There is also news that Israel will offer a fourth vaccination, while in the UK, there are concerns 5G signals may interfere with aircraft navigation.
Here are the headlines affecting travel on Wednesday 22 December.
Travel chiefs slam Sunak
Furious tourism bosses blasted Rishi Sunak after the industry was excluded from his £1 billion Covid support package. The chancellor announced grants of up to £6,000 per premises for hospitality and leisure firms being crippled by a wave of cancellations. However, there was nothing of note for tourism firms, despite surging cancellations for overseas trips amid tougher testing and self-isolation rules. (The Daily Mail)
Covid isolation period cut in England
People infected with Covid in England can stop self-isolating up to three days early if they test negative twice. They will now be able to end quarantine after seven days instead of 10 by providing negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven. Health secretary Sajid Javid said the change was based on the latest guidance from health experts. (BBC News)
Israel to offer fourth injection
Israel says it plans to become the first country to roll out a fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as the country prepares for a wave of infections driven by the Omicron variant. Israel’s pandemic experts have recommended a fourth booster for the over-60s and health workers. (BBC News)
Covid staff shortages see flights and trains cancelled
Thousands of people could face travel chaos over Christmas as rail firms and airlines blame coronavirus-related staff shortages for widespread cancellations. At least 21 British Airways flights from Heathrow were axed on Sunday and Monday as the airline struggled to grapple with foggy conditions and staff absences. (Evening Standard)
Aircraft manufacturers call for 5G delay over flight safety fears
Airbus and Boeing have urged the Biden administration to delay turning on 5G mobile networks over fears they could affect aircraft safety. Aviation officials are concerned the frequencies to be used in the US are close enough to those used by altimeters to cause interference and make the readings unreliable. (The Telegraph)
New Year’s Eve celebrations ‘off’ in England
New Year’s Eve looks doomed despite Christmas celebrations being given the go-ahead. After 48 hours of confusion and a Cabinet backlash, the PM finally confirmed no new Covid restrictions will be brought in before the festive weekend, but Downing Street insiders refused to rule out tougher rules immediately after this. (The Sun)
