Voice of London

2020 has been a tough year for the aviation industry, lockdowns and quarantines have meant a significant reduction in terms of international travel. However, will people be able to get home for Christmas this year? 

According to the International Airport Association the UK aviation industry is set to face a loss of £20.1 billion in 2020.

 

Christmas shopping this time last year would be well under way with London’s shopping street’s packed solid

Instead, we are all at home awaiting our release on December 2^nd.

What will Christmas look like this year? Will food/toys be rationed to cope with demand? Will it be a virtual Christmas? Will I be able to travel to see my family?

Airlines are usually very busy with many increasing the number of flights. This year things will be a lot different. The question on some people’s minds is will international travel be possible over the Christmas period?

At the moment there is no answer to this question but all around the world many airports have started testing passengers.

On the 20^th October Heathrow airport trialled tested passengers flying to Hong Kong. The test cost £80 and provided a result within the hour. British Airways is now testing passengers flying from the United States.

 

Airlines are now starting to implement testing trials for arrivals in a number of different airports worldwide.

Health care providers are starting to offer PCR tests as well as issuing fit to fly certificates.

Could this be the future of international travel?

At the moment it is possible to visit some Caribbean islands including Antigua, Bermuda, Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia and St Barthelemy.

All islands require you to undertake a test for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure.

Travelers must also provide a self-certified document that acknowledges they have not experienced any COVID symptoms or been around anyone with the disease.

The United Arab Emirates has recently re-opened its borders with Dubai International Airport launching an integrated biometric path. This path will use a combination of facial and iris recognition, this path aims to enable hygienic contactless travel.

Passengers must also take a PCR test before arrival into the UK.

There are some more countries open to brits however have also implemented restrictions on entry including PCR testing, most airports will measure your temperature while transiting through.

Italy has been a popular destination for many brits during the summer months. However, you now need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Italy has now made masks mandatory outdoors.

International travel Is usually supposed to relax individuals, however at the moment all the restrictions being imposed seem to make it a stressful experience.

Words by: Ryan Venables | Subbing: Grace Staley