Government publishes aviation COVID-19 guidance
- Department for Transport publishes COVID-secure aviation guidance to support operators and passengers
- guidance for passengers and workers includes advice on wearing face coverings, checking in all baggage and creating safe work spaces
- when it is safe for restrictions on travel to be lifted, guidance will help the sector to protect staff and passengers
Today, the Department for Transport has published new aviation guidance, setting out measures operators should put in place to protect staff and passengers.
The guidance, produced by the government’s International Aviation Taskforce, in collaboration with the industry, also provides advice for passengers on how to travel safely and on how to follow social distancing measures at each stage of their journey.
The guidance focuses extensively on the health and safety of passengers and staff and in line with international best practice, is the culmination of an extensive programme of engagement between the government, aviation industry and public health experts. It outlines a framework for the industry to operate from once travel restrictions are lifted and when it is safe to do so, helping to restore jobs, trade, and opportunities for travel.
The guidance to passengers covers all aspects of the travel experience, from checking the public health requirements before booking a flight, to navigating the airport safely and boarding the flight or leaving the airport.
Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, said:
Today’s guidance is a positive next step towards ensuring a safer and more sustainable aviation sector.
The government’s advice currently remains to avoid all non-essential travel, but today we are taking the necessary steps to ensure a framework is in place for the aviation industry to bounce back when it is safe for restrictions on travel to be lifted.
