The British Airline Pilots’ Association has welcomed the latest easing of travel restrictions and says its members are ready to ensure passengers get to their long awaited destinations safely.

BALPA has been calling for a more proportionate approach to travel rules as well as a simplified Passenger Locator Form for some time, which Government has now implemented.

General Secretary Martin Chalk said:

“We are delighted that travel is now easier than in recent memory and unnecessary additional cost burdens have been removed from travellers.

“With the World Health Organisation calling for States to end travel bans as they do not contribute to public health protection, this is clearly a better balance between normal life and the now hugely reduced risk of Covid.

“Whilst there is some way to go in the industry’s recovery, and we urge Government to do all it can to restore confidence and provide the right supportive environment for that recovery, pilots are already training and flying to take people all over the world, safely and in comfort.

“Having spoken with Ministers on a number of occasions recently, I am confident that they fully support our members and our industry to do what it does best; connect families, connect business, connect people.”

“Travel and holidays are back on.”