Elsewhere, there are reports that the wearing of face masks on flights will remain compulsory for years to come as the world learns to live with Covid-19.

There is also coverage a major new tourist attraction in the north-west of the UK, while Boris Johnson remains on the rack following the publication of Sue Gray’s report into lockdown parties across Whitehall.

Here are the key travel stories making Tuesday’s national headlines (1 February).

Mask wearing on flights ‘to remain the norm’

Masks on flights will be one of the last coronavirus restrictions to be dropped globally and could remain policy for years, airline insiders have said. Different rules around the world will make it “nigh-on impossible” for airlines to move individually in allowing passengers to travel without coverings. (The Times)

Consumers ‘will lose out’ under flight compensation changes

Changes to flight delay rules could save airlines £2 million a year in payouts, with nearly 90,000 passengers a year receiving less than before. Under EU 261, passengers are entitled to either a £220 payout or the ticket cost, whichever is larger, following a three-hour delay. The UK plans to replace this with a system where only the full ticket price is refunded. (The i)

Ayia Napa gang rape victim cleared of lying about ordeal

A British woman found guilty of lying about being gang-raped in Cyprus has won her appeal to overturn the conviction at the country’s Supreme Court. The then 19-year-old was given a suspended jail term in 2020 after a judge found her guilty of public mischief. The woman told police she was attacked by up to 12 Israeli tourists in a hotel room but was charged after signing a retraction. (Sky News)

Johnson rejects calls to resign

Boris Johnson was on Monday battling a renewed Conservative threat to his leadership in the wake of a highly critical report on the Downing Street party culture. The prime minister’s stumbling response to the report into “partygate” rekindled talk of a potential leadership challenge. (Financial Times)

Eden Project North plans
Plans to transform Morecombe seafront into a £125 million northern outpost of the Eden Project have been given the green light. It is hoped to attract around a million visitors and create 400 jobs. The Eden Project opened in Cornwall in 2001 in a derelict former china clay pit and has welcomed more than 22 million visitors to date. (The Times)