Passengers arriving into the UK via six of the country’s busiest airports have been warned they will face delays owing to a walkout by Border Force staff, which are striking over pay and other factors.
There is even more chaos in the US,t hough, as a huge winter storm has caused airlines to cancel more than 4,400 flights putting the travel plans of millions of people in peril.
UK rail passengers also face more misery next year after the largest increase in fares for a decade was announced. Better news comes from Sri Lanka where the destination’s tourism industry is starting to recover.
Here are the headlines the travel industry woke up to on Friday (23 December).
Thousands of flights could be delayed as Border Force strike begins
Eight days of walkouts by Border Force staff started on Friday (23 December) just as the Christmas getaway reaches its peak. Gatwick airport said its “worst case scenario” was that passengers would have to queue for up to two hours. (Various)
Airlines scrap 4,400 flights in US as winter storm hits
More than 4,400 flights have been cancelled over a two-day period as a brutal winter storm hits large parts of the US. The “bomb cyclone” storm has badly disrupted what is expected to be one of the busiest holiday travel periods. (Reuters)
Biggest increase in rail fares since 2012
Rail fares in the UK are to rise by the largest amount in a decade during 2023. Ticket prices will go up by 5.9% from March despite services being badly affected by a succession of strikes and poor service. (The Telegraph)
Sri Lanka finally back on the tourist map
The Indian Ocean destination is seeing its tourist industry start to recover as visitors take advantage of low prices and uncrowded beaches. Fears of riots and food shortages had led to a tourism shutdown on the island earlier this year. (The Daily Mail)
Passengers hospitalised after flight hit by severe turbulence
Five passengers had to be rushed to hospital after suffering injuries when severe turbulence hit a United Airlines’ flight between Rio de Janeiro and Houston. Reports said that the aircraft unexpectedly dropped by 500 feet in seconds when flying over Cancun in Mexico. (The Independent)
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