72% of frequent flyers want to return to travel when restrictions are lifted........

New Survey Insight Points to Summer Lift Off for UK Holidaymakers.  A national representative survey commissioned by London City Airport following the Prime Minister’s February 22 nd lockdown roadmap points to optimism amongst UK travellers

72% of frequent flyers want to return to travel when restrictions are lifted

71% believe that travel should be allowed to and from countries that have

COVID-19 under control

Significant support for “Covid-Certificates” that permit international travel

British Airways plan a significant summer programme from London City with 25

destinations on offer, including Mykonos, Ibiza, Split and a London City only

service to San Sebastian

A nationally representative survey of 2100 people across the UK has demonstrated a strong desire to return to domestic and international travel as soon as restrictions are eased by Government.

The survey, which took place on the weekend following the Prime Minister issuing the Government’s roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions, builds on the spike of new bookings made by the British public since February 22 nd and points to a resurgence for the UK travel industry. 

The survey results also showed a willingness to adapt to the post Covid landscape with three quarters accepting the need to supply a negative COVID test prior to travel, if required. And building on recent results relating to travel certification, three quarters would be willing to carry proof that they had been vaccinated if it meant being allowed to travel. Interestingly, amongst the over 65’s, the number rises to 89% but for 18-24 year olds it is 67% - which may indicate that overall acceptance will increase once every adult in the UK receives their first vaccination by July.

Commenting on the survey, Robert Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer, London City Airport, said:  “After the weakest first quarter that anyone in the industry can remember, the survey results show that the Prime Minister’s roadmap has given British people hope again and it is very pleasing to see that so many see travel as a priority as restrictions are eased.

It has also given our airline partners confidence to schedule services throughout the summer and I am delighted that we will be able to connect travellers to so many destinations across the UK and Europe for the most well-deserved summer holiday they will ever have.

British Airways, operated by BA CityFlyer (BACF), will offer services this summer to Malaga, Amsterdam, Berlin, Belfast, Bergerac, Dublin, Dusseldorf, San Sebastian, Edinburgh, Faro, Florence, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Geneva, Ibiza, Mykonos, Skiathos, Santorini, Mahon, Nice, Palma, Rotterdam, Split, Quimper, Zurich.

Services to Amsterdam with KLM, Dusseldorf with BACF and Dundee with Logan Air are expected to commence in the coming weeks with SWISS returning to the airport in May.

The challenge now for industry and Government is to make sure that May 17 is not another false dawn and to agree travel standards with our key international partners as soon as possible which will allow everyone to fly safely from early summer. And when this is achieved, I would anticipate another surge in bookings that will not only be a huge shot in the arm for the industry but demonstrate that we can finally begin our recovery.” 

Looking ahead to the summer, the emerging picture points to a preference for short-haul holidays, with 55% of frequent flyers preferring Europe and the Mediterranean, compared to 22% who aspire to travel long haul. This potential trend is supported by 71% indicating that travel should be allowed between the UK and countries where COVID-19 is under control, opening up the possibility of green travel corridors between the UK and European countries where risk is low. In preparation for the restart of international travel, the airport’s home-based carrier British Airways has announced a route map of 24 destinations. These include a return of core routes such as Edinburgh, Dublin and Glasgow and summer sun destinations such as Malaga, Ibiza, Nice, Florence, Faro, Nice, Mykonos, Santorini and Split.

And one year after the route was announced, the only connection between London and San Sebastian will commence with two rotations per week. It is hoped that international departures will commence from May 17 and will be scaled up through the summer.

In preparation, the airport has an airside testing facility provided by Collinson that offers all required arrival and departure testing for UK and Global markets and will continue to offer safe, careful and speedy journeys for passengers.

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