Jet2 has announced extra availability to Reus and Halkidiki from Edinburgh Airport for Summer 27
Jet2 has expanded its Summer 27 programme from Edinburgh Airport, giving Scottish holidaymakers even more options when booking flights to popular sunshine destinations.
From today, additional seats are available to Reus, Spain and Halkidiki, Greece, which are both exclusive routes to Jet2, offering greater flexibility outside of the peak summer season for customers planning a trip from Edinburgh Airport.
Whether they’re looking to explore the impressive Modernist architecture of Reus or discover the vibrant food and nightlife scene of Halkidiki, the expanded programme gives holidaymakers even more choice for Summer 27.
Customers can enjoy an extended season through exclusive Jet2routes to Reus, with weekly Tuesday services from 6th – 27th April. In addition, the season to Halkidiki, has been extended from 21st – 28th October, with weekly Thursday services.
This comes as part of Jet2’s wider Summer 27 expansion, with more capacity and choice available across 22 of Jet2’s routes from nine of its UK bases.
David Hills, Chief Customer Officer of Jet2 and Jet2holidays, said: “We know how much our customers are looking forward to planning their summer holidays next year, and we are seeing continued demand for holidays earlier and later in the summer season as well as during the peak.
“By adding more seats from Edinburgh Airport to fantastic destinations including Reus and Halkidiki, we’re giving Scottish holidaymakers even more opportunity to book early, plan with confidence and choose the options that suit them.”
Drivers’ love-hate relationship with sat-navs sees more than three quarters ignore directions to beat the ETA
The majority of drivers use a sat-nav, but just one third (35%) have a high degree of trust in their device and have taken matters into their own hands to reach their destination sooner
Sat-navs … most drivers use them, but the majority don’t fully trust them. So much so that many are constantly disregarding directions and following their gut instinct in a bid to beat the often-exasperating ETA.
And for eight-in-10 drivers (84%), the gamble paid off as they managed to get to their destination quicker than what their sat-nav predicted, according to research from the RAC.
The survey, which polled 1,601 drivers in the UK*, found that 91% use a sat-nav, with 8% steadfastly using one on every journey, 30% on most trips, and 53% using it occasionally.
Popular sat-nav gripes included users complaining that their devices don’t always detect upcoming traffic jams (52%), as well as getting sent down small, narrow roads (44%).
Worryingly, one-in-10 (11%) sat-nav users got sent down a one-way street the wrong way, risking a head-on collision.
And one fifth (19%) almost got stuck after their sat-nav sent them down a dead end that was hard to reverse out of.
Despite the drawbacks, one-in-10 (12%) confessed to following the instructions on their sat-nav without question.
The majority, 89%, preferred to take sat-nav instructions with a pinch of salt, sometimes ignoring them to get to their destination.
Free phone apps, such as Google Maps, Waze or Apple Maps are the most popular form of sat-nav drivers use, with more than half (53%) choosing this form of technology to guide their journeys.
Another 35% use a sat-nav that is built into the car, while 9% use a separate sat-nav unit that they attach to the dashboard or windscreen, a popular choice among drivers aged 65 and over.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando said: “Sat-navs are used by the majority of drivers, and can be a useful tool to help us get from A to B. But what this data shows is that people shouldn’t blindly follow the directions but continue to pay close attention to road signage and tap into any local knowledge they have of the area.
“While it’s tempting to just jump in the car and punch in the postcode on your chosen sat-nav and follow along, it’s best to look at the journey more closely on the myRAC app route planner before setting off so you have a good idea of where you’re going and what routes you could take depending on the traffic. You can also use the Fuel Finder tool to refuel at the cheapest price.
“Worryingly, one-in-10 said their sat-navs sent them down a one-way road the wrong way, risking a head-on collision. With several fatalities attributed to sat-navs, it’s important to pay attention to road signage and ensure devices are fully updated with the latest changes to the road network.”
In November 2024 Google and Apple agreed to amend their audio prompts after a double fatal crash appeared to have been caused by incorrect directions from a sat-nav.
The driver drove the wrong way along the A5 near Milton Keynes after following audio directions from her sat-nav resulting in a head-on collision where both drivers tragically died.
Six top ski destinations – Chambery, Geneva, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Turin and Verona go on sale today, giving access to the best ski resorts in Europe
Over 42,000 ski seats are on sale for Winter 27/28 from Edinburgh Airport
Jet2.com has great news for Scottish ski and snowboard fans as customers can now book flights from Edinburgh Airport for Winter 2027/28 to the best slopes in the French, Austrian, Swiss and Italian Alps, as well as the Tyrolean Mountains.
The leading leisure airline will operate an unrivalled Ski programme to six top ski destinations next winter – Chambery, Geneva, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Turin and Verona. The services will operate from mid-December 2027 and throughout the winter season.
The launch of the programme today means skiers and snowboarders in Scotland can book great-price ski flights early and plan their alpine escapes in advance.
When travelling to the best ski destinations in Europe with Jet2.com, customers can look forward to friendly flight times, 10kg hand baggage allowance and great value hold luggage* and ski carriage* each weighing up to 22kg each.
Jet2.com’s full Winter 27/28 Ski programme from Edinburgh Airport is detailed below:
Chambery – a popular area for winter sports, Chambery serves as a gateway to world-famous ski resorts in the French Alps, including Courchevel, the host of the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Weekly Saturday services from Edinburgh Airport, offers customers quick and easy access to some of Europe’s best slopes.
Geneva – up to two weekly services (Saturday and Sunday) are now on sale for Winter 27/28. Surrounded by the Alps, Geneva is a great gateway to some of the most popular French and Swiss ski resorts, including Tignes, Flaine, Verbier, Zermatt and the Three Valleys.
Salzburg – Edinburgh Airport offers an exclusive weekly Saturday service to Salzburg. The perfect location, straddled between the Austrian-German border is key to hundreds of ski resorts, including Kaprun, Mayrhofen and Obertauern.
Turin – this Italian gateway gives skiers endless options and with top resorts, such as Pila, Vars, Le Corbier and Val d’Isere easily accessible, the region is a popular choice for skiers and snowboarders. Jet2.com operates an exclusive route to Turin from Edinburgh Airport to this Italian city, with weekly Sunday ski services available.
Innsbruck – with incredible ski resorts right on its doorstep, Innsbruck is the city of choice for many snow-worshippers. Skiers and snowboarders can access the Tyrolean capital from Edinburgh Airport with weekly Saturday services available in Winter 27/28.
Verona – Not just the City of Love, Verona is also the city for lovers of snow sports as the host of the 2026 Winter Olympics and the perfect location to visit the Dolomites. The exclusive route to Jet2.com will operate weekly Saturday services so that ski enthusiasts can unlock resorts in Verona for their ski escape.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We enjoyed another successful ski season last winter, and with skiers and snowboarders already looking ahead to Winter 27/28, we have responded by launching our ski programme for next winter from Edinburgh Airport.
“With perfectly timed flights at the most popular times and a range of airports to fly into, we are certain next year’s ski programme will be our best yet.”
Stephanie Wear, Chief Commercial Officer at Edinburgh Airport said: “We like to give our winter sports enthusiasts plenty of time to plan ahead, so it’s great to see this programme go on sale today.
“With a fantastic range of destinations on offer, we’re expecting a flurry of activity as passengers hit the slopes and get their winter adventures booked.”
If you live in Edinburgh and have difficulty travelling or receive certain benefits, we may be able to help you visit a family member residing in a Scottish prison or the State Hospital, at no cost:
Immigration expert urges travellers to check passport rules before booking, as Europe’s new Entry/Exit System beds in and ETIAS remains unavailable
Holidaymakers planning trips to Europe this summer are being urged to check their passports and travel documents well before they travel, as new digital border checks continue to cause delays and confusion at some European airports.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operating across the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps with a digital record of when non-EU travellers enter and leave participating countries. The system applies also to British passport holders travelling for short stays and records facial images, fingerprints and passport details at the border.
The warning comes as airports and airlines continue adapting to the new process during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with reports of longer queues and passengers being advised to allow extra time before flights.
Kadmos Immigration, a UK immigration advisory practice, says travellers should treat passport checks as part of their holiday planning, rather than something to think about at the airport.
Helena Sheizon, Founder of Kadmos Immigration, says: ” Some holidaymakers are travelling to Europe as non-EU nationals, and that means the checks are different from what many people remember before Brexit.
“The biggest mistake families can make is assuming nothing has changed. If your passport doesn’t meet the entry requirements, or you haven’t allowed extra time for the new border procedures, your holiday can be disrupted before it has even begun.”
Why Brits may face longer airport queues this summer
The Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen area for short stays. For British travellers, this means entry and exit records are now stored digitally rather than through passport stamps.
First-time users of the system may be asked to provide biometric information, including a facial image and fingerprints. While this only takes a few minutes per person, processing times can increase significantly during busy periods, particularly for families or large groups arriving together.
Several airlines have already advised passengers travelling to parts of Europe to arrive earlier than usual while airports continue adjusting to the new procedures.
Sheizon explains: “For most holidaymakers there is no reason to panic, but there is every reason to prepare.
“If you’re travelling with children, elderly relatives or anyone who may need additional assistance, it’s sensible to build in extra time. The new system is designed to strengthen border security, but during its first busy summer season it can also create queues if travellers aren’t expecting the additional checks.”
The passport rule still catching British holidaymakers out
Kadmos Immigration is also warning British travellers to check both the issue date and expiry date on their passport before travelling to Europe.
For travel to the EU and wider Schengen area, a British passport generally must:
Have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entry.
Be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.
This continues to catch out travellers with older UK passports, particularly those renewed before September 2018, when unused validity could be carried over onto a new passport.
Sheizon says: “Many people only look at the expiry date, but for travel to Europe that isn’t enough.
A” passport can still appear valid, but if it was issued more than 10 years before the date you enter the Schengen area, you could be refused boarding or entry. It’s one of the easiest mistakes to avoid, provided you check early enough.”
ETIAS is still not in force and travellers should ignore unofficial websites
Kadmos Immigration is also reminding travellers that ETIAS, the EU’s upcoming travel authorisation scheme, has not yet launched.
Despite widespread discussion online, British travellers do not currently need to apply for ETIAS before travelling to Europe. Reports suggest the system is now expected to launch later than originally anticipated, meaning travellers should continue relying only on official government advice for updates.
Sheizon says: “One of the biggest sources of confusion is the difference between EES and ETIAS.
“EES is already operating at the border. ETIAS is a separate travel authorisation system that has not yet launched.
“If a website is asking you to pay for ETIAS today, that should immediately raise alarm bells. Until the EU officially opens applications, British travellers don’t need to buy anything.”
What British holidaymakers should check before travelling
Kadmos Immigration recommends checking the following before booking or travelling:
Your passport was issued less than 10 years before the day you enter the Schengen area.
Your passport remains valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave.
Your destination is part of the Schengen area and subject to EES checks.
You allow extra time at the airport or border crossing.
You follow your airline’s latest advice on recommended arrival times.You avoid paying unofficial websites for ETIAS before it officially launches.
Children’s passports have been checked separately, as they expire sooner than adult passports.
Your passport details exactly match your travel booking.
Sheizon adds: “The safest advice is simple: check your passport before you book, not the night before you fly.
“People spend weeks comparing flights and hotels, but something as simple as passport validity can stop a holiday before it starts. Spending five minutes checking your documents now could save hours of stress later.”
Why this matters this summer
Millions of British holidaymakers are expected to travel to popular destinations including Spain, France, Greece, Portugal and Italy over the coming weeks.
Kadmos Immigration says the vast majority of travellers will have no problems, but the introduction of digital border checks means preparation is now more important than ever.
Sheizon concludes: “Most people will still enjoy their European holiday exactly as planned, but the margin for error is smaller than it used to be.
Since Brexit, British travellers are subject to different entry requirements, and the move to digital border checks is another reminder that immigration rules now form part of holiday planning, even for a short break.”
DIVERSIONS IN PLACE FOR RUGBY and EDINBURGH FESTIVAL CARNIVAL
Multi-agency efforts to minimise city centre disruption and make the former Debenhams building safe continue, following a major fire on 9 July.
While Princes Street is expected to remain closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street until August, contingency planning is underway to help limit the impact on transport, businesses, the festival and other events.
This includes the rerouting of the Edinburgh Festival Carnival so it can still take place on Sunday and traffic diversions to aid travel to and from the Scotland v Fiji rugby match on Saturday, while changes to bus routes have been put in place to improve general traffic flow in the area.
Council teams continue to offer one-to-one advice and support to businesses affected, and it is hoped that all businesses on Rose Street will be able to reopen tomorrow (Saturday). The Council Leader has also written to the First Minister to request additional support for businesses from the Scottish Government.
Trams are currently only able to operate between the Airport and Shandwick Place but all options are being explored to re-establish operations along the full route as soon as possible.
Officers are working closely with Voi Bikes to provide additional capacity, particularly in and around Leith, and will be expanding the fleet from 800 to 1000 bikes by the end of next week. Additional bike parking infrastructure is being arranged in the city centre to accommodate those travelling into the city from Leith and Newhaven.
Complex and time-consuming work is ongoing to make the fire-damaged building safe, alongside preserving as much of its heritage value as possible.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “There is no doubt that recent events on Princes Street continue to have a major impact on the city centre and beyond, but I’m pleased to see progress being made, both in terms of preserving and making the building safe and reducing disruption in the area.
“This has involved a huge response from Council teams and a range of partners, and I’d like to thank all those involved for their hard work over the last week to secure the building, to protect its heritage and to keep the city moving.
“I’m particularly grateful to the city’s transport providers – Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams – for their swift and constructive responses to this challenging situation and I know there’s a huge amount of work going into restoring the tram to its full route as soon as possible. But I do want to stress that this can only happen when it’s safe to do so.
“We’re in regular contact with festivals and event organisers with a view to limiting disruption to our events calendar, and I’m delighted that we’ve found an alternative route for the wonderful Edinburgh Festival Carnival so it can still go ahead this weekend. We’re also hopeful of being able to find alternative locations for some of the events and attractions displaced from George Street.
“I’m acutely aware of the effect this is having on city centre businesses too and our teams are continuing to offer one-to-one advice and support. We’re also in touch with the Scottish Government about available support and I’ve written to the First Minister to discuss what more he can offer – as he did following the Union Street fire in Glasgow.
“This road closure is essential to protect the public while experts assess the condition of the fire-damaged building and make it safe, but we’re letting everyone know that the city centre is very much still open for business and encouraging people to check our website for the latest travel advice and information on visiting the area.
“I want to repeat my thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding and look forward to another fantastic summer festival season here in Edinburgh.”
A dedicated page on the Council website has been set up to provide up-to-date information and guidance, with relevant links to partner sites and a Q&A.
This will be updated regularly as and when new information becomes available.
All flights between the Highlands and Islands and other Scottish airports will be exempt from Air Departure Tax (ADT) when the devolved levy comes into force next year.
Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth said extending the exemption to incoming flights to the Highlands and Islands from other locations in Scotland will improve national connectivity for people and businesses when ADT replaces the UK Government’s Air Passenger Duty on 1 April 2027.
Under ADT, flights from the Highlands and Islands to airports in the rest of the UK will remain exempt, including via connecting flights.
Speaking as analysis of ADT consultation responses was published, Ms Gilruth also confirmed the levy will pave the way for the introduction of a Scottish Private Jet tax from April 2028.
The Deputy First Minister said: “This is the latest step in our mission to ensure Scotland’s devolved tax system works for every corner of the country.
“These ADT exemptions recognise the particular connectivity challenges faced by the people and businesses who have made the Highlands and Islands their home, and will help support communities to thrive.
“Our progressive approach to taxation helps the Scottish Government to provide the best cost of living support available in the UK, such as free university tuition, free prescriptions and our plans for a £2 bus fare cap across Scotland.
“A private jet tax will ensure those who contribute significantly higher emissions per person compared to commercial flights will pay more for the privilege.”
The UK’s leading open access rail operators Lumo and Hull Trains have released shocking footage of a runner narrowly missing being hit by a train travelling at over 100 mph.
The footage, captured from a Lumo train passing through North Tyneside on the East Coast Main Line, has been made public to mark the annual Rail Safety Week, as both companies shine a spotlight on how to safely interact with the railways.
The clip shows the runner failing to safely use the crossing and is a powerful reminder of the importance of paying attention to your surroundings and observing the crossing instructions.
Rail Safety Week is an annual, industry-wide initiative dedicated to promoting and improving rail safety for workers, customers and local communities. It aims to reduce accidents, educate people and create a strong safety culture across the network.
Lumo and Hull Trains have supported the delivery of rail safety resources to 45 schools over the past year, in association with the Rail Safe Friendly Programme. The programme is dedicated to spreading the vital message of rail safety among young people, educators and parents in schools across the UK.
The operators’ involvement has led to a social value impact of over £724,000 in 2024-25, directly educating thousands of young people.
David Hughes, Head of Safety, Security and Sustainability at First Rail Open Access, said: “This footage is an important reminder of the importance of rail safety. We hope this acts as a stark message for people to recognise the danger of not paying attention.
“We believe that education about rail safety should start from a young age. That’s why we’re now into the third year of our important partnership with the Rail Safe Friendly Programme, giving young people the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe.
“Travelling by train is safe, cost-effective and sustainable. It is, however, vital to recognise that behaviour like that seen in the footage poses a real risk to life.”
David Wortley, Network Rail route level crossing manager, East Coast, said: “Near misses like this are a stark reminder of how using level crossings incorrectly can easily lead to tragic consequences. One poor decision can change a life forever.
“Research shows a worrying overconfidence when it comes to crossings, which is why Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail community recently launched No Second Chances, the first industry-wide level crossing campaign to raise awareness of the dangers.
“It’s vital that everyone stops, looks, listens and follows the instructions and signage, because every crossing is different. No journey is worth risking your life.”
Lumo and Hull Trains are open access rail operators, meaning that they don’t rely on any government funding. They are loyal only to the customers and communities they proudly support.
Lumo is an exciting, growing rail operator that has served the East Coast Main Line with industry-leading 100% electric trains for several years. Lumo connects Glasgow with Falkirk, Edinburgh, Morpeth, Newcastle, Stevenage and London King’s Cross. The operator has also just launched a critically acclaimed new West Coast service, providing Stirling with a direct train service to London Euston, calling at destinations including Carlisle, Preston and Nuneaton.
Hull Trains, recently named ‘Operator of the Year’ at the prestigious Spotlight Rail Awards, offers affordable travel to destinations including Beverley, Hull, Doncaster, Grantham, Selby and London King’s Cross.
The operator successfully combines sustainability with affordable fares, excellent service and support for local communities.
13 sunshine destinations are now on sale from Edinburgh Airport for Winter 27/28
Over 300,000 seats available from Edinburgh Airport
Today’s announcement will be followed by further good news for Winter 27/28
UK consumer champion Jet2 has today announced the launch of its Winter Sun programme from Edinburgh Airport for Winter 2027/28, with more seats and choice on offer. The programme includes the airline and travel operator’s first full winter season of operations toEgypt’sSharm el-SheikhAirport.
As demand from holidaymakers looking to escape the long winter continues, the leading leisure airline and tour operator is once again giving customers what they want by putting over 300,000 seats on sale from Edinburgh Airport.
A choice of 13 winter sun destinations have gone on sale from Edinburgh Airport: TheCanary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura), Spain (Alicante, Malaga), Balearics (Majorca), Portugal(Faro, Madeira), Turkey (Antalya), Cyprus (Paphos), Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh), and Malta. During peak periods, the airline and tour operator will operate 40 weekly outbound flights.
The release of the programme comes in response to demand from holidaymakers looking to book ahead and enjoy some winter sunshine. It also makes Jet2 the first airline and tour operator to go on sale for Winter 27/28, giving customers and independent travel agents the opportunity to book their place in the sun for next winter early.
The full Winter 27/28 Winter Sun programme from Edinburgh Airport is as follows:
Tenerife (up to 7 weekly services)
Lanzarote (up to 5 weekly services)
Gran Canaria (up to 3 weekly services)
Fuerteventura (up to 3 weekly services)
Malaga (up to 3 weekly services)
Alicante (up to 5 weekly services)
Antalya (up to 3 weekly services)
Faro (up to 2 weekly services)
Majorca (up to 3 weekly services)
Madeira (up to 2 weekly services)
Paphos (weekly services)
Sharm el-Sheikh (weekly services)
Malta (up to 2 weekly services)
Over the coming weeks, the airline and tour operator will also reveal further programme details for Winter 27/28.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “Our winter sun programme for 2027/28 is on sale nice and early from Edinburgh Airport, and we are very pleased to be giving customers and independent travel agents such fantastic choice and flexibility.
“This exciting new programme opens up the best winter sun hotspots to local holidaymakers and, as always, we have designed it in direct response to the demand for our award-winning flights and holidays so we know how popular it will be.
“We are not done yet, with even more exciting announcements about our Winter 27/28 programme coming soon!”
Stephanie Wear, Chief Commercial Officer at Edinburgh Airport said: “With this summer already mapped out, now’s the perfect time to start planning next year’s getaway and explore the range of sunshine destinations on offer for Winter 27/28.
“It’s an ideal time to swap Scotland’s grey skies and drizzle for a few weeks of guaranteed sunshine so it’s fantastic to see Jet2 launching such an extensive programme for passengers to enjoy.”
If you are an independent travel agent and are interested in learning more about how you could benefit from working in partnership with Jet2holidays, please visit the company’s dedicated trade site: trade.jet2holidays.com
