British Airways has announced customers can order discounted global antigen tests from Government-approved COVID-19 testing provider, Qured, at an exclusive price of £33.
The convenient rapid test kits are can be ordered to any UK address. Customers can take the kits, which are designed to be portable, with them abroad, in preparation for their return journey to the UK.
The test is remotely administered by a professional health advisor over a scheduled video call. The health advisor will guide the customer through taking a nose and throat swab and processing the sample. Verified results are available after twenty minutes, and the customer can download a ‘fit to fly’ certificate if the test is negative.
British Airways’ CEO Sean Doyle, said:
As we look forward and prepare for a safe return to travel, we remain focused on finding and offering the most convenient and affordable testing options for our customers.
Our teams were pleased to discover Qured, a unique new option which removes uncertainty and unnecessary expense for customers who may be concerned about sourcing a pre-departure test while away from home.
Qured’s CEO Alex Templeton, said:
Our accessible rapid testing service takes the hassle out of finding a test abroad. As a trusted healthcare provider we look forward to delivering an exceptional patient experience to British Airways’ customers and to working with them on a safe return to travel.
To find out more information on Qured, and all the other testing options and discounts available, customers can visit British Airways’ testing page on ba.com.
Rapid Covid-19 tests use a diagnostic lateral flow device to confirm the presence or absence of the virus. Qured’s rapid tests use a nose and/or throat swab to transfer the sample onto a lateral flow cassette. The lateral flow devices Qured uses have all been independently validated by Public Health England.
What is the Qured lateral flow test process?
Once a test is purchased, the customer will receive the test kit via next-day delivery.
Customers will be sent a unique link to sign up and book their virtual clinic slot.
Prior to the virtual appointment the patient will receive a link to access Qured’s secure video consultation platform. They will then be asked to enter their name.
The customer will enter the virtual waiting room and an expert health advisor will start the call at their chosen time.
The customer is then guided through the test procedure and the whole process takes around 10 minutes.
Result is available 20 minutes after the customer has completed the test. They will then email a photo of their ID and the LFD to Qured for verification.
The customer is notified via text and email that their test result is available, and if negative, they can download a ‘fit to fly’ certificate to be presented at the airport or uploaded to the VeriFly app.
International travel, in most cases, now requires passengers to show evidence of a negative test for Covid-19. So we have created the following resource to help travellers choose, plan and book Covid tests, in the most practical and convenient location.
We will expand the list as more details are provided of testing centres and facilities, as they are announced and launched.
The following is a set of useful contact details, links and other information about Covid testing at airports around the world. Please use the following information as a guide. If you would like further information, please contact your GTM Account Manager.
The opening times, costs, and turnaround times test results are for guidance only. In each case, please contact the testing centre directly. However, note that some of the centres offer testing only for arriving passengers, so cannot provide test certificates for departing passengers.
Websitehttps://www.flysfo.com/travel-well/sfo-covid-19-faqs Testing is limited to Cathay Pacific Airways passengers; United Airlines passengers with confirmed travel originating at SFO to the Hawaiian Islands. In either case, the airline will provide a link for eligible passengers to book an online appointment. Walk-in passengers on other itineraries whose travel originates out of SFO may be accepted for testing by Dignity Health-GoHealth Urgent Care on a limited first come first served basis.
A new strain of coronavirus discovered in the south east of England, which is said to be up to 70% more transmissible has led to significant disruption to international travel.
Flights from the UK have been temporarily banned by a number of countries in Europe and across the world. And, in some cases, restrictions are being placed on travellers from the UK, or people who have visited the UK in the last two weeks.
The Netherlands was the first country to announce a ban on travel to and from the UK. Since then, a further two dozen countries have introduced restrictions – this number is expected to increase throughout today.
Scott Pawley, managing director of Global Travel Management said:
We are in constant contact with airlines, hotels, other travel suppliers, industry bodies and UK government departments to make sure we are on top of the situation as it develops.
Scott also has advice for anyone travelling – or planning travel – over the next few days:
If you or your colleagues have booked travel over the coming days with Global Travel Management, we will be working hard to make sure your trip goes ahead; or to keep you informed of any changes that must take place. We will be checking your flights regularly, so that we are aware of any forced changes. We will be monitoring the situation with regards to further travel restrictions. And, most important, we will let you know if the situation with your travel changes, as soon as we can.
If you have any travel plans in the coming days and weeks, let us know. We will give you all the advice and help we can, as we always aim to do.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Travel-Corridors-7.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-12-21 11:47:472021-01-13 20:31:45Temporary emergency travel restrictions announced
Global Travel Management has announced the roll-out of two Covid-19 testing services for customers planning international travel.
GTM has relationships with two suppliers, Confirm Testing and DiamondAir. Both organisations can test passengers pre-flight and provide negative test certificates by email, paving the way for unhindered progress through the airport and on to their destination country.
Scott Pawley, managing director of GTM said
There is a growing list of business destinations that require a negative test certificate from UK-based travellers. So we are pleased to have put together testing programmes from two industry leaders, so that our customers can get tested and can receive certificates prior to travel.
Any customer can now choose the most convenient method, suiting their requirements. Tests can be carried out at home, at Heathrow Airport, or in specific locations in London.
We can even arrange a hotel stay prior to departure, so customers can receive take the test a day prior to their fight, relax in the hotel overnight before receiving their negative certificate the following day and transfer quickly and easily to the airport.
GTM customers will have a choice of supplier to administer and carry out their testing. The two programmes work as follows:
Confirm Testing
The customer orders a test to be sent to their home address at least five days prior to departure by Royal Mail Tracked 24 hour delivery. The test can be stored at home until it is required. The customer follows the test instructions, takes the test sample and returns it using the Royal Mail Tracked 24 hour label and packaging, putting them into a designated priority post box.
The test sample is analysed and results provided to the customer in time for the flight.
DiamondAir
The customer is tested in person, choosing to be tested either at Heathrow Airport or at one of Diamond Air’s London facilities in Mayfair or Enfield. The result of the PCR swab test is provided within 4-24 hours.
Customers can choose from several levels of service, including:
Test – this is a straightforward test, with results emailed to the customer
Test and rest – this comprises a test and overnight hotel accommodation
Test and destress – a test, plus departure/arrival meet and assist service including car transfer to/from the test clinic/airport
Paul Baker explained the service further
Testing for Covid-19 is mandatory for a growing number of countries. So we have negotiated a discount for GTM customers with these providers, meaning that, not only will they get a fully professional, secure testing process, they will get it at a discounted rate.
Some countries demand that the test certificate is produced within a short time-frame of their planned arrival in the country. So our teams of travel consultants can help passengers decide which testing service best meets their needs.
If you are planning to travel on business to a country that requires a negative test, contact your GTM Account Manager.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Testing.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-11-12 15:59:492020-11-12 15:59:52GTM rolls out Testing for Travellers
Industry leaders call for coronavirus measures to re-start business travel.
Clive Wratten of the BTA and Heathrow's John Holland-Kaye have set out demands to ensure passenger confidence and safety on international flights. https://t.co/FUCu7sG3jhpic.twitter.com/C8hNYpN6ET
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 18, 2020
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 14, 2020
Dubai-based airline Flydubai is taking bookings on its website from 5 June, after announcing that it had suspended passenger operations until June 4 as part of the precautionary measures implemented in response to Covid-19. https://t.co/yu4pken2lR via @BTUK#BusinessTravelpic.twitter.com/tjFVej7ywO
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 14, 2020
Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to cut jobs. KLM mandates face masks. Finland opens borders. IATA oppose the blocking of middle seats, favouring face masks. Eurowings asked passengers for new ideas. Qatar increases operations. Hong Kong Airport introduces full body disinfection booths.
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 7, 2020
Eurowings has launched the ‘Ideas Get Wings’ challenge, encouraging the public to submit ideas for products, ground processes or digital customer service innovations for travel in the post-coronavirus era. https://t.co/zVioM8Nv29 via @BTUK#BusinessTravelpic.twitter.com/sLMG0fkNyP
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 6, 2020
IATA has said there is no evidence that blocking the use of middle seats on aircraft will help to limit the spread of coronavirus and is instead backing the use of masks to protect passengers and crew during flights. https://t.co/gEXqxJPD6o via @BTNEurope#BusinessTravelpic.twitter.com/DVbaXWnfxX
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 6, 2020
The Finnish government has announced it will begin allowing traffic across Schengen internal borders for those travelling for work or other essential journeys from 14 May as part of its plan to reopen parts of the country.https://t.co/bGybGFxIfD via @BTNEurope#BusinessTravelpic.twitter.com/D42hjpUjvB
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 6, 2020
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 5, 2020
UPDATE: 4 MAY 08:00
Travel providers continue to make plans and adjustments in the on-going fight against the pandemic. Airports are sharing plans and results, hotel groups are enhancing their product and offerings, while airlines and rail companies continue to update their arrangements.
IAG carriers Iberia and Vueling access over €1 billion in state-backed loans, while, elsewhere in the group, British Airways franchise Comair is not expected to fly before October.
And, finally, on this day in 2018, Heathrow Airport celebrated “Star Wars Day” with an announcement of several new destinations, from Tatooine to the Death Star…
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 4, 2020
UPDATE: 28 APRIL 10:00
Airlines have announced further suspensions and arranged further repatriation flights; the UK government is discussing passenger quarantine; Gatwick issues a gloomy prediction; while The Londoner’s opening is postponed.
IATA announce the end of cheap travel and predict the UK will see 140m fewer flights; airlines continue to suspend services; airlines mandate use of masks and PPE; while airlines and hotel groups offer further concessions to customers.
Global Travel Management continues to publish regular tweets, every day, to update followers on all aspects of business travel, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. You can follow GTM’s Twitter account here – @GlobalTravelMgth– meanwhile, here are some recent tweets:
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) April 21, 2020
UPDATE: 17 APRIL 17:00
Airlines have taken further actions amid warnings of revenues diminishing significantly, while another rail company is seeking government help and a U.S. airline has taken an innovative approach to reducing onboard touchpoints.
easyJet expects to report first half losses in the range of £360 million to £380 million, with around half of this figure as a result of over-hedging on fuel and FX.
Cathay Pacific is allowing its customers to make unlimited changes to new tickets, at no extra cost for all new tickets purchased before 30 June this year.
UPDATE: 13 APRIL 18:00
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is taking full advantage of the aircraft downtime as a result of the coronavirus pandemic to conduct an extensive maintenance and cabin refresh programme.
UPDATE: 12 APRIL 15:00
Air Asia and Air France KLM have been reported in the news this weekend:
Air France KLM is reported to have announced internally that the company is losing €25 million per day.
UPDATE: 11 APRIL 10:00
Brussels Airlines has released footage of the process of storing their fleet of aircraft, now grounded at Brussels Airport. Each A330 takes about 400 man hours to store and the airline’s Maintenance and Engineering teams meticulously follow Airbus’ instructions to ensure they’re properly and appropriately parked up. Thirty employees are now working, full-time performing weekly inspections and turning the aircraft wheels every day to ensure even wearing, despite the weight of the aircraft.
Airlines continue to reduce services and make other savings, while Stansted has opened a testing centre and repatriation flights are planned for stranded travellers in India.
As airlines reduce their schedules further, Airbus has reacted by cutting planned production. Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy joins the increasing number of travel providers taking decisions to protect and extend earned status.
Airlines have been told to give prompt refunds, more airlines reduce flight schedules and extend policies, rescue flights from India commence, one UK airport bucks the European trend and robots are deployed to help with cleaning…
The US Transportation Department has announced that both US and foreign airlines must give a “prompt” refund to passengers for flights to, within, or from the US that have been cancelled due to Covid-19.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has announced the first round of rescue flights from India this week.
Hong Kong International Airport has deployed robots to clean public areas.
UPDATE: 4 APRIL 12:00
Airlines and hotel companies continue to make changes to their schedules and services in reaction to decreased demand in the light of the coronavirus outbreak.
Accor pledges to pay for employee Covid-19 medical bills.
Delta will make temporary changes to its food and beverage services on board all long-haul international flights starting from April to “lessen physical touch points on board”.
Emirates will commence flights from Dubai to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels and Zurich from 6 April.
Airports Council International has issued a gloomy prediction for the length of the air travel crisis, but airlines, car hire companies and even museums have released better news.
Airports Council International has warned that it may take until the end of 2021 before traffic levels reach pre-coronavirus levels.
Qatar Airways has announced the steps it is taking to limit the spread of Covid-19.
The British Museum, the Louvre, the Van Gogh Museum, the Vatican Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Rijksmuseum and the Musée d’Orsay are offering free virtual tours.
UPDATE: 2 APRIL 11:45
Airlines continue to announce changes, cuts and suspensions as they continue to battle the effect of the coronavirus outbreak.
American Airlines has produced a dramatically-reduced schedule for April.
British, Chinese, Philippine and Singapore airlines adjust schedules, including routes to and from London, while the Indian Government launches an online resource for stranded foreign nationals and Virgin Australia donates toilet paper to charity:
British Airways appears to be suspending flights from Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney in early April, according to Business Traveller.
Virgin Atlantic has reduced its schedules to three routes from Heathrow – Hong Kong, Los Angeles and JFK.
South Korea to impose 14-day quarantine for all arrivals from tomorrow but the cabinet in India has announced there are no plans to extend the country’s lockdown.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has announced it will spend £75m repatriating Britons currently abroad.
Taiwan‘s Health Minister has announced the country’s airlines will be required to wear full protective gear during flights, starting tomorrow.
The London Heliport, the capital’s only CAA-licensed helipad, is to close with immediate effect.
But, yet again, there are some, small pieces of good news:
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said the UK government will help facilitate rescue flights for the thousands of British travellers trying to get home from abroad.
Accor says that members of its ALL (Accor Live Limitless) loyalty programme will receive a boost in status nights and points to help them retain status.
Former Manchester United footballers Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs will open two hotels to NHS staff free of charge.
UPDATE: 19 MARCH 09:00
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued an Exceptional Travel Advisory Notice. The FCO advises British nationals against all but essential international travel
As the Covid-19 outbreak continues, more travel suppliers have released information about their short-term plans.
In Venice, the city’s canals are reported to have cleared up for the first time in many years due to the drop in visitors.
After a week of lockdown… The canals in Venice are all clear and full of fishes. Kinda gives you the idea what will happen to Earth without Humans! pic.twitter.com/FVc7N8vmty
Low-cost carrier Jet 2 has suspended all flights to Spain.
Low-cost carrier Norwegianhas announced it will ground 40% of its long-haul fleet.
SAS has announced it will temporarily halt “most of its traffic” from today.
However, some airlines have made more positive announcements:
Cathay Pacific is adding flights to London and to the US ahead of the Easter break.
Lufthansa Group’s airlines have said they will continue operating some flights to the US despite President Donald Trump’s restrictions on non-citizens entering the country from 26 European countries.
Vietnam Airlines has reversed its decision to suspend flights from London, Paris and Frankfurt.
Further to the announcement that the United States has extended its travel ban (see below), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advice for the United States, as follows:
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the USA, due to restrictions put in place by the US government with effect from 03:59 GMT 17 March in response to the outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19)
UPDATE: 14 MARCH 17:00
President Trump and Vice President Pence have extended the United States Schengen-area travel ban to include the United Kingdom and Repulic of Ireland. Please see thisbreaking news story.
UPDATE: 13 MARCH 15:00
The travel industry continues to react to the coronavirus outbreak. An increaesing number of airlines are suspending services reflecting reduced demand, while several new travel restrictions have been put in place.
The following airlines have recently announced suspensions of service:
Thailand has suspended granting of visas on arrival to nationals of Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Vanuatu.
The United States has imposed a temporary travel ban for travellers from 26 European countries.
Vietnam has suspended visa-free travel for people from the UK, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
UPDATE: 10 MARCH 12:00
Rail companies and airlines have announced further suspensions of services, fee waivers and details of cleaning and disinfection regimes. These include:
Cathay Pacific suspends Japan service – All Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Tokyo Haneda are suspended until 28 March.
Emirates announces enhanced cleaning and disinfection and fee waivers – Emirates has announced enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures on all aircraft from Dubai and a newly-introduced waiver policy for all booked tickets issued until 31 March 2020.
Lufthansa Group plans 50% flight reductions – Lufthansa Group has announced a plan to reduce its number of flights across the group by 50% and to examine the extent to which its entire A380 fleet can be temporarily decommissioned.
Qantas cuts international flights and grounds eight A380s – The Qantas Group has announced cuts to its international network which will see a 23% reduction in capacity until mid-September.
UPDATE: 6 MARCH 12:00
More airlines have announced cancellations, schedule changes and restrictions due to the on-going Covid-19 outbreak. These include:
Aeroflot suspends flights to Hong KongAeroflot will temporarily suspend flights from Moscow to Hong Kong amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus.
American Airlines suspends flights to SeoulAmerican has suspended its daily operation between Seoul Incheon Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
British Airways to waive flight change feesBritish Airways has announced it will waive flight change fees for customers who book until 16 March.
Delta suspends JFK-MilanDelta Air Lines has suspended its daily route between New York JFK and Milan Malpensa amid global concern over the spread of the coronavirus. The service is set to resume on 1 May. Delta’s daily flights from JFK and Atlanta to Rome remain unaffected.
Delta cuts Japan flightsDelta Air Lines will reduce its weekly flying schedule to Japan until 30 April and suspend its summer seasonal service between Seattle and Osaka this year.
Delta waives change fees for bookings in MarchDelta Air Lines will waive change fees for all flights booked between 1 March and 31 March to any destinations the airline serves.
Finnair announces China cancellations and more frequency reductionsFinnair will cancel all flights to mainland China (Guangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai and Xi’an) until 30 April 30. Daily flights to Seoul will be suspended from 9 March to 16 April. Throughout April it will fly to Hong Kong once daily rather than twice daily. It will also reduce its Osaka route from 12 to 10 weekly frequencies from 29 March to 24 October.
Finnair suspends all flights between Helsinki and MilanFinnair flights between Helsinki and Milan will be suspended between 9 March and 7 April, following an updated travel advisory from the Finnish Foreign Ministry on travel to Milan.
KLM cancels flights to Hong Kong and extends China flight suspensionsKLM has adjusted its flights to mainland China and Hong Kong. KLM has suspended its services to Beijing and Shanghai until 28 March and to Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xiamen until 3 May. KLM is also offering flights to Hong Kong every other day instead of daily flights until 3 May.
Lufthansa Group airlines to suspend flights to Israel The Lufthansa Group has announced that all flights to Israel will be suspended from 8 March until 28 March due to an Israeli government travel ban.
Norwegian cuts transatlantic servicesNorwegian says it will cancel a total of 22 long-haul flights between 28 March and 5 May. Affected routes include London-New York (where the three daily departures will be reduced to two on some days), and services from Rome to Los Angeles, Boston and New York.
Vietnam Airlines suspends all South Korea flightsVietnam Airlines said it will temporarily suspend all flights between Vietnam and South Korea starting 5 March.
Virgin Atlantic waives flight change fees for March bookingsVirgin Atlantic has announced it will not charge passengers a fee for changing flights for travel booked from Wednesday 4 March until Tuesday 31 March.
UPDATE: 2 MARCH 12:00
Several airlines have announced updates and changes due to the on-going Covid-19 outbreak. Here is a summary of some of the latest announcements:
British Airways reduces flights to Italy, Seoul and SingaporeBritish Airways is “merging” a number of flights to Italy, Singapore and Seoul, as it reacts to a fall in demand called by coronavirus.
American Airlines suspends flights to MilanAmerican Airlines has announced it is suspending flights to and from Milan, Italy from both New York (JFK) and Miami (MIA) from March until 25 April 2020.
Korean Air cuts international flightsKorean Air has suspended and reduced flights to a number of international destinations due to the outbreak in South Korea.
Delta to cut flights to Seoul until end of AprilDelta is temporarily reducing flights it operates between the US and Seoul Incheon Airport.
Juneyao Airlines to delay the launch of three Europe routes Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines will delay the launch of three new transcontinental routes from Shanghai to Dublin, Manchester and Reykjavik, all with a stop in Helsinki, which it initially planned to launch in late March this year.
Lufthansa Group to cut short-haul operations by “up to 25 per cent”Lufthansa Group says it will cut its short-haul operations in the coming weeks, “As a result of the current situation caused by the accelerated spread of the coronavirus”.
easyJet to halt recruitment and offer unpaid leaveeasyJet said that it had seen “a significant softening of demand and load factors into and out of our Northern Italian bases”, as well “slower demand across our other European markets”. The airline said that as a result it would be cancelling “some flights, particularly those into and out of Italy, while continuing to monitor the situation and adapting our flying programme to support demand”.
UPDATE: 26 FEBRUARY 14:01
The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) has provided updated general advice for foreign travel and how individuals can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 outbreak and specific advice for those travelling to category one locations (Wuhan city and Hubei Province (China); Iran; Daegu or Cheongdo (South Korea); and any Italian town under containment measures) or category two locations (Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, north Italy, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Myanmar, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam).
The Department for Health and Social Care and Public Health England have published the latest public advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19) here and will update this page with the latest situation in the UK at 14:00 every day, until further notice.
UPDATE: 7 FEBRUARY 13:30
Virgin Atlantic has issued the following advice:
Due to the ongoing situation with the Coronavirus the following Governments have made the decision to restrict entry for foreign visitors who have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau).
Customers due to travel to:
Antigua or Barbuda who have been to China (excluding
Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 28 days, will not be allowed to travel
Antiguan nationals are exempt
from
the restriction however will be subject to quarantine for 14 days on
arrival if they have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 28 days
Montego
Bay Jamaica who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
Jamaican nationals are exempt
from
the restriction however will be subject to quarantine for 14 days on
arrival if they have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days
Tel Aviv Israel
who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
Israeli nationals are exempt from
the
restriction however may be subject to quarantine on arrival if they
have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 14
days
Mumbai, Delhi India
who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
Indian nationals are exempt
from
the restriction however may be subject to quarantine on arrival if they
have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 14
days
St. Lucia
who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
St Lucia nationals are exempt
from
the restriction however will be subject to quarantine for 14 days on
arrival if they have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days
Grenada
who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
Grenada nationals are exempt
from
the restriction however will be subject to quarantine for 14 days on
arrival if they have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days
Trinidad and Tobago
who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
Trinidad and Tobago nationals are exempt from the restriction however may be subject to quarantine on arrival if they have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 14 days.
Contact your GTM Account Manager for details of any refunds due on flights booked.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office continues to offer the following advice:
1. The FCO advise against all travel to Hubei Province due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak.
2. The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao). The British Consulates-General in Wuhan and Chongqing are currently closed. If you’re in China and able to leave, you should do so. The elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be at heightened risk.
3. The Chinese government continues to impose further restrictions on movement within China in response to the coronavirus outbreak. These restrictions include the closure of some provincial highways and inter-city high speed rail, tight control on entry and exit to villages and townships across the country, and restrictions on movement within some provinces, cities and municipalities including Chongqing, Zhejiang and Anhui. Some airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have announced a suspension of flights to and from mainland China. Other commercial airlines are still operating, but it may become harder to access departure options over the coming weeks.
4. A number of countries have announced restrictions on entry by travellers from China in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Given the fast-changing situation, you should check the latest FCO travel advice (including entry requirements) for your destination and anywhere you are transiting through, and check with your airline before you travel.
UPDATE: 30 JANUARY 16:10
British Airways has issued a customer update confirming the planned end date of their current cancellations, in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The airline confirms that Shanghai and Beijing flights will be cancelled for all dates up to and including 29 February 2020. Flights to Hong Kong are unaffected.
British Airways issued a customer statement on 30 January, providing confirmation of the dates during which flights to mainland China will be cancelled.
UPDATE: 29 JANUARY 14:30
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued the following, additional information for travellers to China:
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel to Hubei Province due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak. If you’re in this area and able to leave, you should do so.
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao). The Chinese government continue to impose further restrictions on movement within China in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Some airlines, including British Airways, have suspended flights to and from mainland China. Other commercial airlines are still operating, but it may become harder over the coming weeks for those who wish to leave China to do so. If you feel that you may want to leave China soon, you should consider making plans to do so before any further restrictions may be imposed.
Due to increasing travel restrictions and difficulty accessing medical assistance, the FCO is working to make an option available for British nationals to leave Hubei Province. This may happen quickly and with short notice. If you’re a British national in Hubei Province and need assistance, contact our 24/7 number +86 (0) 10 8529 6600 or the FCO in London on (+44) (0)207 008 1500. If you have registered your desire to leave, you will be contacted once arrangements are confirmed.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued update travel advice:
We are working to make available an option for British nationals to leave Hubei province. If you are a British national in Hubei Province and require assistance, please contact:
· our 24/7 number +86 (0) 10 8529 6600 · or the FCO (+44) (0)207 008 1500
We continue to monitor developments closely and are in close touch with the Chinese authorities. The safety and security of British nationals is always our primary concern.
Following media reports of an outbreak of a new virus, we have compiled a number of resources that provide the latest advice for business travellers.
About Wuhan novel coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with some causing less-severe disease, such as the common cold, and others causing more severe disease such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronaviruses.
The source of the Wuhan novel coronavirus (WN-CoV) outbreak has yet to be determined. Preliminary investigations identified environmental samples positive for WN-CoV in Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan City.
Although evidence is still emerging, information to date indicates human-to-human transmission is occurring.
Enhanced monitoring has been put in place from all direct flights from Wuhan to the UK. The enhanced monitoring package includes a number of measures that will help to provide advice to travellers if they feel unwell.
Dr Nick Phin, Deputy Director, National Infection Service, Public Health England, said:
This is a new and rapidly evolving situation where information on cases and the virus is being gathered and assessed daily. Based on the available evidence, the current risk to the UK is considered low. We are working with the WHO and other international partners, have issued advice to the NHS and are keeping the situation under constant review.
The risk to visitors to Wuhan is moderate reflecting an increase in the number of cases being identified in China and evidence that the virus has limited spread from person to person. If you are travelling to the area, you should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and should avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms. Individuals should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of visiting Wuhan, either in China or on their return to the UK. They should phone ahead before attending any health services and mention their recent travel to the city.
A Foreign & Commonwealth Office spokesperson said:
In light of the latest medical information, including reports of some person-to-person transmission, and the Chinese authorities’ own advice, we are now advising against all but essential travel to Wuhan.
The safety and security of British nationals is always our primary concern, and we advise British nationals travelling to China to remain vigilant and check our travel advice on gov.uk.
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Airports Council International (ACI) World and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have called on governments to ensure any new measures introduced for airports and airlines in the wake of Covid-19 are supported by scientific evidence and are consistent across the world.
IATA General Secretary Alexandre de Juniac: “restoring air connectivity is vital to restarting the global economy”
ACI and IATA have jointly issued a paper laying out a pathway for restarting the aviation industry – Safely Restarting Aviation – ACI and IATA Joint Approach. Airlines and airports have co-operated to build a roadmap for resuming operations which reassures the travelling public that health and safety remain the overall priorities.
The joint approach proposes a layered approach of measures across the entire passenger journey to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid-19 at airports and onboard aircraft, and to prevent aviation becoming a meaningful source of international re-infection.
ACI and IATA are both central members the Covid-19 Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART) being led by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). CART enables the collaboration – among governments and between governments and industry -that is vital to ensure the harmonisation and consistency of measures that are essential to restoring air connectivity and passenger confidence in air travel.
ACI World Director General Angela Gittens said
Angela Gittens, ACI Director General: “the biggest challenge ever faced by commercial aviation”
Airports and airlines have come together with ICAO and the wider aviation industry to address the biggest challenge ever faced by commercial aviation in restarting a global industry while continuing to halt the spread of Covid-19. There is currently no single measure that could mitigate all the risks of restarting air travel but we believe a globally-consistent, outcome-based approach represents the most effective way of balancing risk mitigation with the need to unlock economies and to enable travel.
IATA’s Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said
Safety is always our top priority and that includes public health. Restoring air connectivity is vital to restarting the global economy and reconnecting people. Our layered approach of measures recommended by airports and airlines safeguards public health while offering a practical approach for a gradual restart of operations. It is important to remember that the risk of transmission on board is very low. And we are determined that aviation will not be a significant source of re-infection. We are working continuously with governments to ensure that any measures put in place are done so consistently and with scientific backing. That is key to restoring public confidence so the benefits of safely re-starting aviation can be realised.
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Senior travel industry representatives have set out a clear roadmap for business travel growth through London’s busiest airport and have answered questions from GTM’s clients.
Global Travel Management was one of a selected group of travel management companies to address John Holland-Kaye and Clive Wratten in an online Q&A.
Holland-Kaye, CEO of London Heathrow Airport repeated his calls for a “Common International Standard for health in aviation”, which would pave the way for infection-free passengers to be able to travel freely. And Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association (BTA) set out his organisation’s five-point plan to get business travel moving again.
Global Travel Management’s clients were asked what questions they would like to see put to the industry figures.
Global Travel Management Managing Director Scott Pawley
asked
The key to stimulating travel and to ensure clients see a swift and comprehensive return to travel plans is confidence. Until clients have confidence that their travel objectives can be met safely, there remains a barrier to returning to travel. What specific measures can we tell our clients that Heathrow is undertaking to ensure all travel meets with social distancing guidance and that airport staff, as well as passengers, are screened for coronavirus symptoms?
John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport, called for a Common International Standard for health in aviation
Holland-Kaye explained that the Common International
Standard for health in aviation is something that needs to be in place and confirmed
that the UK government is in a good place to bring together international
parties to ensure that this happens.
He also explained that Heathrow is taking several steps to
ensure safe, secure passage through the airport for business and leisure
travellers:
Passengers and staff will be required to wear face masks at the airport
Surfaces will undergo more rigorous and frequent cleaning
Hand sanitiser will be made available for general use
Investments will be made to ensure zero-touch passage through security becomes the norm – this investment may take up to two years to put in place
Once passengers are screened, through security and air-side, the comprehensive use face masks will reduce the need to adhere to typical two metre social distancing
Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management asked
Does Heathrow Airport Ltd have plans to instigate something similar to the testing on arrival carried out at Vienna Airport, which helps infection-free passengers avoid quarantine?
Holland-Kaye explained that tests should be carried prior to departure, rather than on arrival, and repeated his request for a Common International Standard to include an internationally agreed permit to guarantee arrival.
Wratten also explained the BTA’s five-point plan.
BTA CEO Clive Wratten has set out a clear, five-point plan to get businesses travelling again
The BTA recognises the many and complex challenges ahead in
the fight against Covid-19, but firmly believes the following five key steps
are necessary to get the business world travelling again:
Timeframe – No one knows when travel can
begin, and this missing date means consumers and businesses cannot be confident
about future journeys. We need to move from a restriction of “All but
essential” to “Essential business travel permitted”.
International co-operation and clarity – The
BTA is arguing for a set of globally consistent guidelines on social
distancing, the use of masks and other hygiene measures.
Protected travellers – When Governments
and travel providers give the green light, the need to ensure everyone stays
safe will remain crucial. This requires insurance to cover employees when they
travel and, in case of disruption or infection, that businesses’ actions will
not cause employee concern or dissent.
Safe services – Airlines, airports, train
companies, car rental firms, hotels and other accommodation providers will need
to demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt, the steps they are taking to ensure
cleanliness and social distancing. This could be overseen by travel
associations such as the BTA across the globe with a recognisable marque
provided to those who meet the criteria.
Competitive pricing – Economies are being
squeezed; companies are under pressure. Hence, travel budgets for the latter
half of this year, and for 2021, will be challenging. Consequently, all
elements of the business travel supply chain will need to ensure they remain
highly competitive on pricing. Achieving this requires government intervention
and financial commitment today to keep struggling businesses afloat – both in
the business travel sector and amongst those who buy from it.
We would like to thank Clive Wratten and John
Holland-Kaye for taking the time to answer these questions.
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Willie Walsh has told a committee of MPs his plans for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew while the coronavirus epidemic continues.
Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, gave evidence to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee yesterday (Monday, 11 May) Image: StuBaileyPhoto/Wikimedia-Commons/parliament.uk
Walsh, chief executive of International Airlines Group (IAG) was facing MPs gathering evidence for the Transport Select Committee.
He explained,
There is very little evidence of any passenger to passenger contact spreading of the coronavirus. That’s not to say people on flights have not got off and subsequently tested positive and spread it as a result of that.
Walsh went on to explain the measures IAG – comprising British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Level and Vueling – will take:
We will take all measures and we are working with regulators to implement what I hope will be a common system across – let’s start with – Europe, and hopefully globally, will take measures that need to be taken at airports, on board the aircraft and to ensure that all of the responsible authorities are able to track and trace everybody who has come off an aircraft to ensure that, if there is anybody that tests positive, that they can be tracked.
We are working with a number of regulators. EASA, the European Safety Agency, will be publishing a draft document some time this week which will set out the regulations that they will propose to the EU27. I expect that to be a comprehensive document which will deal with all aspects. We will follow any regulation that is introduced to ensure that people can be confident that it is safe to climb aboard an aircraft in this environment.
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The Covid-19 pandemic continues to cause uncertainty to industries in the United Kingdom and beyond. The travel industry is not immune to the disruption caused. But at Global Travel Management we are committed to ensuring we provide a safe business travel management service and that our clients have access to up to date information and guidance.
What we are doing
We are monitoring the Covid-19 pandemic and how the travel industry is dealing with it very closely. Members of our management team are in regular dialogue with industry bodies and are working to ensure that travellers’ best interests are at the forefront of decision-making. We will be happy to answer any questions you have.
We have closed our office premises and transferred all travel management functions to employees working from home. You can still reach Global Travel Management by phone or email in the usual way.
Where you can get more information
We have a news page on our website that gathers some of the most important and breaking news on Covid-19 and its impact on the travel industry and business travellers. Covid-19 news page.
You can follow our Twitter account which contains business travel news as it breaks. GTM Covid-19 tweets. (Opens in new tab).
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has a frequently-update page offering guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. FCO guidance for travel. (Opens in new tab).
