Jet2 Supports Move for Amber Countries to be Quarantine-Free

Jet2 believes that those who have been twice vaccinated should be able to travel to countries on the Amber List without having to return to quarantine.

The CEO of Jet2holidays, a low-cost airline and tour operator, was responding to reports that the government was mulling a plan to “rescue the summer.”

Quarantine-free travel should be offered to destinations such as the Balearic Islands, Greece, and Malta, according to the firm, which said it is working with the government to reach that goal.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 and Jet2holidays, said: “This is very welcome news and should represent a meaningful restart to international travel in the very near future.

“The vaccination program was designed to protect people from coronavirus so that they can enjoy their freedoms once again.

“If people have received two doses of the vaccine and are still not allowed to travel overseas to enjoy their holidays, what is the purpose of the vaccination program? The rollout has been a huge success, so it is time for us all to enjoy the benefits of that.

“As well as vaccination rates, the UK government has said that they are making decisions about international travel based on infection rates too.

“If this data is driving these decisions, then we believe that destinations such as Malta, the Balearic Islands, and many islands in Greece should be open to holidaymakers from the UK.”

He added: “At present, the UK remains largely grounded and our customers are left to look on with envy whilst the rest of Europe opens up.

“We look forward to flying again soon and will continue to work with the UK government to achieve that.”

Jesse Norman, the Treasury’s Financial Secretary, confirmed earlier press reports that the government is considering possibilities for allowing double-vaccinated Britons to take vacations.

“We don’t want to get left behind by countries which may be adopting a two jabs approach if it can be done safely and if it can be done carefully and securely,” he told Sky News today.

“I wouldn’t write anything off at this point.”

However, Norman noted that opening up means “we are in a situation where the virus is not something we control” and, amid the recent spike in cases from of the Delta variant, “it would be imprudent to make any carte blanche or firm statement now”.