GULF Air is launching flights from two airports in the UK to Singapore, aiming to offer passengers competitive prices.

The Bahrain flag carrier will operate two new routes from London Heathrow and Manchester Airport to Singapore, with services stopping in Bahrain en route.

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Flights from London Heathrow will start operating next week on October 27, 2024.

The services will depart from the London airport at 9.30am, arriving in Singapore at 12.30pm the following day.

Flights will stopover in Bahrain, with stops lasting just under five hours according to the airline’s website.

Return services will then leave Singapore at 8.25pm before touching back down in the UK at 6.35am the following morning, with flights again stopping in Bahrain for several hours.

Economy class tickets start from £541 per person, with prices jumping up to £2,028 for seats in the Falcon Gold Class cabin.

Meanwhile, flights from Manchester Airport will depart at 10.25am, arriving in Singapore at 12.30pm the following day.

Stopovers in Bahrain will take just under four hours.

Return flights will then leave Singapore at 8.25pm, arriving back in the UK at 6.35am the next day, including a two-hour stopover.

Economy class tickets start from £556, with prices jumping up to £2,033 in the Falcon Gold Class Cabin.

The route will be operated by a Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Joanna Patterson, Director of Sales for Gulf Air, said, “UK travellers now have a great-value, easy option for accessing Singapore, via our Bahrain hub.

“This new daily route expands our commitment to the Southeast Asian market and is a key step in our global network expansion strategy.

“Singapore is a vibrant hub for business and tourism, and we’re thrilled to offer UK travellers greater access to this renowned destination.”

Singapore is a bucket list destination in its own right thanks to its £2 Michelin meals and famous Formula One circuit.

While the next Formula One race won’t be taking place until next year, there are still plenty of reasons to visit the country, including the Gardens by the Bay, which is famed for its display of flora and fauna.

It is home to ever-changing displays at the Flower Dome — a towering indoor waterfall at The Cloud Forest — as well as the 160ft vertical gardens at Supertree Grove.

Other attractions include taking a tour of famous graffiti artworks by Singapore’s answer to Banksy, Yip Yew Chong, who creates enormous, hand-painted murals inspired by the daily lives of Singaporeans.

The good news is, the city centre has some of the cheapest Michelin-starred meals on the planet.

At the Chinatown Complex Market is Liao Fan Hawker Chan, the world’s first Hawker stall to win the coveted star, serves Michelin Star dishes for £2.

Ryanair recently launched a route from Newcastle to Marrakech.  

Earlier this year, Jet2 confirmed that a new route will operate between Manchester Airport and Porto.

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FOUR in 10 holidaymakers are now equally or more likely to have their ‘main’ holiday in October and beyond, rather than the traditional summer period.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 67 per cent would consider switching their ‘main holiday’ to the autumn period.

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Whereas 60 per cent are likely to take shorter holidays in the summer and October, rather than one longer trip.

Nearly half (48 per cent) believe holding off until October provides them with better value for their trip – estimating it will save them over £400 per person by travelling a few months later.

And 18 per cent even think they can make their money go further by picking up holiday clothes and essentials in the post-summer sales.

Seven in 10 went on to agree that value for money is the biggest driver when booking a holiday.

Paul Sokes, from M&S Credit Card, which commissioned the research, said: “Our research has shown a growing trend of holidaymakers opting to get away in October, or later in the year.

“With 36 per cent saying they can still seek out the sun in Europe and further afield later in the year, now is the perfect time to take a trip.

“This not only allows travellers to make the most of the quieter holiday period, but can also unlock significant cost savings.

“With value for money top of mind for many of us when planning a holiday, October getaways can offer an opportunity for savvy travellers to make the most of their holiday budget whilst enjoying their their time away.”

When it comes to these autumnal getaways, sunny breaks in Europe lead the way, followed by a UK-based city break.

As one in five (19 per cent) estimate they will take the chance to go on more trips in October, or later in the year, in the next five years.

When it comes to organising their trips throughout the year, cost of accommodation, what the weather will be like, and cost and availability of flights are the most important factors.

And researching destinations, planning itinerary and booking flights and hotels are the ways in which travellers get excited for their excursions.

In fact, 90 per cent get their children or younger family members involved with holiday decisions and 46 per cent have even let them pick the location of the holiday.

Nearly two in three (64 per cent) have taken this approach because they want them to be more a part of the planning process.

But it’s not just the location young holidaymakers are influencing, with 54 per cent being allowed to pick activities, and 40 per cent selecting what sights to see.

The average age children, or younger travellers, begin having a say in holiday planning is nine.

Paul Stokes added: “Planning a holiday is increasingly becoming a family affair, as younger travellers are getting more involved in the decision making process.

“Involving younger family members and travellers not only teaches them decision making and budgeting skills, but also helps build excitement for the trip ahead.

“This collaborative approach can also make for a more enjoyable family experience, making memories everyone will remember.”

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A MAJOR airport has been forced to cancel all departing flights today.

Brussels South Charleroi confirmed the cancellations due to ongoing strike action, affecting around 16,000 passengers.

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While arrivals will be unaffected, all departing flights will no longer go ahead.

Ryanair is one of the major airlines to use the airport, and has said passengers will be rerouted or refunded.

Hundreds of Brits are expected to be caught up in the strike with the following departures cancelled today:

• FR5328 12:30pm to Manchester
• FR7323 2:35pm to Edinburgh
• FR3223 6:25pm to Manchester
• FR3239 8:55pm to Manchester

A statement on their website said: “Due to another security staff strike at Brussels South Charleroi (CRL) Airport, we have been forced to cancel a number of flights departing this airport on Tues 22 Oct.

“Flights arriving in Brussels South Charleroi are unaffected by the strike and will operate as scheduled.

“Passengers affected by these cancellations have been notified of their options of reroute or refund via email.”

They apologised for the inconvenience that was “out of their control”.

Flights departing the UK from Edinburgh and Manchester for the airport are expected to still go ahead.

Other airlines that fly to the airport include Wizz Air and Pegasus although UK passengers will not be affected by these cancellations.

Some of these flights are instead being diverted to Brussels Airport, around 45 miles away.

Brussels Charleroi said on their website: “Passengers scheduled to depart on this day will be contacted by their respective airlines within the next few hours to either rebook their flights or request a refund.”

Normal operations are hoping to go ahead as planned from tomorrow.

The strike, conducted by the airport’s security staff, is the third strike in the last two months.

The walkout is due to requests to improve staff working conditions.

It’s not the only flight cancellations that have affected Brits in recent weeks.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

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If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

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When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

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Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

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If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

Last Saturday, dozens of flights were cancelled in the UK due to Storm Ashley, affecting airports such as Leeds and Belfast.

And earlier this month, all flights to and from Florida were cancelled due to Hurricane Milton.

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