A group of British airlines today wrote to the UK’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to ask for a quarantine exemption to be introduced on receipt of a negative COVID-19 test. Exempting those testing negative for COVID-19 upon arrival into the country would allow the UK’s aviation industry to begin to recover.
Around the world, passenger demand is slowly rebuilding following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, things are recovering at varying rates in different countries. Airlines within the UK are finding it harder to ensure the recovery of demand, due to the country’s strict and quick-moving 14-day quarantine rules.
Letter to Boris Johnson
A group of airlines headed by the British aviation industry group, AirlinesUK, today wrote to Boris Johnson regarding the UK’s approach to arrivals from high-risk countries. Currently, all those arriving from a ‘high-risk’ state, as identified by the United Kingdom must quarantine for 14 days upon their return to the United Kingdom.
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Many have complained about this policy. Specifically, those countries have been added to the high-risk list with minimal warning. Passengers arriving from Spain were given four hours warning that quarantine measures would be brought in. Meanwhile, around 28 hours were given before France was added.
According to the Daily Mail, in its letter to Boris Johnson, airlines including British Airways, TUI, easyJet, and Virgin Atlantic, said,
“We recognise there isn’t a single international approach, but we believe a UK testing protocol based on the German model would stimulate significant demand while protecting public health. It would play a critical role both in supporting US-UK connectivity but also in safeguarding connections with key European and other global markets”
The German approach
The group mentioned that a testing protocol similar to the German model would help to stimulate travel demand. However, what are the rules when it comes to traveling to Germany? Germany is one of the countries leading the way in regards to COVID-19 testing of travelers.
All passengers landing in Germany from a high-risk country are required to take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their arrival in the country if they haven’t received a recognized test before departure. They must then wait in quarantine until their test results have been delivered.
However, the testing initiative doesn’t just apply to high-risk arrivals. Those arriving from low-risk countries can also take the test within 72 hours of arrival. The German state is paying for the COVID-19 tests, meaning that there is no financial burden for travelers.
Heathrow ready for testing
Simple Flying previously reported that London Heathrow was already ready to implement COVID-19 testing, and was waiting for the nod from the government. However, this nod has yet to arrive. The airport has already found a testing partner and is ready to set up the infrastructure in an arrivals area of Terminal 2.
Simple Flying has contacted AirlinesUK for comment regarding this story.
Should the UK follow in Germany’s footprints with regards to testing arrivals from high-risk countries? Let us know what you think and why in the comments!