Bank holiday travel warning and fuel cap announcement

Headlines focus on the announcement of the new energy price cap on Friday (26 August), which is expected to send household bills soaring over the winter months. There is also more economic woe with experts forecasting interest rates rising to 4% by next spring.

Fraudsters have been using a fake Twitter account to target British Airways customers, while tennis champion Novak Djokovic has been refused entry to the US because he is not vaccinated against Covid-19.

Here are the headlines that the travel industry woke up to on Friday (26 August).

Bank holiday travellers face severe delays and disruptions

Travellers planning a break over the bank holiday weekend by road, rail and air are being advised to adjust their travel plans or “pack their patience” to cope with traffic jams, train disruptions and flight cancellations. (The Guardian)

Millions prepare for huge rise in energy bills

The energy regulator Ofgem is due to approve a record increase in the price cap for household electricity and gas bills on Friday (26 August). The cap is expected to rise above £3,500 per year - more than £1,500 higher than the current level. (Various)

BA passengers targeted in Twitter baggage scam

Criminals have been using a fake Twitter account to try to scam British Airways’ passengers who try to contact the airline through social media. One passenger whose bag went missing on a London-New York flight was told to send money to Kenya by fraudsters. (The Independent)

Interest rate tipped to hit 4% by May

Financial markets are expecting the Bank of England to more than double the current UK interest rate from 1.75% to 4% by May as a way of tackling rampant inflation, which could reach more than 18% in early 2023.(Financial Times)

Djokovic to miss US Open after being refused entry

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will not be travelling to New York to play in the US Open tournament. Djokovic is unvaccinated against Covid, which makes him ineligible to enter the US under the country’s current rules. (Daily Mail)

British woman dies and grandson injured after plunging off cliff in Benidorm

A British grandmother has died and her grandson was injured after she crashed down a cliff in Benidorm.The 58-year-old woman had been riding a scooter-type electric vehicle when the incident happened. (Sky News)