Britain’s controversial Covid-19 travel traffic light system might be scrapped as early as next month.
A new system based around the vaccination status of travellers rather than the status of a country being visited is under consideration by ministers, according to reports this morning.
It will mean the end of the widely criticised green and amber categories but those visiting countries classified as red or the highest risk will still have to quarantine in government-run hotels on returning to the UK.
For people who have already received two doses of a vaccine and visiting what are now classified as green or amber countries, the process is likely to remain largely unchanged.
In these cases, travellers will require pre-departure tests and a PCR test within two days of returning to the UK.
How people yet to be vaccinated will be treated is unclear.
Paul Charles, head of travel PR firm The PCAgency tweeted "Scrapping of traffic light system would be a relief to pretty well everyone and herald a “living with an endemic” approach rather than blanket country measures. Would be a relief to countries in Africa, South America, Asia which don’t deserve to be red-listed."
Airlines and travel companies have been persistent critics of the traffic light system, especially the sudden changes of status in countries and confusion over categories such as amber plus, where a country might be upgraded to red if infections continue to rise.
Ryanair Holdings PLC (LSE:RYA) sued the government in June over the system alongside Stansted airport owner Manchester Airports Group and several other carriers.
"The UK’s traffic light system has been a complete shambles from the beginning,” said Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary at the time.
“This go-stop-go-stop policy is causing untold damage to the aviation industry and frustrating and upsetting millions of British families when they see their holiday plans and family visits disrupted by the government’s mismanagement of international travel."
A review of the traffic light system and Covid travel arrangements was already scheduled by the government for 1 October, which also coincides with the end of the vaccination programme with everyone over 18 to have been offered two jabs by then.
Shares in easyJet PLC rose 1.6% to 790.4p and Ryanair by 1.6% to €16.16.