Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 29
The way in which the Government introduced international travel restrictions during the pandemic was inconsistent,...
Conclusion
The way in which the Government introduced international travel restrictions during the pandemic was inconsistent, confusing industry and passengers. The aviation industry, which connects the UK to the world, experienced severe economic difficulties due to Government restrictions that were not based on scientific consensus. As international travel restarted in the summer of 2021, the industry, its workforce and passengers were subjected to a traffic light system that was opaque, ambiguous and inconsistent. Government restrictions on international travel throughout the pandemic were disproportionate to the risks to public health.
Paragraph Reference:
29
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government has noted this recommendation and on 26 May published Flightpath to the Future – a strategic framework for the future of aviation. The publication focuses on the importance of sector recovery, whilst also recognising the importance of looking ahead to the future of aviation and highlights key priorities for the sector over the next ten years. Flightpath to the Future focuses on building back better following the pandemic and delivering a modern, innovative and efficient aviation sector of the future. It sets out a clear vision for the future of the sector and includes a ten-point plan for delivering this. Alongside recovery, the ten point plan considers a wide range of opportunities and challenges, including issues such as regional connectivity, skills, noise, innovation, consumer issues, decarbonisation, and the UK’s global impact. Through Flightpath to the Future, the Government has also committed to launching an Aviation Council. The sector made a key ask to Government following strong collaboration during the pandemic that this continues, and the Aviation Council will provide an important forum to support the delivery of the key priorities set out in the framework. The Council will bring together key representatives from across the aviation sector, the whole of Government and the Devolved Administrations to support the implementation of the ten-point plan. The Council will be jointly chaired by the Minister for Aviation and a sector co-chair, who will be appointed from the membership. The membership of the Council will be announced in due course. The Council will also utilise sub-groups to explore key issues, which will further expand opportunities for a range of sector representatives to be involved in the implementation of Flightpath to the Future over the next ten years.