Travel sector set to take off again as test regime eased
AIRPORT COMPANIES HAIL CHANGE TO RULES
HOLIDAY firms and East Midlands Airport say they are bracing themselves for a belated booking bonanza with the scrapping of the muchmaligned Covid travel test.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, which fly out of Leicestershire, have responded to the government’s travel update by launching a flash sale.
The unpopular travel regime, with the requirement for pre-departure coronavirus tests, was ditched for all vaccinated travellers arriving in England from 4am yesterday.
Under the changes, only a lateral flow test is required on their return, instead of an expensive PCR test.
The regime was brought in to stem the Omicron variant, but as that is now prevalent around the world, there is no point in keeping the restrictions.
Also, from 4am tomorrow, the latter will only be necessary if someone arriving from abroad tests positive in what amounts to a return to the system in place last October.
The changes will save a family of four about £300.
Reacting to the announcement, Clare James, East Midlands Airport’s managing director, described the move as “very positive news”.
“The removal of these temporary measures is important recognition that travel restrictions should not remain in place if they no longer help prevent the spread of the virus,” she said.
“This announcement is very positive news and will help restart the recovery of the travel and tourism sector.”
She added: “By removing barriers to travel in what is a critical period for people booking holidays and trips, passengers hoping to travel through East Midlands Airport this year can now plan with confidence.
“We look forward to working with
government on a roadmap for the removal of all remaining restrictions, in order to help our aviation sector enjoy a full recovery.”
The festive break and early new year is traditionally the time of year when travel firms get the most bookings for people looking to jet off for a summer holiday.
The rush is now well and truly on, according to Jet2.com, which flies to destinations across Europe, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean.
“We’ve seen an immediate spike in traffic and bookings,” said a spokesperson.
“With enormous pent-up demand for a much-needed holiday, the removal of these restrictions – including no longer having to selfisolate upon arrival in England - has seen customers flocking to book some sunshine.”
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said the scrapping of pre-travel testing was the news all would-be air travellers and holidaymakers had been waiting for.
“The massive surge in traffic and bookings tells us that holidays are very much back on for UK holidaymakers,” he said. “This is the news that our customers have been desperate to hear.”
Mr Heapy remains angry at the necessity for such travel tests in the first place - calling them “disproportionate” and “futile”.
“It is abundantly clear to everyone that travel testing requirements have had no impact on the spread of the Omicron variant, so this should represent the end of a set of measures that are not only disproportionate but futile too.”
A spokeswoman for tour operator Tui said Mr Johnson’s announcement “has given Brits the reassurance that travel will once again be easier and more affordable”.
She went on: “We’ve already seen an immediate and strong uptick in bookings and we now expect summer 2022 bookings to be normalised. January is traditionally the busiest month for holiday bookings and demand is yet to reach preCovid levels, so we need to see sustained confidence in travel so the industry can fully recover.”