World's biggest model airport

The aircraft 'fly,' the cars move and the people queue. But Knuffingen Airport in Hamburg functions in a single room.

You might think US$4.8 million is a bargain for a fully functioning airport -- but this one could fit inside your basement. 

Knuffingen Airport is the latest exhibit at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany, and after seven years in the making it has finally opened to the public. 

It features 40 model aircraft and 90 vehicles that move and 'fly' around the airport, and 15,000 mini people. Not a single moment of air rage, however.

Easyjet opens new bases in Toulouse and Nice

EasyJet has increased its presence in France with two new bases in the southern cities of Toulouse and Nice, in an attempt to solidify its position as France’s second largest carrier and continue its development towards becoming a pan-European airline.

Easyjet will base an A319 aircraft at each of the French airports later this month, allowing the launch of 12 new routes. This brings the total number of routes served by the carrier from French airports to 170, including eight daily services from Paris to both Toulouse and Nice.

Easyjet already has bases in Paris Orly, Charles De Gaulle and Lyon, contributing to a 12 per cent market share in France.

Business Traveller was on board the inaugural flight from London Luton to Nice on a specially painted plane with an orange map of France emblazoned with the statement ‘La France au coeur’ (France in our heart).

Airlines warn of Olympic chaos at London airports

The heads of four leading airlines have warned the British government there could be chaos at London's airports during this summer's Olympic Games, which would cause major embarrassment to the country unless a deal can be reached over their concerns.

In a blunt letter to transport chiefs, British Airways, bmi, Virgin Atlantic and Easyjet said time was running out to tackle the expected surge in air traffic and its impact.

Failure to address their concerns could bring misery to millions of regular travellers and those coming to London for the world's biggest sporting event, the airlines argue.  

"As the situation currently stands the industry believes that there is a significant risk of severe delay and disruption at all of London's major airports unless urgent action is taken," they wrote in a letter seen by Reuters on Saturday.  

"Time is running out to ensure that any changes to procedures and the appropriate training are in place prior to the Games."  Britain, already the sixth most visited country in the world, anticipates an additional 700,000 international travellers during the Olympics, which begin on July 27.