The requirement for passengers to take a COVID test before arriving into the UK is expected to be scrapped today.

After several days of speculation, it is understood today’s review of travel restrictions will include removing the requirement for a pre-departure test, which was introduced in December.

Currently, fully vaccinated travellers into the UK must take a pre-departure test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

Ministers are meeting this morning and are expected to rubber stamp the change, which was introduced as a temporary measure.

Airlines UK says continuing the current measures would be financially disastrous for the industry, while Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has sent the Government research it commissioned, showing pre-departure testing has had little or no impact on the spread of Omicron.

Passenger numbers at MAG’s airports fell by more than 30% after Omicron measures were introduced.