Latest news with #SeamusMcCauley
STV News
5 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Travel chaos to ease for some British holidaymakers as new e-gates open
Relief may soon be on the way for British holidaymakers, as new e-gates have been rolled out for UK arrivals at one of Portugal's most popular airports. Faro airport in Portugal's Algarve has become the first country to allow UK passport holders to use the e-gates system, after the Prime Minister agreed a deal with Brussels. Previously, travellers have had to queue to have their passports stamped when arriving in the country due to post-Brexit regulations, causing long queues and delays. Portugal's Algarve region is a popular holiday destination for British tourists. Nearly ten million British passengers travelled through Faro airport last year, about 45% of the airport's capacity, according to the prime minister's official spokesperson. Last week, Portuguese media reported delays of up to two hours at Faro airport, with large queues at passport control. On Thursday, the Minister for European Union Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said: 'The historic deal that we signed with the EU on May 19 is in our national interests – good for bills, borders and jobs. 'It slashes red tape and bureaucracy, boosts British exporters and makes life easier for holidaymakers. 'Indeed, I am delighted to confirm, this morning that Faro Airport in Portugal will start the rollout of e-gate access to UK arrivals this week.' Seamus McCauley, head of public affairs at travel company Holiday Extras said the move was a 'clear and positive message.' 'Faro is already the UK's fifth most popular holiday destination this year,' he told ITV News, 'So it's fantastic to see it leading the way as the first EU airport to implement our new e-gate agreement – and will mean UK nationals will be able to pass through border control quicker, spending less time in queues at the airport. 'At a time when some popular destinations are introducing tourist taxes or facing anti-visitor protests, Portugal is sending us a clear and positive message. 'UK holidaymakers are not only welcome – they're wanted. So I know where I'll be heading this summer.' The prime minister's official spokesperson said the governemnt was continuing to work with other airports in other countries, to ensure Brits could use more e-gates across Europe. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
ITV News
5 days ago
- Business
- ITV News
Travel chaos to ease for some British holidaymakers as new e-gates open at popular European airport
Relief may soon be on the way for British holidaymakers, as new e-gates have been rolled out for UK arrivals at one of Portugal's most popular airports. Faro airport in Portugal's Algarve has become the first country to allow UK passport holders to use the e-gates system, after the Prime Minister agreed a deal with Brussels. Previously, travellers have had to queue to have their passports stamped when arriving in the country due to post-Brexit regulations, causing long queues and delays. Portugal's Algarve region is a popular holiday destination for British tourists. Nearly ten million British passengers travelled through Faro airport last year, about 45% of the airport's capacity, according to the prime minister's official spokesperson. Last week, Portuguese media reported delays of up to two hours at Faro airport, with large queues at passport control. On Thursday, the Minister for European Union Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said: "The historic deal that we signed with the EU on May 19 is in our national interests - good for bills, borders and jobs. "It slashes red tape and bureaucracy, boosts British exporters and makes life easier for holidaymakers. "Indeed, I am delighted to confirm, this morning that Faro Airport in Portugal will start the rollout of e-gate access to UK arrivals this week." Seamus McCauley, head of public affairs at travel company Holiday Extras said the move was a "clear and positive message." "Faro is already the UK's fifth most popular holiday destination this year," he told ITV News, "So it's fantastic to see it leading the way as the first EU airport to implement our new e-gate agreement - and will mean UK nationals will be able to pass through border control quicker, spending less time in queues at the airport. "At a time when some popular destinations are introducing tourist taxes or facing anti-visitor protests, Portugal is sending us a clear and positive message. "UK holidaymakers are not only welcome - they're wanted. So I know where I'll be heading this summer." The prime minister's official spokesperson said the governemnt was continuing to work with other airports in other countries, to ensure Brits could use more e-gates across Europe.
South Wales Guardian
09-05-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Does your phone have to be fully charged to fly? The rules
There is a lot to think about when going away, from whether your passport is up to date and how early to arrive at the airport, to what electronic devices you are allowed to take. You can take most electrical devices in either hand or hold luggage, including: However, there is a little-known rule that could prevent you from taking your mobile phone (or other electrical device) on a flight. According to the UK Government website, you must make sure all electrical devices are charged before jumping on a flight. The website says: "Make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel. "If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft." Head of Public Affairs at Holiday Extras, Seamus McCauley, explained there are two reasons for this rule. RECOMMENDED READING: Stress free holiday planning tips from I'm a Celebrity star Dean McCullough Mr McCauley said: 'You may be asked to switch on any electronic device you bring onto a plane, and if you can't, you could be required to leave it behind. "There are two reasons for this rule. First, a device that won't power up may have a damaged or faulty battery, and lithium-ion batteries — which power most modern electronics — can pose a fire risk if compromised. "Second, airlines may view a device that can't be turned on as a potential security risk.' Have you been affected by this travel rule before? Let us know in our poll above or in the comments below.
