The Week In Travel

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest, this week reported a surge in traveller numbers over the first half of the financial year. As reported in the Independent, chief executive Paul Griffiths stated the airport handled 160% more traffic over the past six months compared to the same period last year, which is 70% of 2019 levels. Dubai expects to have a record year for passenger traffic, with thousands of travellers due to be staying in the UAE for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and travelling on matchdays via shuttle services from the airport.

In an exciting development for the future of air travel, American Airlines has become the third carrier to place an order to buy ultrafast supersonic jets. The deal for 20 Overture Jets, which are being developed by aviation start-up Boom Supersonic, includes an option to purchase 40 more. Boom estimates that these jets will be able to fly from London to New York in 3.5 hours, though they naturally have less carrying-capacity than ordinary commercial planes. Both Virgin and United Airlines have already secured deals with Boom.

In UK news, British Airways has ended its suspension of short-haul flights at Heathrow Airport. The suspension was put in place to cope with the airport-imposed limit of 100,000 daily outbound travellers through the airport. The move has been viewed as a sign of improving service levels at the airport after a challenging few months.

Down in Australia, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced preliminary concerns over the proposed takeover by Qantas Airways of Alliance Aviation Services. The ACCC is currently analysing the level of competition on routes in eastern and central Australia after expressing concerns over the potential monopoly Qantas would enjoy in the region if it was to complete a takeover of its main rival.

And finally, a tourist has been widely mocked on social media after leaving a scathing review of a Cornish fishing village on Tripadvisor. The unhappy traveller, from Birmingham, bemoaned the inconveniently narrow streets of Mevagissey, a 16th century fishing village with a history of settlement perhaps going back to the bronze age. He took particular issue with the location of the car parks, calling for a ‘complete redesign.’ The local councillor announced that there are currently no plans to redesign Mevagissey.