Oil prices, meanwhile, have reached a three-year high as post-Covid demand soars amid low reserves, while easyJet founder Stelios has reportedly had his wings clipped.

Here are the key national press headlines concerning travel on Wednesday 29 September.

Report slams cruise industry’s ‘harmful impact’

A new study in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin has found passengers on a seven-day Antarctic cruise cause as much CO2 to be released as the average European over the course of a year. Research also concluded an overnight stay on the average cruise vessel required 12 times more energy than a night in a hotel. (The Independent)

Oil price tops $80 a barrel for the first time in three years

A sharp rise in oil prices is a clear sign the world is heading for an energy crisis that will impede economic recovery. Oil hit a three-year high for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, with stocks in the US reportedly low ahead of the winter. (Financial Times)

Stelios loses his grip on easyJet

The founder of EasyJet, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has reportedly lost his power to veto decisions made on behalf of the airline after he let his stake dwindle. The billionaire chose not to buy new shares in a rights issue following a takeover bid by Wizz Air, reports say, meaning his stake has tumbled to 15.3% from 25.3%. At least a quarter of shares is needed to intervene in decision making. (City AM)

Toxic gas fears from La Palma volcano

Lava from an erupting volcano on La Palma has reached the Atlantic, raising fears of toxic gases being released and explosions. Clouds of white steam were seen rising as red-hot currents reached the ocean in the Playa Nueva area. This could trigger a chemical reaction, involving chlorine, which can irritate the skin and eyes and affect breathing. (BBC News)

Airbnb to pay £100 to new hosts during COP26

Glaswegians have been offered a £100 incentive by Airbnb to open their homes during COP26. The climate change event will draw in 30,000 attendees from all over the world – but Airbnb says the city’s hotels only cater for half this number. It cited the Glasgow Convention Bureau as saying hotel room capacity in Greater Glasgow was just 15,000 rooms. (City AM)