‘Air bridges’ in June put holidays on horizon

Flights to popular tourist destinations could begin sooner than expected as MPS criticise quarantine

HOLIDAYS abroad could be back on this summer under plans being drawn up by ministers to open “air bridges” next month to countries including Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. The

Department for Transport (DFT) is working with industry chiefs on “holiday corridors” to low-risk countries amid mounting opposition in and outside Government to the 14-day quarantine, which is due to start on June 8.

Airport and airline chiefs are pressing for the first “air bridges” to open as early as that date to enable passengers to sidestep quarantine, although ministers are understood to believe June 29, when the effectiveness of the travel restrictions are due to be reviewed, is a more likely target to aim for.

“There is certainly a willingness in Government to try to do as much for this summer as is safe,” said a senior

DFT source. “We are trying to get as much opened as possible this summer.”

Yesterday, Britain’s airlines submitted a list of countries, requested by the DFT and Home Office, which were assessed as “viable” destinations for air bridges. They included Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Turkey.

The DFT is also working with the industry on guidelines for “safe” travel, expected to be finalised within days, which include face coverings, temperature checks, social distancing in airports and contactless check-ins.

Ministers are being advised of the need for clear criteria to determine whether a destination can be deemed

“low risk” and has effective measures to reduce infection rates. It is understood there is scientific backing from Public Health England, which has endorsed the principle of “air bridges”.

Senior ministers from the Treasury, business and transport departments are also pushing to kill off an extended quarantine because of the economic damage it would cause. The Centre for Economics and Business Research yesterday warned it could cost the economy £650million a week.

“I don’t think the Government behind the scenes are of one voice on quarantine. What has driven this is the Home Office,” said one senior Tory source. A senior industry source said: “I don’t know anyone apart from Priti Patel and Dominic Cummings who are pushing for quarantine.”

A Home Office source said there was consensus to ease quarantine as soon as possible “but only when it is safe”, adding: “It would be horrendous for the economy to have a second wave and go back into lockdown.”

Henry Smith, a Conservative MP, who heads a 45-strong, cross-party group opposed to quarantine, is calling for a debate in Parliament next week.

“I would encourage the Government to actively engage with industry and other countries to try to at least salvage some of the summer travel period,” Mr Smith said.

Karen Dee, the chief executive of the Airport Operators’ Association, said: “With a bit of effort from the Government, we could open the first air bridges from June 8.

“That would mean only arrivals from high-risk countries would have to selfisolate for 14-days upon arrival, while travel can start flowing again.”

Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “If June 8 proves too challenging, then the initial review period of June 29 must be the deadline for getting these agreed so people can start travelling again.”