British Airways to axe 10,000 flights and UK facing 18% inflation

There is further grim economic news too with predictions inflation in the UK could hit more than 18% in 2023 as energy prices continue to skyrocket.

Elsewhere, Turkey’s “booming” holiday season is helping to offset some of the country’s economic problems, while Japan may relax its current Covid rules to give its tourism industry a much-needed boost.

Here are the headlines the travel industry woke up to on Tuesday (23 August).

Winter woe for air passengers as BA cuts 10,000 flights

British Airways has axed more than 10,000 flights from its winter schedule, taking almost two million seats off sale between the end of October and late March in the airline’s latest attempt to shore up its operations. (The Times)

UK inflation projected to top 18% as gas prices surge

Households in the UK could face inflation of more than 18% next year as wholesale gas prices continue to increase rapidly – inflation is set to be higher in the UK during 2023 than other large western nations, according to a new report from US bank Citigroup. (Various)

Turkey taps tourism revenue to steady fragile economy

A strong recovery for Turkey’s tourism industry this year is helping the country to cope with high energy bills and soaring inflation. Visitor numbers to Turkey rose by 53% in July compared with the same month in 2021. (Financial Times)

Japan considers easing Covid travel rules to boost tourism

Japan is set to more than double the number of international visitors that it allows to enter the country and may also scrap the requirement for a negative Covid test in a bid to boost its struggling tourism industry. (Bloomberg)

Amber warning for bank holiday getaway traffic

An amber warning for traffic has been issued for this weekend as nearly half of the UK’s drivers are expected to hit the roads over the bank holiday. Around 15 million leisure trips are thought to be planned between Friday and Monday. (Sky News)