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Coronavirus: When will it be safe to fly again? Coronavirus: What do I need to know if I decide to fly?
(4 days later)
Aer Lingus has said it will review its procedures following a claim it did not maintain social distancing among passengers on a Belfast-London flight. A two-week quarantine period is expected to come into force for anyone flying into the UK from abroad - except those arriving from the Republic of Ireland.
But when can air passengers expect things to return to the way they were before coronavirus? Some airports are also introducing new rules on face coverings and gloves.
So what do you need to know if you're planning to fly during the Covid-19 pandemic?
What are the new quarantine rules?
UK airlines and airports say they have been told the measures will come in at the end of May - but they are waiting for full details from the government.
Passengers touching down in the UK would have to self-isolate for 14 days at a private residence. Key workers such as lorry drivers who transport goods and people working in the shipping industry are expected to be exempt.
Speaking ahead of an official announcement, industry body Airlines UK said the policy needed "a credible exit plan" and should be reviewed weekly. UK airports fear the measures will have devastating impact on their industry and the wider economy.
What about face masks, gloves and temperature checks?
People travelling through Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports will now be told to cover their faces and wear gloves.
Passengers will be given face coverings and gloves initially. Airport staff will also wear them.
Manchester Airports Group, which owns the sites, said the measure will show "one way in which air travel can be made safe".
Some temperature screening trials will also be conducted at Stansted. Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports, is already trialling large-scale temperature checks.
Chief executive John Holland-Kaye has called for a common international standard for health screening at airports "to build confidence in international travel".
Air France says passengers will be temperature checked before flying from 11 May. The carrier is also making face masks compulsory - similar to several US airlines.
What about social distancing on flights?
Aer Lingus has said it will review procedures following a claim it did not maintain social distancing among passengers on a Belfast-London flight.
EasyJet has said it plans to keep the middle seats on planes empty for a time once UK lockdown restrictions are lifted. Emirates and the US airline Delta have announced similar plans.
But Michael O'Leary, the boss of Ryanair, has said empty seats do not ensure safe social distancing and are financially unviable.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the body representing global airlines, says leaving the middle seat empty would not improve passenger safety. It says most airlines would not have made money last year if a third of the seats had been removed.
How many people are still flying?How many people are still flying?
Far fewer people are flying since the Foreign Office advised against international travel.Far fewer people are flying since the Foreign Office advised against international travel.
Between 16 and 22 April, for example, the number of air passengers coming into the UK was 99% lower than the same period in 2019.Between 16 and 22 April, for example, the number of air passengers coming into the UK was 99% lower than the same period in 2019.
American Airlines said social distancing had been possible "for all passengers", suggesting that its aircraft have a lot of empty seats. And Virgin Atlantic said many of its flights in April were only a quarter full.American Airlines said social distancing had been possible "for all passengers", suggesting that its aircraft have a lot of empty seats. And Virgin Atlantic said many of its flights in April were only a quarter full.
Meanwhile, Ryanair carried 40,000 passengers in April - down from 13.5 million in the same month last year.Meanwhile, Ryanair carried 40,000 passengers in April - down from 13.5 million in the same month last year.
With the holiday trade almost completely dried up, most of those flying were UK nationals returning home.
How safe is air travel?How safe is air travel?
If you have to fly, it's a common belief that you are more likely to become ill on an aeroplane, because you're breathing "stale" air.If you have to fly, it's a common belief that you are more likely to become ill on an aeroplane, because you're breathing "stale" air.
However, according to the World Health Organization, the quality of air in a plane cabin is very carefully controlled and changed up to 30 times an hour.However, according to the World Health Organization, the quality of air in a plane cabin is very carefully controlled and changed up to 30 times an hour.
However, there is a greater likelihood of the virus being transmitted if passengers are close together - usually as a result of an infected individual coughing, sneezing or touching surfaces.However, there is a greater likelihood of the virus being transmitted if passengers are close together - usually as a result of an infected individual coughing, sneezing or touching surfaces.
This is the same as in any other situation in which people are close to each other, such as on a train or a bus.This is the same as in any other situation in which people are close to each other, such as on a train or a bus.
What's the advice for air travellers?What's the advice for air travellers?
Public Health England says passengers should sit as far apart as possible.Public Health England says passengers should sit as far apart as possible.
The National Travel Health Network and Centre - which was set up by the Department of Health - offers the following advice:The National Travel Health Network and Centre - which was set up by the Department of Health - offers the following advice:
You should not be travelling if you are unwell, or if you have tested positive for Covid-19.You should not be travelling if you are unwell, or if you have tested positive for Covid-19.
At UK airports, the advice is similar to that given in any large public building - keep your distance from others, and use the hand sanitisers provided by the airport. Shops and restaurants have been mostly closed and people are discouraged from entering the terminal unless they are travelling.
Can there be social distancing on flights?
EasyJet has said it plans to keep the middle seats on planes empty once the lockdown is lifted.
The airline suggested the measure could be taken for a short period as flying resumed. Emirates and the US airline Delta have announced similar plans.
But not all airlines are happy about the prospect.
Michael O'Leary, the boss of Ryanair, has said empty seats do not ensure safe social distancing and are financially unviable.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the body representing global airlines, says leaving the middle seat empty would not improve passenger safety. It says most airlines would not have made money last year if a third of the seats had been removed.
The chief executive of Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye, raised concerns about getting passengers on and off flights. "It's just physically impossible to socially distance with any volume of passengers in an airport," he said.
What about other measures?
Mr Holland-Kaye has called for a common international standard for health screening at airports "to build confidence in international travel". He has also pushed back against Public Health England's verdict that temperature checks for passengers are ineffective, asking for the evidence to be published.
He also suggested people passing through airports should wear face masks, "as people from Asia have been doing ever since Sars (virus) came out".
UK ministers have suggested that they might consider a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving in the country.
Home Secretary Priti Patel told the Home Affairs Select Committee that while the government's decisions were informed by scientific advice, "everything is under review".
But Airlines UK, which represents British Airways, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic and Ryanair, are opposed to the measure, calling it a "blunt tool measure".