Elsewhere, Nato leaders have been meeting to discuss their response to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which is now into its second month, with US president Joe Biden warning Nato would respond if Russia used chemical weapons.
Manchester airport, meanwhile, has warned passengers to expect long queues in the coming weeks due to a lack of staff, while Jet2.com has banned an unruly passenger who forced one of its flights to divert earlier this week.
Here are the headlines the travel industry woke up to on Friday (25 March).
P&O Ferries boss admits sackings were illegal
The chief executive of P&O Ferries has admitted breaking the law by sacking 800 seafaring crew last week without giving them any notice or holding a consultation period. But Peter Hebblethwaite told MPs that he would do it again to save the company’s future. Although he did issue a “late apology” to P&O workers. (Various)
Biden’s warning to Putin over chemical weapons
US president Joe Biden has warned Russian leader Vladimir Putin that Nato would be forced to respond if Russia resorted to using chemical weapons during the war in Ukraine. Biden made his comments while attending an emergency Nato summit in Brussels on Thursday (24 March) to discuss the conflict. (The Telegraph)
Manchester airport warns delays could last several weeks
The boss of Manchester airport has admitted that long queues for passengers are likely to continue for several weeks due to staff shortages. The airport’s managing director Karen Smart said a lack of staff had left them struggling to cope with increased numbers as the demand for international travel returns. (BBC News)
Aggressive Jet2 passenger hit with £5,000 fine and flying ban
Jet2 has fined a disruptive passenger £5,000 after her behaviour forced one of its flights to divert on Monday (21 March), as well as banning her from flying with the airline for life. The passenger is alleged to have slapped and shouted at crew and fellow passengers on a flight from Manchester to Antalya, which had to be diverted to Vienna. (The Independent)
Wales to drop mask-wearing law in shops and on public transport
People in Wales will no longer be legally required to wear face masks in shops and on public transport from Monday (28 March), while the legal obligation to stay at home after a positive Covid test is also being ended. (The Guardian)
Great Barrier Reef: Australia confirms new mass bleaching event
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is being devastated by another mass bleaching event, according to officials. It is the fourth time in six years that severe and widespread damage to the reef, which is caused by warm sea temperatures, has been detected. (BBC News)
