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Metro
10-07-2025
- Metro
A new high-speed train is set to link three of Europe's coolest capital cities
Why visit one impossibly cool capital city, when you could see three? Train travellers in Europe will soon get the chance to travel from Prague to Copenhagen, via Berlin, using a brand new long-distance train connection. Deutsche Bahn in Germany, DSB in Denmark and ČD in Czechia are the largest rail operators in their respective countries. Now, they're joining forces to run a new rail service. The trains will run year round, starting on May 1 2026, with journey times of just 7 hours between Copenhagen and Berlin, and 11 hours between Copenhagen and Prague. That might sound like a slog, but in the past, a journey from Copenhagen to Prague could take more than 14 hours. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. And, travel time will be cut even more once the Fehmarn Belt Undersea Tunnel, which connects Denmark and Germany, is open, which is currently scheduled for 2029. There will be two outward and two return journeys a day, on trains reaching speeds of up to 230km per hour. More planned stops are also set to be introduced, including destinations such as Dresden and Hamburg. Trains will depart Prague daily at 6.30am and 10.30am, and there's also a night-time service planned for the summer — this will depart Prague at 4.30pm. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, said: 'Improving high-speed rail, especially across borders, is our top priority. 'This new line, connecting the Czech Republic, Germany, and Denmark, is a strong example of progress. And I am especially proud that it is the first of the ten pilot projects supported by the European Commission to promote new cross-border rail connections.' One of the proposed stops on the new multi-country line includes Hamburg. Last year, Metro's video producer, Jed Bradley, spent 48 hours there — here's what he had to say about his trip… I start my sightseeing at the Elbphilharmonie, an imposing concert hall-hotel known locally as the Elphi. Sitting atop a 1960s brick warehouse, Hamburg's tallest residential building is a handy place to get your bearings with a 360-degree outdoor observation platform to gaze over the city to the north, and the bustling port to the south. I visit in October, but every May, more than one million people descend on the waterfront for the Port Anniversary, the biggest event in Hamburg's calendar. Sailing ships parade down the river, live performances fill the streets and food stalls serve local delicacies before the night ends with a spectacular fireworks display. The river path stretches for miles, with plenty of riverside bars and restaurants to rest your feet in before you head back towards the city centre. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Hamburg's grand City Hall, The Rathaus, dominates the skyline. Finished in 1897, it's now the nucleus of the shopping district, with high-end boutiques in the northern Old Town and high street giants like H&M and Zara to the south. Wide, pedestrianised promenades are dotted with restaurants along the way, providing plenty of opportunity to refuel after retail therapy. If it turns into a retail nightmare, head to Binnenalster Lake, a popular respite from the frenzy of city life. More Trending For a big night out, head to Hamburg's legendary nightlife district – the Reeperbahn. I visited venues like Große Freiheit 36 and Molotow, before perching myself at Le Lion, a famous speakeasy that serves expertly crafted drinks. If you want to dance until dawn, check out one of the district's iconic nightclubs like Dollhouse or Übel & Gefährlich, housed in a sprawling war bunker. Hamburg's trade roots remain important today with huge quantities of coffee and cocoa flowing through its port. If you're a chocolate lover (who isn't?), a visit to Chocoversum (€25/£21) will not disappoint like Glasgow's Willy's Chocolate Experience. When you crash from all the sugar, Burg Coffee Museum is on hand for a pick-me-up. Along the 90-minute tasting tour (€21/£18) through one of the original canalside warehouses, you'll see why Hamburg's tax exemption for raw beans made it the coffee capital of Europe. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 4 cheap package holiday destinations for 2025 as Greece and Cyprus soar in price MORE: UK company launches £5,000 sex cruise — these are the rules passengers must follow MORE: 'The Bali of Europe': This quiet destination has £42 flights and over 300 days of sunshine
Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Summer flight delays to be ‘worst ever' this year across nine countries in Europe – here's what to do if affected
Plus, everything you need to know about your flight compensation rights GROUNDED Summer flight delays to be 'worst ever' this year across nine countries in Europe – here's what to do if affected Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FLIGHTS this summer are set to experience the worst delays ever as countries across Europe battle air traffic control strikes, wildfires and high demand. The delays are expected across nine countries in Europe including France, Germany, Greece and Spain. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Flight delays are expected across nine countries in Europe the summer, including France, Germany, Greece and Spain Credit: Getty EU officials told the Financial Times that the air traffic control system was operating at capacity due to staff shortages and increased demand following the Covid-19 pandemic. They added that last year was the worst summer yet for delays and cancellations and "this year will be very similar". Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Europe on the busiest days of the season - but this is the limit of what air traffic controllers can currently manage. Strikes, such as those recently in France, have also made the situation worse. Eurocontrol - the organisation responsible for air traffic control in Europe - said: "Last week was strongly impacted by air traffic control (ATC) industrial action between 2-5 July 2025, leading to severe disruption for passengers, airlines and airports." In total, there were 3,343 fewer flights to/from French airports than compared to the previous week - all of which were cancelled due to the strike. Europe currently also has a reduced airspace due to the war in Ukraine. The EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas explained that this, paired with the shortage of controllers, "threatens to overburden the air network and disappoint passengers". As a result, he has claimed that airports are now more congested and "Europe cannot afford chaos in the skies". With a summer of further disruptions expected, The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot has advised what you should do if travelling this summer. Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions She said: "Whatever happens if it is [your flight] delayed or cancelled for reasons outside of the the airlines control, then unfortunately there is no compensation due. "But the airline does have a duty of care to look after you. "If your flight is cancelled and it is the airline's fault ... then you could be due compensation. "It could be anything up to £520." Last month Ryanair also said that this summer would be the worst summer for flight delays and cancellations. The airline revealed the worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays and this included the UK as the fifth worst. Ryanair said that the European Commission and European governments "have taken no action to fix their shoddy ATC services and ATC delays will now be even worse in summer 2025". Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, also said that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". 3 Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Europe on the busiest days of the season - but this is the limit of what air traffic controllers can currently manage Credit: Getty The airline's 'League of Delays' revealed that France and Spain have been the most impacted so far this year, with 15,634 and 11,576 flights delayed respectively. The airline has also claimed that 90 per cent of their flight cancellations during the French ATC strikes, could have been avoided if overflights over France were allowed to take place. Many airlines are now calling on Brussels to complete the 'Single European Sky' project which would allow airlines to fly the most direct route possible within the EU. This would mean that airlines would not follow diversions via several points, but instead fly straight to a destination. Last year, air traffic was up by five per cent compared to 2023, with over a third of flights delayed by more than 15minutes on arrival, according to Eurocontrol. Overall, delays averaged around 21.4minutes per flight. Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. A budget airline is also set to launch new flights from the UK to an affordable Asian city. Plus, long-haul flights from the UK are about to take much longer - find out why.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- The Sun
Summer flight delays to be ‘worst ever' this year across nine countries in Europe – here's what to do if affected
FLIGHTS this summer are set to experience the worst delays ever as countries across Europe battle air traffic control strikes, wildfires and high demand. The delays are expected across nine countries in Europe including France, Germany, Greece and Spain. 3 EU officials told the Financial Times that the air traffic control system was operating at capacity due to staff shortages and increased demand following the Covid-19 pandemic. They added that last year was the worst summer yet for delays and cancellations and "this year will be very similar". Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Europe on the busiest days of the season - but this is the limit of what air traffic controllers can currently manage. Strikes, such as those recently in France, have also made the situation worse. Eurocontrol - the organisation responsible for air traffic control in Europe - said: "Last week was strongly impacted by air traffic control (ATC) industrial action between 2-5 July 2025, leading to severe disruption for passengers, airlines and airports." In total, there were 3,343 fewer flights to/from French airports than compared to the previous week - all of which were cancelled due to the strike. Europe currently also has a reduced airspace due to the war in Ukraine. The EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas explained that this, paired with the shortage of controllers, "threatens to overburden the air network and disappoint passengers". As a result, he has claimed that airports are now more congested and "Europe cannot afford chaos in the skies". With a summer of further disruptions expected, The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot has advised what you should do if travelling this summer. Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions She said: "Whatever happens if it is [your flight] delayed or cancelled for reasons outside of the the airlines control, then unfortunately there is no compensation due. "But the airline does have a duty of care to look after you. "If your flight is cancelled and it is the airline's fault ... then you could be due compensation. "It could be anything up to £520." Last month Ryanair also said that this summer would be the worst summer for flight delays and cancellations. The airline revealed the worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays and this included the UK as the fifth worst. Ryanair said that the European Commission and European governments "have taken no action to fix their shoddy ATC services and ATC delays will now be even worse in summer 2025". Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, also said that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". 3 The airline's 'League of Delays' revealed that France and Spain have been the most impacted so far this year, with 15,634 and 11,576 flights delayed respectively. The airline has also claimed that 90 per cent of their flight cancellations during the French ATC strikes, could have been avoided if overflights over France were allowed to take place. Many airlines are now calling on Brussels to complete the 'Single European Sky' project which would allow airlines to fly the most direct route possible within the EU. This would mean that airlines would not follow diversions via several points, but instead fly straight to a destination. Last year, air traffic was up by five per cent compared to 2023, with over a third of flights delayed by more than 15minutes on arrival, according to Eurocontrol. Overall, delays averaged around 21.4minutes per flight. Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. A budget airline is also set to launch new flights from the UK to an affordable Asian city. Plus, long-haul flights from the UK are about to take much longer - find out why. 3
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Summer flight delays to be ‘worst ever' this year across nine countries in Europe – here's what to do if affected
FLIGHTS this summer are set to experience the worst delays ever as countries across Europe battle air traffic control strikes, wildfires and high demand. The delays are expected across nine countries in Europe including 3 Flight delays are expected across nine countries in Europe the summer, including France, Germany, Greece and Spain Credit: Getty EU officials told the pandemic . They added that last year was the worst summer yet for delays and cancellations and "this year will be very similar". Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Strikes , such as those recently in France, have also made the situation worse. Eurocontrol - the organisation responsible for air traffic control in Europe - said: "Last week was strongly impacted by air traffic control (ATC) industrial action between 2-5 July 2025, leading to severe disruption for passengers, airlines and airports." In total, there were 3,343 fewer flights to/from French airports than compared to the previous week - all of which were cancelled due to the strike. Europe currently also has a reduced airspace due to the war in Ukraine. The EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas explained that this, paired with the shortage of controllers, "threatens to overburden the air network and disappoint passengers". Most read in News Travel As a result, he has claimed that airports are now more congested and "Europe cannot afford chaos in the skies". With a summer of further disruptions expected, The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot has advised what you should do if travelling this summer. Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions She said: "Whatever happens if it is [your flight] delayed or cancelled for reasons outside of the the airlines control, then unfortunately there is no compensation due. "But the airline does have a duty of care to look after you. "If your flight is cancelled and it is the airline's fault ... then you could be due compensation. "It could be anything up to £520." Last month The airline revealed the worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays and this included the UK as the fifth worst. Ryanair said that the Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, also said that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". 3 Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Europe on the busiest days of the season - but this is the limit of what air traffic controllers can currently manage Credit: Getty The airline's 'League of Delays' revealed that France and Spain have been the most impacted so far this year, with 15,634 and 11,576 flights delayed respectively. The airline has also claimed that 90 per cent of their flight cancellations during the French ATC strikes, could have been avoided if overflights over France were allowed to take place. Many airlines are now calling on Sky ' project which would allow airlines to fly the most direct route possible within the EU. This would mean that airlines would not follow diversions via several points, but instead fly straight to a destination. Last year, air traffic was up by five per cent compared to 2023, with over a third of flights delayed by more than 15minutes on arrival, according to Overall, delays averaged around 21.4minutes per flight. Read more on the Irish Sun Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. A budget airline is also set to launch Plus, 3 Strikes, such as those recently in France, have also made the situation worse Credit: EPA
Euronews
10-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Copenhagen and Prague will soon be a direct train ride away
Europe's long-distance rail network is getting another boost in 2026. Starting next May, passengers will be able to ride the rail from Prague to Copenhagen via Berlin. Deutsche Bahn (DB), Danish Railways (DSB) and Czech Railways (ČD) are teaming up to offer the new direct connection, which will launch on 1 May 2026, when overhaul work on the line between Berlin and Hamburg is complete. The year-round daytime service will run in both directions and is expected to take just seven hours between Copenhagen and Berlin, and around eleven hours between Copenhagen and Prague. The operators will also extend a summer season night train that currently links Hamburg and Copenhagen onward to Prague. Additional stops are planned in key cities, including Dresden and Hamburg. The route will be served by ČD's new ComfortJet trains, offering a wide range of amenities, including an on-board restaurant, Wi-Fi, bicycle storage and space for 555 passengers. The high-speed trains also feature wheelchair lifts, a children's cinema and radio-transparent windows, which improve mobile connectivity and reception for passengers. Cross-border train travel picks up pace The Prague-Copenhagen connection is the first of 10 pilot projects selected by the European Commission to promote new cross-border train routes and improve international mobility. The initiative is designed to address persistent hurdles in long-distance rail, from infrastructure bottlenecks to market barriers. 'Rail is bringing Europe closer and closer together,' Michael Peterson, DB's board member for long distance passenger transport, said when the new link was announced. 'Journey times of over four hours are popular with our passengers in international long distance transport, and we are offering additional attractive services to meet the growing demand.' Other recent EU-backed rail connections include theBerlin-Paris route launched by DB and France's SNCF in December, and the newly announced Munich-Milan-Rome link set to launch in the coming years. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the EU's commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, called the Prague-Copenhagen route 'a strong example of progress' toward a greener and more connected continent. Europe's rail revival ramps up this summer and beyond Travellers seeking alternatives to short-haul flights now have more rail options than ever. In February, the Vilnius-Riga serviceexpanded to Tallinn. Then, in June,Polish Railways (PKP) launched a new summer route connecting Warsaw to Split on Croatia's Adriatic coast. The delightfully namedEspresso Riviera has also returned to service this summer, linking Rome and the French Riviera overnight. In the coming years, the rail links should continue to grow. Startup Dreamstar Lines plans to connect100 European cities via sleeper train – promising fares for less than the price of a hotel stay. These routes are part of a broader renaissance for European rail, with night trains especially seeing a resurgence after decades of decline. Barriers to seamless train travel remain While enthusiasm is growing for this greener method of travel, Europe's cross-border rail ambitions still face obstacles. Fragmented ticketing systems, differences in infrastructure and slow approvals for new routes continue tohinder progress. And passengers still struggle to find unified booking platforms or real-time updates when journeys involve multiple national rail companies. Still, EU leaders remain optimistic that the pilot routes – including Prague to Copenhagen – will set a precedent for a more connected, sustainable future. 'This direct rail link is not only good for travellers,' said Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner. 'It's an important step in decarbonising Europe's transport sector.'
