Airports come to life as UK relaxes quarantine
No two-week isolation for people arriving from over 75 destinations
Quarantine measures for those travelling to Britain from around 75 countries and overseas territories, including France and Italy, no longer apply from Friday in a boost to the ailing aviation and travel industries hit by Covid-19.
Those arriving from higherrisk countries will still have to self-quarantine for 14 days but many popular destinations are now exempt, meaning millions of Britons are able to take summer holidays without having to stay at home when they return.
Airports have imposed safety measures such as perspex screens, mandatory mask-wearing, hand-sanitiser stations and hand-washing facilities to stop the spread of the virus.
But flights are likely to remain far below usual levels and the boss of Gatwick, London’s second-busiest airport, told Reuters he was hoping that quarantine free travel would be widened to other destinations.
“What we would like to see at the end of the month, when it is next reviewed, is the Portuguese market open up as well,” said Chief Executive Stewart Wingate.
“Our absolute focus is on the European markets because that’s what will help us to build volume during the summer and protect as many jobs at Gatwick as possible this year.”
However, last week’s announcement by the British government to ease its quarantine requirements for anyone arriving back in England has given some enough of a nudge to take the plunge.
“We probably would have gone later,” said Ray Gordge, 64, at Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal, south of London.
“It’s exciting, I’m pleased the quarantine has been lifted to be honest,” said Gordge, who was on his way to Paris to see his daughter for the first time in six months, and meet his new grandson, born last week.
Crucial period
The aviation and travel industries are hoping that the new rules will help them salvage part of the summer holiday booking season that has been so battered by the restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic. The crucial period will be later this month after schools formally close for the summer.
Gatwick Chief Executive Stewart Wingate said the relaxation of the rules makes a “massive difference,” given that around three-quarters of the destinations the airport serves are now free from quarantine requirements.
“From a consumer point of view, what we’re hoping is that will persuade people to take advantage of the flights,” he said.
The list does not include the United States, which is still considered high-risk. Serbia was originally on the list but was removed on Friday because of a spike in coronavirus infections in the country.
One of the major changes that will greet holidaymakers is the necessity to wear face coverings at the airport and on the plane.
Summer programme
“I think it’s going to be difficult to maintain social distancing, but I also think the chances of coming into contact with someone with Covid-19 is pretty low,” Eoin Burgin, a 21-yearold student at Edinburgh University, said at Gatwick.
The getaway will gather pace over coming days as more holidays and flights come on stream. TUI UK, the country’s biggest travel company, for example, is due to restart its summer programme today, with flights to eight destinations.
From a consumer point of view, what we’re hoping is that will persuade people to take advantage of the flights.”
Stewart Wingate | Gatwick Chief Executive