A MAJOR airport in the UK has revealed its massive investment plans over the next five years – including a £600million terminal extension.

London Stansted Airport has confirmed its plans of the £1.1billion renovation.

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The biggest new development will be extending the main terminal.

Another £500million will be put into improving the current terminal and rest of the airport.

This means a bigger security hall as well as taxiway and gate rooms.

This also means a smoother journey for passengers at check in, security and immigration.

The improvements will expand the terminal by a third, which means more space for both passengers and airlines.

Construction is expected to start by next year.

The project will then take between two and three years to complete.

Ken O’Toole, Chief Executive Officer of MAG – which owns London Stansted, Manchester and East Midlands Airports, said: “By investing more than £1 billion in Stansted over the next 5 years, we will be able to connect people and businesses in London and the east of England to even more global destinations, while welcoming millions more visitors to the UK.”

Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, added: “This announcement is a clear signal that Britain is open for business.”

London Stansted recorded a record number of passengers this year.

The London airport welcomed 29.3million passengers in the year to September 2024.

Gareth Powell, Stansted’s managing director, said: “We aim to add even more choice of airlines to continue growing our extensive route network.

“We are already welcoming a record number of passengers, with people drawn to the fact we give them a great choice of destinations, at excellent value and with fantastic access into central London and the whole of the East of England.

“We are unique among major airports in operating a single terminal, which means we can give people a simple, efficient and seamless experience.”

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The airport recently welcomed a number of new airlines and flight routes.

British Airways returned to London Stansted this year with routes to Ibiza, Florence and Nice.

Royal Jordanian Airlines launched flights to Amman back in March while Sun Express has launched flights to Izmir.

New routes include Jet2 flights to Tivat in Montenegro, and Ryanair to Sarajevo.

And Emirates opened a £4million new lounge at London Stansted last month.

London City Airport opened its £12million expansion this year, which includes a new departure lounge and shops.

The airport is to welcome 2.5million more passengers due to the expansion.

What about the world’s biggest airport?

Earlier this year, plans behind the world’s biggest airport were revealed – with flights set to take off by 2030.

King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will have a massive six runways and is expected to see 120million passengers each year.

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The huge new travel hub will be spread across 57 square kilometres (22 square miles), with 12 square kilometres dedicated to recreational facilities and a retail space.

Manchester Airport is also working on its £1.3billion transformation with larger terminals and new restaurants.

Meanwhile, this new £4.7bn airport will be the biggest in its continent when it’s built.

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REMEMBER, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot – so the saying goes.

The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 saw Guy Fawkes and a group of English Catholics fail in their attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I.

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With the conspirators discovered, people lit bonfires around London to celebrate the King’s survival. We’ve been lighting bonfires – and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes – ever since.

And while Halloween may have eclipsed our traditional Bonfire Night celebrations, there is still plenty of fun for all ages across the country.

Here Lisa Minot explores the best of the firework displays and bonfires throughout the UK.

Gisburne Park, Lancashire

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BILLED as the largest bonfire in the north of England, the bonanza at Ribblesdale Park on the Gisburne estate promises all the family favourites on Saturday, November 2.

As well as a firework display, there’s a sparkler area, fire dancers, food and drink, a bubble machine and glitter station, followed by an after party with a DJ and dancing.

The bonfire is lit at 6.30pm and fireworks start at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16.96 for adults, £11 for kids aged three to 12. Under-3s are free. See gisburneparkestate. co.uk/bonfire.

STAY: The Stirk House Hotel has rooms on November 2 from £160 a night. See stirkhouse.co.uk.

Alexandra Palace, London

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ONE of the capital’s oldest and biggest Bonfire Night celebrations, there’s even more to enjoy this year over the weekend of November 1 and 2.

As well as the pyrotechnic displays and bonfire, The Cuban Brothers will be playing on Friday, and Artful Dodger on Saturday.

There’s also ice skating, a fun fair, bonfire and beer festival – as well as a new drone show for 2024.

Gates open at 6pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday, with fireworks at 9pm and 8pm respectively.

Entry is £18 for adults, £12 for children aged 11-15 and £6.50 for under-11s. See fireworks.london.

STAY: Travelodge London Wood Green has rooms available over the weekend for £114, based on up to four sharing. See travelodge.co.uk.

The Hoe, Plymouth

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ONE of the most popular events in Devon, Bonfire Night at The Hoe on Plymouth’s waterfront will return for 2024 with a vast bonfire, fireworks, above, and plenty of family-friendly fun on November 5.

The scenic spot is supposedly where, in 1588, Sir Francis Drake first heard about the invading Spanish Armada and, as the story goes, continued his game of bowls.

The fairground opens at 4pm and there’s food from 5pm. The bonfire is lit at 7pm with fireworks from 7.30pm. See visitplymouth.co.uk.

STAY: The imposing Victorian gem, the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, is close to The Hoe and has rooms from £67.50 the week of November 3. See thedukeofcornwall.co.uk.

Mayfield Park, Manchester

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MAYFIELD Park, with food and entertainment venue Freight Island, has all the fireworks fun over the weekend of November 1-3.

There are fireworks each night as well as music, entertainment and free sparklers for kids.

Fuel up with mulled wine, hot chocolate or candy floss in the park or enjoy street food favourites, including pizza, burgers and ribs at Freight Island.

Gates open at 5.30pm each evening with two firework displays on Saturday. Tickets are £10 for adults and £6 for children. Under-3s are free. See escapetofreightisland.com.

STAY: Rooms at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly are from £144 over the weekend with family rooms for four from £186.

See marriott.com.

Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

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THE Fawkes Festival, held at Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor venue, the Royal Highland Centre, provides a unique Guy Fawkes Night experience on Sunday November 3.

It has choreographed fireworks and live entertainment including the sensational street theatre troupe Spark!

Visitors can dance the night away with the world-famous Scottish bagpipe band, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and enjoy fairground rides, a variety of food stalls and, of course, a roaring bonfire.

Tickets are £18 for adults and £14 for children. Under-3s go free. See royalhighlandcentre.co.uk.

STAY: Hotel Indigo Edinburgh has rooms from £132 a night. See ihg.com/hotelindigo.

(credit: VistaJet)

As the global leader in private aviation for 20 years, VistaJet – a part of Vista, the world’s first private aviation ecosystem – has announced a new suite of experiences through Private World. Offeringonce-in-a-lifetime adventures all around the world, a gift for all VistaJet Members, to fully immerse in the iconic silver and red legacy, the company takes care of every detail of their guest’s itinerary so they can make the most of their special vacation. From exclusive looks into the cacao plantations of the Amazon and a helicopter safari following humpback whale migration in Mozambique and more, see the full list of new experiences below. 

(credit: VistaJet)

Botswana with Belmond

Belmond’s Southern Africa escapes embrace two thrillingly different safari experiences in Northern Botswana. Eagle Island Lodge is in the heart of the Okavango Delta and Savute Elephant Lodge sits beside the mysterious Savute Channel. Experienced guides, rich wildlife encounters and unique activities will enchant even the most seasoned safari traveler. Breathlessly captivating, this corner of Botswana has long been associated with the world’s greatest explorers, including David Livingstone. Follow in their footsteps at Savute Elephant Lodge and head out to a unique viewing hide at dusk or dawn, overlooking the watering hole, to see elephants, hyenas and cheetahs in their element. Returning to the lodge, receive a serene welcome while the eco-friendly design immerses you in harmony with the stunning landscape.

Eagle Island Lodge’s high-ceiling tented rooms in the Botswana wetlands are flooded with light, and each has a plunge pool and oversized bed with views of the Delta. Get closer to the wildlife of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a silent glide past hippos in a traditional canoe, as fish eagles soar overhead.

(credit: VistaJet)

Luxury Cacao Experience in Ecuador with The Cacau Club

Indulge in the ultimate luxury cacao travel experience in Ecuador, where the lush landscapes of the Amazon rainforest meet the rich cultural heritage of cacao cultivation. Embark on a sensory journey, exploring exclusive cacao plantations nestled within the pristine rainforest, where expert guides unveil the secrets of premium chocolate production. Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences, from harvesting ripe cacao pods to the intricate chocolate-making process. Delight your taste buds with an exquisite tasting at Toak, the ‘Hermes of Chocolate.’ Toak, renowned for its dedication to Amazon conservation while producing exceptional cacao and chocolate, opens its doors to VistaJet for an intimate exploration of their exquisite creations.

Delve into the artistry behind each bar, savoring the distinctive flavors that have earned Toak its prestigious reputation in the world of luxury chocolates. Beyond the plantations, discover the vibrant local communities that have sustained cacao traditions for generations. Engage with indigenous artisans, gaining insight into their time-honored techniques for crafting artisanal chocolates. Personalized culinary experiences await, featuring unique cacao and chocolate-infused dishes prepared by skilled chefs.                  

(credit: VistaJet)

Spectacular Humpback Helicopter Safari in Mozambique with Kisawa

Experience the magic of the ‘Great East African Blue Migration’ up close, witnessing hundreds of adult and newborn humpback sightings at Kisawa Sanctuary, Benguerra Island. For a truly unforgettable perspective, take to the skies above the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park for a private helicopter safari led by the science team at the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS). You will weave around the stunning blues of the archipelago with the best chance of watching these traveling pods from above.

Kisawa Sanctuary is an award-winning island resort, celebrating the unbreakable bond between people and land. Located on 300 hectares of pristine tropical coastline, rolling dunes and coastal forest, Kisawa has been created to ensure maximum privacy, with minimum impact on the natural environment, showcasing a design culture that celebrates craft and heritage.     

Private Champagne Billecart-Salmon Dinner in Mareuil-sur-A¨y, France

An immersion of timeless elegance and artisanal craftsmanship of Champagne-making, enriched by the personal insights and expertise of Mathieu Roland Billecart himself. VistaJet Members can enjoy an exquisite estate and cellar tour at Champagne Billecart-Salmon, followed by an intimate private dining experience within the domaine, graciously hosted by Mathieu Roland Billecart, the 7th Generation CEO at this celebrated vintner’s family champagne house.