In brighter news, UK consumers are now spending more money on holidays as many look to travel overseas for the first time in two years.

Elsewhere, prime minister Boris Johnson is facing a new “partygate” investigation by MPs, while authorities in Shanghai are tightening their Covid-19 restrictions.

Here are the headlines travel woke up to on Friday (22 April).

Summer holiday fears as British Airways axes hundreds more flights 

Summer holidays face a new threat after British Airways axed hundreds of flights up until September, including some services to the US and the Far East, due to continuing staff shortages at the airline. The problems have led to speculation about the future of BA boss Sean Doyle. (The Daily Mail)

People spent more on holidays in March

Spending on holidays, flights and cruises continued to increase in March as many people booked their first trip abroad since the Covid-19 pandemic started in early 2020, according to the latest transaction data from Nationwide Building Society. (The Independent)

PM bows to new ‘partygate’ inquiry after Tory revolt

Boris Johnson has been forced to submit to a new investigation into lockdown-breaking parties after facing a “revolt” by junior ministers who threatened to resign if the probe was blocked. MPs decided on Thursday (21 April) to hold an inquiry into whether Johnson lied to parliament over the long-running affair. (The Times)

Disney loses autonomy over LGBT stance

Walt Disney World in Orlando has been stripped of its special status as a self-governing area of Florida in a row over new LGBT laws being introduced by the state’s governor Ron DeSantis. (The Telegraph)

Shanghai escalates Covid lockdown restrictions

Authorities in Shanghai are planning to tighten the enforcement of lockdown measures, as Covid cases continue to soar in China’s financial capital. New measures include installing electronic door alarms to prevent infected people from leaving and evacuating homes so they can be disinfected. (BBC News)