Travel bosses have hailed the loosening of COVID rules for US and EU travellers as a move that would “get global Britain back in business”.

Shares in British Airways owner International Airlines Group rose more than 3% while there were also rises for easyJet, Ryanair, Tui and engine maker Rolls-Royce.

Cruise operators Carnival and Saga received a boost too as the government also said international cruises would be able to go ahead.

The announcement on quarantine by the Department for Transport means that from 4am next Monday travellers fully-vaccinated with US and EU approved jabs will be able to travel to England from “amber” list countries without having to quarantine.

They will still have to take a pre-departure COVID test and another one within two days of arrival.

The loosening of rules does not apply to France, with arrivals from there still having to isolate.

Travellers fully vaccinated in the UK have already been able to return from amber countries without quarantining since July.

The significance of the latest announcement is that it extends that right to those who have received jabs approved by European and US regulators – effectively reopening Britain to visitors from those parts of the world.

It was cheered by the UK’s big aviation players, who have cut thousands of jobs after the pandemic grounded global flights – and have been urging ministers to unlock restrictions much more quickly.

British Airways chief executive Sean Doyle said: “This step will allow us to reunite loved ones and get global Britain back in business, giving the economy the vital boost it so badly needs.”

The announcement was also welcomed by the wider business community.

Tom Thackray, director of infrastructure for the CBI, said: “Restriction-free international travel will be a vital piece of the recovery jigsaw, and ending quarantine requirements for fully-vaccinated arrivals from the US and EU is a huge step towards that goal.”

Source: Read Full Article