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IN a recent announcement, the European Union


has once again delayed the


launch of its much-anticipated Entry/ Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Originally scheduled for


deployment in 2022 and 2023


respectively, these systems have faced numerous setbacks, leaving travellers in a state of uncertainty. Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership, expressed concerns over the impact of these delays on travel plans. “This ongoing uncertainty is creating confusion for travellers about what these systems will mean for them,” she stated, highlighting the critical need for authorities to adhere to the latest timeline or reconsider the feasibility of the systems altogether. The lack of public awareness about these changes further complicates the


www.nitravelnews.com


April/May 2025 EU Travel System Delays Cause Confusion and Concern for Travellers


situation. As Lo Bue-Said pointed out, clear guidance from both the government and the travel industry is essential to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth transition. However, the recent news of additional requirements such as passport stamping and biometric data collection threatens to exacerbate delays and extend queues at border controls. Despite these challenges,


UK


consumers continue to prioritise travel, even amidst complex visa requirements and varying destination rules. Lo Bue- Said advises travellers to book through local travel agents who can help navigate these complexities and secure the best deals.


As the EU struggles to implement these systems, the travel industry and authorities face mounting pressure to provide clarity and facilitate seamless travel experiences for all.


Passengers During February 2025 ETIHAD Airways,


national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced impressive traffic


statistics for


February 2025, showcasing its continued robust performance in the aviation industry.


The airline


successfully accommodated 1.6 million passengers during the month, achieving an impressive average passenger load factor of 89%.


Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways,


highlighted


the airline’s remarkable 14% increase in passenger numbers compared to February 2024, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines.


“Our passenger


numbers in February saw a strong 14% growth compared to the same period last year,


Etihad Airways Welcomes 1.6 Million the


as we continue to be among the world’s fastest-growing airlines,” Neves stated. The CEO further noted that maintaining a high passenger load factor of 89% year-to-date is encouraging as the airline gears up for an active 2025. This year will see the launch of 14 new routes, contributing to Etihad’s strategic expansion. The airline’s operating fleet is also nearing the milestone of 100 aircraft, with further deliveries anticipated throughout the year.


Neves expressed satisfaction with rising customer approval rates, stating that February marked a new high in customer satisfaction.


This


development underscores the airline’s commitment to providing exceptional service as it continues its growth trajectory.


Jet2 Ranks No.1 for Cabin Crew Friendliness – Here’s How Other Airlines Compare


THE friendliness and professionalism of cabin crews can make all the difference, and now, a new study has revealed which airline is leading the way when it comes to exceptional in-flight service. The team at OddsMonkey has analysed thousands of Tripadvisor reviews for the top 20 airlines with the most terminal passengers across all reporting airports in the UK based on the Civil Aviation Authority’s most recent data release, which highlights the final quarter of 2024.


In order of most usage to least, these carriers are: EasyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Jet2, Tui Airways, Wizz Air, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Aer Lingus, KLM,


Lufthansa,


American Airlines, Qatar Airways,


Vueling, United


Airlines, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Sunexpress, Air Canada, and Delta Airlines. To determine which airline has the ‘friendliest’ cabin crews, key terms were identified in reviews, linking “cabin crew” with descriptors such as “friendly,” “helpful,” “polite,” and other positive connotations.


The number of positive mentions was measured per 1,000 reviews, allowing for an accurate ranking regardless of the total volume of reviews each airline has


received. Jet2 has emerged as the airline with


the ‘friendliest’ cabin crews, according to TripAdvisor users. The British airline has already been recognised for its excellent service, having been named the best airline for short-haul flights by Which? for the fourth consecutive year. The Which? Recommended Provider achieved an impressive customer score of 80%, earning top marks for customer service, cleanliness, booking, and value for money.


This high level of customer satisfaction


is reflected in OddsMonkey’s analysis, with a staggering 89.8% of Jet2 reviews mentioning their cabin crews in a positive light – the highest of any airline in the study. One


TripAdvisor reviewer shared


their experience: “Excellent flight, friendly staff, it was a great and pleasant experience, and I was made to feel special. The cabin crew are in tune, making it an easy transition to the holiday mood.” Another customer praised Jet2’s service: “Massively impressed with the young cabin crew. Amazing teamwork, product knowledge, and customer focus. Best we’ve experienced to date. Credit to the company.”


One particularly touching review


highlighted a thoughtful gesture from the Jet2 crew: “We were travelling on our honeymoon, and the cabin crew gave us a card and prosecco, which was such a nice touch while we were on board. It made a huge impression on us.” Trailing just behind Jet2, Virgin Atlantic


and KLM earned high rankings in second and third, respectively, with 86% and 85.8% of feedback praising their cabin crew teams. Qatar Airways (82.1%), Aer Lingus (81.9%), and Tui Airways (78.8%) also


performed well, demonstrating


that quality service, on the whole, is recognised across a range of airlines. However, at the other end of the scale,


Vueling received the lowest score in the study, with just 42.1% of reviews speaking favourably about the airline’s cabin crew teams. Complaints ranged from poor customer service to an overall lack of professionalism. On the flip side, airlines like Vueling


and Ryanair may need to address their service standards, as lower customer satisfaction in this area could impact their overall reputation. Next time you’re booking a flight, these insights might just influence your choice of airline – because a friendly smile and exceptional service can make all the difference in your journey.


Mallorca Raises Tourist Taxes – Holidaymakers Should Budget an Extra €70 for 2-Week Stay


THE Balearic Islands government has announced plans to increase tourist taxes and introduce a levy on hire cars for travellers heading to Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca this summer. The proposed “tourism containment measures,” introduced last Friday, aim to regulate rental accommodations and ensure sustainable tourism. The Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS) is set to rise from €4 to a maximum of €6 per person per night during the peak season. This levy will be collected at four different rates from March to December, while January and February will be exempt. Depending on the property’s category, the increase ranges from 66% to 200% during June, July, and August, with the lowest rate rising from €1 to €2.50 per night. This adjustment means couples planning a two- week stay in the peak months might need to budget an additional €70, totalling €84. Cruise ship passengers docking in the Balearics will see their nightly tax triple from €2 to €6. Additionally, a new fee for hire cars is under consideration, which will be based on emissions and duration of stay, ranging from €30 to €80.


The government is also considering a ban on new tourist accommodations in residential apartment buildings. Booking platforms will be required to register rental accommodations before listing them, with penalties for advertising unlicensed properties reaching up to €500,000. These proposals are set to be negotiated in parliament,


with the government


emphasising their aim to maintain tourism sustainability in the region. The measures follow a series of protests against overtourism across Spain last summer.


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