In the UK, meanwhile, inflation has risen to its highest level for 10 years, once again raising fears of an imminent rise in interest rates.

Elsewhere, the Canadian city of Vancouver has been hit by a “deadly” storm and the Foreign Office is now advising against all but essential travel to Lebanon.

Here are the key headlines travel woke up to on Wednesday (17 November)

Unvaccinated Germans ‘face lockdown within days’

Germany could introduce lockdown curbs on unvaccinated people within days due to rapidly rising Covid-19 infections. Those who refuse the jab could be barred from non-essential travel as soon as Friday (19 November) – following a similar move by neighbouring Austria. (The Telegraph)

Inflation hits highest level in a decade at 4.2% as energy bills soar

There has been a sharp rise in the cost of living to 4.2%, as fuel and energy bills increase – the highest rate of inflation for a decade. The price of goods and services is likely to rise even further this winter, according to the latest forecasts. (Sky News)

Deadly storm cuts transport links around Vancouver

A deadly storm described as a “once-in-a-century” weather event has severed road and rail links around Vancouver in western Canada. Thousands of people have had to flee their homes due to the storm in British Columbia. (BBC News)

UK advises against all but essential travel to Lebanon

The Foreign Office is now advising against all but essential travel to Lebanon due to “ongoing instability” in the country, which has been plunged into a financial and economic crisis in recent months. The FCDO issued the updated advice on Tuesday (16 November). (Evening Standard)

Employment numbers point to interest rate increase

The number of people in employment climbed in the weeks after the closing of the furlough scheme, according to the latest payroll figures. The increase in jobs is expected to give the Bank of England the green light to raise interest rates as soon as next month. (The Times)

Heathrow to offer £435 per day for Christmas staff

The UK’s hub airport is offering to pay as much as £435 per day for snow clearance specialists to prevent flights from being delayed or cancelled if there is wintry weather over the festive period. (The Sun)