It's a "bitterly disappointing" decision to take Portugal off the "green list" of countries, from which travellers can return without quarantine.
That's what the Chief Executive of Gatwick Airport is calling the government's removal of the European nation in its adjustment of its traffic-light system for people coming back from overseas journeys.
Stewart Wingate said:
“It is bitterly disappointing news for our impacted passengers and airlines that Portugal is to be added to the “amber” list from next week while no further destinations are being opened up for “green” travel.
"While it is in all of our interests to ensure that we only take forward steps out of the pandemic, we hope that the rest of Europe follows the UK’s speed of public vaccination so that safe and easy travel to and from the UK becomes a reality quickly, particularly as travel between mainland European countries is opening up already."
But the CEO added a hope for the months to come:
"As the UK remains focussed on its final easing out of lockdown at the end of June, we remain optimistic that Summer holidays abroad will be a reality for the many people desperate to reunite with friends and family or enjoy a well-earned break.”
The impact of the pandemic on aviation has severely affected employment and the economic well-being of Crawley, and the wider area in the so-called "Gatwick Diamond" across parts of Sussex, Surrey and south London.
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