Airlines are seeking further improvements to the system for international travel following the relaxation of testing requirements for those vaccinated this week.
The carriers want tests removed altogether for vaccinated travellers from non-red list countries, and reviews of the restrictions on unvaccinated travellers and on arrivals from red list countries.
They also want greater harmonisation between the government and devolved administrations, a simplified Passenger Locator Form, investment in the UK border and improved information provision.
In a submission to a Transport Select Committee inquiry on aviation’s recovery, the UK Board of Airline Representatives (Bar UK) notes: “The UK has reopened later than much of Europe and the modest revenue recovery at the end of summer leaves airlines in a critically weakened financial position.”
The submission welcomes the recent changes but argues these “are not the end of the process”, insisting: “The government must actively pursue the removal of remaining restrictions.”
It provides a detailed assessment of the system now in force and improvements still required, noting the challenges the industry faces remain “compounded by public perceptions of confusing and costly entry requirements”.
The document calls for “fully-vaccinated passengers from non-red list countries to be exempt from all testing at the earliest opportunity”, pointing out this “would align the UK with many other countries”.
It welcomes the move from PCR to rapid day-two arrival tests as a step towards removing tests for those vaccinated, but notes: “The testing regime for passengers visiting the UK for under 48 hours is ineffectual.”
On the cost of tests, it notes: “The current policy retains a requirement for PCR tests for a portion of the market [who test positive] that will likely be a barrier for new companies to enter the market.”
At the same time, “the UK has retained the highest level of restrictions” for non-vaccinated travellers “comprising three tests and 10 days’ self-isolation” and these should be “reviewed regularly”.
Bar UK points out: “The government already recognises a negative test after five days is an acceptable risk under its ‘Test to Release’ option. Yet passengers are still required to take a day‑eight test. This relic from earlier policy makes no sense.”
It adds: “The review of red list countries . . . meets industry proposals [but] red list restrictions should be further reviewed” and “countries classified as red should be able to access [the] full and transparent criteria”.
The submission calls for investment to “drastically improve passenger processing time” at the UK border and urges a “simplification” of the PLF, including the removal of “surplus data”.
The failure of the devolved administrations to coordinate with Westminster remains a problem, Bar UK notes, with announcements still uncoordinated and “clarity for carriers and passengers inadequate”. Information on the gov.uk site also “remains cluttered and complex to navigate”.