Brexit the cause of airport chaos, says Ryanair

Meanwhile sterling has fallen due to worries about inflation, while the days are numbered for paper banknotes and the train strike rumbles on.

Here are the travel news headlines on Thursday (23 June).

Airport chaos ‘the fault of Brexit’, says Ryanair

Airport chaos is “completely to do with Brexit”, the boss of Ryanair has said. Michael O’Leary said Brexit has been an “abject failure” and claimed labour shortages were behind the disruption at UK airports – adding: “It’s completely to do with Brexit. A lot of these pinch points would be solved very quickly if we could bring in European workers.” (The Independent)

Sterling falls over inflation worries

Sterling fell against the dollar after new figures showed inflation had reached a 40-year high last month, raising investor fears the economy was heading for a hard landing. The pound fell by as much as 1% against the dollar before paring losses to $1.22. Against the euro, it dipped by 0.1% to €1.16. (The Times)

Girl dies after Majorca pool accident

A seven-year-old girl, thought to be Irish, has died in hospital two days after being pulled from a hotel pool in Majorca. A routine police investigation into Monday’s incident at the four-star HYB Eurocalas Hotel in the resort of Calas de Mallorca is ongoing. (Metro)

Paper £20 and £50 notes to be removed from circulation

Paper banknotes have 100 days remaining before they cease to be legal tender. Remaining paper £20 or £50 notes should be spent or deposited by the end of September, the Bank of England said. They are being replaced with plastic versions like the £5 and £10 note, which are more durable. (BBC)

Row as train strike enters second day

The RMT union has hit out at transport secretary Grant Shapps for “wrecking negotiations” in the dispute over pay, working conditions and proposed “modernisation” plans to cut costs after the pandemic. Shapps said the RMT claim was “a total lie”, while Network Rail claimed the union had walked away from talks. (The Guardian)

Peppa Pig removed from runway

A three-foot Peppa Pig balloon had to be removed from the runway at Manchester airport. The inflatable was spotted by a pilot after landing. It is thought to have blown onto the airfield from the airport’s children’s play area. (The Sun)