EasyJet, meanwhile, has been boosted by recent changes to the UK’s travel rules, but admits the Omicron variant has had a short-term impact on the airline’s performance.
Elsewhere, prime minister Boris Johnson has been pleading with his MPs for support ahead of the publication of the “partygate” report, while Plan B restrictions have been lifted in England.
Here are the headlines that travel woke up to on Thursday (27 January).
‘Scrap passenger locator form’, demands Gatwick boss
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate is calling on transport secretary Grant Shapps to scrap the “complex and unpopular” passenger locator form (PLF) for fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK. Shapps said the government planned to “simplify” the form earlier this week. (The Independent)
Prices for February half-term holidays soar as Covid rules ease
Half-term trips from the UK to Mexico are being sold online for more than £7,000 per person for a one-week stay. This price was found to be 600% higher than a similar holiday departing on the previous weekend before the school break. (The i)
EasyJet gets boost from easing of travel restrictions
EasyJet has said that the Omicron variant hit passenger demand in December, but also revealed it had seen a recent boost in bookings from the government’s move earlier this week to axe Covid travel tests for the fully vaccinated. (The Guardian)
Tory MPs tell Boris: Spike tax hike and we’ll back you
Conservative MPs are urging Boris Johnson to scrap the planned rise in national insurance as the prime minister tries to secure their backing. Johnson’s future hangs in the balance over the “partygate” scandal, with civil servant Sue Gray’s crucial report due to be published soon. (The Daily Mail)
Restrictions eased today as England moves out of Plan B
England’s Plan B restrictions, introduced before Christmas to combat the rise of the Omicron variant, officially end on Thursday (27 January). Mask wearing in shops and advice to work from home are among the restrictions to be removed. (Sky News)
US rejects Russian demand to bar Ukraine from Nato
The US has formally rejected Russia’s demand to bar Ukraine from membership of Nato, amid warnings that Russia is poised to invade its neighbour. Tensions over the potential invasion have continued to increase this week. (Various)
