The FTSE 100 added 0.9pc, helped by a near 10pc surge in travel company TUI after it said strong demand for holidays would help offset a hit from the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft groundings on its annual profit.
Airlines easyJet and British Airways-owner IAG also added roughly 3pc each and were among the biggest gainers on the blue-chip bourse.
The FTSE 250 advanced 0.6pc, led by a 4pc rise in William Hill after the bookmaker announced a partnership with U.S.-based CBS Sports.