Catherine McKinnell has warned that the next few months are crucial for Newcastle International Airport and other airports.
Speaking during an Urgent Question called by the Labour Party on changes to international travel rules, Catherine highlighted that “July and August are crucial months for airports, but the modest uplift in travel expected this year means airports like Newcastle International will continue to face an extremely challenging financial outlook.”
The Newcastle North MP called on the Government to ensure “a more targeted comprehensive support package for this sector” with “further help such as harmonisation on the quarantine rules for those vaccinated abroad, and action to bring down the high cost of testing”.
Following her comments, Catherine stated:
“Newcastle International Airport is a vital resource for people and businesses across the North East and crucial to our local and regional economy.
“The next few months are critical and airports need the Government’s Aviation Recovery Plan without delay, and further support such as the harmonisation on the quarantine rules for UK nationals vaccinated abroad, and action to bring down the high cost of testing.
“The Government gives plenty reassurances but are sadly lacking on action to support this vital industry.”
Notes:
- Travellers arriving in the UK from amber-list countries are exempt from the quarantine requirement provided they have received two doses of a vaccine through the NHS vaccine rollout. This means, however, that people vaccinated in other countries are not exempt and must still isolate when they reach the UK, which can cause difficulties for family visiting from overseas and UK nationals who were vaccinated abroad.
- In his statement of 8 July, the Transport Secretary said: “…we want to welcome international visitors back to the UK and are working to extend our approach to vaccinated passengers from important markets and holiday destinations later this summer, such as the USA and the EU. I will update the House in due course on how we approach vaccinated individuals from other countries.” (https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/international-travel-from-amber-list-countries-and-territories) No further information has been made available at the time of writing.