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Pre-departure testing to the UK - 08 JAN 21

Airlines react to new Pre-departure testing requirement for international travel to England

08 January 2021 - The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) has broadly welcomed the Transport Secretary’s announcement of new pre-departure testing requirements for international arrivals to England, but providing these emergency measures are only imposed for the short term.

Dale Keller, chief executive said “Airlines have widely supported the introduction of pre-departure testing for many months and we recognise that the public will welcome this critical measure at the current time. However, it is vital that the lockdown period is utilised to develop a well-coordinated path towards easing travel restrictions at the earliest opportunity once the threat recedes, in particular the requirement to self-isolate for 10 days after arrival in the UK, and to review the ‘Test to Release’ option after five days. As the vaccination programme gathers pace and the most vulnerable are protected, it is vital that international travel is normalised through removing layered or conflicting measures that do not achieve the necessary balance to protect public health, restore confidence and rebuild the aviation and travel sector.”

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.

Full details can be found on www.bar-uk.org

For further information contact:

Dale Keller

Chief Executive

BAR UK Ltd

Mobile: 07740 174 815

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