Southend Airport bosses say the dropping of UK Covid travel restrictions will be a "major boon for the hard hit travel industry."

People arriving in England or Scotland from abroad will no longer have to take Covid tests if they are fully vaccinated, it has been confirmed.

In a boost for families, the changes will come in from 4am on 11 February, in time for the half-term break.

Rules have also been eased for unvaccinated travellers, who will no longer have to take a day eight test or self isolate.

However, they will still need pre-departure and day two tests.

Glyn Jones, chief executive of Southend Airport said: “The removal of travel restrictions will come as incredibly welcome news to so many people in the UK who haven’t been able to travel abroad with confidence for two years.

"As a result, there is huge built-up demand for travel, and the opportunity to fulfil that demand will also be a major boon for the hard hit travel industry and the aviation sector in particular.”