The British government’s initial moves against Russia include the immediate banning of Aeroflot from flying to the UK, while oil prices have continued their steep rise since the conflict started.
Elsewhere, Iceland has become the latest country to remove its final Covid-19 restrictions. Here are the headlines that the travel industry woke up to on Friday (25 February).
A dark day for Europe as Russia invades Ukraine
Hundreds of people are reported to been killed or injured after Russia launched attacks across Ukraine. Western nations including the UK, US and the EU have unveiled a host of economic sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine on Thursday (24 February). (Various)
Oil rises as Russia invasion nears Ukraine capital
Oil prices increased again on Friday (25 February) amid investor concerns over reduced supplies as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine entered its second day. The price of Brent crude oil rose to $101 a barrel as fighting appeared to intensify close to Ukraine’s capital Kyiv. (BBC News)
Russia’s Aeroflot banned from flying to UK
The British government has banned Russian airline Aeroflot from flying to the UK as one of its measures in response to the invasion of Ukraine. The airline is also a major sponsor of Manchester United, with the Premier League club reported to be close to ending this £40 million deal. (Daily Mirror)
Airlines shift attention to Russia risks after Ukraine airspace closed
The impact on the global aviation industry from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is spreading beyond the closure of airspace over the conflict zone as airlines face up to the growing risks of doing business with Russia. (Reuters)
Iceland lifts all Covid restrictions
The country is due to lift all remaining Covid restrictions on Friday (25 February) including restricted opening hours for bars and a limit of 200 people for indoor gatherings. Iceland’s health ministry said it wanted “as many people as possible” to catch the virus to build up community immunity. (The Independent)
