use AI are ready to book – their credit card is out!'

Hays Travel makes second agency acquisition in a week after taking on Scottish independent

UK’s largest chain snaps up Scottish single-branch agency Holiday and Flight Centre – days after acquiring Millington Travel and just a week after buying Polka Dot Travel

British Airways parent insists demand 'remains strong' despite 'soft' transatlantic revenues

IAG says it remains 'well-positioned' for the future amid challenging period for North American market

Stacey Briggs returns to travel industry in Not Just Travel Academy role

DialAFlight veteran Briggs to take up new BDM role designed to help the homeworking outfit firm provide new consultants more support

Jade Evers to succeed Lloyd Cross as Jet2holidays general manager trade

TTG 30 Under 30 alumnus to take up new role overseeing Jet2's trade sales team after five years with the operator

'We're giving agents the support they deserve': Michelle Halsey leads wave of agency sales hires amid Explore trade boom

Explore has recruited Titan Travel’s Halsey as its first senior business development manager as it seeks to continue converting a period of rapid growth in trade sales

'A significant attack could put businesses under': Is travel the next big target for cyber criminals?

2025 has been marked by a succession of high-profile cyber-attacks – so how long will it be until travel hits the headlines for all the wrong reasons?