Government sets out 'Covid-secure' guidelines for flying

The government has set out its full "Covid-secure" guidelines for the safe resumption of international air travel.

Passengers are advised to check in all baggage, including their hand baggage, and wear face coverings at all times.

They are also advised to remain seated as much as possible during the flight.

The guidance covers the entire passenger journey, from arrival at their departure airport to picking up their bags in-destination.

Airports and airlines are encouraged to reduce face-to-face contact with passengers at check-in, security and at the gate, and ensure passengers take precautions to guard against transmission onboard.

Airlines have also been told to draw up and introduce protocols to manage passengers or staff who show symptoms during a flight.

Despite trials at Heathrow and several other airports, the government has said it does not believe temperature screening is an effective precaution.

A full guidance note published on 11th June by the Department for Transport states "there should be no requirement for temperature screening before passengers fly to, enter, depart from, or fly within the UK", citing the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage).

Airports and airlines are free to implement temperature screening as part of a wider package of measures to increase passenger confidence, or comply with requirements of destinations that have already mandated pre-flight temperature screening.

Operators are advised to consider pathways for passengers who fail screening.

"Today’s guidance is a positive next step towards ensuring a safer and more sustainable aviation sector," said transport secretary Grant Shapps.

"The government’s advice currently remains to avoid all non-essential travel, but today 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."

Passengers are further advised to wash their hands regularly, including after touching any surfaces; practise social distancing to a distance of two metres wherever possible; check-in online and limit face-to-face contact wherever possible, and "treat staff and other passengers with respect".

Airports should do everything possible to promote social distancing through one-way flows to reduce queues and crowding; install new signage, including floor signage; implement enhanced cleaning and disinfection regimes; and install protective measures such as check-in screens.

Airlines should increase pre-flight communication to remind passengers of any new rules and requirements, such as bringing their own face coverings; consider removing in-flight magazines and reducing onboard service; consider providing passengers sanitation wipes; and devise rigorous protocols for handling symptomatic passengers.

’Targeted approach’

Tim Hawkins, Manchester Airports Group chief strategy officer, added: "This new guidance provides the basis for the restart and recovery of the UK aviation industry – it offers clear information for us, our passengers and our airlines on the steps needed to create a safe travel experience.

"The guidance is the result of strong collaboration between government and the aviation industry, drawing on advice from independent medical and scientific experts who have looked specifically at what safety measures are needed at each stage of the travel process.

"With similar protocols being adopted in other countries, and a targeted approach to reopening travel to low-risk countries, we will have the elements in place to get our economy moving again and protect jobs throughout the whole aviation supply chain."