Easter airport 'hell' while Spanish storms threaten getaway

Travellers to Spain, meanwhile, face the aftermath of storms and will have to continue wearing masks in public places until after Easter, according to national press reports.

In other news, Luton airport’s expansion plan may have been scuppered due to climate concerns. Here are the key headlines affecting travel on Thursday 7 April.

Easter travellers warned of ‘Saturday from hell’ at airports

Holidaymakers have been warned to brace for the Saturday from hell as airport and port bosses await a surge in passenger numbers leading to the busiest day of the year so far. Staff shortages and the start of the post-Covid Easter holiday rush are causing a large number of flight cancellations and huge airport queues. (The Daily Mail)

Extra measures to ease ‘two months’ of chaos at Manchester

Manchester mayor Andy Burnham revealed a raft of measures to curb the crisis at the city’s airport – but said it was expected to last another two months. There will be an increased police presence at the hub, while staff from the bus and tram network will be drafted in to assist with ‘queue management and communication’. Overtime will be increased and temporary staff brought in. (Metro)

Heathrow slammed for ‘tone deaf’ tweets

Heathrow bosses have been criticised for a jolly message greeting its “wonderful passengers” after days of disruption. Amid chaos inflicted on families’ Easter getaways, Heathrow posted on its official Twitter account: “Good morning and welcome to Heathrow! We just love interacting with our wonderful passengers and are already available online.” (Evening Standard)

Poor weather in Spain hits Easter getaway

Storms and cool temperatures are affecting key beach destinations in Spain and Majorca just as the Easter break begins. Many bars and attractions are making emergency repairs amid a big clear-up operation. (The Sun)

Spain ‘looking’ to remove mask requirement

Spain’s health minister hopes to remove face mask requirements for indoor spaces except public transport and health centres. Carolina Darias said she would propose the move during a government meeting on 19 April, after the Easter break. If the action is approved, it will take effect the following day. (Sky News)

Luton airport expansion plan prompts government inquiry

The government is to hold an inquiry into Luton airport’s expansion plans approved by the local council in December. The government has cited concerns over climate change targets and policies for enhancing the natural environment among its reasons. (BBC News)

P&O Ferries to resume Dover sailings

P&O Ferries said it expects to resume some sailings across the English Channel next week, as disruption caused by its sacking of nearly 800 UK-based crew reaches a fourth week. The company said it hoped to have two ferries on Dover-Calais next week subject to UK regulatory sign-off. (Financial Times)

British divers missing

A British man and teenager are among four people missing while diving off the coast of a Malaysian island. The 46-year-old man and 14-year-old boy were taking part in a training exercise off Pulau Tokong Sanggol, nine miles away from the coastal town of Mersing. (Sky News)