Balpa has demanded to see details of the government’s plan to restart commercial flights amid concern the 14-day quarantine scheme has not been properly thought through.
The call follows news a 14-day quarantine is likely to be announced by prime minister Boris Johnson for all overseas arrivals into the UK, with the exception of those travelling from Ireland, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man and key workers. The aviation sector has already expressed concerns such a move would have a “devasting impact”.
The pilots’ union says it is concerned the health and safety of crew and passengers, and the effectiveness of a quarantine period.
Brian Strutton, Balpa general secretary, said: “We haven’t seen the scientific basis for the possible 14-day quarantine proposal, nor any risk assessments for the health and well-being of crew.”
He said there were still too many unanswered questions, including how airlines will be able to afford to fly under the planned restrictions.
He added: “What is the government’s plan for aviation? How does it all fit together? Is the UK acting consistently with other jurisdictions or going it alone? And crucially, will the government pay for airlines to fly inefficiently due to the government’s imposed restrictions?
“My concern is that once again the government has not considered the impacts on pilots and other crew facing job losses and pay cuts – there has to be a moratorium on these threats and a viable plan to support aviation. It’s high time the government got its act together.”