BORIS Johnson is getting deeply involved in the plan to set up European air bridges — and has even vowed to get long-haul flights back to save summer holidays.
The PM is said to be “looking at all the options personally” to get EU-wide safe routes ready to go when the policy of 14-day quarantines for arrivals to Britain is reviewed on June 29.
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He has also has ambitious plans to negotiate deals with distant hubs such as Dubai, Singapore and Sydney.
However, No10 does not expect any progress with the US as a travel ban is unlikely to be lifted soon.
Airlines need to know by the end of next week if air bridges to low-risk countries are going ahead if they are to get Brits jetting off on holiday next month.
They expect Foreign Office advice, which currently warns against all travel, to be changed at the same time.
Tim Alderslade, of industry group Airlines UK said: “The PM’s personal involvement is excellent news and will provide some real momentum.”
Meanwhile, Gatwick, operating only from its south terminal, will reopen its north terminal and extend its operating hours from Monday.
Ryanair, one of the carriers which will be using the north terminal, said it was waiving its flight change fee for bookings in July and August to give passengers “peace of mind in case their travel plans change”.
It plans to operate more than 1,000 daily flights from July 1.
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