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(Adds PM comment, background)
LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - The ban on non-essential
international travel to and from England will stay until at
least May 17, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday,
prolonging the pain for airlines, airports and holiday companies
hit by the pandemic travel slump.
But would-be holidaymakers will be given clarity on making
plans for the summer by April 12, when a review on how to
restart travel safely will be published.
"The government will determine when international travel
should resume, which will be no earlier than 17 May," it said.
Johnson told parliament there would still be time to plan
for summer trips.
"I believe that setting a deadline of April 12 for the
report ... will give people time to make their plans for summer
and if things go well ... then I do believe there is every
chance of an aviation recovery later this year," he said.
Airlines like Britain's easyJet and British Airways
are counting on a summer recovery after close to a year
with minimal revenues due to travel restrictions. If they
cannot, analysts say most airlines will need to raise more funds
to survive after burning through their cash reserves.
The April review will provide recommendations about when and
how full international travel should resume, while managing the
risks of new variants of coronavirus.
Much will depend on the spread of variants deemed "of
concern", as well as vaccine roll-outs at home and abroad.
Britain tightened its borders earlier in February,
introducing additional COVID-19 testing requirements and hotel
quarantines for arrivals from some countries over worries about
new variants that might be more resistant to current vaccines.
Unwinding restrictions could involve making greater use of
the test to release scheme, under which those arriving from
abroad pay for a test to shorten a 10-day quarantine.
The government is also looking at a system of allowing
vaccinated people to travel more freely abroad, it said.
But such a system would have to be fair and not unduly
disadvantage those who have not been vaccinated, it said,
warning it would take time to implement.
Britain is looking at providing a clear framework for
international travel standards with the World Health
Organization and other partners, the government added.
(Reporting by Sarah Young. Editing by Elizabeth Piper and Mark
Potter)
