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.
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.
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.