Major UK firms could also face new rules requiring them to produce regular plans showing how they will cut carbon emissions.
Elsewhere, there are warnings rail and ferry passengers to the EU could face “chaos” next year due to a new European entry system.
Here are the key headlines that travel woke up to on Wednesday (3 November)
Business travel bouncing back despite switch to video calls
Corporate travel is set to return to two-thirds of pre-pandemic levels by next year, according to new research. Despite the rise in video conferencing during the Covid-19 crisis, the WTTC is forecasting a 25% rise in business travel spending in 2021, followed by a further 34% increase in 2022. (The Times)
PM hails deal to cut methane emissions
World leaders have agreed a deal at the Cop26 climate conference to reduce methane levels by 30% by the end of this decade. Methane is the planet’s second-most polluting greenhouse gas after carbon. UK prime minister Boris Johnson hailed the agreement but said there was “still a long way to go” to achieve cuts in global emissions. (Various)
UK companies to be forced to publish plans on how they will go green
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to reveal a new policy requiring all companies listed on the London Stock Exchange to produce plans showing how they will reduce emissions or risk being fined. Firms will have to provide regular “transition plans” to show how they will help the UK to reach “net zero” carbon emissions by 2050. (The Telegraph)
Rail and ferry passengers face Europe border ‘chaos’ in 2022
Transport chiefs have warned travellers using rail, ferry and Eurotunnel services to travel to the continent could face “chaos” next year when the EU’s new entry/exit system (EES) is implemented. They said this system, which is related to the EU’s new Etias e-visa scheme, was designed for airlines rather than other modes of transport. (The Independent)
Heathrow begins charging £5 for drop-offs
The UK’s hub airport has started charging drivers £5 to drop off passengers outside its terminals. The new charge is seen as a way for Heathrow to recoup some of its losses from the pandemic and it follows similar moves by other major airports in the UK. (Evening Standard)
Devastating fires of 2021 pinned on global warming
The heatwaves and wildfires that caused devastation in parts of Europe this summer would not have happened without global warming, according to new research. Summer 2021 was the hottest on record for the continent, with average temperatures around 1C higher than normal levels. (The Guardian)
