The aviation sector has warned that extending the UK’s border controls to hotel quarantines will ‘plunge the aviation and travel industry deeper into crisis’.
Speaking to the Independent, a spokesperson for international airline body IATA said: “Coming only two weeks after the government announced further restrictions at the border, new rules on hotel quarantine will plunge the aviation and travel industry deeper into crisis.
“There are several vital questions that need to be answered.
“What is the scientific assessment of the further advantage to public health to be achieved from mandatory hotel quarantine given a flight ban is already in place?
“What economic impact assessment has been drawn up, especially for the UK’s global connectivity, the aviation industry, and vital air cargo arrivals such as vaccines?
“If ministers cannot answer these key questions, it damages public confidence that there is a coherent strategy for suppressing Covid-19 and a roadmap in place for returning to normal life.”
British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic have all written to the Prime Minister demanding ‘an urgent roadmap for the reopening of air travel’.
The letter says: “It is essential that a clear set of conditions are agreed allowing for the easing of all travel restrictions. This roadmap is vital for retaining consumer confidence and securing the future of UK aviation as we approach the critical summer trading period.
“UK airlines cannot survive a second summer season without meaningful revenue.”
