RYANAIR has announced that from Tuesday November 10, check-in and bag drop services at all its airports will close 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
EIGHTY NINE per cent of people say they are more likely to book with an ABTA member than a company that is not and 54 per cent say they are willing to pay more for a holiday booked through an ABTA member, according to new, independent research.
ABTA has created a dedicated section within the ABTA Member Zone to help members who are dealing with the fastmoving situation in the Middle East. It acts as a portal to access up-to-date operational information, legal guidance and practical resources.
Within the section members will be able to access:
General guidance on responsibilities towards customers currently in destination and those due to travel.
A link to sign up to receive Operational Bulletins with the latest updates.
A detailed FAQ on legal responsibilities and additional information.
Links to relevant Guidance Notes covering “all but essential travel” advice issued for countries, islands, or specific resorts/areas.
Links to travel alerts issued by key airlines and travel providers
ABTA’s team of experts remain on hand to support members as this situation develops. The portal is an additional resource to provide updates, advice and resources to help members support customers, manage their enquiries and fulfil their legal responsibilities.
Angie Hills, Head of Destinations at ABTA, said:
“We’re supporting members across a number of fronts, including helping them understand what is happening in destination and their legal responsibilities to customers.
“The new section in the ABTA MemberZone is designed as a one-stop-shop to help members access the information to manage their bookings and operations, and support their customers. We will be keeping this page under review as and when the situation evolves.”
Information for customers has also been published on abta.com, signposting travellers to ABTA’s existing guidance on delays, cancellations and disruption.
THE government has stated that Dual British Nationals will be required to use a valid British passport upon entering the UK from February 2026 following the rollout of the Electronic travel Authorisation system.
TO celebrate Margarita Week and build on the global momentum of National Margarita Day on February 22, for the first time ever, Cointreau is inviting cocktail lovers to experience a rare, once-in-a-lifetime getaway inside the home of the Margarita, in partnership with Secret Escapes. For more information and entry details, visit: https://mp.secretescapes.com/uk/2026/cointreau/
Going the distance: Aer Lingus welcomes new Airbus A321XLR Aircraft to its fleet. Picture shows from left Georgia-Jane McCann, senior cabin crew; and James Harmon, senior cabin crew with the new Airbus A321XLR – the single-aisle extra-long-range aircraft flying up to 8,700km. The first two of six Airbus A321XLR aircraft arrived in Dublin to serve transatlantic routes and fly new routes to Nashville and Indianapolis in 2025
AER Lingus has announced it will operate a temporary scheduled service between Dublin and Barbados for spring 2026. The seasonal route will run from March 31, 2026 to May 31, 2026, offering Irish customers a direct connection to the Caribbean.
IN France, romance isn’t just an idea – it’s a way of life. So, this Valentine’s season, Irish Ferries is inviting couples to get onboard, lean into love and sail straight into the heart of French amour, with its expert’s pick of some of the most romantic towns in the world.
SKI slopes and cross-country adventures are set to be showcased on a global scale with the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics taking place in Italy this February.