There is also evidence sanctions on Russia are affecting the nation’s airlines, which are struggling to obtain parts, while tensions in Taiwan have increased with China conducting military exercises following a visit by US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Here are the key travel headlines making national news on Thursday 4 August.

Interest rates set to rise today

The Bank of England will announce its decision on interest rates and is widely expected to raise them for the sixth time in a row. Rates currently stand at 1.25%, but could increase to as much as 1.75%, the highest since December 2008. The Bank hopes to slow prices increasing. It has warned inflation could pass 11% later this year. (BBC News)

Russian airline ‘tells pilots to brake less’ in parts crisis

Russian pilots have been told not to brake too much to reduce wear and tear amid a shortage of parts because of sanctions. According to internal memos from four Russian airlines, pilots have been asked to be gentle when braking and taxing. One has reportedly told pilots to use reverse thrust if the runaway is long enough. Pilots were also told not to brake hard to clear the runaway for others. (The Telegraph)

Tensions in Taiwan increase after US state visit

China has conducted long-range artillery live-fire shooting drills in the Taiwan Straits. Tensions have risen following the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island, which regards itself as independent from the mainland. China has vowed to unify Taiwan with the mainland. (The Telegraph)

Icelandic volcano erupts again

A volcano in Iceland has erupted for the second time in 6,000 years just eight months after its last eruption officially ended. Iceland’s Meteorological Office has urged locals and tourists not to go near the Fagradalsfjall volcano, around 25 miles southwest of Reykjavik. (The Daily Mail)