UK airlines comment on international travel speculation

March 21st, 2021

Responding to ongoing speculation about the chances of international travel restarting this summer, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry association representing UK-registered carriers, said:

“It is too early to say what the state of Covid will be in Europe and globally in 10 weeks’ time. Our focus between now and then must be working with Ministers on a framework for travel that is robust and workable, and can stand the test of time as we enter the all-important summer period.

We have always said any reopening must be risk-based, but also led by the overriding assumption that as the vaccine rollout accelerates both here and abroad, a phased easing of restrictions is achievable. We know that universal, restriction-free travel is unlikely from 17 May but under a tiered system, based on risk, international travel can meaningfully restart and build up, with minimal restrictions in time.”