UK Airlines response to the recent changes to travel restrictions, Omicron

November 29th, 2021

Commenting on the recent changes to international travel restrictions, Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered carriers, said:

 “We understand the cautious approach being taken to travel from Southern Africa in light of concerns over the new variant. Airlines are working with governments and are in touch with affected customers. The situation is developing rapidly, and hopefully as more data emerges emergency border restrictions can be reversed quickly – and applied only where they will make a material difference.

 “In the meantime, we urge Ministers to make mandatory PCR tests free of charge for impacted passengers, many of whom are now in the invidious position of having less than 48 hours to arrange extra testing whilst overseas. Many will struggle to do so which is why support from Government – at no excessive cost to the Exchequer – would be an appropriate gesture.”