As an island, accessible by sea, air and tunnel, transportation links are crucial to the UK's travel and the tourism industry, inbound and outbound. Below is a summary of how some of the key transport companies have been reacting to covid-19 and travel restrictions.
Eurotunnel’s passenger shuttle services have continued to operate throughout, although their terminals are closed. However, they advise passengers to check carefully before travelling to Folkestone, as they may be turned away by the French Authorities if they don't have good reason to travel within France and as of 07 April they require an “Attestation de déplacement international”. France will only allow travel for the following reasons: going home to a main residence, essential work in France or Medical staff.
Eurostar, are operating limited services, without catering and from 4 May, passengers must wear a face mask or face covering at their stations and on board in line with guidelines announced by the French and Belgian governments. The same restrictions on travel in France apply as above.
Brittany Ferries implemented further schedule changes in light of covid-19 in announcements from 20 March to protect both passengers and crew and are currently operating a not very viable a skeleton service for commercial traffic only. The same restrictions on travel in France apply as above.
British Airways started working around the clock to help its customers get to where they needed to be before borders closed or to rearrange their travel plans, they have since had to cancel the majority of flights and make up to 12,000 of their 42,000 staff redundant due to covid-19
RyanAir on 20 March was advising customers considering travel that all Government travel restrictions must be followed and by 30 April was advising that as many as 3,000 jobs due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic would be cut.
London City Airport announced its temporarily suspension of its commercial and private flights from the airport from 25 March and although this was expected to last until the end of April this has been extended into May and is under review.
Gatwick Airport remains open closing the North Terminal with limited passenger facilities. Rail and coach services are also reduced.
Today the Virgin Group announced it is to cut just over 3,000 jobs in a move that will spell the end of its long-running operations at London's Gatwick Airport.
Not everyone made those last flights and still additional repatriation flights from New Zealand, Guyana, and South Asia are being arranged to bring home the remaining 21,000 UK nationals by mid-May.
Boeing will reduce their workforce by 10%, citing a significantly reduced demand for production and a net loss of $641 million in Q1 this year.
The UN International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has established a new COVID-19 Aviation Recovery Task Force to help lead the recovery of the aviation sector following the pandemic.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a new “Plain Sailing Guarantee” to clarify their payment, transfer and refund policies and offer reassurance to customers with upcoming bookings.
Watch this space for more updates next week.
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