Infuriated bosses at the UK’s largest airlines and tour operators have demanded an end to costly coronavirus-related travel restrictions.
In a letter to the UK Government, they are calling for restriction-free travel to be restored “at the very least” for those who are fully vaccinated.
It is signed by the heads of Ryanair, easyjet, Loganair, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Jet2, as well as the chief executives of holiday travel group TUI and trade body Airlines UK.
They say that the Omicron variant is in retreat and evidence shows that travel restrictions have a “limited effect” in preventing the spread of Covid-19.
The letter calls for:
- Restriction free travel for all travellers or at the very least those who are fully vaccinated
- The targeted and transparent use of red lists without universal testing or hotel quarantines
- Government rules out the use of border closures and flight bans in response to future variants of concern.
The chief executives say that travel restrictions have had a devastating effect on the UK’s economy, with marginal health benefits.
“This has meant fewer business trips and less investment in our economy, fewer chances for holidays and to reunite with friends and family abroad, and fewer international visitors”, the airline bosses write.
“VisitBritain estimate nearly £50bn in tourism spend from overseas has been lost since the pandemic began – all resulting in less tax revenue to fund public services including the NHS.
“The recovery of the UK’s aviation industry is vital; not just to the more than half a million people working in it, but to everyone who lives and works in the UK.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We continue to keep our travel measures under review and no decisions have been made.
“We recognise the impact travel measures have had on the travel and tourism industry and that’s why businesses have been able to draw from an unprecedented package of Government support since the start of the pandemic, including around £8bn for the air transport sector.”
Currently, vaccinated people travelling to England must pre-book a coronavirus test to be taken on day 2 after they arrive. They do not need to quarantine once they are in England.
If travellers are not fully vaccinated they must take a test up to 48 hours before their journey, and they must pre-book two tests to be taken on day 2 and day 8 after they arrive. Once they arrive in England they must quarantine for 10 days.
A review on current travel restrictions is expected from ministers this week.
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