Meanwhile, aviation minister Robert Courts has indicated – as reported by TTG on Monday – that the government won’t review its current travel rules until the new year.
Elsewhere, British Airways has suffered another technical hitch affecting loyalty scheme members, with the carrier facing a backlash from customers.
Here are the key headlines affecting travel on Tuesday 23 November.
‘Take a Covid test before Christmas shopping’, says government
People should take a Covid-19 test before they spend time in crowded and enclosed spaces this winter, the government has said, as it steps up attempts to prevent a fourth wave without the need for Plan B further restrictions. It is the first time the public have been advised to take a rapid lateral flow test before going to high-risk settings. (The i)
England ‘on the right path’ as 15 million receive Covid booster jabs
The UK has now administered more than 15 million booster jabs or third doses of Covid vaccines, according to latest figures. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said England was "on the right path", and the government was not planning to move to its Plan B of Covid restrictions, including working at home. (Sky News)
No travel rules update until January – minister
Aviation minister Robert Courts has indicated there won’t be an update to the Westminster government’s travel rules until the new year. "We’re going to review the policy in January. We’ll be looking to see what we can do at that stage," said Courts, adding the government wanted to reduce all restrictive measures, including testing, and help aviation bounce back. (BBC News)
IT glitch hits British Airways Executive Club
Customers have bemoaned fresh IT failures at British Airways after its loyalty website was offline for well over a week. The airline said earlier this month that its Executive Club site would be unavailable between 13 and 17 November while “essential improvements” were made. However, normal access was still not available on Monday, with customers told to use a mobile app instead. (The Telegraph)
At least 45 dead in Bulgaria bus fire
At least 45 people – including 12 children – have been killed after a bus caught fire on a highway in western Bulgaria early on Tuesday. Many jumped from the burning vehicle which is thought to have crashed at about 2am, 28 miles west of Sofia. (Sky News)