Morocco’s sudden ban on UK flights, meanwhile, has come as a blow to the travel industry just before half-term, forcing airlines to cancel flights to the destination and operators to suspend their programmes.

Travellers are also set to face higher flight prices in the run-up to Christmas as the cost of aviation fuel has increased significantly. There was better news in other parts of the world, though, with Melbourne finally ending its latest lockdown.

Here are the main headlines that the travel industry woke up to on Thursday (21 October).

Javid warns daily Covid cases could hit 100,000

Health secretary Sajid Javid has urged the public in England to get the Covid booster jab and wear face masks, otherwise the government will have to introduce further restrictions this winter. Javid also predicted that infections could more than double to 100,000 per day in the UK. (The Guardian)

Half-term holidays wrecked as Morocco bans flights from UK

Airlines have been forced to cancel flights to the North African destination after the Moroccan government banned direct flights from the UK because of rising Covid cases. Morocco is also banning flights to and from Germany and the Netherlands for the same reason. (The Times)

Travel warning as Ryanair cancels 700 flights this winter

The Irish airline has told passengers that more than 700 flights will be cancelled this winter. The cancellations will affect services from Lisbon, with Ryanair blaming Portuguese airline Tap for “blocking” slots at airports in the country’s capital. (The Sun)

World’s longest lockdown ends in Melbourne

The Australian city is finally ending its latest lockdown by allowing pubs, restaurants and cafes to reopen from Thursday (21 October). Melbourne has spent a total of nearly nine months in a series of lockdowns since the pandemic began in March 2020. (Sky News)

United Airlines boss says airfares set to soar by Christmas

Airfares are likely to increase in the next two months as fuel prices rise to pre-pandemic levels, warned United’s chief executive Scott Kirby in the airline’s latest financial update. Aviation fuel prices are already up by more than 100% compared with a year ago. (The Daily Mail)

UK employers to increase pay in effort to keep staff

Companies expect to hand out bigger pay rises next year in a bid to retain existing staff, as they struggle to recruit new workers. More than 80% of private sector employers expect to increase pay in 2022, with a median rise of around 2.5% for workers, according to a survey. (Financial Times)