Newcastle Airport bosses have welcomed a change in the UK's international travel rules which they say will help their industry recover after Covid-19.
The changes, announced on Friday, are the biggest adjustment to travel regulations since the traffic light system was announced.
Under the new system there will be one 'red list', whilst all other destinations will be easier to visit, especially for fully-vaccinated travellers.
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Double-jabbed holidaymakers will no longer need a pre-departure test before returning from non-red list destinations, and from later in the month will be able to replace the day two PCR test with a cheaper lateral flow test.
Meanwhile, the red list has been trimmed down, with Turkey, Pakistan and the Maldives all removed.
A spokesperson for Newcastle International Airport said: "We welcome the removal of the pre-departure testing requirement for fully vaccinated passengers returning to England as well as the move to cheaper and more convenient lateral flow tests on day two following arrival.
"We have been lobbying the Government for these changes, along with the simplification of the traffic light system, in the hope of making travel as easy as possible and to support the recovery of the UK’s travel industry.
"The announcement is well-timed for the return of our Emirates flights to Dubai and the half term school holidays in October.
"As well as this, the removal of Turkey and the Maldives from the Red list will give even more choice for holidaymakers looking for a well-deserved winter sun getaway."
Other travel bodies also welcomed the news. Dale Keller, chief executive of the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK said: “Greater freedom of movement for many vaccinated passengers, without the anxiety of pre-departure tests and the high cost of PCR testing on arrival, will help restore traveller confidence and set the aviation, travel and tourism sectors on what is still a long road to recovery.
“Moving from the established three traffic light system to a red list, and a two-tier entry regime for vaccinated or non-vaccinated passengers, brings greater clarity to entry requirements and recognises the vaccination status of an additional 17 countries.
"This is to be applauded, however the revised system can only work effectively – and without discrimination, when fully vaccinated status is recognised for all travellers to the UK. Testing requirements for many remains costly and excessive, and a significant number of inbound markets for the UK will still remain unfairly treated.
“The UK’s complex and costly travel restrictions decimated passenger volumes over the summer while much of Europe capitalised on vaccination roll-out by rebuilding their connectivity. Today’s announcement is a step towards properly re-balancing international travel risk with the Government’s domestic Covid response, and will enable the UK to begin to claw back lost ground as airlines attempt to rebuild their operations."
Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, said the new system was “proportionate” and “reflects the new landscape” of the numbers of those who are fully vaccinated.
He said: “Today’s changes mean a simpler, more straightforward system. One with less testing and lower costs, allowing more people to travel, see loved ones or conduct business around the world while providing a boost for the travel industry.”
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