Passengers must still take Covid-19 test three days before their arrival back in the UK and a PCR swab a day after they return
Flight bookings departing the UK surged as the government announced fully vaccinated adults and their children will be able return from ‘amber’ countries without needing to quarantine from 19 July, airlines reported on Thursday.
Passengers, however, will be required to take a Covid-19 test three days before their arrival back in the UK, in addition to a PCR swab a day after they return to home soil.
EasyJet has said that in the few hours after the announcement that flight booking soared by 400% compared to the week before, as the airline provided an additional 145,000 seats.
Johan Lundgren, the EasyJet CEO who has been outspoken in recent months in support for the easing of travel restrictions, said the vaccine was key to boosting the industry.
“We have always said that vaccination is the key to unlocking travel and this means that millions will finally be able to reunite with family and loved ones abroad or take that long-awaited trip this summer,” Lundgren said.
British Airways said that the announcement caused its website traffic to double, driven by ‘green’ listed destinations.
The announcements also means that major destinations including France, Spain and Portugal are realistic for Brits seeking a vacation this year. Additionally, the US and Mexico could be added to the list.
One cause of concern, particularly for families, is that a private PCR test cost in the region of £100, which adds on a substantial amount to the price of a holiday.
The EasyJet share price is up by 2.33% on Friday morning, while the IAG share price has risen by 2.07%.