Colin Stewart, chairman of the Latin American Travel Association, and country director of Air Europa, shared his views on the government?s directive that all UK-bound passengers should self-isolate for at least 14-days after landing
The government directive comes as a preventive measure for travelling post-lockdown. But not everybody is hopeful about the idea; least of all, the aviation industry, which has come to a halt in the past few months. A 14-day quarantine would further slow down business and reduce the number of available flights.
He says, ?We are disappointed with the government?s announcement of quarantine for all UK- arrivals. It will be extremely damaging for the travel and aviation sector which has been deeply impacted by the pandemic.?
?On behalf of our LATA members, we urge the government to engage constructively with the aviation and travel industry, and develop carefully coordinated measures, which are necessary and scientific, to prevent the spread of the virus. The measures should be based on evidence rather than a general preventive measure, which can further lead to job losses,? he added.
While Stewart expressed his support for the government?s initiatives, to prevent the risk of contamination during travel; he asked for a detailed plan about the timescale for these measures, and more clarity about how such measures would be phased out.
?We want the government to engage with the travel industry to coordinate appropriate measures, but also help and protect the future of the sector,? he urged.
Image credit: Curt Smith/Flickr
