Transportinfo.org.uk - today's transport news in the uk, hand picked for you each morning

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

BBC News

• Swift nests along viaduct reopened after backlashNetwork Rail has unblocked a number of nesting sites for swifts along a railway viaduct in Derbyshire after pressure from campaigners.
• Airport welcomes first large jet since 2022 closureThe first large jet to land at Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) since its closure in 2022 has touched down.
• Aviation safety concerns over proposed developmentAn airport has warned that plans to build wind turbines at a proposed housing development pose risks to aviation safety.
• Airlines cutting fares to lure hesitant customers, says Wizz AirBoss József Váradi says European firms want to boost flyers put off by fares inflated by jet fuel costs.
• Flying cars and 5-minute charges: China's EV industry sees opportunity in Iran crisisAs the US-Iran has sent the world scrambling for fuel, China is positioned to benefit from its rapid shift into electric vehicles.
• United Arab Emirates to quit oil cartel OpecThe UAE's decision, after nearly 60 years of membership, is seen as a potential death knell for the oil cartel.

Financial Times

• Heathrow's third runway at risk if Rachel Reeves is removed after May electionsHeathrow's plan for a third runway is facing growing political uncertainty as the chances rise of chancellor Rachel Reeves leaving office

The Guardian

• Europe's smaller airports 'under threat' if fuel shortages cause many cancellationsHigh fuel prices and passenger delays as result of EU's EES entry-exit system leading to problems, says trade body
• UAE quits Opec in win for Trump as oil cartel weakenedUS president has accused organisation of ‘ripping off the rest of the world’ by inflating oil prices. The United Arab Emirates has quit the Opec oil cartel after 60 years of membership, in a heavy blow to the group and its de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, as global energy markets contend with the biggest supply crisis in history.The shock loss of the UAE, Opec’s third-largest oil producer, is expected to weaken the group, which for decades has worked together to use its collective oil production to influence global oil market prices.
• Super fly: can an electric aircraft spark a quiet revolution in New York travel?Joby Aviation says its futuristic aircraft reaches Manhattan from JFK in 10 minutes at a ‘premium car service’ price. It’s neither a bird nor a plane, and it is vehemently not a helicopter, but instead this week some New Yorkers witnessed an “electric vertical takeoff and landing” aircraft buzzing around the city, which developers say could revolutionize travel in New York.Joby Aviation’s fully electric aircraft conducted multiple flights from JFK airport in Queens to Manhattan in recent days, which would have turned heads to anyone looking up.

The Herald

• CMAL CalMac ferry call on Scottish shipbuilder regrettableShould the state-owned Scottish shipyard have been ruled out of this lucrative contract to replace a vessel it built in 1989?

Times Online

• London's bridges falling down, as three more put on 'critical' list [subscription]First came the feared collapse of Hammersmith Bridge which closed to cars in 2019.
• No backpacks, no calls, no scooters: the new rules of commuting [subscription]Working from the office is back to being the norm. But some people seem to have forgotten how to treat their fellow passengers

Reuters News

• Spain's Aena posts 9% quarterly profit rise on higher airport traffic Spain's Aena said on Wednesday its first-quarter net profit ​rose 9.3% from a year ago ‌as passenger traffic to and from Spain, one of the world's most-visited countries, continued to ​grow.

Mail Online

• Train luggage theft rose by 30% in 2025 - expert reveals the best tips to stop it happening to youHaving your suitcase stolen on a train is not only inconvenient - it can be devastating, too, and have financial implications.

The Mirror

• Unions demand answers from Reform UK council over vital airport plansUnions are organising a demonstration outside Doncaster Sheffield Airport to make sure the important transport hub - which has been shut since 2022 - reopens as promised

Birmingham Post

• Bristol Airport's latest expansion plans supported by hundreds of people, YouGov poll findsThe recent survey questioned residents across the region

Bristol Live

• South Bristol road blocks plan based on 'a big lie' say analysts - here's a break down of the claimsLocal residents have devoted hundreds of hours of research to make deep-dive analysis of the council’s documents, surveys and reports

Nation. Cymru

• Reform push to ditch railway stations for M4 relief roadA prediction that the Senedd election campaign would pose a threat to five new train stations promised in south Wales appears to have come true.

Yorkshire Post

• A sober approach is needed to the reopening on Doncaster Sheffield AirportThe stakes are high when it comes to the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and emotions are clearly running high. The sight of the first jet landing at the airport yesterday since 2022 will give campaigners joy but there is a long way to go when it comes to reopening DSA.
• Doncaster Sheffield Airport: Reform's Richard Tice claims land can be acquired with compulsory purchase orderThis appears to mark a change in policy for Reform UK, as in Barnsley Nigel Farage told reporters he wanted a 'private sector solution' for DSA.

Other Regional Press

• Bedford Borough Council breaks silence on bus service changesBedford Borough Council has responded to concerns about planned bus service changes for the first time, following repeated requests for comment from the Bedford Independent.
• EWR confirms new Queen's Park meeting over station car park planIn a letter seen by the Bedford Independent, the rail minister has confirmed that EWR will host an additional meeting specifically to discuss the location of a controversial station car park.
• Bournemouth Airport hits 1.4 million passengers in a yearBournemouth Airport has hit a record-breaking year, with passenger numbers surging 26 percent to 1,395,783, the highest in the airports history.

New Civil Engineer

• Call to reopen Peak District railway now used as hiking trailA campaign has been launched with the submission of a feasibility study for the reopening of a railway currently being used as a hiking trail in the Peak District.

Rail Magazine

• New Birmingham-Manchester line not until 2040s Completion of a new line linking Birmingham and Manchester won?t be until the 2040s 'at the earliest', MPs have been told.
• East West Rail electrification details as company points to lessons learnedThe East West Railway Company (EWR Co) is planning to electrify the Marston Vale Line and increase capacity and the frequency of services, as it launches its latest route-wide consultation.

Aviation Industry

• Passengers push Heathrow up the global league tables - results for the three months ended 30 Mar 2026Positive start to the year but with an uncertain outlook ahead 18.9 million passengers travelled through Heathrow in Q1 (+3.7% YoY). Following airspace closures in the Middle East, there was an increase in transfer passengers across Heathrow's network. While Heathrow has temporarily absorbed demand from elsewhere, passenger numbers for the rest of the year are likely to be impacted whilst there is significant uncertainty in the Middle East.

Other News Sources

• Ambitious plans for heritage trams remain on trackA bold vision for the future of Blackpool's famous heritage trams is taking shape ahead of the launch of summer tours featuring several vintage vehicles.
• Siemens partners with Aston community to adopt and transform local railway stationSiemens Mobility has become the first corporate partner of Community Rail Network to officially adopt a railway station, joining forces with the local community to transform Aston Station into a vibrant and welcoming hub for residents and visitors.
• National Highways environment evidence to MPs fell 'below expectations', says transport secretaryTransport secretary criticised National Highways for providing inadequate environmental evidence to MPs.
• Lessons from Ireland, Scotland, and WalesThe recently published English integrated transport strategy has the laudable aim of promoting seamless cross-modal urban, suburban, and rural transport in England.
• Regional & City Airports reports passenger growth in 'strong year'Regional & City Airports has reported a strong full-year performance across its UK portfolio. RCA said total passenger numbers rose by 23 per cent year-on-year to more than 2.43 million in the 12 months to 31 March 2026.
• Norwich Airport's continued growth sees annual passenger numbers up 5%Norwich Airport has reported continued growth in passenger numbers, with a 5% increase to 453,000 in the year ended 31st March 2026.
• First large jet lands at Doncaster Sheffield Airport since closure - 'a proud moment for the team'The first large jet has landed at Doncaster Sheffield Airport since its closure in 2022.
• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer questioned over Yate stationA YATE figure has called on the Prime Minister to support major improvements at the town's railway station.