Traffic light overhaul boost for airlines

Speculation that the UK’s travel restrictions could soon be overhauled sent airlines soaring yesterday.

According to reports, those who have had two vaccinations might be able to travel without quarantine into all but the worst-hit countries, and avoid costly PCR tests when travelling to the UK.

Traders responded to this speculation by sending shares in easyJet and Wizz Air close to the top of the FTSE 250.

On the FTSE 100, British Airways owner IAG and airplane engine maker RollsRoyce soared.

The FTSE 100 rose 11 points to 7,027.48, a 0.2% gain.

In company news, Marks & Spencer has said it will close 11 of its stores in France due to fresh and chilled food supply issues following Brexit.

Shareholders appeared slightly concerned, with shares dropping 2.1%.

Home improvement retailer Wickes said first-half profits surpassed its targets on the back of strong digital volumes, as the company announced its first dividend payment.

Shares in the business closed up 2.1% after the announcement that adjusted pre-tax profits increased to £46.5 million for the six months to June 26.

The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 were Ashtead, up 308p to 6,162p, IAG, up 5.34p to 142.46p, Flutter Entertainment, up 555p to 15,025p, Rolls-Royce, up 3.56p to 109.06p, and Intermediate Capital Group, up 66p to 2,238p.

The biggest fallers on the FTSE 100 were Anglo American, down 135p to 2,818.5p, United Utilities, down 209p to 5,010p, Fresnillo, down 32p to 816.4p, BHP, down 68p to 1,968.2p, and Antofagasta, down 33p to 1,433.5p.