Budget airline easyJet today ramped up the price war in the low cost flights market, amid signs that airlines are struggling to fill their planes.

The ownership of airports in the UK is facing its first major shake-up for nearly 20 years – sparking a war of words between BAA and the airlines over how to deliver a better service for travellers.

A takeover approach by Thames Water owner Macquarie for Australian airline Qantas caused British Airways shares to surge by more than 2% today.