Travel Industry Updates: Hilton Closure, ITA Heathrow Return, Aerotel Madrid Debuts

The article details three significant developments in the travel sector: the impending closure of the Hilton Leicester hotel, ITA Airways' strategic return to London Heathrow, and the inauguration of the Aerotel Madrid hotel.

The Hilton Leicester hotel is scheduled to close its doors on December 31st, with staff having already received notice. This is not a short-term rebranding; rather, it suggests a prolonged closure for potential refurbishment or rebuilding, requiring a new team if it reopens as a hotel.

ITA Airways is set to resume flights to London Heathrow for the Summer 2026 season, beginning the last Sunday in March. This marks a significant pivot, as the airline had consolidated operations at London City Airport just two years prior, and its existing London City to Rome service will now terminate. The Heathrow to Rome route will operate twice daily using larger A320neo aircraft, providing up to 55 additional seats compared to the A220-100 previously used. This benefits Rome's diverse mix of business and leisure travelers seeking better connections. ITA will, however, maintain its London City to Milan flights, recognizing that as a key business-heavy route. The airline's earlier withdrawal from Heathrow was partly due to the high cost of leasing 54 slots at €3.8 million annually, a problem stemming from Alitalia's past slot sale to Etihad. This time, ITA returns with slots reportedly provided by Lufthansa Group, which holds a 41% stake and plans to increase it to 90%.

Finally, Aerotel, Plaza Premium's airport hotel brand, has opened a new location at Madrid Barajas Airport. Situated landside within Terminal 4, used by Iberia and British Airways, it's an excellent option for self-connecting passengers, though international arrivals must pass immigration. The hotel offers 22 double or single 22sqm rooms, each with a private bathroom, and features flexible hourly booking rates. An opening offer provides 20% off (10% general discount plus an additional 10% for Smart Traveller app sign-ups) for bookings made by December 31st, 2025, for stays until March 31st, 2026.

(Source: https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/07/hilton-leicester-hotel-to-close/)