How Europe tackles holiday season in rail and air transportation?

Friday, January 5, 2024

In recent travel updates, Eurostar faced a tumultuous holiday season due to strikes and a Thames tunnel flood, leaving thousands stranded.

The company will compensate 30,000 affected passengers, with potential reimbursement sought from National Rail, the tunnel operator. While new entrants consider operating in the tunnel, Eurostar’s unique challenges, reliance on diverse partners, and multiple rail networks pose hurdles.

Renovations at Strasbourg station may lead to a temporary closure until February 24, impacting daytime services. A €4.85 million project, mainly conducted at night, includes track replacement and offers replacement buses for affected routes.

France won’t introduce new domestic night train routes in 2024. Challenges persist, exemplified by the Paris-Aurillac route, often replaced by buses. However, two international night trains—Paris-Warsaw and Zurich-Barcelona—are scheduled for 2024.

Ferry travel updates include a hiatus in the Caen-Ouistreham (Normandy) to Portsmouth route for maintenance from January 8 to 13. Ryanair ceases ticket sales on Booking.com, Kiwi, and Kayak, accusing them of “hidden mark-ups.” The airline continues collaborations with transparent agents like Google Flights.

British Airways expands its London Stansted base with weekend flights starting May 18 to Nice, Florence, and Ibiza. Meanwhile, an Iberia strike from January 5 to 8 affects flights, impacting over 45,000 passengers, with cancellations including routes between Paris, Marseille, and Madrid.

These updates reflect the dynamic landscape of the travel industry, from disruptions in established rail services to shifts in airline collaborations and emerging flight routes. Travelers are advised to stay informed and check for updates on their planned journeys, considering potential impacts on various modes of transportation.

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