Arrival queues present social distancing risks

TOURISTS coming back from low-risk countries are having to stand in lengthy airport queues next to people returning from quarantine list areas, some top UK airports have admitted.

Gatwick and Heathrow say they have no way of ensuring passengers remain socially distanced at passport control or baggage reclaim. It means people returning from countries on the “red list”, requiring 14 days’ quarantine, will often stand near those who do not need to do so.

A spokesman for Gatwick said they “currently do not have any processes in place to separate passengers.” And Heathrow stated: “Our terminals are divided by airline rather than by destination – so there is that possibility.” Manchester and Luton also do not separate, saying the responsibility lies with the Border Force.

Official guidance for airports states: “Airlines should consider boarding and disembarking passengers in ways that achieve social distancing and control risk of transmission.” But there is no specification for airports to separate “red list” arrivals from those returning from “travel corridor” countries.

Penny Walker, returning from Greece, said: “After wearing a mask on board for over seven hours, it all seemed a bit futile as we tackled the complete disarray of passport control.”

The Department of Transport said: “It’s the responsibility of airports to ensure social distancing within the airport.” The Daily Telegraph has contacted Border Force for comment.