BRITISH Airways has reacted to the announcement of the Government's new green list for travel by putting twice-weekly flights on sale between Newcastle and Faro from the end of this month.
Portugal is one of just 12 destinations on the Government’s new green list for travel – with some countries on the list still not accepting tourists.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the removal of the ban on international leisure travel was “necessarily cautious” as he announced the destinations that holidaymakers will be able to visit from May 17 without having to self-isolate on their return to England.
But while Portugal, Gibraltar and Israel are planning to welcome UK tourists, the green list also features several remote British Overseas Territories and destinations where visits are heavily restricted, such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei and the Faroe Islands.
Industry leaders said the Government’s approach represented an “excess of caution” and demanded greater clarity over the formation of the green list.
On the back of the green list's release, BA announced it will start flying to Faro, from Newcastle, from Saturday, May 29 which is the spring bank holiday weekend.
British Airways' Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle said: “We're pleased that our customers are able to start travelling again to some countries, including Portugal, and we've put on additional flights from London, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh to Faro to help people get moving.”
Leon McQuaid, Head of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport, said last night: “We are delighted to see further investment by British Airways into Newcastle International Airport, demonstrating their confidence in our region and airport.
"We know there is pent-up demand for leisure travel to Portugal and British Airway’s announcement today is brilliant news for the North-East travelling public looking for a well-deserved sunshine break.”
Flights are on sale now and available to book at Britishairways.com.
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