Airlines welcome vaccinated passenger recognition for EU and USA - 28 JUL 21

Airlines welcome recognition of vaccinated passengers from the EU and USA - but don’t delay on other low risk countries  

28 July 2021 - The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) has welcomed the step change in reopening of international travel from 02 August as announced by the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, in the second policy review.

Dale Keller, chief executive of BAR UK said “The recognition of fully vaccinated passengers from the EU and USA is the biggest step towards rebuilding the international travel sector since the limited lifting of restrictions on 17 May. This significant reopening must lead the way so that many other low risk countries with well-developed vaccination programmes can be added at the earliest opportunity without waiting until the October review. Meanwhile, the country review due next week should include a revision to the methodology of how countries are allocated as Red, Amber or Green and the data indicates more countries should move into Green and with fewer countries classified as Red. From August passengers will still have a confusing patchwork of requirements to navigate, including excessive and costly testing, but today’s announcement will go a long way towards reconnecting families and supporting the UK economy and jobs. Over the coming weeks airlines will continue to urge the UK Government to de-layer and further simplify requirements for passengers and to lead on developing international harmonisation while maintaining the strongest border and public health security.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) presents the widest international voice of the airline industry; representing 70 scheduled airlines in the UK in their engagement with government, government departments, regulators and airport operators.

For further information contact:

Dale Keller

Chief Executive

BAR UK

Mobile: 07740 174 815

E-mail: dale.keller@bar-uk.org

Follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/BAR_UK_