"It isn't good enough to survive on": Businesses react to expanded green travel list

The government has announced new destinations set to move onto its Green List for international travel.

From June 30, The Balearic Islands (which include Ibiza, Menorca, Majorca and Formentera), Malta and Madeira will move onto the list, as well as various Caribbean destinations and British Overseas Territories.

Businesses across the country have reacted to the news and given their views on how this will affect the aviation and travel industries.

Johan Lundgren, chief executive of easyJet

“With two thirds of UK adults expected to be double jabbed by 19 July, now is the time to let British citizens take advantage of the success of the vaccination programme.

“The timetable set out by the government simply isn’t ambitious enough. What are we waiting for?

“The apps are in place and airlines are ready to go so we urge the government to move more quickly and remove both quarantine and testing for fully vaccinated people.”

Matthew Fell, chief UK policy director of CBI

“While welcome, these limited movements on green list countries won’t be enough to salvage the summer season for the international travel sector.

“International connectivity extends far beyond tourism and underpins our whole economy. The UK’s successful vaccine rollout means we should be in the vanguard of safely restarting international travel.

“Other countries are already pressing ahead with enabling travel for the fully vaccinated. The government must show more urgency to implement a truly risk-based system.

“Further, urgent support is now needed for the travel industry to prevent the loss of skilled jobs and protect the UK’s long-term global competitiveness.”

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2Holidays

“We have been urging the UK Government to stay true to their word and follow the scientific evidence when it comes to making decisions about international travel, so today’s announcement is an overdue but welcome step in the right direction.

“We believe other destinations should still be added to the Green List, however what this demonstrates is that the Government is firmly committed to reopening international travel and we commend that approach.

“The vaccination programme has been a huge success, so it is time for us all to enjoy the benefits of that.”

Brian Strutton, acting general secretary of pilots’ union BALPA

“The government has not gone as far as it could have in opening up safe travel but they clearly heard the industry’s voice yesterday and have responded.

“It isn’t good enough to survive on and the absence of any US routes is a bitter blow.”

Diana Holland, assistant general secretary at Unite

“It is becoming increasingly clear that due to policies in the UK and in destination counties international air travel is not going to return to anything like normal this year.

“As a consequence, the government must stop prevaricating and swiftly introduce measures which will ensure that the UK still has a functioning aviation industry in the future.”

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