Latest news with #Easyjet
ITV News
2 days ago
- ITV News
How could European summer strikes affect your holiday?
A series of summer strikes in Europe affecting flights, trains and hotels are threatening to derail British holidaymakers' trips. Ongoing strikes across mainland Europe are likely to cause delays and even cancellations, and travellers are being warned to plan accordingly to avoid the worse of the disruption. ITV News has the latest planned or anticipated strike action in Europe holidaymakers. Spain EasyJet cabin crew in Spain called a strike for June 25, 26, and 27, and the union have warned there could be an indefinite strike from August if meaningful negotiations do not take place. About 60 Easyjet flights were cancelled every day in Spain during the most recent strike action. Cabin crew for the budget airline say they earn the lowest crew wages in Europe and are demanding equal pay. Holiday accommodation in parts of Spain will also be affected if planned industrial action goes ahead. Hotel workers in the Balearics are scheduled to strike in July after negotiations broke down over disagreements on wage increases, sick pay and contract lengths. Approximately 180,000 workers are being called to strike for six days from July 10-16 , and the additional dates of July 18, 19, 25, 26 and 31. If the strikes go ahead, services such as housekeeping, lifeguard, room service, restaurants and buffets could be disrupted. Italy There will be a number of rail and airport strikes in Italy during the summer holiday season. A nationwide rail strike will be held from 9pm Monday July 7 to 6pm Tuesday July 8. The strike action will affect long-distance, regional and commuter routes, meaning travellers should expect a reduction in services and longer wait times. However, Italian law requires a minimum number of guaranteed train services during weekday strikes, so the rail routes will not be grinding to a halt. Regional public transport walkouts are also expected in Sicily, Palermo and Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta during July, so check before you travel. Air travel could be disrupted on July 10 as ground staff and baggage handlers at several Italian airports take part in a 24-hour strike. Baggage handling will be affected at Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, and Venice Marco Polo airports. Drivers at Milan airports will also be walking out. Additional protests are also expected at Cagliari Elmas airport on the island of Sardinia, and Naples airport on the same day, affecting check-ins, baggage collection and aircraft servicing. And finally, Saturday July 26 will see a national airline and airport strike which will run from 1pm to 5pm. Significant delays for some travellers are expected if airline staff and airport ground workers walk out as expected. The nationwide strike also coincides with strikes bySpanish airline Volotea pilots and cabin crew. Italian law states any flights scheduled between 6am-9am and 6pm-9pm are protected from strike action, so check when your bookings are, and confirm your flight status directly with airlines. Why are anti-tourism protesters descending on European holiday hotspots? Holidaymakers squirted with water as anti-tourism protests sweep through Europe France French air traffic controllers will be striking for two days from July 3-4, and more strikes are anticipated over the summer months if an agremeent can not be reached. These strikes could not only affect flights coming to and from France, but flights going though French airspace. Air traffic controllers are calling for reinforced staffing levels, technical modernisation and a prioritisation of operational decisions. One rail union has also filed an open-ended strike notice until September for railway staff, including ticket inspectors. A previous strike, however, didn't cause any disruption on the network, as drivers were not included. Belgium Belgium has had national strikes almost every month since January, in a protest against budget cuts and pension reforms. The strikes have particularly affected Belgian air travel, 180,000 passengers are estimated to have been affected so far. The last strike was June 25, where there were no outgoing flights from Brussels airport and over half of incoming flights were disrupted. There were also no flights going in or out of Charleroi Airport. The levels of disruption have led to calls for a minimum service during strike action at Brussels airport. Each joint-strike action at the airport is estimated to have cost the Belgian economy €25 million. There currently isn't a general strike date set for the summer months, with the leading unions announcing joint action to take place in October. However, it is wise to keep up to date and see if this changes. Finland National flag carrier Finnair will go on strike on the July 2, 4 and 7 with around 900 flights set to be cancelled. The walk-outs are four-hours long on each day and will affect Helsinki airport. Essential ground services such as baggage, catering and ground handling operations will be impacted as well. Elsewhere Ground crew from the Dutch flag carrier KLM were due to go on strike in late June, but this was blocked by a judge due to safety concerns. It is unknown when strike action could be reinstated. Greece also saw at least eight days of strike action in June affecting Adriatic ferries between Greece and Italy, but future strike action hasn't yet been planned. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled due to strikes? If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to strike action, in most circumstances the airline is obligated to help you and/or provide compensation. If you are flying with a UK or EU airline, or any airline departing from a UK or EU airport, you must be offered a refund or rerouted. If your flight is cancelled due to airline staff striking, you are entitled to compensation - unless you were told about the cancellation at least two weeks before departure. However, if your flight is affected by strikes out of the airlines control, such as airport, baggage handler or border force strikes, you likely won't be entitled to compensation. Which? has a compensation tool to help you calculate what you could be owed. Before you book it is essential to check for strike dates affecting airlines, airports and the country you are travelling to. European anti-tourism protests The latest strikes come as anti-tourism protests are also expected across Europe. Thousands of protesters turned out in southern Europe to demonstrate against overtourism, marching and using water pistols against unsuspecting tourists on June 15. The marches were part of a coordinated effort by activists from southern Europe's top destinations, including the Spanish destinations of Barcelona and Mallorca, as well as in Venice, Italy, and Portugal's capital, Lisbon. Demonstrators say that overtourism is fuelling a housing crisis and erasing the character of their hometowns. June was the largest joint action planned so far, with no future dates announced yet by the Southern European Network Against Touristisation. However, smaller individual protests could still continue throughout the summer. The UK Foreign Office advises that demonstrations, political gatherings or marches can take place with little warning. They recommend holidaymakers to follow the advice of police and local authorities, and to be aware of your surroundings if a demonstration is taking place, and move away if there are signs of disorder.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
UK shares rise on Israel-Iran ceasefire relief
London stocks climbed on Tuesday in broad-based gains after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran came into effect, ending a 12-day conflict that temporarily spiked oil prices and dampened investor risk sentiment. The internationally focussed FTSE 100 rose 0.4% by 1000 GMT, while the domestically focussed FTSE 250 midcap index gained 0.9% to touch a more than one-week high. Travel and leisure stocks led sectoral gains, boosted by airline stocks, as oil prices dropped to their lowest in two weeks. British airways owner IAG and Easyjet surged more than 5%, while midcap constituents Wizz Air and Jet2 added 3.1% and 3.2%, respectively. Cruise operator Carnival rose 5.6% to the top of the mid-cap index. Hotel chain operators Intercontinental Hotels and Whitbread gained about 2% each. However, the truce, announced hours earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump, remained shaky with the Israeli Defence Minister saying he had ordered new strikes in response to Iran's ceasefire violation. Tehran declined the charge. Crude prices fell on the ceasefire news and weighed on energy giants BP and Shell, which dropped 4.2% and 2.6%, respectively. Precious metals miners also declined 2.2% tracking a slide in prices of gold, which is often seen as a safe-haven asset. In company news, AstraZeneca's treatment for lung cancer Datroway with its partner Daiichi Sankyo was approved in the U.S., sending shares of the drugmaker as much as 1.4% in early trading. On the data front, a private survey showed that grocery price inflation had risen to its highest level since March, while a separate report indicated manufacturers this month reported the sharpest contraction in orders. Later in the day, investors will closely assess Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and chief economist Huw Pill's remarks for clues on rate cuts. Markets are pricing in the likelihood that the central bank will lower borrowing costs by about 50 basis points by year-end. In other news, Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to boost defence and security spending to 5% of economic output by 2035 in accordance with a NATO members agreement at The Hague. The aerospace and defense index was marginally higher and has gained 55.5% so far this year, making it among the top performing FTSE sectors this year. (Reporting by Twesha Dikshit; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
Reuters
5 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
UK shares rise on Israel-Iran ceasefire relief
June 24 (Reuters) - London stocks climbed on Tuesday in broad-based gains after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran came into effect, ending a 12-day conflict that temporarily spiked oil prices and dampened investor risk sentiment. The internationally focussed FTSE 100 (.FTSE), opens new tab rose 0.4% by 1000 GMT, while the domestically focussed FTSE 250 midcap index (.FTMC), opens new tab gained 0.9% to touch a more than one-week high. Travel and leisure (.FTNMX405010), opens new tab stocks led sectoral gains, boosted by airline stocks, as oil prices dropped to their lowest in two weeks. British airways owner IAG (ICAG.L), opens new tab and Easyjet (EZJ.L), opens new tab surged more than 5%, while midcap constituents Wizz Air (WIZZ.L), opens new tab and Jet2 (JET2.L), opens new tab added 3.1% and 3.2%, respectively. Cruise operator Carnival (CCL.L), opens new tab rose 5.6% to the top of the mid-cap index. Hotel chain operators Intercontinental Hotels (IHG.L), opens new tab and Whitbread (WTB.L), opens new tab gained about 2% each. However, the truce, announced hours earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump, remained shaky with the Israeli Defence Minister saying he had ordered new strikes in response to Iran's ceasefire violation. Tehran declined the charge. Crude prices fell on the ceasefire news and weighed on energy giants BP (BP.L), opens new tab and Shell (SHEL.L), opens new tab, which dropped 4.2% and 2.6%, respectively. Precious metals miners (.FTNMX551030), opens new tab also declined 2.2% tracking a slide in prices of gold, which is often seen as a safe-haven asset. In company news, AstraZeneca's (AZN.L), opens new tab treatment for lung cancer Datroway with its partner Daiichi Sankyo (4568.T), opens new tab was approved in the U.S., sending shares of the drugmaker as much as 1.4% in early trading. On the data front, a private survey showed that grocery price inflation had risen to its highest level since March, while a separate report indicated manufacturers this month reported the sharpest contraction in orders. Later in the day, investors will closely assess Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and chief economist Huw Pill's remarks for clues on rate cuts. Markets are pricing in the likelihood that the central bank will lower borrowing costs by about 50 basis points by year-end. In other news, Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to boost defence and security spending to 5% of economic output by 2035 in accordance with a NATO members agreement at The Hague. The aerospace and defense index (.FTNMX502010), opens new tab was marginally higher and has gained 55.5% so far this year, making it among the top performing FTSE sectors this year.
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful Spanish city with £35 flights is cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid
It's cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid, but with all of the history and charm of the more better known cities. Immensely walkable, and full of delicious food and drink - I would argue Seville is Spain's best weekend city break. There's nothing quite like checking the weather app to see an unrelenting downpour back home as you bask in the sunshine, sipping a refreshing Tinto de Verano while waiting for your tapas. Just 2 hours and 50 minutes from Gatwick, with return Easyjet flights for as little as £35 per person, Seville is compact and walkable, making this vibrant city the perfect choice for a short break. It's noticeably cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid, a bit less busy, but just as full of historic charm, and on balance I'd go as far as to argue it's Spain's best weekend getaway. We set off early one Friday morning, having roped in the grandparents to babysit, and by 11am were wandering the atmospheric cobbled streets, picking out the perfect spot for our first meal. Dine like a King Keen to avoid tourist traps and discover authentic tapas, we joined the Seville Tapas, Taverns and History Tour by Devour Tours (£58 per person). This small-group tour took us to five historic tapas bars, where we sampled local dishes and drinks. Guided by a knowledgeable university history Professor, we learned how to identify quality Iberian ham (look for the black label) and left with new favourites and a dining action plan for the rest of our trip. Dance the night away For a cultural experience, flamenco in Seville is a must. Forget cheesy holiday-resort performances, the birthplace of flamenco offers something completely different. We first attended a 60-minute show at Teatro Flamenco Sevilla (£21 per person), which more than impressed. But locals then recommended the more intimate experience of a Peña Flamenca - a flamenco club dedicated to preserving the tradition. Following their advice, we queued outside Torres Macarena, on Calle Torrijjiano, before it opened (8pm Wednesday to Sunday) and as advised secured our seats by leaving a jacket over the back. With simple tapas and great local wine at a very affordable price, we enjoyed a raw, passionate flamenco performance, a world away from the tourist shows. The guitarists, dancers, singers and emotional audience - many of whom joined the performers on stage at times - created an unforgettable atmosphere. Worth the early start Seville's architecture reflects its layered history, influenced by the Roman, Muslim, and Christian civilisations who have ruled over the centuries. For us, we knew that the Royal Alcazar of Seville, an 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site which doubled as the kingdom of Dorne in Game Of Thrones, was a must-visit. To beat the infamously long lines, we splurged on the Alone in the Alcazar tour (£58 per person) on which is the only tour group allowed early entry. Walking through the palace's empty rooms and peaceful gardens before the hordes arrived, we learned its rich history from an expert guide. Standing on the walls overlooking the sweeping gardens listening as the city awoke is a memory I'll forever cherish. Don't Miss While the vibrant nightlife of flamenco, tapas and drink will keep you full and happy of an evening, there is plenty to do on a sunny Seville day. One highlight is the ultramodern Setas de Sevilla, the mushroom, an ultramodern wooden sculpture with panoramic city views. A daytime visit for £13 a person includes free access to the sunset light show later. If you have time, below this are Roman ruins uncovered during it's construction, showing the city as it would have looked many centuries ago. Across the river, the ceramics district of Triana is a charming spot to browse colourful pottery shops before enjoying fresh seafood and plates heaving with mouth-watering tomatoes, potato salads, and delicious cheeses at the vibrant Triana Market. Wandering back to the center of Seville, we visited the grand Plaza de España, located in Maria Luisa Park. Floating along it's emerald green canal in a rowboat makes for the perfect photo - a must for the Instagram grid. Splurge on a memorable hotel With beautiful sunshine and a dry climate, we found it infinitely preferable to stick to exploring Seville on foot - not least because a quick Google maps comparison showed walking times to generally be far quicker than driving. To make the most of this we stayed in the heart of Seville, at the newly opened four-star Ocean Drive, from £85 a night. This small but well planned hotel was the perfect bolthole, with our bedroom balcony offering jaw-dropping views of Las Setas and the stunning nighttime light show. Inside restful Mudéjar tiles and contemporary wooden decor created the perfect space to relax, while a co-working space was on offer for those fitting in a spot of work between the tapas. We very much enjoyed the a la carte breakfast, and left with stomachs filled with delicious delicacies, while the in-house restaurant also offers a full lunch and dinner menu. Verdict Seville offers an irresistible mix of culture, history, and gastronomy, making it the perfect destination to escape winter blues. Whether it's the vibrant flamenco, delicious tapas, or breathtaking landmarks, this sunny city will leave you longing for a return visit. Book the holiday EasyJet offers flights to Seville starting from £37 this summer. You can book at Rooms at Ocean Drive Sevilla start from £77 a night. For more information and to try the tours we booked, visit Devour Tours and TakeWalks.
Local Italy
17-06-2025
- Local Italy
What to expect when travelling to Italy this summer
Beaches For many who visit Italy during the summer, beaches are the biggest draw - but you'll need to decide whether you prefer a free public beach or are willing to fork out for a spot at one of the many privately-run beach clubs that dot the coastline. The average cost to rent two sunbeds and an umbrella at a beach club this year is €32-€35 per day during weekends, according to consumer watchdog Codacons, though prices can vary significantly depending on location. In Sabaudia, south of Rome, customers can expect to pay up to €45; in Gallipoli on the southern coast of Puglia, €90; and in parts of Sardinia, as much as €120. Crowds Summer holidays start relatively early in Italy, with schools across the country closed from the second half of June and many families taking the opportunity to cool off on the shores of beaches and lakes. It's not until August, though, that you'll really be competing for a spot to put down your towel, as this is when most Italians head to the sea to escape stifling temperatures inland. Expect to find beaches packed and many cafes, shops and restaurants in cities closed or open for limited hours, particularly during the mid-August Ferragosto break. An estimated 20.7 million visitors are expected to stay in Italy's beach towns between June and August this year, an increase of two percent on the same period in 2024. Though most Italian cities empty out during the summer, the Vatican's Jubilee Year celebrations in Rome are expected to draw additional crowds to the Eternal City. Weather Summer in Italy is always hot, with temperatures in the mid to high 30s (Celcius) in many parts of the country, and this year is expected to be no different. A series of "long-lasting and persistent heatwaves," with mostly sunny weather are currently forecast for July and August, says meteorologist Mattia Gussoni, writing for weather site Though projections are still subject to change, as things stand there aren't expected to be any record-breaking high temperatures. That means it's gearing up to be a summer that will likely be "fully enjoyed by tourists," says meteorologist Alessio Gussoni. Travel direct flight routes from airlines including Easyjet, American Airlines and Vueling. For those who prefer to travel by rail, a a new overnight train linking Marseille to Rome is due to run from July 4th until August 30th, and Italy's Trenitalia plans to resume a popular night train service connecting Rome to Munich, Germany, on July 15th. If you've seen recent headlines about overtourism protests in Spain over or the sudden closure of the Louvre due to staff being overwhelmed by visitor numbers, you may wonder if something similar could happen in Italy this summer. limit the number of visitors who arrive during peak seasons. However, as things stand, anti-tourism protests and walkouts in Italy are on a smaller scale than those taking place in Spain.
