Business Travel News | November 2026
Updated: 4 days ago
From changes at European borders to rising travel costs and new airline technology, here are the latest developments shaping corporate travel this month.
Borders and Regulations
Industry calls for EU Entry/Exit System pause
Advantage Travel Partnership has called for the EU to pause its Entry/Exit System (EES) until the technology, staffing and border processes are ready to operate reliably. Industry bodies continue to report lengthy queues, with some travellers facing delays of several hours.
Contactless technology begins rolling out at UK airports
East Midlands Airport has introduced contactless eGate technology, using facial recognition to verify eligible travellers. A wider rollout is planned for 2027.
Travel Costs and Planning
UK Government to review airport drop-off charges
The UK Government is reviewing airport drop-off charges following significant price increases. Sixteen of the UK's 20 busiest airports raised their charges over the past year, with the average cost rising by a third, according to RAC analysis.
For businesses managing frequent trips, airport transfers are another expense worth factoring into travel budgets.
Airlines reduce capacity for winter 2026/27
Ryanair is cutting its German winter capacity by 10%, removing 700,000 seats from its schedule. The reductions affect services at several airports, including Berlin and Hamburg.
Reduced capacity can mean fewer options and less flexibility for business travellers. Booking ahead and considering alternative routes can help businesses manage potential disruption.
Business-class airfares and UK hotel rates set to rise
Advito's Q4 2026 forecast expects international business-class airfares to increase by at least 5% year on year across all global regions. UK hotel rates are also forecast to rise by 9.4% over the same period.
With pricing trends varying by destination and travel type, reviewing travel spend and booking patterns can help businesses make informed decisions.
Airline and Technology Updates
easyJet to introduce Starlink Wi-Fi from 2027
easyJet plans to introduce Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi onboard from the first half of 2027, with a rollout across its A320, A320neo and A321neo fleet.
The move could give business travellers more opportunities to stay connected during flights, although availability will depend on the aircraft operating each service as the rollout progresses.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Business travel confidence improves
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) reported in September that 63% of more than 600 business travel professionals surveyed were optimistic about the industry's outlook over the next 12 months, up from 41% in April.
Despite this improvement, rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty remain concerns.
