Elsewhere, oil prices have fallen to below $100 owing to fresh concerns about rising rates of Covid-19 in China, while Gatwick is to get its non-stop train service back.
Meanwhile, what a week it’s been for Classic Collection’s Si Morris-Green; after appearing on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday to talk about taking in a Ukrainian family fleeing Russia’s invasion, his guests – Niyara and daughter Eleanora – make the front page of The Times.
Here are the key travel headlines making national bulletins on Wednesday 16 March.
New Zealand to reopen borders to UK visitors
New Zealand has brought forward plans to reopen borders to international travellers after more than two years. Fully vaccinated travellers from about 60 countries on a visa-waiver list, including the UK, can arrive from 2 May. Australians will be allowed to enter the country without needing to quarantine or isolate from 13 April. (BBC News)
Morris-Green: ‘we’re not special’ in hosting refugee
A Ukrainian mother and daughter are among the first refugees to find a home through the new sponsorship route after connecting with Classic Collection’s Si Morris-Green, husband Don and their two children at their home near Petersfield. “I would like to think that someone would do it for us in the same situation,” he said. “This is the very least we can do; 100,000 people have signed up – we’re not special.” (The Times)
Oil price falls under $100 a barrel
Oil prices have fallen below $100 a barrel for the first time in more than two weeks as surging coronavirus cases in China raise concerns in the world’s second largest economy. Fears a downturn in China that could lead to weaker oil demand, combined with an easing of supply worries, helped to push prices down 6.5% to $99.91 a barrel, the lowest since late February. (The Times)
Gatwick Express to resume services
Non-stop trains from London to Gatwick airport running seven days a week are scheduled to resume on 3 April after more than two years. The service resumed on week days in December, but was axed two weeks later due to engineering works and Omicron. A half-hourly timetable will resume on 3 April, although engineering will again affect services. (BBC News)
Heathrow drops face mask requirement
The UK’s largest airport has dropped mandatory face masks for passengers. Heathrow no longer requires people to wear them at its terminals or railway stations but will continue to recommend they do. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have also relaxed policies on face coverings. Passengers must still wear them on flights if the country they’re travelling to requires it. (BBC News)
