Welcome back to the Boarding Pass Travel Blog. Remember Teletext? That glorious, blocky screen that once told us where the sun was shining, how much flights cost, and whether our favourite team had scored. Before the days of swiping and scrolling, it was the go-to place for your travel news.

Fast forward to 2025, and while the colours are brighter and the headlines scroll smoother, the buzz is the same: travel is booming, planes are packed, and the world feels wide open. Here’s this week’s Boarding Pass round-up of what’s making the travel world tick.

International arrivals up 5% in the first half of 2025, that’s 690 million jet-setters adding $10.9 trillion to global GDP.

Airlines packed tighter than ever: record 86% load factor this summer. Europe and Asia-Pacific leading with 2.5 billion and 3.6 billion passengers forecast this year.

Airlines packed tighter than ever: record 86% load factor this summer. Europe and Asia-Pacific leading with 2.5 billion and 3.6 billion passengers forecast this year.

Tour operators expanding: TUI and easyJet Holidays growing ATOL licences, with Jet2holidays still the biggest name. EasyJet Holidays also launched a shiny new luxury collection.

Cruise Comeback

Cruising is cool again: 34 million passengers in 2024, 16% above pre-pandemic. Younger crowds on board, eco-friendly ships, and themed voyages driving the boom.

Aviation Highlights

Emirates rolled out refurbished Boeing 777s on Madrid routes — swanky cabins, smoother rides.

Ontario International (California) hit record June passenger numbers.

Package Power

With hotel and airfare prices climbing, travellers are snapping up budget flights, cruise packages, and all-inclusive deals to squeeze more fun out of their pennies.

Regional Notes

US: Government shutdown may cause longer queues at airports, passport delays, and closed national parks, flights are still operating.

Italy: Forecasting record visitor spend at €60.4 billion this year. Think wellness, luxury, food, and dolce vita.

India: Big investments in airports and highways making trips smoother, plus a fresh focus on eco-tourism and inclusivity.

UK Traveller Alerts

UK travellers face several important changes and disruptions in early October 2025, so a little planning goes a long way.

EU Border Changes

From 12 October 2025, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) begins. UK nationals will need to register biometric data, fingerprints and a photo, when entering the Schengen area for the first time. Applies at airports, Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and Dover (but not Ireland or Cyprus). Expect queues and teething problems until the rollout finishes in April 2026. Sighs!

UK National Rail Updates

  • Guildford–Havant: Bus replacements (25 Oct–2 Nov).
  • Staines–Windsor: Buses between 25–31 Oct.
  • Storm Amy: Weather disruption risk until 4 Oct.
  • York–Newcastle: Buses on 11–12 Oct.

Strikes and International Disruption

Strikes in France (2 Oct, then 7–10 Oct) affecting airports, trains, and public transport. Expect knock-on disruption for UK flights and rail into Europe.

TFL Travel Updates

Tip: Always check TfL, National Rail, and airline updates before travelling. If heading to Europe, allow extra time this autumn as border systems bed in.

The Boarding Pass Travel Blog Summary

Travel is thriving worldwide, with cruises booming, airlines full, and destinations like Italy and India stealing the spotlight. But UK travellers should buckle up: new EU border rules, London transport closures, national rail works, storm warnings, and French strikes could throw a few curveballs into October journeys. The world’s open — just keep one eye on the updates before you dash for your train, flight, or ferry.

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