Away from the Ukraine crisis, there is more positive news for travel with the EU set to relax border rules from 1 March. Hotel giant IHG has also said its bookings are getting back to pre-Covid levels.

Elsewhere, research has revealed the number of “ghost” flights operated by airlines from UK airports during the pandemic, while the much-derided "Marble Arch Mound" in London is being dismantled.

Here are the headlines  the travel industry woke up to on Wednesday (23 February).

West imposes sanctions as Biden warns of war

The UK and its allies have imposed a range of sanctions on Russia as US president Joe Biden warned that Russian leader Vladimir Putin was preparing to “start a war” in Ukraine after ordering his troops into rebel-held parts of the country. (Various)

EU to scrap Covid tests for fully vaccinated by Easter

Covid tests for fully vaccinated arrivals are to be removed across the EU in time for the Easter holidays. The European Council has also recommended that unvaccinated children aged six to 17 should be allowed to enter any EU country with proof of a pre-departure PCR test. The new regime is set to come into force from 1 March. (The i)

Boom in ‘ghost’ flights since 2020 revealed

Almost 15,000 so-called “ghost” flights, which operate with no or very few passengers, have departed from UK airports since the start of the pandemic, despite a relaxation in airline slot rules during the Covid-19 crisis. (The Guardian)

IHG says travel getting back to pre-pandemic levels

Hotel group IHG, owner of Holiday Inn, said that bookings were “getting closer” to pre-Covid levels as travel restrictions have been eased and vaccination levels rise across the world. The return of demand is being led by strong sales in the US. (Financial Times)

Marble Arch Mound tourist attraction dismantled

The much-criticised Marble Arch Mound in central London is being dismantled. The attraction, which charged visitors up to £8, has been the subject of much derision since opening in July 2021 when it had yet to be fully completed. (BBC News)

Inflation fears as oil price nears $100 amid Ukraine crisis

Fears of increased inflation are growing as the threat of war in Ukraine pushes up oil prices and western countries impose economic sanctions on Russia. Some analysts say sanctions could lead to a doubling in gas prices. (The Times)