Response to today's easing of international travel restrictions

“The simplification of the UK’s international travel system, including doing away with pre-departure tests and switching to lateral flow on arrival, will make it easier and cheaper for people to travel abroad.

“For many months, the recovery of UK aviation has lagged behind the rest of Europe. The changes announced today will help to close that gap by encouraging more people to book foreign travel.

“For as long as vaccinated travellers have to pay for tests, the recovery of one of the UK’s major industries will be held back.

“The Government must now find a way to give people back the freedom to travel without the barrier of testing.”

Charlie Cornish, CEO of MAG (Manchester Airports Group), which owns and operates East Midlands Airport.