Manchester Airports Group CEO welcomes relaxation of travel rules

Manchester Airports Group CEO, Charlie Cornish, has welcomed the relaxation of travel rules meaning fully-vaccinated arrivals in the UK no longer need a negative Covid-19 test before departure in order to enter the country.

From Sunday 9th January, fully vaccinated travellers entering the UK will be able to use a lateral flow test, taken on or before their second day in the country, instead of a more costly PCR test and extended period of self-isolation, and will no longer be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test result before travel.

With the Omicron variant now dominant in the UK, measures implemented to curb its spread from overseas have now been deemed by the departments of Health and Transport as no longer effective or necessary for controlling the transmission of Covid-19.

The move has been welcomed by the UK’s largest airport operator, Manchester Airports Group, and the aviation sector more widely, as helping to restore consumer confidence in international travel. Despite the relaxation of travel rules in autumn 2021, the group revealed last year that passenger numbers remain well below pre-pandemic levels.

Commenting on the relaxation of travel rules, Manchester Airports Group CEO Charlie Cornish (pictured) said:

“Today’s announcement is very positive news and will help restart the recovery of the travel and tourism sector.

“The removal of these temporary measures is important recognition that travel restrictions should not remain in place if they no longer help prevent the spread of the virus.

“By removing barriers to travel in what is a critical period for forward-booking, passengers, airports, airlines and business across the UK can now plan ahead with confidence.

“We look forward to working with Government on a roadmap for the removal of all remaining restrictions, in order to help our prized aviation sector enjoy a full recovery.”