The Week In Travel

Hundreds of Lufthansa flights have been grounded this week as a result of an issue with the airline’s computer systems. A spokesperson from the German flag carrier blamed the issue on railway engineering works that damaged broadband cables, leading to check-in and boarding problems. Also in Frankfurt, the airport has extended its touchless biometric technology to all airlines. This means travellers at the airport will soon be able to pass through every stage of the airport journey by simply scanning their face.

Positive news from Asia, as Singapore has officially lifted its final Covid-19 travel restrictions. The Singapore government confirmed that due to the low numbers admitted to hospital so far this year, non-fully vaccinated travellers can now enter the country without needing proof of a negative pre-departure test on arrival.

Over on the subcontinent, Air India has agreed major deals with manufacturers Boeing and Airbus that could eventually see the delivery of more than 500 aircraft. With the airline recently increasing its flights into Europe, CEO and managing director Campbell Wilson has stated the new aircraft will enable Air India to ‘dramatically expand’ its network.

And finally, an EasyJet passenger desperate to avoid excess baggage fees reached ‘breaking point’ this week. The man was filmed smashing his suitcase at Edinburgh airport after being told it was too large to be accepted as a piece of ‘small cabin luggage’. The man’s strategic mind was on full display as he systematically took apart the case piece by piece. Eventually, he was able to snap off the handle of the bag, squeezing it into the measuring frame and avoiding paying, to the applause of the crowd who had gathered around him.