Reports also cover an acquisition spree among UK business, and predictions that air travel may yet take longer than forecast to return to 2019 levels.

Here are all the key headlines affecting travel on Wednesday 15 September.

Large wave of Covid hospitalisations possible, warn scientists

A large jump in the number of Covid hospital admissions in England is possible if restrictions are not tightened, government scientists say. The Sage committee said modelling suggested hospitalisations could reach 2,000 to 7,000 per day next month compared to the current 1,000. They added a "relatively light set of measures" could prevent this. (BBC News)

Government urged to introduce stricter Covid measures 

The government must urgently implement a “basket of measures” to avoid overwhelming the NHS, scientific advisers have warned as Boris Johnson made clear he hopes to avoid fresh restrictions. Sage warned the government not to wait too long, with cases, hospitalisations and deaths all higher than a year ago despite the success of the vaccination programme. (The Guardian)

Vaccine passports ‘may still be introduced’

Vaccine passports for business conferences, nightclubs, music venues, festivals and football stadiums will be introduced with only a week’s notice under contingency plans to deal with a surge in coronavirus infections, the government has said. (The Times)

Air travel not at pre-pandemic levels until 2024, says Boeing 

It could take another two-and-a-half years for air travel to see a return to pre-pandemic levels, Boeing has estimated. Vice president of commercial marketing Darren Hulst said he believes the industry will see "2019 levels of traffic by the end of 2023, early 2024" and long-haul international routes will likely take the longest to recover. (Sky News)

UK business sees acquisition spree

Bankers, professional service and accounting and consultancy firms have rejoiced at the $343.1 billion worth of mergers and acquisitions completed since the start of the year. This is double the volume of 2019 and the highest since 2000. (City AM)