Airport welcomes new travel rules on self-isolation
BThis announcement is vital for the UK economy and must be the first step towards safeguarding the prosperity of the South West, both now and in a post-Covid and post-Brexit world
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees
RISTOL Airport has responded to new travel rules which can reduce flyers’ self-isolation period.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced new rules yesterday that affect passengers arriving into England from countries not on the government’s travel corridor list.
From December 15, travellers will have the option to take a Covid test after five days of self-isolation and - if it returns negative - can stop isolating.
Currently they would have to isolate for 14 days.
The tests have to be booked and paid for from a private provider on the gov.uk list.
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees said: “As an industry, we have called on the Government to urgently accelerate a scientifically sound testing regime for customers arriving into the UK which would safeguard public health, reduce the quarantine period, remove uncertainty and allow businesses and passengers to make informed travel choices.
“Passengers will now have the confidence to book international travel in the knowledge that, from 15 December, they can return home and isolate for a shorter period if they have received a negative test.
“These measures will be essential for enabling and stimulating international travel for as long as we are living with this virus. Bristol Airport’s number one priority remains the health and safety of our passengers and our work colleagues.
“We will therefore continue to work tirelessly with our industry partners and Government to implement solutions which will enable the industry to fully restart and recover.”
The government also announced there will be new financial support for English airports and the ground handlers serving them. This scheme is expected to open in the New Year.
Mr Lees continued: “The aviation sector has been devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic and Bristol Airport, along with airports across the UK, has never had the opportunity to recover.
“We have continued to highlight the urgent need for immediate additional economic support for the winter and steps to support recovery.
“We await further details on the support available to Bristol Airport but today’s announcement appears to be a welcome relief during what has been the most challenging period in our history.
“Hundreds of jobs and our economic recovery are on the line. This announcement is vital for the UK economy and must be the first step towards safeguarding the prosperity of the South West, both now and in a post-Covid and post-Brexit world.”