Rule Out Any More Border Closures, Say Airline Chiefs
The Independent|January 24, 2022
The leaders of seven of the biggest airlines serving the UK have asked the health secretary to assure travellers there will be no further “knee-jerk universal testing or hotel quarantine” in response to future Covid variants.
Simon Calder
Rule Out Any More Border Closures, Say Airline Chiefs

In a joint letter, coordinated by the industry body Airlines UK, they call on Sajid Javid to “rule out border closures and flight bans in response to future variants of concern”.

When Omicron was identified in late November, flights from South Africa to the UK were immediately grounded. Arriving travellers from 11 African countries were placed in hotel quarantine. The “red list” was abandoned on 15 December.

Arrivals from other locations were required to take predeparture tests and post-arrival PCRs, with mandatory quarantine until a negative result was obtained.

This story is from the January 24, 2022 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 24, 2022 edition of The Independent.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView All
Heathrow used by 200,000 passengers a day in 2024
The Independent

Heathrow used by 200,000 passengers a day in 2024

Record numbers since start of the year as May strikes loom

time-read
2 mins  |
April 25, 2024
Toffees end Liverpool title hopes with rare derby win
The Independent

Toffees end Liverpool title hopes with rare derby win

So now Jurgen Klopp has another reason why he will not to miss the Merseyside derby.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 25, 2024
Another United comeback despite defensive mishaps
The Independent

Another United comeback despite defensive mishaps

Bruno Fernandes produced a captain’s performance to save Manchester United’s blushes against rock-bottom Sheffield United, scoring twice and providing another in a 4-2 comeback win for Erik ten Hag’s misfiring side.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 25, 2024
Can Poch steer Blues out of crisis of their own making?
The Independent

Can Poch steer Blues out of crisis of their own making?

As a former Arsenal player, Mikel Arteta could sympathise with Mauricio Pochettino as they shared the touchline at the Emirates.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 25, 2024
Who could really be triggered by cosy old 'Terry and Fune'?
The Independent

Who could really be triggered by cosy old 'Terry and Fune'?

There’s nothing worse than going back to one of your favourite shows from days gone by – a nostalgic little comfort of a simpler time in your life, perhaps a sitcom you used to watch with your parents as a kid – only to realise that it’s aged about as badly as you have.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 25, 2024
Amsterdam restricts hotels and cruises to curb tourism
The Independent

Amsterdam restricts hotels and cruises to curb tourism

The city of Amsterdam is escalating its campaign against overtourism on top of existing efforts to discourage problematic Brits abroad and crack down on tourist etiquette.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 25, 2024
US just the latest to restrict TikTok due to security fears
The Independent

US just the latest to restrict TikTok due to security fears

TikTok is facing the prospect of being banned or unavailable for nearly half the world's population after the US moved to outlaw the app.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 25, 2024
Gaza aid plan a cover for Rafah invasion, says UN
The Independent

Gaza aid plan a cover for Rafah invasion, says UN

Giant dock floated by US could be used by Israeli army

time-read
1 min  |
April 25, 2024
Young girls drinking and smoking more than boys
The Independent

Young girls drinking and smoking more than boys

Girls in the UK are drinking, smoking and vaping more than boys, while England is \"top of the charts\" globally for child alcohol use, a major report has found.

time-read
5 mins  |
April 25, 2024
Ancient acts of destruction reveal lost secrets of Maya
The Independent

Ancient acts of destruction reveal lost secrets of Maya

A remarkable archaeological discovery is shedding light on one of history's biggest enigmas - the collapse of central America's ancient Maya civilisation.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 25, 2024