Britain publishes COVID-19 safety guidance for airlines and airports

Recently published guidance for airlines and airports in Britain on how to operate safely and to minimise the risks from coronavirus has raised hopes that the country may soon pen a deal which would facilitate quarantine-free travel.

Face coverings would be mandatory for both staff and passengers, in airports as well as on aircraft, while passengers would be obliged to check in all luggage including hand bags and remain seated for as much of the flight as possible, said the Department for Transport on Thursday.

Flights into and out of Britain have been kept to a minimum since the coronavirus outbreak. New UK rules requiring international arrivals to quarantine for 14-days have dashed any hopes of airlines recovering in July as had previously been projected.

Face coverings must be worn on public transport from 15 June, government has announced

It remains unclear why it has taken the government more than two months to make face coverings compulsory on public transport and called for the policy to be extended to all places where social distancing is not possible.

Britain has announced an ongoing effort to establish “air bridges” between countries with low infection rates, which, according to the aviation industry, is vital to kickstarting travel demand and avoiding further job losses on top of the tens of thousands already announced.

“We are taking the necessary steps to ensure a framework is in place for the aviation industry to bounce back when it is safe for restrictions on travel to be lifted,” said transport minister Grant Shapps in a statement.

British Airways, Ryanair and EasyJet have already obliged their customers must wear face coverings onboard.

Rules for meeting outside to vary in England, Wales and Scotland

The easing of UK lockdown rules, announced on Thursday, will allow up to six people to meet outside from Monday although the rules will vary in England, Scotland and Wales.

The directive instructing airlines to put most baggage in the cargo hold could be problematic for some low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair, which formerly charged a premium for customers to keep larger bags with them in the cabin.

The government also said that there should be extensive cleaning of the aircraft, and more availability of handwashing and hand sanitiser facilities.

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