The Week In Travel

The UK government this week revealed its much-anticipated long-term aviation strategy with the publication of a ten-point plan for the aviation industry. Flightpath to the Future, will see the establishment of a joint industry-government Aviation Council to deliver the plan, which focuses on the creation of long-term jobs, sustainable growth and innovations. Later this year it will publish the Aviation Passenger Charter, aimed at providing a ‘one-stop guide’ for consumers on their rights. The plan has been widely welcomed by industry representatives, including Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association (AOA), who called for the government to back its plans with funding.

London is set to be the second city to gain a flight connection with a $500 billion mega-city being developed on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. State carrier Saudia is to start a weekly service from Dubai to Neom Bay Airport in June, with the London connection set to begin shortly afterwards. Millions of residents are expected to relocate to Neom by 2030, with tourism projects due to open from 2024. Developers hope the city will serve as a global travel hub to rival Dubai and Singapore, and it is said to be within four hours flight from 40% of the earth’s landmass.

The Government of Japan has granted Fiji $3m to enable improvements at Nadi International Airport, which resumed international operations late last year. The grant will be used to improve the airport’s ability to deploy covid measures, including the construction of a testing facility for tourists.

The global mishandled baggage rage increased by 24% last year, according to IT and telecommunication services provider SITA. The rise is attributed to the large number of long-haul flights with connections. According to the report, the chance of a bag being mishandled is nearly five times higher on international flights than on domestic flights. The report emphasises the digitalisation of the baggage transfer system as a potential solution to the problem. 90% of airlines and three-quarters of airports intend to launch touchless unassisted self-bag drops by 2024.

Travellers flying into Gatwick Airport this week were left befuddled by a large sign visible to those approaching from the east which read ‘Welcome to Luton.’ The sign, which put many people in a state of mild panic, was revealed to have been a prank, masterminded by youtuber and comedian Max Fosh. He has permission to have the sign there for six weeks.