Travellers undeterred by London airport chaos

Home to tradition, cosy cottages and Christmas-themed markets, there’s no better place to celebrate the holiday than the United Kingdom. The issue this year, however, is getting there. The UK Border Force strikes over the festive season have dampened holidaymakers’ plans.

However, despite the travel chaos at the country’s various airports, UK-bound travellers from the UAE intend to go ahead with their Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in Britain. Passengers expect to experience delays at London Heathrow, Birmingham, Gatwick, Glasgow, and Manchester Airports from December 23-26 and 29-31.

Though most of the flight cancellations and baggage delays are faced by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic passengers, UAE carriers — Etihad Airways and Emirates — have assured their passengers there will not be any change in operations during this period.

Husain Iqbal, General Manager — GSA at Sharaf Travel, said: “Passengers who have booked their tickets ahead of time are not deviating from their travel plans. They are not cancelling their travel plans. For non-Britons, visas to the UK are an issue. So, most travellers have planned ahead of time.”

Afi Ahmed, the managing director of Smart Travels, also confirmed there hadn’t been any cancellations to the UK as far as UAE passengers are concerned. “People are travelling, and there is a lot of inbound traffic from the UK as well,” he said. UK fares from UAE are priced at approximately Dh3,300, including taxes, for travel from December 23 to January 3.