Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands have suspended receiving flights from the UK today, with Germany, France and other European nations looking to follow.
The move to limit travel to Europe from the UK follows the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday placing tougher restrictions on London, and similar announcements from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The message from the PM yesterday of an increased risk from a new strain of Covid-19 spooked thousands of Londoners to head to rail stations and flee the capital before midnight.
Heathrow had seen two days of busy travel prompt unions to threaten action due to crowds not following social distancing and potentially placing their members at risk.
As leaders across Europe will have watched the PM’s announcement its tone and the speed of implementation has clearly spurred them into action. Matt Hancock admitting on live television earlier today that the spread of the new strain of Covid-19 was “out of control” will have done nothing to calm concerns.
Belgium is suspending all flights and Eurostar arrivals from Britain from 11pm UK time tonight.
The ban in the Netherlands is already in effect.
France and Germany are considering following suit but have made no announcements.
Spain is calling on the EU for a collective decision, and statements indicate Spain will implement restrictions if the EU don’t act.
It seems as if the PM and his team have not just spooked Londoners and may now have difficulty limiting the transmission of their message far wider.
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Hospitality & Catering News: UK Flights to Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands suspended with EU called on to follow – 20 December 2020 – UK Flights to Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands suspended with EU called on to follow.
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