Luton-9
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Social distancing won't work on aircraft as the resultant passenger loads are not financially viable.
14 day quarantine will clearly impact travel negatively.
Busy flights (such as the Aer Lingus BHD - LHR flight) will no doubt attract further negative publicity in the media
For those who do want to travel, insurance costs are likely to be prohibitive for many
Whilst some resort areas are looking to restart this summer, it is likely to be domestic tourism first with international tourism later (and probably after the peak summer season.)
My search for some positivity continues but I am not finding anything much to work with right now.
14 day quarantine will clearly impact travel negatively.
Busy flights (such as the Aer Lingus BHD - LHR flight) will no doubt attract further negative publicity in the media
For those who do want to travel, insurance costs are likely to be prohibitive for many
Whilst some resort areas are looking to restart this summer, it is likely to be domestic tourism first with international tourism later (and probably after the peak summer season.)
My search for some positivity continues but I am not finding anything much to work with right now.
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More detail on the inspired or insane news by Wizz today. https://www.travelweekly.co.uk/artic...utes-from-june
As always, our primary concern is the health, safety and well-being of our passengers and crew, and our enhanced protective measures will ensure the most sanitary conditions possible.”
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Stop the negativity!
Why is there so much negativity in this forum about LTN and Wizzair?
Other airlines like Emirates, Qatar, American, Virgin, Aer Lingus and BA are all operating limited schedules into other UK airports, and why is it so bad for Wizzair to re-start operations too, and its not like they are currently operating a full schedule either. They are only a few weeks ahead of other UK airlines.
I think todays news by Wizzair announcing six new routes is a major confidence boost for the airport, and that the airline has faith that Brits will want to travel.
No one is being made to travel and the first of these new routes do not start until July when hopefully Lockdown will be a distant memory and people want to get on with their lives. Nearly all other UK airlines are planning to have restarted operations well before July!
easyJet, Jet2 and TUI have made it clear their summer schedules are recommencing by mid-June and these new WIzz Air routes will just be joining them. If passengers already have holidays booked and the airlines are operating the flights, people will have no choice but to travel or potentially loose thousands on family holidays in the peak summer if they choose not to go.
I am sure the airport and airlines are planning to minimise the risks of travelling as much as possible and will be no worse than other UK airports/airlines. The risks are no worse than travelling by train or bus!
As long as people are healthy and follow guidelines laid down by authorities/airlines I am sure they will be fine.
Other airlines like Emirates, Qatar, American, Virgin, Aer Lingus and BA are all operating limited schedules into other UK airports, and why is it so bad for Wizzair to re-start operations too, and its not like they are currently operating a full schedule either. They are only a few weeks ahead of other UK airlines.
I think todays news by Wizzair announcing six new routes is a major confidence boost for the airport, and that the airline has faith that Brits will want to travel.
No one is being made to travel and the first of these new routes do not start until July when hopefully Lockdown will be a distant memory and people want to get on with their lives. Nearly all other UK airlines are planning to have restarted operations well before July!
easyJet, Jet2 and TUI have made it clear their summer schedules are recommencing by mid-June and these new WIzz Air routes will just be joining them. If passengers already have holidays booked and the airlines are operating the flights, people will have no choice but to travel or potentially loose thousands on family holidays in the peak summer if they choose not to go.
I am sure the airport and airlines are planning to minimise the risks of travelling as much as possible and will be no worse than other UK airports/airlines. The risks are no worse than travelling by train or bus!
As long as people are healthy and follow guidelines laid down by authorities/airlines I am sure they will be fine.
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Why is there so much negativity in this forum about LTN and Wizzair?
Other airlines like Emirates, Qatar, American, Virgin, Aer Lingus and BA are all operating limited schedules into other UK airports, and why is it so bad for Wizzair to re-start operations too, and its not like they are currently operating a full schedule either. They are only a few weeks ahead of other UK airlines.
Other airlines like Emirates, Qatar, American, Virgin, Aer Lingus and BA are all operating limited schedules into other UK airports, and why is it so bad for Wizzair to re-start operations too, and its not like they are currently operating a full schedule either. They are only a few weeks ahead of other UK airlines.
Luton needs to open at the appropriate time and this doesn’t feel like the appropriate time when none of the UK restrictions have yet to be lifted and we are being told to stay indoors. Council owned libraries shut, sports centres shut, swimming pools shut, community centres shut. Airport open.
What is happening with other airports and airlines is for discussion on other threads but apart from repatriation flights I would stop all flights at the moment.
The comment about people having no choice but to travel on holiday or they will lose their money is a good reason why flights should not take place if people are put at risk particularly the old and medically vulnerable.
Last edited by Spanish eyes; 5th May 2020 at 23:23.
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Are you talking about Luton Council or the airport operator?
I would think all decisions are made for commercial reasons but seeing councils have closed parks for non compliance they could close the terminal if they wish particularly as it is a council building. They would never do it though, as it would affect their own income.
Number one question for the airport operator is do they reduce the terminals hourly capacity. Without looking it up I think it is around 4,000 passengers an hour. What is a safe amount if more flights start? I am thinking maybe 20% but as photos have shown they cannot handle one flight safely as passengers don’t comply but then the airlines can’t comply either.
Same question would cover all forms of transport including buses and trains.
I would think all decisions are made for commercial reasons but seeing councils have closed parks for non compliance they could close the terminal if they wish particularly as it is a council building. They would never do it though, as it would affect their own income.
Number one question for the airport operator is do they reduce the terminals hourly capacity. Without looking it up I think it is around 4,000 passengers an hour. What is a safe amount if more flights start? I am thinking maybe 20% but as photos have shown they cannot handle one flight safely as passengers don’t comply but then the airlines can’t comply either.
Same question would cover all forms of transport including buses and trains.
Last edited by LTNman; 6th May 2020 at 05:00.
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How do you square the circle of workers, in particular those we need to keep eating? Despite all the claims since 2016 Brits would farm the land, and despite high and rising unemployment and availability, it turns out they can’t. Then you have construction sites etc going back because a. the Government didn’t properly lock down and b. support wasn’t given to self-employed forcing them to fly on a full plane from Belfast, and probably Sofia etc
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How did we eat 20 years ago. Plenty of farm jobs if the unemployed are prepared to live in farmer provided accommodation and then pay a chunk of their minimum wage back to the farmer.
It isn’t just farmers, when there are 5 people cleaning a car at a car wash for a grand cost of £6 what are they earning? There is lots of evidence of 10 people sleeping in a 3 bedroom slum rental while we all turn a blind eye. Eastern European’s are being exploited and it is happening all around Europe.
Back to Luton. Easyjet resume on the 18th but will they and to where?
It isn’t just farmers, when there are 5 people cleaning a car at a car wash for a grand cost of £6 what are they earning? There is lots of evidence of 10 people sleeping in a 3 bedroom slum rental while we all turn a blind eye. Eastern European’s are being exploited and it is happening all around Europe.
Back to Luton. Easyjet resume on the 18th but will they and to where?
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It looks like Easyjet have put their start up date back to 1st June 2020, have checked a few destinations on their web site and all have high lead in fares even for this date.
Last edited by Silver Back; 6th May 2020 at 11:21.
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I think much will depend on the Government advice which may be forthcoming on Sunday.
I have just watched the Transport Select Committee hearing and John Holland Kaye (Heathrow) and Karen Dee (of the AOA) both noted that clear direction was needed in the next few weeks around timescales to avoid the potential for significant job reductions in the airport sector. JHK spoke about a 3 to 5 month window for start up as avoiding this which suggests June may be a bit optimistic. Maybe domestic routes but until there is some wider inter-government plan for opening borders it is very difficult for anyone to plan with any certainty.
I have just watched the Transport Select Committee hearing and John Holland Kaye (Heathrow) and Karen Dee (of the AOA) both noted that clear direction was needed in the next few weeks around timescales to avoid the potential for significant job reductions in the airport sector. JHK spoke about a 3 to 5 month window for start up as avoiding this which suggests June may be a bit optimistic. Maybe domestic routes but until there is some wider inter-government plan for opening borders it is very difficult for anyone to plan with any certainty.
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School holidays in July and August will focus a few minds but then the Spanish might spoil the party and a potential 2 week quarantine on return to the UK would be the nail in the coffin for 2020.
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gilesdavies,
I believe you are incorrect with regards Virgin, as far as l am aware they are no longer flying passenger flights other than UK Gov repatriation flights.
They are flying cargo flights only.
Also l would say from your statement, As long as people are healthy and follow guidelines laid down by authorities/airlines I am sure they will be fine.
How do you know you are healthy?
A good number of people have Covid 19 but don't know they have got it and are as such passing it on by touching many surfaces.
I believe you are incorrect with regards Virgin, as far as l am aware they are no longer flying passenger flights other than UK Gov repatriation flights.
They are flying cargo flights only.
Also l would say from your statement, As long as people are healthy and follow guidelines laid down by authorities/airlines I am sure they will be fine.
How do you know you are healthy?
A good number of people have Covid 19 but don't know they have got it and are as such passing it on by touching many surfaces.
Wizz Air.....
Wizz Air Holdings Plc is plotting a major expansion at London Gatwick airport as rival carriers pull back, paving the way for the Hungarian low-cost carrier to emerge from the travel downturn with a bigger presence in the world’s busiest city for passenger traffic.
Wizz, Europe’s third-biggest discounter, is keen to expand its U.K. business beyond a base at Luton, north of London, if it can get hold of the operating slots, Chief Executive Officer Jozsef Varadi said Wednesday in a phone interview. He said he’d like to turn Gatwick, located south of the capital city, into its second British hub.
The coronavirus crisis, while devastating to travel worldwide, is still providing opportunities for the handful of airlines that have the means and boldness to take risks. Wizz, which has signaled it will press its growth plans during the slump, has risen quickly in Eastern Europe but lags far behind Ryanair Holdings Plc and EasyJet Plc in the U.K. and much of western Europe.
An opening has emerged at Gatwick, where Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. said this week it will pull out and focus on London Heathrow to help ride out the Covid-19 pandemic. British Airways is reportedly looking to do the same, and with Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, Gatwick’s No. 3 tenant, retrenching to survive the winter, the once full airport could soon have space for new entrants.
“We’ve been looking at Gatwick for a long time and we absolutely have an ambition to build a base there,” Varadi said.
Varadi said any expansion at Gatwick is contingent on being able to secure ownership of operating slots, as he wants to avoid taking over capacity temporarily only to hand it back later.
“We wouldn’t want to lease slots,” Varadi said. “You don’t make an investment in building up a business and the other guy then changes his mind.”
Budapest-based Wizz currently has only a handful of flights into Gatwick, whereas it bases 10 planes at Luton with a further 25 flying in from locations in mainland Europe. Since Gatwick is a bigger airport with a more developed infrastructure, an operation there could be at least that size, the CEO said.
Gatwick’s higher charges might be an obstacle to expansion for a carrier that boasts Europe’s lowest cost base, though those might come down as other airlines depart.
Varadi said he’s also unsure that British Airways and Virgin Atlantic will actually surrender takeoff and landing positions. Virgin CEO Shai Weiss said Tuesday the intention is to lease out the slots until the market revives and a return to Gatwick becomes viable.
Wizz sought to establish itself as a force at Gatwick last year, when it was a contender for slots from failed Thomas Cook Group Plc. Those were bought by EasyJet, Gatwick’s biggest operator, while positions vacated by Monarch Airlines in 2017 went to British Airways owner IAG SA after Wizz had bid.
Business at Gatwick was booming before the coronavirus crisis crushed demand and prompted groundings of entire airline fleets. The airport, traditionally a leisure hub, had aspired to snag some of Heathrow’s full-service passengers, with French owner Vinci SA seeking to convert an emergency runway for regular use.
Credit Bloomberg
Wizz Air Holdings Plc is plotting a major expansion at London Gatwick airport as rival carriers pull back, paving the way for the Hungarian low-cost carrier to emerge from the travel downturn with a bigger presence in the world’s busiest city for passenger traffic.
Wizz, Europe’s third-biggest discounter, is keen to expand its U.K. business beyond a base at Luton, north of London, if it can get hold of the operating slots, Chief Executive Officer Jozsef Varadi said Wednesday in a phone interview. He said he’d like to turn Gatwick, located south of the capital city, into its second British hub.
The coronavirus crisis, while devastating to travel worldwide, is still providing opportunities for the handful of airlines that have the means and boldness to take risks. Wizz, which has signaled it will press its growth plans during the slump, has risen quickly in Eastern Europe but lags far behind Ryanair Holdings Plc and EasyJet Plc in the U.K. and much of western Europe.
An opening has emerged at Gatwick, where Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. said this week it will pull out and focus on London Heathrow to help ride out the Covid-19 pandemic. British Airways is reportedly looking to do the same, and with Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, Gatwick’s No. 3 tenant, retrenching to survive the winter, the once full airport could soon have space for new entrants.
“We’ve been looking at Gatwick for a long time and we absolutely have an ambition to build a base there,” Varadi said.
Varadi said any expansion at Gatwick is contingent on being able to secure ownership of operating slots, as he wants to avoid taking over capacity temporarily only to hand it back later.
“We wouldn’t want to lease slots,” Varadi said. “You don’t make an investment in building up a business and the other guy then changes his mind.”
Budapest-based Wizz currently has only a handful of flights into Gatwick, whereas it bases 10 planes at Luton with a further 25 flying in from locations in mainland Europe. Since Gatwick is a bigger airport with a more developed infrastructure, an operation there could be at least that size, the CEO said.
Gatwick’s higher charges might be an obstacle to expansion for a carrier that boasts Europe’s lowest cost base, though those might come down as other airlines depart.
Varadi said he’s also unsure that British Airways and Virgin Atlantic will actually surrender takeoff and landing positions. Virgin CEO Shai Weiss said Tuesday the intention is to lease out the slots until the market revives and a return to Gatwick becomes viable.
Wizz sought to establish itself as a force at Gatwick last year, when it was a contender for slots from failed Thomas Cook Group Plc. Those were bought by EasyJet, Gatwick’s biggest operator, while positions vacated by Monarch Airlines in 2017 went to British Airways owner IAG SA after Wizz had bid.
Business at Gatwick was booming before the coronavirus crisis crushed demand and prompted groundings of entire airline fleets. The airport, traditionally a leisure hub, had aspired to snag some of Heathrow’s full-service passengers, with French owner Vinci SA seeking to convert an emergency runway for regular use.
Credit Bloomberg
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Luton seems to traditionally grow airlines that move off to LGW - over the years Court Line, Britannia, Monarch, and Easy have all drifted away in that direction for their London traffic. It is possible that Luton will see the biggest passenger fall after Southend in the short term, I think, worst case being only a secondary base for Easy and Wizzair and very little else.
Wizz, Europe’s third-biggest discounter, is keen to expand its U.K. business beyond a base at Luton, north of London, if it can get hold of the operating slots, Chief Executive Officer Jozsef Varadi said Wednesday in a phone interview. He said he’d like to turn Gatwick, located south of the capital city, into its second British hub.
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When Easyjet ramped up its Gatwick operations years ago Luton lost ground. It is only in recent years after an agreement that Easyjet increased its presence at Luton probably in part due to not having enough slots at Gatwick.
If Wizz gains enough slots at Gatwick any expansion that would have come Luton’s way will move south of the Thames. Not good for the Council that wants to double passenger numbers with an existing terminal built on the cheap by a franchise holder that was never interested in building quality but just wanted more floor space in the belief that passengers had no choice.
If Wizz gains enough slots at Gatwick any expansion that would have come Luton’s way will move south of the Thames. Not good for the Council that wants to double passenger numbers with an existing terminal built on the cheap by a franchise holder that was never interested in building quality but just wanted more floor space in the belief that passengers had no choice.
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When Easyjet ramped up its Gatwick operations years ago Luton lost ground. It is only in recent years after an agreement that Easyjet increased its presence at Luton probably in part due to not having enough slots at Gatwick.
If Wizz gains enough slots at Gatwick any expansion that would have come Luton’s way will move south of the Thames. Not good for the Council that wants to double passenger numbers with an existing terminal built on the cheap by a franchise holder that was never interested in building quality but just wanted more floor space in the belief that passengers had no choice.
If Wizz gains enough slots at Gatwick any expansion that would have come Luton’s way will move south of the Thames. Not good for the Council that wants to double passenger numbers with an existing terminal built on the cheap by a franchise holder that was never interested in building quality but just wanted more floor space in the belief that passengers had no choice.