...but airlines demand plan for normality

AIRLINE bosses are demanding a Government support package and an “urgent road map for the reopening of air travel”.

Chief executives at British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic were among those to sign a joint letter ahead of Priti Patel confirming the introduction of quarantine hotels for those arriving from “red list” countries.

They warned that requiring passengers to pay to self-isolate in hotels will have a “dramatic impact” on airlines and the wider economy.

Vital freight and PPE supplies would be affected and tens of thousands of jobs would be put at risk, according to the letter.

Airline bosses called for “a bespoke support package that can get UK airlines through this crisis”. They added: “We are writing to you seeking an urgent road map for the reopening of air travel and a package of support for UK aviation that recognises the urgency and scale of the danger now facing our sector.”

Tens of thousands of aviation jobs have already been cut due to the collapse in demand for air travel.

Paul Charles, chief executive of the travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: “What is the economic impact in terms of lost jobs and likely business failures, and what is the exit plan for ending these measures?

“It would be much more effective to put more resources into enforcing quarantine at home.

“Tougher fines for those not complying and daily checks by police, alongside the need to test negative before entry to the UK, would prevent infection spreading.”