However, the plans outlined by transport secretary Grant Shapps on Monday (14 March) have come under fire from medical professionals, who question the wisdom of getting rid of the measures with Covid still rife.

Elsewhere, Russia has changed laws to allow it to keep hold of leased aircraft, while a false accusation levelled at their boss by an Aviareps employee has cost them dearly.

Here are the main headlines concerning travel making the national press on Tuesday 15 March.

Medical experts challenge Shapps over PLF abolition

The decision to do away with passenger locator forms from 8 March has attracted criticism from the medical profession, with Covid cases still rising. Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at Kings College London, said: "It is disappointing that as we hit record levels of Covid, Grant Shapps is saying it’s safe. People do still need to wear masks." (Sky News)

Testing and passenger locator forms to be scrapped

The government has announced plans to end all remaining UK travel curbs, including scrapping all testing for travel and the need to fill out passenger locator forms. Transport secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the changes, which will come into effect from 4am on Friday, in a string of tweets on Monday afternoon. (iNews)

Putin changes law to keep leased airliners flying

Russia has implemented a new law making it harder for foreign aircraft leasing companies to repossess their planes. The new law will allow foreign jets to be registered in Russia "to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of activities in the field of civil aviation". Russian airlines have 515 jets leased from abroad. Foreign owners have until 28 March to get them back before sanctions apply. (BBC News)

Aviareps employee to pay £85,000 after false accusation

A woman has been spared jail after making up a story about her boss attacking her with a Biro at work. Parivash Kiani sued Aviareps saying her line manager stabbed her in the hand twice with a pen at her desk. Kiani was given a suspended prison sentence for contempt of court and handed an £85,000 legal bill. (Metro)