Travel News 

In a landmark hearing, judges at Europe’s highest court have ruled that passengers must be compensated if an airline cancels a flight for technical reasons, unless "extraordinary" events are to blame. [more]

Aer Lingus has opened a new base at Gatwick airport, its first hub outside Ireland, as it attempts to thwart an increasingly hostile take-over bid from Ryanair. The loss-making airline said it will operate short-haul service from Gatwick to Ireland and other European destinations. The expansion ... [more]

British Airways has confirmed that its £4.1bn merger talks with Qantas have ended, quashing Willie Walsh’s hopes for a “truly global” airline. Neither side was able to agree over key terms, and in a joint statement the two airlines said that after detailed discussions about a potential merger, t... [more]

BAA looks odds on to be forced to sell two of its three London airport following a Competition Commission report released today. The CC confirmed that the Spanish-owned operator must sell Gatwick and Stansted, as well as Edinburgh Airport, although the decision is subject to a final consultation... [more]

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have announced they are reducing their fuel surcharges as the price of oil has plummeted. Both airlines said the cuts, effective Thursday, reflected the lower price of oil, and BA also credited its fuel hedging policy. [more]

A report on the astounding perks — free living accommodations and transport to work, 50% discounts at local bars, restaurants and health clubs — and the remarkable drawbacks — smoking and eating in uniform are prohibited, and if an attendant gains too much weight, he or she is put on a diet — of ... [more]

Ryanair is offering a €200m carrot to the Irish government in its bid to buy Aer Lingus. The move comes in the same week as the low-cost carrier sensed the government was warming to the prospect of a take-over, with finance minister Brian Lenihan saying the renewed takeover would be considered “c... [more]