The scrapping of all Covid-19 tests for fully vaccinated travellers to the UK has been welcomed by business travel groups and airlines, who say the country is “now open for business”.
Prime minister Boris Johnson revealed on Monday (24 January) that the current day two test requirement for vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK was going to be removed. The change will be introduced from 4am on 11 February.
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, said the removal of testing was a “huge boost” for corporate travel.
“It is the vital shot in the arm corporates and their employees need to have confidence to deliver ambitious international programmes that will enable a truly global Britain,” he said.
“To maintain this momentum, it is imperative that the UK government works on a response for future variants that does not involve the closure of borders or the introduction of draconian isolation measures.
“International protocols are the only way to future-proof our industry, trade and the global economy.”
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, described the removal of testing as being “a landmark day for passengers, businesses and UK PLC”.
“Nearly two years since the initial Covid restrictions were introduced, today’s announcement brings international travel towards near-normality for the fully vaccinated, and at last into line with hospitality and the domestic economy,” he said.
“It will offer further reassurance to those planning to travel, both overseas and into the UK, and demonstrates again that following the success of the vaccine programme, the UK can lead the world in our recovery from the pandemic.”
British Airways’ CEO Sean Doyle said the change in government policy would allow travellers to “book with confidence".
“It sends a clear message to the rest of the world that global Britain is back in business,” said Doyle.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson added: “Britain is now open for business and it’s vital that the aviation industry is allowed to lead the way in boosting prospects for economic recovery.
“The removal of all testing for vaccinated passengers is the final step in moving towards frictionless air travel, allowing passengers to reconnect with loved ones and business colleagues.
“We have demonstrated that international travel can operate safely, taking full advantage of our world leading vaccine rollout.”
Meanwhile, easyJet CEO Johan Lundgren also commended the government’s decision and said the airline planned to return to “near 2019” levels of flying this summer.
“We welcome this news knowing that millions of our customers will also be delighted to see the return of restriction-free travel in the UK. We now look ahead to what we believe will be a strong summer,” said Lundgren.
“We believe testing for travel should now firmly become a thing of the past. It is clear travel restrictions did not materially slow the spread of Omicron in the UK and so it is important that there are no more knee-jerk reactions to future variants.”