Airlines are in the spotlight for failing to provide the correct advice on Covid-19 testing, while easyJet shares fell sharply after it rejected a takeover bid from Wizz Air.
Research has found that staff working for leading UK carriers are often not providing the right advice to passengers on Covid testing requirements.
Covid hospital cases are also on the rise and have now reached more than 8,000 in the UK. More positively, Vietnam is looking to reopen to international tourists next month.
Here are the headlines that the travel industry woke up to Friday (10 September):
Airlines giving out ‘incorrect’ Covid testing information’ to passengers
Research from consumer group Which? has found that most airline staff have been giving out incorrect information on Covid testing requirements, which could lead to passengers being stopped from boarding their flights. The study found employees for leading airlines in the UK were unable to provide “clear, consistent or accurate answers”. (Daily Telegraph)
EasyJet shares fall after rejecting Wizz Air takeover bid
Shares in the low-cost carrier fell by more than 10% on Thursday (9 September) after easyJet revealed it had rejected a proposed takeover bid from rival Wizz Air. EasyJet has also announced plans to raise another £1.2 billion from investors to bolster its finances. (Financial Times)
Covid hospital cases rise above 8,000 in the UK
More than 8,000 people in the UK were being treated in hospital for Covid on Wednesday (8 September) - the highest figure for around six months. The increase in hospital cases over recent weeks is raising fears of a resurgence in the coronavirus’ ability to cause serious illness and death. (The Guardian)
Vietnam holiday hotspot to reopen to tourists
The Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc is set to reopen to overseas tourists in October for a six-month trial period, as the country looks to restart international travel. Holidaymakers who are fully vaccinated will also be able to visit Phu Quoc without going into quarantine. (Sky News)
First UK LGBT business champion appointed
The UK’s first LGBT business champion has been appointed by equalities minister Liz Truss. Public relations executive Iain Anderson has taken up the unpaid position and will focus on “building a bridge” between the government and the LGBT community. (BBC News)
Commuters clash over mask rules
There have been calls for “more clarity” to be given on the rules about whether passengers should wear masks on board public transport following reports of growing tension and even confrontations between commuters over the issue. (Metro)