The prime minister, though, is also facing growing calls for a vote of no confidence in his leadership, with several Tory MPs already having made representations to the party’s 1922 committee.

Meanwhile, there is also further turmoil for the government with inflation set to hit a 30-year high, pushing up the cost of living.

Elsewhere, the introduction of 5G in the US has been halted near key airports, while Cathay Pacific is incentivising pilots to isolate to maintain schedules.

Here are the headlines affecting travel on Wednesday 19 January.

PM expected to ease Covid rules

Boris Johnson is expected to make a statement today in which he will ease Plan B Covid restrictions following “encouraging” data. This will include rules on face covering in public places and advice on working from home. (BBC News)

Plot to topple PM ’today’

A series of letters of no-confidence in Boris Johnson are to be submitted as soon as today. Around 20 MPs are said to have held a secret lunchtime meeting yesterday to co-ordinate the submission of the ’no confidence’ letters required to spark a Conservative leadership contest. (The Daily Mail)

5G introduction halted near US airports

The Air Line Pilots Association has said a two-week delay in activating 5G towers around airports is not enough to ensure a permanent solution. AT&T and Verizon have agreed to temporarily defer turning on some wireless 5G towers near key airports to avert disruption to US flights. Pilots fear 5G will interfere with aircraft instruments. (The Independent)

Inflation to hit record high

The UK will release inflation figures today, which are expected to rise to a 30-year high. Economists polled by Reuters forecasted that inflation in December hit 5.2%, the highest since the early 1990s and up from a decade-high of 5.1% in November. (Financial Times)

Cathay Pacific offers pilots Covid isolation bonus

Cathay Pacific has begun offering bonuses of up to $3,700 to incentivise pilots to fly under Hong Kong’s strict quarantine measures. Payments are for flying four or more “closed loops”, in which air crew spend several weeks either flying or isolating at a hotel before returning home. (Financial Times)