Russian president Vladimir Putin signalled the start of military action in Ukraine on Thursday (24 February) leading to condemnation from the UK and other western allies.
Elsewhere, the final legal Covid-19 restrictions in England are being removed on Thursday, including the wearing of masks on public transport, while Heathrow predicts a surge in holiday traffic this summer.
Here are the headlines travel woke up to on Thursday (24 February).
Russia launches full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Russian president Vladimir Putin has officially announced the start of military operations into Ukraine, with sounds of explosions and emergency sirens heard in the Ukrainian capital Kiev and other major cities early on Thursday (24 February) morning. The long-expected invasion has been condemned by the UK and other western powers. (Various)
Oil soars past $100 after Russian military action
The price of crude oil has surged past $100 a barrel after Russia started its invasion of Ukraine on Thursday (24 February). The oil price is now at its highest level for more than seven years and is likely to push up inflation from its already very high levels. (BBC News)
Public transport drops mask rule as Delta infections die out
Masks will no longer be required on public transport in England as all remaining legal Covid restrictions are removed on Thursday (24 February). Transport for London has finally removed its requirement for passengers to wear masks on its services around the city. (The Times)
Heathrow predicts summer recovery
The UK’s hub airport has predicted that a “surge” of holidaymakers this summer will help to fuel its recovery from the “worst year” in its history in 2021. Heathrow has reported total losses of £3.8 billion during the pandemic as passenger numbers have plunged. (Financial Times)
Sunak promises to slash tax to bring prosperity back
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to publicly commit the government to lowering taxes in the UK in the next few years, although he will reject calls from some Conservative MPs to do this immediately because of the current high level of government borrowing. (The Telegraph)
