Flag carrier Qantas is remaining bullish on travel between the UK and Australia resuming before the end of the year.
The airline is standing by plans to resume flights to Britain from mid-December, along with routes to Fiji, Singapore, the United States, Canada and Japan. This is in line with the lifting of Australia’s ban on overseas travel, which was due to end on September 17 but has been pushed back three months.
“With vaccinations continuing to roll out across Australia, we are getting ready to reunite our customers with their family, friends, colleagues and favourite destinations around the globe,” read an email to its customers.
This follows news that Britain is rushing 4 million Pfizer doses to Australia, where authorities are scrambling to bolster supplies of the Covid-19 vaccine and protect the population against a rapidly spreading outbreak of the delta variant.
“Some people might say we’re being too optimistic, but based on the pace of the vaccine rollout, this is within reach and we want to make sure we’re ready,” said Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce. Currently, over 12.3 million people in Australia (60 per cent of the population) have been given their first dose of a vaccine, while 35 per cent are now double jabbed.
Scroll down for the latest updates.
04:17 PM
Today's key travel headlines
Here's a recap:
Airlines stand by to resume UK- Australia flights from December
Almost a quarter of amber list travellers broke quarantine rules
Ireland refuses to tighten restrictions on US, despite EU ruling
Dominic Raab calls for Pakistan to come off red list
Red list among ‘the most draconian’ restrictions in the world
Cheap testing firm removed from Government’s approved list
Travel restrictions tighten across Caribbean as Jamaica extends lockdown
Catch-up with the rest below and join us again on Monday.
04:08 PM
Temperatures to soar to highs of 28C next week
A smidgen of good weather news for your Friday evening ....
A couple enjoy the sun at Green Park in London - Gareth Fuller/PA
Temperatures across the UK are set to soar to highs of 28C next week, in a sign that the summer weather is not over yet.
Parts of the country will be on-par with top European holiday destinations such as St Tropez, Mykonos and Faro between Monday and Wednesday.
The South East will see the best weather with warm air being dragged in from the Mediterranean, after a grey and cooler August.
Anguilla is introducing a day 4 testing requirement for international visitors (see 16:12pm post).
Here's more detail on the rules for entering the green-listed Caribbean island:
The day 4 test requirement comes into effect on October 1 and is in addition to the PCR test conducted on arrival, which was implemented on July 1.
There are no quarantine requirements for visitors staying at hotels, resorts or licensed villas. However, guests must 'stay-in-place' at their hotel or villa while awaiting the result of their test-on-arrival (usually delivered within 12 hours). If they test negative, they can move freely around the island in between testing negative on arrival and receiving their day 4 test. Different rules are in place for visitors staying with people living in Anguilla, at a private home or in rental accommodation which is not a licensed villa.
The day 4 PCR test can be taken at Hughes Medical Centre or Princess Alexandra Hospital. Some hotels will arrange for tests to be taken at a visitor's accommodation.
A single testing fee of US$200 (£145) will be charged from October 1. This covers the arrival test and day 4 test for all visitors and is payable via an online portal.
03:39 PM
Which countries are on the green, amber and red lists?
Turkey may have remained red, but there was some movement between the categories on Monday, following the latest Government update.
The Azores, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Lithuania were upgraded from amber to green.
Meanwhile, Montenegro and Thailand moved to red. See the full lists below.
03:20 PM
Turkish hotels to close early after UK 'red list' dashes hopes
When the UK Governments Turkey would stay on its "red list" of travel destinations last week, Onur Arican closed his boutique hotel on the Aegean coast early this year rather than wait out a summer season derailed by Covid-19 and wildfires.
In 2019, the UK was Turkey's third-biggest source of tourists with 2.5 million visitors that year, most of whom flocked to the Turquoise Coast near Bodrum and Marmaris.
This year the number of British guests was down by two thirds compared to 2019, Mr Arican, told Reuters, and he was forced to cut a third of his staff.
Offering discounts to vacationing Turks has kept the business going, but alcohol sales were down sharply and he hadn't bothered to open up his biggest room, he said.
The UK Government added Turkey to its red list in May, forcing all travellers to quarantine in a hotel upon return.
Cesme district of Izmir, Turkey - Getty
03:12 PM
Travel restrictions tighten across Caribbean as Jamaica extends lockdown
Just as the tourists were beginning to return to the Caribbean, its popular winter sun destinations have been hit by a wave of coronavirus infections, causing lockdowns and tightened border restrictions.
Jamaica is the latest to confirm it will restrict movement of people on the island for two more weeks, as cases remain high.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness confirmed the extension of ‘no-movement days’ until September 14. Outside of these designated days, a curfew of 7pm (6pm on Saturdays) remains in place. The island has reported 118 deaths over the past week, with a case rate of 157 per 100,000.
Anguilla, too, has revised testing requirements for international arrivals. From October 1 the green-list country will require all visitors to take a test on day four, in addition to one on entry and one before arrival.
Barbados has also tightened restrictions at its border, requiring quarantine of varying lengths for all travellers regardless of vaccination status, and dependent on testing.
Elsewhere in the Caribbean, the case rate in amber-listed St Lucia is 427 per 100,00, while in green-listed Grenada there has been a 250 per cent increase in cases over the past week.
03:00 PM
11 reasons why the traffic lights are broken and should be scrapped
'Monstrously stupid.’ That is how Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary described our nation’s ‘traffic lights’ approach to international travel this week, and I’m inclined to agree with him – for a great many reasons; chief among them because the system doesn’t work, writes Annabel Fenwick-Elliot.
This green-amber-red regime, which was ostensibly introduced in February to protect us against foreign variants while the vaccine drive got underway, has failed to protect us against a single one.
What it does do, with great success, is negatively impact the lives of millions of people not just in Britain, but around the world.
An uninhabited island off the north-west coast of Scotland, which measures 485m by 270m, has been put up for sale for £50,000.
The island of Càrn Deas is in the Summer Isles archipelago and according to the Herald is “rich in birdlife and wildlife” and boasts “a dramatic coastline encompassing cliffs, coves and a shingle beach, the waters surrounding the island are home to porpoises, dolphins, whales, basking sharks and otters.”
The island is connected to neighbouring Càrn Iar and Càrn Beag by a shingle spit but the two, also uninhabited, islands are not part of the sale.
However, the largest structure that can be built on the land is a “small cabin” – subject to planning permission – according to the Goldcrest Land and Forestry Group, which is selling the island.
02:28 PM
Singapore pauses further reopening
Singapore will pause on plans to further loosen coronavirus restrictions after a recent rise in cases, and plans to start vaccine booster shots soon for vulnerable groups, including those above 60 years old and people who are immunocompromised.
With one of the world’s best vaccination rates, Singapore plans to boost testing and allow infected people with mild symptoms to recover at home. 88 per cent of the population is double-jabbed.
The country is moving into a phase of “living with Covid” and there is no need to impose more restrictions, Finance Minister and co-chair of the virus taskforce Lawrence Wong said at a Friday briefing.
singapore - EDGAR SU/REUTERS
02:11 PM
Red list among ‘the most draconian’ restrictions in the world
“Countries which are on the UK’s “red list” face some of the most draconian travel restrictions imposed anywhere in the world,” wrote Robert Boyle, former director of strategy for the airline group IAG, in a recent blog post, which questions the purpose of the government’s red list and how it compares to rules elsewhere in Europe.
“In any case, 62 red-listed countries seems excessive to me. If the red list was abolished completely and only amber and green were retained, the UK’s border controls would still be more restrictive than Germany’s are today,” he wrote.
“Maybe the red list made sense when it was established. But like many Covid policies that were put in place at the height of the crisis, it is looking increasingly like something that should now be dismantled, or at least put into “standby mode”, to be reactivated if a new scary variant is discovered before it has already arrived in the UK.
“Let’s hope the politicians have the courage to look at the facts, ask themselves whether they really know better than every other country, and admit that it is time for a change of policy.”
01:56 PM
Unvaccinated Americans shouldn’t travel during Labor Day weekend, CDC says
Unvaccinated Americans should avoid travel over the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said.
“First and foremost, if you are unvaccinated, we would recommend not traveling,” Rochelle Walensky told a White House briefing.
People who are fully vaccinated, and wearing masks, can travel – but Walensky added a caveat.
“Although given where we are with disease transmission right now, we would say that people need to take these risks into their own consideration as they think about traveling,” she said.
Read more on the latest rules and restrictions in America, here.
01:42 PM
How to show proof of vaccination for travel abroad
Double-jabbed Britons can use proof of their vaccination status as means to sidestep quarantine rules on return to the UK from amber list country – plus as a way to access a growing list of countries without needing to take a test.
Find out how to show proof of your vaccination for your holiday abroad here.
01:32 PM
In pictures: What’s going on around the world?
Thousands of people gather in Thailand to protest over the government’s handling of the pandemic.
bangkok - SOE ZEYA TUN/ REUTERS
A worker feeds macaques during a feeding time at Sangeh Monkey Forest in Sangeh on Bali Island, Indonesia.
Bali - Firdia Lisnawati/AP
A couple watch an art installation by artist Dan Acher called Borealis in the center of Antwerp, Belgium.
Belgium - Virginia Mayo/AP
Firefighters prepare to perform a controlled burn as a preventative measure during the Caldor Fire in Kirkwood, California.
california - Eric Thayer/ Bloomberg
Neighbours help clean as mud covers the streets after floods in Les Cases d'Alcanar in Tarragona, Spain.
spain - Shutterstock
01:14 PM
Vietnam considers lifting lockdown restrictions
The Vietnamese city of Ho Chi Minh City, which has kept residents confined at home under lockdown, is considering reopening from September 15, shifting from a "zero Covid-19" strategy to a policy of living with the virus, reports Reuters.
The city of 9 million people is targeting a phased reopening and the full vaccination of its citizens by the end of this year, according to the draft seen by Reuters, which has yet to be endorsed.
Just 3 per cent of Vietnam's 98 million population has been fully vaccinated. Ho Chi Minh City alone has recorded 241,110 coronavirus infections and 9,974 deaths, representing half of the country's cases and 80 per cent of deaths.
vietnam lockdown - PHAM THO/ AFP
12:56 PM
Pakistan's Lakson Group and Air Arabia to start a new low-cost airline
Pakistan's Lakson Group and Middle Eastern budget carrier Air Arabia said on Friday they would launch a low-cost airline serving domestic and international routes from Pakistan.
The new carrier, Fly Jinnah, will operate as a joint venture between the pair, they said in a statement, adopting the low-cost model operated by Air Arabia.
The statement said the new airline would help Pakistan’s travel and tourism sector and contribute to the country’s economic growth and job creation.
Air Arabia operates from Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, and has similar joint ventures in Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Morocco and Armenia.
12:47 PM
Opening date revealed for tube network expansion
The first major expansion of the London Underground this century will open later this month.
Tube trains will begin serving Battersea in south London on September 20, Transport for London (TfL) announced.
The £1.2 billion extension of the Northern line features two new stations – Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station – which will be within 15 minutes of the West End and the City of London.
Billions of pounds of investment have been pumped into the area in recent years, including through the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station and the building of a new US Embassy.
12:37 PM
Why Weymouth is better than my hometown St Ives
There's still a 'Wild West' feel to the south coast holiday resort, which saw its fortunes turn in 2012 and hasn't looked back since, writes Orlando Bird.
weymouth - John Harper/Photodisc
The charm of Weymouth is in its variety. Why choose between bouji and brash when you can have both? “What I like about it is that it’s still very independent”, says the seafood guru Mitch Tonks, who opened his Rockfish restaurant in the town in 2019. “There’s still a bit of a Wild West feeling. And rents are cheaper, so people are able to try something, to build something”. Sure, there are grottier parts (the sex shop right by the train station makes an interesting first impression). But, in striking contrast with many towns, the high street bustles with stores and cafes, outside one of which stood a cardboard cut-out of that paragon of kiss-me-quick joie de vivre, Matt Hancock.
Celestyal Cruises has sold its flagship due to the cruise market conditions that have resulted from the pandemic-related travel restrictions.
The 1,800-passenger Celestyal Experience has been sold for an undisclosed sum ad follows a review of forward-looking capacity requirements by the Greek line, reports trade publication Travel Weekly. The ship joined Celestyal's fleet in 2020, but never began service
The company said:
After careful thought and consideration, the company has sold the Experience and will continue to operate the same sized fleet that has served it well prior to the pandemic.
The decision to sell the Experience will also provide the company with enhanced liquidity, which in combination with zero third party debt forms the continued solid financial foundation to ensure a successful restart in March 2022.
The move to defer the company’s capacity growth allows the business to focus on regaining its momentum in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, while continuing to explore opportunities for its fleet rejuvenation ambitions when the time is right.
12:00 PM
Lunchtime read: The forgotten corner of Austria filled with secrets
Travel writers are often asked for the secret places within their areas of expertise. We have a stock of them, usually snapshots and moments that led on to other stories, writes Alexander Fiske-Harrison.
In Austria, I think of learning the hidden cultural heritage of Salzburg from the Unesco professorial chair of the subject Kurt Luger or being introduced to what is now my favourite drink, Most, a dry still apple wine, by former champion skier Rupert Pichler on the slopes of Sport Gastein where they host the Imperial Snow Polo Cup.
However, there is one area of Austria that is not so much secret, as filled with secrets.
Cheap testing firm removed from Government’s approved list
Expert Medicals, which was the cheapest firm on the government’s list of day two and eight testing providers, has been removed.
The company sells test kits for travellers from £28, including postage and packaging, but has received a huge number of complaints of tests and results not arriving on time.
Following an investigation by Which? into the laboratories it was using for its testing, the company has been removed from the government list.
Despite this Expert Medical is still selling tests, and previously bought tests are still valid – featuring on the government’s list is just a demonstration that a firm has ‘demonstrated compliance with the applicable minimum standards,’ but it is not a legal requirement.
Passengers have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts about the resumption of flights out of Australia later this year.
@Qantas Fantastic to receive your #redemail this morning - the possible timeline for the return of international flights is great news for all of us with family in #Australia - fingers crossed 🤞- see you soon...
Qantas offering me bonus frequent flyer points for proof I'm fully vaccinated against Covid-19 is definitely what I needed while I'm sitting here with post second dose side effects. I'm one step closer to freedom.
Following the news that Wizz Air, following in the footsteps of United and Delta in the US, have set a December deadline for cabin crew to be vaccinated, Dr Pavlos Arvanitis, Senior Lecturer in Aviation Management at the University of Bedfordshire, says there is no clear-cut answer as to whether cabin crew should be vaccinated.
Wizz Air have taken some steps towards making it compulsory for cabin crew to be vaccinated as have United and Delta in the US. Others may follow suit but there’s no clear cut answer as to whether it is necessary. On one hand passengers and crew are generally required to follow rules to stay safe. After all, while you are on a plane as a passenger you are obliged to have your seatbelt fastened during take-off, turbulence and landing. When it comes to safety airlines follow very strict protocols and procedures everyone has to adhere to.
On the other hand the majority of nationally mandated health protocols already include rigorous testing against Covid-19 before and after travel, regardless of the vaccination status of each passenger... the chances of catching the infection while on board are minimal, which means it is not critical to ensure the cabin crew are vaccinated.
They [airlines] are all likely to do all they can to encourage vaccination of crews because this will boost passenger confidence and reassurance that everything that can possibly be done has been done. The best way for airlines to proceed is to demonstrate social responsibility by acting preventively rather correctively to protect their staff, passengers and reputation.
10:57 AM
Mapped: The red list
Following comments from Dominic Raab regarding Pakistan’s current position on the Government’s red list, let’s take a closer look at the nations from which arrivals face 10 days in a quarantine hotel, including Brazil, Egypt, Turkey and the Maldives.
10:43 AM
Lithuania offers free stays to boost tourism
In an effort to boost visitor numbers, green-listed Lithuania is offering free stays at up to 500 of the country’s hotels this autumn.
Tourists who stay in the country for three nights or more will get one night free of charge.
The campaign, a partnership between up to 500 Lithuanian hotels, B&Bs and short-term accommodation providers and the Government, will reward the first 10,000 travellers who register.
“The campaign signifies an active cooperation between Lithuanian businesses and the government to sustain the tourism industry amidst the pandemic waves, as well as to give international tourists extra time to travel the country,” said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of Economy and Innovation.
“Lithuania, located right in the heart of Europe, is rich in unspoiled nature, comfort cuisine, and never-ending cultural life.
lithuania
10:32 AM
In pictures: Disney Magic cruise ship arrives in Newcastle
The Disney Magic cruise ship has arrived at the mouth of the River Tyne from the North Sea, on its way to collect passengers for the first of two three-night cruises from the North East. The ship has been operating short sailings in UK waters this summer, with departures from Newcastle and London.
disney magic - Owen Humphreys/PA
DISNEY MAGIC - Owen Humphreys/PA
10:13 AM
The grand return of the gap year
gap year
Restring that guitar, tighten the trucks on your skateboard and prepare to restructure your spine under the weight of your rucksack, writes Greg Dickinson. I have no idea what your gap year adventure has in store for you in this pandemic era, but I do know that you won’t regret it.
The traditional southeast Asia student trail may be suspended, but there are plenty of other places to head to on your epic sabbatical, discover them here.
09:58 AM
Dominic Raab calls for Pakistan to come off red list
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has called for Pakistan to be removed from the Government's red list for travel restrictions.
Raab told a press conference in Pakistan: "We do understand that this is a sensitive issue and a difficult issue.
"We base our decision on the technical evidence, the scientific basis. I understand that is often contested, which is all the more reason why it's good that the Pakistan special adviser to Prime Minister Khan will be holding expert level talks with UK public health authorities.
"We want to find a way through, no-one wants Pakistan off the red listmore than I do, but we take these decisions at a technical level.
"I think the smart thing for us to do is work together to enable that to happen as soon, as safely and as responsibly it can be done."
The next update to the travel traffic light system is due in two weeks’ time – find out what travel restrictions are currently in place for arrivals from Pakistan here.
09:46 AM
Golden Horizon to spend winter in the Caribbean
The world's largest tall ship, Golden Horizon, has launched its winter 2021/22 season, which will see the vessel sailing between Caribbean islands.
The inaugural voyage in the region will depart Barbados on November 11, and there will be a total of 21 seven-night sailings between then and March 31, 2022. Ports of call include Charlotteville in Tobago, St George’s in Grenada, Kingstown in St Vincent and Soufriere Bay in St Lucia, among others.
Alan McGrory, chief executive of Tradewind Voyages, which operates the ship, said: “We are thrilled to offer our guests the opportunity to experience the smaller ports of call and to visit so many beautiful destinations in the Caribbean."
golden hoirzon
09:34 AM
Ireland refuses to tighten restrictions on US, despite EU ruling
Earlier this week the European Union removed America from its ‘safe’ travel list and recommended its members to impose restrictions on non-essential travel from the country.
However, Ireland has refused to follow Brussel’s lead, with Ireland’s Department of Health confirming it is not planning to make any changes based on the EU Council decision. “The EU recommendation is non-binding and member states retain control over their own border restrictions,” it said.
Croatia has also said it will not implement restrictions on arrivals from the States. By contrast, Italy was the first country to follow the new rules, which were brought in following a surge in cases of the Delta variant in the US.
09:20 AM
Exclusive: The Pig's new South Downs hotel might be its best yet
The Pig’s latest offering in West Sussex is the group’s seventh hotel and the first to have its own vineyard.
The lush green vines make for an arresting backdrop to this absolute beauty of a hotel, in a pocket of the South Downs National Park and encircled by a gentle curvature of fields. This is the kind of English countryside that seems immortal; the kind one can imagine Jane Austen’s characters trampling across in empire line dresses; the kind that soldiers on the Western Front would have dreamed of returning to in order to play cricket on the village green.
In an email to its customers, Qantas has reaffirmed its commitment to resuming flights before the end of the year, despite news this week of surging cases in Australia. The statement read:
With vaccinations continuing to roll out across Australia, we are getting ready to reunite our customers with their family, friends, colleagues and favourite destinations around the globe.
Based on the current vaccination projection rates and the Australian Government's plan for reopening borders, we are preparing for Qantas and Jetstar international flights to resume as follows:
This remains dependent on Government decisions in coming months, so we'll keep you updated if the plans change.
Nearly half of businesses yet to apply for September ATOL renewal
Travel businesses due to renew their ATOL license this month, which provides financial protection for customers, are being urged to submit applications soon.
Whilst the Civil Aviation Authority understands the issues the travel industry is facing, it has a duty to protect consumers and make sure that it has complete and accurate financial information before processing a renewal.
However, more than 45 per cent of the potential 1,127 companies are yet to apply to renew their license, with the deadline of September 30 looming.
Michael Budge, Head of ATOL Licensing at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
We understand the challenges the travel industry is facing, but travel companies that have yet to submit their renewals are urged to do so as soon as possible. The earlier they submit, the more we can engage and support in the licence renewal process.
We are mindful that applicants are looking for quick decisions, but reflective of the industry's current financial challenges, things can take longer. Companies that apply late risk a delay in having their ATOL licence processed.
08:45 AM
Data: A ‘crushing’ day for Australia
Tim White, a coronavirus data expert, has called the latest figures from Australia ‘crushing’ on Twitter, as the state of Victoria reports the worst spike in cases this year.
* BREAKING *
Comparing to other countries it's still good, but for #Australia a crushing day, another national record
1,431 new #Covid19 cases in #NSW, also a record and 12 more deaths, another high.#Victoria's infections leap to 208, worst total in over a year.
Coronavirus cases continue to surge in Australia, which reports a 38 per cent week-on-week increase.
Current case rate: 34.2 per 100,00
Cases in the last seven days: 8,720
Deaths in the last seven days: 30
Percentage of population with single dose: 60.47
Percentage of population fully vaccinated: 35.73
08:26 AM
UK to send four million Pfizer vaccine doses to Australia
Britain will send four million Covid-19 vaccine doses to Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday, as his country raced to halt a deadly virus outbreak.
The Australian leader said the planes delivering Pfizer vaccine doses were "on the tarmac" in the UK and would deliver "four million doses of hope" within weeks.
Australia has a steady supply of the locally produced AstraZeneca vaccine, but residents have been hesitant to take it due to rare but highly publicised instances of blood clots.
Almost a quarter of amber list travellers broke quarantine rules
Nearly a quarter of travellers who arrived in the UK from amber list countries broke quarantine by meeting friends, going out or failing to get fully tested.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that 23 per cent failed to comply either with the requirement to quarantine at home for 10 days or to complete PCR tests on days two and eight of their self-isolation.
Clark set the Indiana Fever’s franchise record for turnovers (10), shot 5-of-15 from the floor and struggled with the Connecticut Sun’s physical defense.
The atmosphere was electric for Clark's home debut and there were brief flashes from the Fever, but it's clear they've got plenty to work on before they can compete with the WNBA's elite teams.
Yahoo Sports NBA draft expert Krysten Peek is back for another season of On the Clock with Krysten Peek. Krysten just spent the week in Chicago at the NBA Draft Combine and kicks off draft season joined by CBS Sports' Kyle Boone.
Gottlieb's repeatedly courted controversy in his media role and will reportedly continue to host his nationally syndicated radio show while coaching Green Bay.
