The further easing of travel restrictions throughout July resulted in a 74% upsurge in passengers compared with July 2020, reveals Heathrow airport. With consumer confidence on the rise, over 1.5 million travellers passed through Heathrow last month, marking the highest monthly passenger numbers since March 2020. The relaxation in rules has provided a much-needed boost to the UK travel industry.
North American passenger numbers grew by nearly 230% YoY, and New York JFK reclaimed the top spot as Heathrow’s most popular route. Later this week Heathrow is set to further increase its transatlantic offering, as it welcomes American carrier jetBlue. With fully vaccinated US visitors now able to travel to the UK without the need to quarantine, Heathrow calls on the joint UK/US travel taskforce to capitalise on the UK’s world-leading vaccine rollout and “reach a reciprocal agreement for fully vaccinated UK travellers”.
Despite signs of recovery, passenger numbers are still down over 80% on pre-pandemic July 2019, as barriers to travel remain. Meanwhile, the cost of testing in the UK remains prohibitive for many, as industry calls for VAT to be scrapped, alongside the use of cheaper lateral flow for low-risk destinations.
As more countries hit their vaccine rollout milestones whilst maintaining low infection rates, Heathrow again stresses the reopening of vital trading links such as Canada and Singapore which is critical for British business. “Severed trade links must be restored as soon as the data allows, and UK Government should not delay these vital decisions” says Heathrow.
Heathrow Chief Operating Officer, Emma Gilthorpe said: “Finally, some blue skies are on the horizon, as travel and trade routes slowly reopen. The job though is far from complete. Government must now capitalise on the vaccine dividend and seize the opportunity to replace expensive PCR tests with more affordable lateral flow tests. This will ensure travel remains attainable for hardworking Brits, desperate for well-earned getaways and keen to reunite with loved ones before the summer travel window closes.”