Covid-19 updates

COVID-19 Update 96

Monday 3 August 2020

Dear AOA Member,

AOA joined the weekly operational call for airports with the Department for Transport this afternoon. The session was a deep-dive reflection on the current issues with Passenger Locator Forms (PLF) after a number of negative press stories over the weekend. Airports reported that the complexity and length of the form was still a major factor in the rates of passenger compliance. Many participants reflected on the need for better and more sustained up-stream communications: on the part of the airlines, Government and in airport departure lounges. There seems to be a common misconception developing that PLFs are not required for transit from countries on the DfT’s International Travel Corridor (ITC) list. The meeting briefly touched on the decision to remove Luxembourg from that list, and how the department is working on a method of quickly communicating future changes to stakeholders across the sector. Officials cited that the robust action taken by Belgium in containing spiking infection rates, was one of the main reasons why Belgium was kept on the ITC list; this further highlights the need for clarity on the criteria against which Government is making decisions, and AOA will be lobbying on this matter throughout the week.

Following our successful briefing sessions with Parliamentarians and Airport CEOs last Friday, we have sent all attending MPs and a wider list of MPs supportive of the AOA a one-page briefing note on the current crisis and the asks of the airports sector.

Other items of note:

• The Government has updated the Coronavirus material assets (posters, digital screens and leaflet), which can now be found on the PHE Coronavirus Resources Campaign website. In addition, the Government has created a five-point International Travel Checklist. This is aimed at changing traveller behaviour to consider the key aspects required before travelling while Covid-19 is still present. Posters and social media assets can be found in the following link and Government strongly advise operators to use these assets widely on your social media and posters in airports.

Best wishes,

Karen Dee
Chief Executive