UK and Portugal reported to be in talks over 'Air Bridge'

Officials in the UK and Portugal are reportedly in talks to agree an "air bridge" between the two countries to expedite the return of British tourists to Portugal.

Reuters reported on Tuesday (26 May) that talks were under way over an agreement which would allow Britons returning from Portugal to forego the UK government’s two-week mandatory self-isolation, or quarantine, requirement due to come into force on 8 June.

Portugal has placed tourism at the heart of its economy over the past decade, contributing about 15% of the country’s GDP, with Britain has emerged as its strongest source market.

The country’s foreign ministry told Reuters it was confident that given the two countries’ "reciprocal interests", a solution could be found in time for the summer season.

Air bridges were first raised in the House of Commons by transport secretary Grant Shapps, but prime minister Boris Johnson subsequently played down the likelihood of any such agreements serving to fast track the return of European inter-connectivity.

Portugal is gradually reopening its tourist economy; a third of Algarve hotels are open, with this number expected to rise to 75% in June. Beaches are also reopening with new social distancing rules.

It has pledged not to impose quarantine on arrivals this summer, while the country’s tourism authority has developed a new "safe and clean" stamp to denote businesses compliant with new Covid-19 hygiene standards.