Airlines UK said continuing the current testing measures, which includes a pre-departure test prior to arrival in the UK and a subsequent PCR test on or before Day 2 of return, would be "financially disastrous" for the industry.

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) claimed pre-departure testing has had "little or no impact" on the spread of the Omicron variant.

Tim Hawkins, chief of staff at MAG, told the BBC’s Today programme that research commissioned by the group showed there was a "basis for taking out all tests" related to international travel, due to the high number of Covid cases in the UK.

"We are beyond the point where international travel restrictions can play a role in managing that peak and if there is no benefit to it then we shouldn’t be doing it and we should take those measures out," he added.

MAG chief executive Charlie Cornish and Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade said travel testing requirements come at "huge cost" to the industry and the government should continue with its plans to scrap the curbs.

It is thought ministers are finalising plans to change the guidance on Covid testing, which could include the removal of the need for those who test positive on a lateral flow test to seek a confirmatory PCR test.