It’s not all rosy though, with the news that Covid is on the rise again in the UK, while another familiar travel brand has disappeared as Alitalia ceases to exist after 74 years.

Here are the main national news headlines affecting the travel sector on Friday (15 October).

Cheaper Covid travel tests to start on 24 October

New rules allowing travellers returning to England to take lateral flow tests instead of more expensive PCR tests will come into force on 24 October. The government says changes will take effect in time for families returning from half-term breaks. Fully vaccinated passengers will be told to upload photos of their Covid-19 tests for verification. (BBC News)

Australian state ends quarantine for visitors

New South Wales, where Sydney is situated, will end hotel quarantine for fully vaccinated international travellers who test negative from 1 November. Vaccinated Australians will be free to travel overseas for the first time since March 2020, but prime minister Scott Morrison ruled out tourists being welcomed back this year. He said after Australian permanent residents and citizens, skilled migrants and students would be given priority. (Sky News)

UK Covid cases reach 12-week high

The UK recorded 45,066 more cases of Covid-19 – the highest daily figure since July 20 – on Thursday as England’s chief medical officer warned this winter would be “exceptionally difficult” for the NHS. Professor Chris Whitty told delegates at a conference of GPs the NHS faces tough months ahead as it battles Covid, flu, other viruses and the usual winter problems. (The Standard)

Alitalia flies off into history

Italy’s bankrupt national airline Alitalia made its last flight on Thursday night before formally folding after 74 years. The last scheduled Alitalia flight was from Cagliari to Rome. New carrier ITA launches today with a quarter of Alitalia’s staff headcount. (The Daily Mail)

Fraud case begins over Boeing Max testing

A US court has indicted a former Boeing chief technical pilot for fraud for allegedly deceiving aviation regulators over the safety of the 737 Max jet, which was involved in two fatal crashes. Mark Forkner was charged with providing the Federal Aviation Administration with false and incomplete information about the aeroplane’s flight control process. (Financial Times)

New £100 contactless card limit now in use

The spending limit on each use of a contactless card has risen from £45 to £100. However, not every shop will accept the new payment threshold. Retailers say it could take months to update terminals before every shopper can spend up to £100 without the need to enter a four-digit Pin. (BBC News)