"We're delighted to be able to offer holidaymakers in the north-east this new route, with a well-respected airline and great onboard service that includes a free meal, with wine or beer, on all our flights," says Olympic Holidays' Photis Lambrianides (commercial director).

Olympic Holidays is the market leader to Cyprus, Greece and the islands arranging ATOL-bonded holidays for 400,000 people each year. Aegean Airlines is the largest scheduled airline in Greece and operates a fleet of 29 modern aircraft, with an average age of four years, serving European destinations.

Its fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft is equipped with the latest navigational and safety aids, each with comfortable scheduled-airline configuration for 168 passengers.
0844 499 4449, www.OlympicHolidays.com

Five children; Taylor Hicks, Jake Colt, Bradley Welch, Molly Panter and Becky Nixon, daughter of Humberside Airport's fire station's watch manager, Stuart Nixon, cycled up and down the airport's 2196m runway. The team cycled the equivalent distance from Scunthorpe to Cleethorpes and back again, equating to approximately 50 miles.

The charity fundraising event held at Humberside Airport was part of a series of events organised by the 11 year olds, held across the summer as part of the Police Lifestyles initiative, a scheme designed to encourage active citizenship, social responsibility and community spirit.

The bikers raised over £700 in aid of When You Wish upon a Star, a charity which aims to grant the wishes of children suffering from life threatening illnesses. Humberside Airport has long supported the charity through various events, including the annual Santa flights.

Sandra Gavin, Terminal Services Manager, Humberside Airport, said: "I would like to congratulate all the children who took part in this fantastic fundraising event held at the airport. We are delighted to have been able to get involved and help support the charity with this unusual challenge. I would also like to thank all of the Humberside staff members who gave up their free time willingly to accompany the team whilst they were on the runway."

George Wright from When You Wish upon a Star, said: "I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all those involved with this fundraising event. The money raised will pay for two children to travel on our annual flight to Lapland to meet the real Father Christmas. It is heart warming to see young people getting involved with the charity, which solely relies on donations and fundraising. Help like this is truly vital to us, and we genuinely appreciate every pound that is donated."

Along with other airports in the Manchester Airports Group, Humberside Airport was keen to promote the strides that it is taking to meet its green commitment for ground operations to be carbon neutral by 2012. The week, not only aimed to bring the importance of being green into the workplace, but also to equip staff members with hints and tips of how to be greener at home.

Throughout the week employees attended interactive sessions on home energy conservation from Npower, being smart with food from WRAP, a step challenge, where colleagues were given pedometers and had to compete to see who could rack up the most steps over the week, online environment training and quizzes, contribution to a tree of pledges to take the airport's green commitment a step further and a handy workshop on how to set up your own allotment.

Tony Lavan, Humberside Airport Managing Director, said: "We have seen an exceptional amount of commitment from our colleagues this week and we are proud that everyone is so active in being green. The events promoted the small changes we can all make to reduce our impact on the environment, such as learning how to save water domestically and how to produce our own food. As a business that has made such strong commitments towards reducing CO2, we feel it's important to educate our colleagues on how to save energy and look at alternatives to normal everyday routines both at work and at home."

Humberside Airport has implemented many projects since committing to ground operations being carbon neutral including; the introduction of air curtains to isolate the cold from entering the building, sensor lighting throughout the toilet facilities, replacement of flight information monitors to reduce energy consumption, replacement of the main Humberside Airport signage with LED illumination lighting and replacement of hand dryers with an energy efficient alternative, saving 3 tonnes CO2 per year.

All Holidays 4U package holiday bookings and flights are now cancelled and customers due to travel in the next few days are advised not to travel to the airport.

Customers with forward bookings requiring general advice about refunds under the ATOL scheme should go to the CAA website or can contact the CAA on 08444 933037.

ATOL-protected customers of Holidays 4 U who are currently abroad and experiencing difficulties should contact the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for more information on 0044 (0)161 444 5810.

Further information is available from the CAA at:
http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=27&pagetype=90&pageid=12372

Flybe, the UK's number one domestic airline, has today 06/01/2010 announced a brand new weekly summer service from Humberside Airport to Malaga for 2010 with seats now on sale from £44.99 one-way including taxes and charges for travel effective 29th May to 11th September 2010.

The new Saturday route, in partnership with Humberside Airport, will be the first ever scheduled service to Malaga from the region. It will be operated by one of the airline's state-of-the-art 118-seat Embraer 195 jet aircraft featuring comfortable 2 x 2 seating configuration and expands Flybe's presence at the airport from where it began operating its successful Jersey route last year.

Mike Rutter, Flybe's Chief Commercial Officer, comments: "We're delighted to be adding this brand new service to Spain from Humberside and to increasing our presence at the airport and remain committed to expanding our services out of the region."

Tony Lavan, Director, Humberside Airport said: "Today's announcement is great news for the airport and a great start to the new year. Flybe's new scheduled service follows the introduction of Jersey last year which was extremely well received. It is great to see the airline extending its commitment with the launch of a weekly flight to Malaga and I am sure that the new addition to the schedule will prove popular with passengers."

Adds Mr Rutter: "Flybe prides itself on ensuring that travellers have the widest possible choice of affordable, quality flights to attractive business and leisure destinations. With people already planning next year's holidays and wanting their budgets to go as far as possible, it's advisable to book early to take advantage of the lowest possible fares."

The poor weather is thought to be one of the main reasons for people searching out overseas hotspots giving Humberside Airport Travel a 30% year on year increase in bookings for May through to August.

The 30% increase in Humberside Airport Travel's summer bookings is particularly good news for the travel agency because the industry is suffering as a result of the economic climate.

"The secret of our success is two-fold", explained Humberside Airport Travel's Business Manager, Amanda George. "Our staff have between them 50 years experience working in the travel industry and have visited more than 50 destinations, including every direct destination available from Humberside Airport. This means that we can go that extra mile for our customers by providing them with a local insight into the places that they might want to visit.

"We also apply this understanding of our customers to our marketing campaigns. We know that for the vast majority of people, money is tight this year but they still value overseas holidays. That's why we have focused our advertising on value for money."

With five flights every week, the most popular destination this summer was Turkey because travellers wanted to avoid the traditional Euro-zone destinations because of the poor exchange rate.

"All inclusive holidays have proven to be really popular this year because passengers were able to budget for their entire trip before leaving home", explains Amanda. "That's why tour operators like Goldtrail and Olympic Holidays who offer incredibly good value package holidays including all inclusive breaks are amongst our best selling products".

Humberside Airport Travel, which opened in May 2005 and is based in the airport's passenger terminal, has eight members of staff.

Hosted by Humberside Airport Travel, the Cyprus Tourist office and Olympic Holidays, the open day gives customers a chance to find out more about the enchanting island of Cyprus and the excellent facilities on offer for all holiday makers. As well as there being staff on hand to provide information on Cyprus and accommodate bookings on the day, customers will also be treated to traditional Cypriot refreshments and will be entered into a free prize draw to win a set of luxury luggage.

There will be some great offers available on all holiday bookings made on the day through Humberside Airport Travel; including free car parking on Humberside departures, free insurance (restrictions apply), exclusive cash discounts on package holidays, free child places on selected departures and customers will also receive a complimentary bottle of wine for any bookings made on the day.

Tony Lavan, Airport Director, Humberside Airport said: "A popular holiday destination, the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus offers something to suit all tastes. Cyprus attracts millions of tourists every year with its rich history, fantastic sightseeing opportunities and year round sunshine. We hope customers take advantage of the advice and knowledge on hand from our specialist tour operators on the day."

Hosted by Humberside Airport Travel, The Jersey Tourist Board & Airways Holidays, visitors can find out about the idyllic Channel Island which boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and a wide range of hotels and apartments offering excellent facilities for everyone.

There will be some great offers available on all holiday bookings made on the day through Humberside Airport Travel; including free car parking on Humberside departures, free insurance (restrictions apply), exclusive cash discounts on package holidays, free child places on selected departures and a complimentary bottle of wine to take away.

Whilst finding out more about the destination of Jersey, visitors will be treated to complimentary traditional Jersey refreshments and will also be entered into a free prize draw to win a set of luxury luggage.

Tony Lavan, Airport Director, Humberside Airport said: "Humberside Airport is pleased to welcome Flybe's new scheduled summer route to Jersey providing the customer with more flexibility when planning their travel. Jersey offers something for everyone, with beautiful beaches, golf courses, cycling, walking, fishing, dining and of course, tax free shopping".

"Not only does the tax free Channel Island offer value for money, it also sports a wide range of leisure facilities and activities, making it the perfect destination for everyone."

• Places are limited so customers looking to attend should reserve a place by calling 08701 270029 between 8am and 8 pm

• Humberside Airport handles around half a million passengers a year.

The Humberside Airport Travel Show, which takes place from 12pm to 4pm, will showcase the exciting holiday opportunities available from the region's local airport. Keen travellers will be able to book holidays on the day and also take advantage of a range of special offers exclusively for visitors at the event. Customers attending the exhibition are also invited to enter a free prize draw to win a set of luggage, however, places are limited so early booking is recommended.

There will be some fantastic special offers available on all holiday bookings made on the day through Humberside Airport Travel; including free car parking and free insurance (subject to terms and conditions) on all Humberside Airport departures booked for the month of January.

As well as showcasing an array of destinations, tour and travel operators will also be available on the day to help customers book their ideal holiday. Representatives of Goldtrail Holidays, Holidays 4 U, Island Cruises and Bulgaria specialist, Balkan Holidays will be on hand to offer expert advice on the wide range of holiday destinations available, direct from Humberside Airport.

Tony Lavan, Airport Director, Humberside Airport said: "Visitors to the show will be able to find out more about the many exciting travel options from Humberside Airport for 2009. The increasingly popular event offers customers from the region the opportunity to get advice and knowledge about their ideal holiday destination from speciality tour operators. We hope our customers will come along to the Travel Show and feel confident to try something new from their local airport."

It is expected that approximately 8,600 people will be travelling to and from the Airport between Friday 19th December 2008 and Friday 2nd January 2009, compared to approximately 7,750 in 2007 an increase of over 10 %.

Tony Lavan, Airport Director, Humberside Airport said "This is great news to see a 10% increase in passenger numbers over the festive period. Christmas and New Year has always been a popular time to escape the cold winter weather and see friends and family. It's great that this year even more people are jetting away compared to Christmas 2007".

The majority of travellers are flying via KLM's three times daily service to Schiphol - Amsterdam and onward to over 200 worldwide destinations, closely followed by winter sun resorts in the Canaries.

Tony Lavan, Airport Director, Humberside Airport said "We pride ourselves at Humberside in providing an easy stress free journey through the airport but we would ask passengers to help by preparing well in advance, checking there documents and hand baggage restrictions before arriving at the Airport.

In the run up to the festive period, the Airport is advising all passengers travelling over the Christmas period to check security restrictions before arriving at the Airport. Passengers travelling with Christmas gifts and decorations are advised to check security restrictions before travelling. Gifts such as perfume and alcohol should be placed in hold baggage as liquids of more than 100mls are not permitted in hand baggage. Passengers are also advised that party poppers and crackers are prohibited items.

Passengers carrying presents in their hand luggage are advised to leave them unwrapped as they may need to be inspected as part of the security screening process.

Humberside Airport has maintained annual passenger volumes of approximately 500,000 during a period of intense competition and has broadened its aviation activities to include scheduled and charter passenger services, freight, North Sea gas rig services, aircraft maintenance, pilot training and a variety of other specialised niches.

MAG now believes that in order to secure the best long-term future for Humberside Airport that all options, including a possible transfer of ownership, should be considered.

This would allow MAG to concentrate on its strategy of maximising the growth opportunities offered by the larger Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth Airports.

Employees at Humberside Airport and North Lincolnshire Council, the airport's minority shareholder were informed of the Group's decision today by MAG Chief Executive, Geoff Muirhead CBE.

Simon Driver, Chief Executive of North Lincolnshire Council said of the decision:"North Lincolnshire Council welcomes the long-term relationship with Manchester Airports Group and recognises that now is the time to look to the future. We will build on the success of the airport for the benefit of North Lincolnshire and the wider region.
"The airport has real potential and the council, as a shareholder, will look to maximise the development of the airport in the future. The council has maintained its shareholding in the airport since 1996.
"In light of the news from Manchester Airports Group, the council now needs to consider its position. It is inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

Commenting on the move, Geoff Muirhead CBE said: "Humberside Airport is a solid business but the attention needed to maximise its full potential may not fit easily with the Group's emerging strategy.

"The Humberside Airport team has done a fantastic job retaining and attracting airlines and maintaining stable passenger numbers, particularly during the last few years when competition has increased significantly."

Since purchasing its majority stake in Humberside Airport in 1999 for £10 million, MAG has invested nearly £7 million in capital expenditure to improve and develop the airport infrastructure.

Routes currently served from Humberside Airport include Air France/KLM's worldwide hub at Amsterdam, many of the popular holiday destinations in Europe, the Canaries, Lapland, the Channel Islands and domestic services to Scotland.

Humberside Airport has a core catchment area of over 1 million people within 45 minutes driving time and serves the major towns and cities of Hull, Grimsby/Cleethorpes, Scunthorpe and Lincoln.

MAG's other three airports, Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth, together handle around 28 million passengers every year and are unique within their catchment area in terms of destinations, airlines, facilities and proximity to the main surface transport infrastructure.

The review and any future decisions about MAG's stake in Humberside Airport are expected to be completed by the end of 2008.

The relaxation of the one-bag rule will be particularly welcomed by business passengers, especially frequent flyers using one of the four daily flights to Amsterdam with KLM and those travelling to Aberdeen with Eastern Airways.

Rob Goldsmith, Managing Director of Humberside Airport said: "We are delighted to receive approval from the Department for Transport for the new security rules. However, as some airlines may still retain the one-bag rule, we strongly suggest you check with your airline on the cabin baggage arrangements for your particular journey. And passengers should also remember that restrictions on liquids they carry in hand baggage are still in force."

In common with all UK airports, passengers using Humberside Airport are not allowed to carry any liquids or gels of more than 100mls or 100gms in their cabin luggage. All containers must fit comfortably in one transparent, re-sealable bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm (e.g. a freezer bag). Any bag larger than 56cm x 25cm will not be permitted on board the aircraft.

Hundreds of Humberside Airport customers are expected to be at the airport on Sunday (January 13th 2008) to find out more about opportunities for travel from the region's local airport. 1,000 loyal customers have received invitations to the event, which takes place from noon to 4pm.

The exhibition is open to all, customers looking to attend should register on 08701 270029 and remember to book early to avoid disappointment. Free car parking on the day will be available to all visitors and refreshments will be provided.

The Holiday Exhibition will showcase the vast array of exciting holiday opportunities available from Humberside Airport. Keen travellers will be able to book holidays on the day and also take advantage of a range of exclusive special offers. Those in attendance can also enjoy complimentary refreshments and take advantage of free parking at the busy venue.

Additional sales consultants will be on hand at the airport to cope with the expected demand. The airport is also offering extra promotional give-aways to those attending the exhibition and make a booking in the month of January, with Free Executive Lounge Pass, Free Insurance and Free Car Parking on Humberside Airport Departures all up for grabs (subject to terms and conditions).

Tour and travel operators in attendance on the day include Fred Olsen Cruises, who offer a dedicated departure from Humberside on 13 November 2008 offering a 14 night cruise around the Caribbean; Goldtrail, who operate flights from Humberside Airport to three destinations - Dalaman, Bodrum and Antalya;Jersey specialist Airways; Newmarket Holidays, who offer one off flights to Italy and Madeira and Inghams, a specialist ski sector tour operator that offers flights to Innsbruck.

Inghams weekly departures to Austria, where passengers can sample some of the best ski resorts in the world and select accommodation from a variety of hand-picked hotels, apartments, chalets and club hotels, were launched by the ski and snowboard specialist in December 2007

Representatives from Wendy Wu China Tours will also be on hand at the event. Wendy Wu offer escorted tours around China and allow customers to sample the country from 14 - 29 days. So if it's the Terracotta Warriors, The Great Wall of China or the famous Pandas in Chengdu Province, this is the chance to find out more about a once in a lifetime experience.

Amanda George, Business Manager for Humberside Airport Travel said: "This annual event is becoming increasingly popular. Customers attending the exhibition can find out more about the many exciting travel options from Humberside Airport for 2008. We are delighted to be able to offer passengers from the region such a wide range of destinations from their local airport.

"As well as providing an opportunity to book a dream holiday, the Holiday Exhibition is also a great day out for all in the unique surroundings of our airport."

With its sparkling granite buildings, Aberdeen has one of Scotland's most enchanting skylines, while the old town has a magical air of time gone by. As well as the extraordinary Hogmanay celebrations that will engulf the city on December 31 there is also a fantastic range of first class restaurants, vibrant nightlife and thriving shops and boutiques to explore.

Hogmanay in Scotland is a great festive time seeped in many customs and traditions. Traditions such as first footing, which involves celebrating good luck with the first person who crosses the threshold on New Year's Eve and the burning of the clavie take place all over the city. The clavie is a half barrel filled with wood shavings and tar which is set alight and paraded around to encourage a successful fishing year, this tradition originated in the small north east fishing villages. Why not join in the celebrations and see in the New Year with a tot of whiskey and a tasty black bun!

The highlight of New Year's Eve itself is set to be the Aberdeen Castlegate Hogmanay Concert, with Scottish pop group Travis as the headlining act expected to lead the city in a chorus of Auld Lang Syne.

There are also many events taking place in the surrounding area during New Year's Day itself. In Scotland January 1 is seen as a day to reminisce about the year gone by. You could join in with the locals by taking part in the picturesque Temperance Walk at Cairnbulg which dates back 160 years. This historic walk is unlike any other as the walkers are lead by traditional flute players.

Weekday flights depart Humberside Airport daily with four direct services and also one flight every Sunday courtesy of Eastern Airways. Details of departure times and dates can be found on either www.humbersideairport.com or www.easternairways.com.

The Airport has restrictions on parking outside the terminal building. Customers wishing to pick up or drop off passengers are being directed to the short stay car park where free parking is available for 15 minutes.

Passengers are reminded that all other security restrictions remain in force. This includes no liquids over 100ml to be carried in hand luggage.

Current Regulations

Hand baggage:
Passengers will continue to be allowed just one item of hand baggage. The size of the bag is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. This is consistent with the International Air Transport Association's long-standing recommendation.

Correct bag and contents	Bag too cluttered	Bag & items too large

Exemption for musical instruments:
Large musical instruments will be allowed as a second item of hand luggage but they will have to be screened separately.

Liquids:

Passengers will be permitted to carry in their cabin baggage, small quantities of liquids in separate containers each with a capacity not greater than 100ml. This will have to be declared to security officers, removed from their baggage and x-rayed separately.

These items must be contained within a small, re-sealable plastic wallet, which will be have to be removed from their hand baggage and x-rayed separately.

The new rules stipulate that the plastic wallet must not exceed one litre capacity per passenger - that's around half the size of a standard A4 piece of paper and it must be sealable. The wallet can contain two or more items of less than 100mls each but must not be cluttered to allow security officers to carry out thorough checks.

Large electrical items / Laptops:
Laptops and other complex items of electrical equipment have to be removed from hand luggage and screened separately.

WHAT DOES NOT CHANGE

Passengers will continue to be allowed to pack liquids in the bags that they check in.

They will also be allowed to carry in their hand luggage prescribed medicines and dietary requirements including baby foods, for use during the trip. Passengers may be asked for proof that these items are needed.

Passengers will be able to buy liquids including drinks and perfumes either in an EU airport shop after security control, or on board an aircraft operated by an EU airlines. If they are sold in a special sealed bag, passengers must not open them before they are screened otherwise the contents may be confiscated at the checkpoint.