A coalition of US and European travel, airline, union, business and airport groups on Monday called for fully reopening the air travel market “as soon as safely possible.”
In a letter to US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the groups said the leaders’ planned meeting in early June “would be an ideal opportunity for a joint announcement of the full reopening of the US-UK air travel market for both US and UK citizens.”
The United States since March 2020 has barred nearly all non-US citizens who have recently been in the UK from the United States.
“The return of Transatlantic flying would not only have a significantly positive impact on our respective economies but will also reunite those who have been separated from their loved ones for over a year,” said the letter, signed by the US Chamber of Commerce, Airlines for America, Global Business Travel Association, Air Line Pilots Association, Virgin Atlantic, Association of UK Airlines, Aerospace Industries Association and others.
“Safely reopening borders between the US and UK is essential for both countries’ economic recovery from COVID-19.”
On Monday, the European Union’s executive recommended easing COVID-19 travel restrictions next month to let foreign travelers from more countries enter the EU, hoping to boost the stricken tourism industry this summer. – Reuters
