Airports need urgent clarity on new quarantine rules - Chamber

The Government must step up its support for airports that have been “absolutely decimated ” by the pandemic following a decision to impose stricter quarantine rules, business leaders said today.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Wednesday that UK nationals returning from 30 'red list ' countries will be forced to quarantine for 10 days in Government-provided accommodation such as hotels.

Mr Johnson said the strict measures have been imposed to prevent new mutant Covid strains from reaching the UK.

He said the government would “enforce this at ports and airports by asking people why they are leaving and instructing them to return home if they do not have a valid reason to travel ”.

The 30 countries on the 'red list ' include all those in South America, as well as large parts of Southern Africa and Portugal.

The news will further impact airports such as Birmingham, which is already handling 90 per cent less passengers than before the pandemic.

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said the Government urgently bring forward a plan to help airports.

He said: “We understand the rationale behind the Government 's latest decision - given the virulence of the latest strain of Covid-19, it is essential steps are put in place to minimise its spread and reduce the risk of transmission.

“However, there needs to be greater clarity on what this measure will practically entail and how it will impact airports across the country that have been absolutely decimated by the pandemic.

“Supporters of this move will point to similar programmes in play in Australia and New Zealand, however, let 's not forget their respective Governments have spent billions in trying to help their aviation industries survive this crisis - sadly, a equivalent level of support has been noticeably lacking for operators in the UK.

“Last week, the Aviation Minister suggested that UK airports would be able to access financial support by the end of the financial year - given the severe hardships those in the industry are facing I 'm afraid those timeframes simply aren 't good enough.

“As we set out in our latest Back our Businesses campaign, anchor institutions such as Birmingham Airport that contribute so much to our region in terms of employment and economic growth, need to access cash as quickly as possible if we are safeguard thousands of jobs across the West Midlands and beyond.

“Clearly, the Government needs to set out a well-defined and robust strategy which will give businesses and consumers the confidence they need to start travelling again once we 've got the virus under control otherwise the longer term ramifications for the country 's economy and it 's position in the world will be there for all to see. ”

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “Birmingham Airport has supported the Government 's decisions to protect public health, including policies on air travel corridors and testing, and it is relieved that further border measures will be on a risk basis rather than a blanket approach.

“We await further details on how this new policy will be introduced so that we can provide the necessary support for the very small number of passengers that this may impact on arrival into Birmingham Airport.

“Despite handling passenger volumes of 90 per cent less that pre pandemic levels due to the current restrictions, airports have not received any sector specific financial support.

“We are therefore keen to receive details on the aviation business rate relief scheme announced late last year, in addition to the Aviation Recovery Plan, which will set out how the Government foresees the industry 's way out of this crisis, once safe to do so. ”

Click here to read the #BackOurBusinesses report.