French strike action planned for March 7
Travellers to France could face disruption early next month, with unions calling for strikes and demonstrations on March 7. The strike is in opposition to the French government’s plan to raise the retirement age and follows several protests over the past two months. The UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) has modified its travel advice for those visiting France, stating: “Several unions have called for cross-sector strike action and demonstrations across France on Tuesday 7 March. Industrial action may start the evening before a strike day and run until the morning after.
Luton airport to install 12 ClearScan CT baggage scanners at security
London Luton airport is partnering with technology firm Leidos to roll out its ClearScan computed tomography (CT) scanners at security. The first lanes offering the CT scanners will become available in the fourth quarter of this year, at which point passengers using them will no longer need to remove electronic devices and liquids from their hand luggage. The scanners will also ultimately lead to customers being able to carry larger bottles of liquids in their hand luggage when passing through the airport. The current restrictions will be replaced with a new two litre limit “by 2024”.
Heathrow’s losses halve as airport targets “year of renewal”
Heathrow airport has published its financial results for 2022, showing an annual loss before tax of £684 million. The figures compares to a loss of £1.27 billion in 2021, and around £2 billion in 2020. More than 5.4 million travellers passed through the London hub in January – the airport’s busiest start to the year since 2019, and Heathrow said that over 25,000 people had started working at the airport in the last 18 months, with resource levels “now close to pre-pandemic levels”. Heathrow’s CEO, John Holland-Kaye said that 2023 was “shaping up to be a year of renewal” for the airport.
Travel news as a glance:
IAG agrees new deal to acquire Air Europa
Qatar Airways agrees five-year deal to become global partner of Formula 1
Air Canada trials facial recognition technology
Qantas to launch new first-class lounge at London Heathrow
Virgin Atlantic launches reward seat redemption sale
TAP Air Portugal Expands Stopover Program