June 2026


www.nitravelnews.com


United Sees Spike in Flight Demand Around this Season’s Biggest Cultural Moments


offering a comfortable place to dine and relax prior to boarding your flight. With a 242 seating capacity, The Lagan


Bar has been completely redesigned. Lighting has been upgraded, and the space reconfigured to enhance customer flow and comfort. In addition, the Lagan Bar’s new menu has been updated to focus on providing customers with popular pub-grub options.


Speaking on the new and improved customer


facilities, Chief Executive


Officer, Dan Owens stated, “Passenger feedback on the new facilities has been really positive, and passengers have really welcomed the changes that we’ve made, and the units that have been introduced.” Check out NI Travel News’ Social Media to catch a glimpse at the new facilities on offer at Belfast International Airport.


MAJOR events taking place across the globe is giving air travel a boost, with United Airlines seeing a double-digit increase in demand to destinations hosting major events. Over 53 million travellers are set to fly with United this summer, with the airline seeing a 3 million increase from last year. The once-in-a-lifetime moments taking place include the total solar eclipse, global soccer matches and concerts. Memorial Day weekend is also expected to be one of the busiest travel periods of the season. Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President, Global Network Planning and Alliances said: “Whether travelers are flying to witness a solar eclipse, cheer on their team or see their favorite artist live, our goal is to provide convenient flight options and a seamless travel experience, making it easy for them to get wherever they want go around the world, With the largest global route network –


and the most flights across the Atlantic and Pacific – we’re connecting customers to the moments that matter most this summer.”


UPDATES | 9


Etihad Airways Reinstates Refund Progressing for Passengers


FROM this summer 2026, Air Canada is offering a new year-round coach connection service from Toronto Pearson International Airport to the Niagara Falls region. Starting on 15 June 2026, the service will enable convenient onward travel for passengers from Ireland, with travel agents able to book through connections for customers between Dublin and Niagara . The fare is aligned with a standard Dublin- to-Toronto


itinerary and includes the


integrated coach transfer. The coach service also enables flexible


itinerary planning,


including multi-city


bookings, allowing travel agents to book a stopover in Toronto for customers wanting to experience a vibrant city before or after heading to Niagara Falls.


Coach passengers will earn Aeroplan points across their full itinerary, including regional connections, and benefit from itinerary protection with automatic rebooking in the event of any disruption.


Ikos Resorts Opens First Crete Hotel with Launch of Ikos Kissamos


IKOS Resorts has announced its opening of its newest hotel development, Ikos Kissamos, located in Crete. The opening marks the largest hospitality investment on the island as Ikos Resorts expands its offering,


establishing its


significant presence in the Mediterranean. Ikos Kissamos, near Chania, is a large beachfront development designed to blend in with the natural landscape of Crete whilst emphasising sustainability, including plans for LEED Gold certification for Building Design and Construction. Its pursuit of its LEED Gold certification highlights the brand’s focus on sustainability including, net-zero carbon emission plan for 2030, elimination of single-use plastics, zero waste to landfill, 100% water reuse, and organic waste composting.


The resort combines the brand’s all-


Jet2 and easyJet Rule Out Surcharges on Flights and Holidays


inclusive offering a stronger focus on local experiences, from Cretan dining to exploration of nearby attractions such as Balos Lagoon.


Guests are encouraged to explore Crete beyond the resort through the Local Discovery programme, which includes access to a MINI Countryman, curated cultural experiences and the Dine Out programme in selected local restaurants, offering an authentic and flexible way to experience the island. The opening also reflects the rising demand for luxury travel that blends resort stays with culture and environment.


TOUR operators Jet2 and easyJet have both confirmed that there will be no introduction of surcharges on any pre- booked flights or holidays.


Amidst speculation that airlines will introduce additional surcharges,


Jet2 has removed surcharge provisions


across all flights and holidays, ensuring customers are protected from additional costs linked to factors such as fuel price increases.


The policy applies across all booking channels including travel agents but excludes any tourist tax at the time of the holiday. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun,


both


airlines have reassured customers that the price they pay when booking will face no additional costs.


without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2. “As a result of today’s announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them. Ahead of a busy summer this is yet more evidence of why, on top of our incredible holidays and


award-winning customer nothing beats a Jet2holiday.”


easyJet and easyJet Holidays have also confirmed that there will be no surcharges on any pre-booked or future flights and package holidays including 2026 summer departures.


Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet holidays,


said: “We know that holidaymakers may have questions about what recent global events might mean for their travel plans this summer so we are giving our customers absolute peace of mind that no surcharges will be added to their flights or package holidays.


“Our operations remain unaffected, so customers can be confident that not only will their holiday go ahead as planned, but there will be no surprise extra payments, and they can enjoy their brilliant holidays at unbeatable prices.”


The announcement from both airlines reinforces their commitment to offer transparent


pricing, giving confidence when booking. customers service,


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