Elsewhere, the Canary island of La Palma has also suffered a series of earthquakes as lava continues to flow from an erupting volcano forces residents and tourists to flee.

Fears, though, of a food shortage in the next few weeks have receded after the UK government struck a financial deal with a major supplier of carbon dioxide to restart production.

Here are the main headlines the travel industry woke up to on Wednesday (22 September):

No deal: PM’s hopes of securing trade pact with Biden in disarray

Hopes for a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and US have faded after prime minister Boris Johnson and US president Joe Biden met for talks at the White House. Government insiders have privately admitted there is currently “little prospect” of securing a bilateral trade pact between the two countries. (The Guardian)

Earthquake hits Melbourne and southeastern Australia

Buildings have been damaged in Melbourne after the city was hit by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning (22 September) – one of the largest earthquakes in Australia in recent years. Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said there had been no reports of serious injuries in the city and surrounding areas. (BBC News)

Several earthquakes shake La Palma as eruption continues

The Canary Island has been hit by several earthquakes as the volcanic eruption continues, sending molten lava flowing towards the ocean. Around 6,000 residents and tourists have been evacuated from the area in the south of La Palma with 150 homes so far destroyed by the advancing lava. (Sky News)

Welsh first minister criticises UK government’s new testing rules

Mark Drakeford has criticised the UK government’s decision to ease the Day 2 testing standard from PCR to lateral flow, a move that will come into effect next month. The Welsh first minister said the move was "a step away" from the public health duty he believes the government owes the UK. (BBC News)

Merger talks lift National Express and Stagecoach

Shares in public transport operators National Express and Stagecoach rose on Tuesday (21 September) after investors reacted positively to the two firms announcing that they were in talks over a possible merger. (The Times)

CO2 producer to restart output after deal with government

A major producer of the UK’s supply of carbon dioxide is to restart production at one of two plants, after the government agreed to offer financial support to help the firm deal with surging gas bills and help avert a food industry crisis. (Financial Times)