Britain publishes COVID-19 safety guidance for airlines and airports

LONDON, June 11 (Reuters) - Britain published new guidance
for airlines and airports on how to operate safely to minimise
the risks from coronavirus, adding to hopes that the country
will soon agree deals to allow quarantine-free travel.

Passengers and staff should wear face coverings in airports
and on aircraft, while passengers should check in all luggage
including hand bags and remain seated for as much of the flight
as possible, said the Department for Transport on Thursday.

Since the outbreak of coronavirus, there has been minimal
flying into and out of Britain. Airlines had been hoping for a
recovery in July, but they say new UK rules requiring
international arrivals to quarantine for 14-days have pushed
this back.

Britain has said work is continuing on "air bridges" between
countries with low infection rates, something which the industry
says is vital to kickstart travel demand and avoid further job
losses on top of the tens of thousands already announced.

The new aviation guidance shows the government is preparing
for a restart.

"We are taking the necessary steps to ensure a framework is
in place for the aviation industry to bounce back when it is
safe for restrictions on travel to be lifted," said transport
minister Grant Shapps in a statement.

Many airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and
British Airways have already said that customers must
wear face coverings onboard.

The guidance to put most baggage in the hold could be
problematic for some low-cost airlines such as Ryanair which
formerly charged a premium for customers to keep larger bags
with them in the cabin.

The government also said in its guidance that there should
be extensive cleaning of the aircraft, and more availability of
handwashing and hand sanitiser facilities.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Michael Holden)