British pilots call on politicians to rescue travel industry

An aircraft takes off at Heathrow Airport amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic in London, Britain, February 4, 2021.

British pilots on Wednesday urged politicians to save the summer holiday season through clearer travel guidance and provide direct financial support to rescue jobs as the industry grapples with an existential crisis brought on by Covid restrictions. England is re-opening from a third national Covid-19 lockdown but the travel sector is essentially closed for business, with the government advising against travel for all bar a small handful of destinations. British government ministers are examining ways to re-open travel more broadly, and are considering plans to ditch quarantine requirements for vaccinated adults and their children to some destinations. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that whatever happens, it will be a difficult year for travel.