Green Light For Summer Breaks Within Days

Foreign holidays could begin again within days as the Government prepares to make a key statement on overseas travel.

- Giles Sheldrick

Britain is now close to striking deals with countries showing similar low coronavirus infection rates, meaning summer getaways will be possible.

A key statement on air bridges, or international travel corridors, is expected on June 29, paving the way for holiday deals from July 4.

The move towards reopening the travel industry is dependent on Britain’s continued progress in tackling the virus.

But hopes were dramatically raised yesterday as Britain’s Covid19 experts lowered the UK’s alert level from four to three.

It means the epidemic is in general circulation but the transmission is no longer high or rising exponentially.

The rate of spread of the coronavirus infection across the UK is also shrinking, Government officials said.

A Government source said yesterday: “The plan is to announce a small number of air bridges on June 29, though it won’t come into force until July 4.

“Obviously, it will depend on factors such as the scientific advice and the level of coronavirus infections at the time.

“The Foreign Office will also have to change its travel advice before then because that remains a block on people going abroad for holidays.”

Optimism

The increasingly likely scenario has triggered huge optimism across the UK’s dormant travel industry.

John Hays, managing director of Hays Travel, said yesterday: “This would be absolutely transformational for the 1.35 million people employed in the UK industry.