Coalition of Airlines, Travel Groups Calls for End to U.S.-UK Travel Ban

London Heathrow Terminal 5 viewed from the air

A transatlantic group of travel-related industries called on the United States and the United Kingdom to fully reopen the travel market between the two countries “as soon as safely possible.”

The United States has had a ban in place for 14 months on nearly all non-U.S. citizens who were traveling from the United Kingdom, with an eye towards stemming the spread of the coronavirus.

In a letter to President Joseph Biden and Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the groups said that the planned summit between the two leaders “would be an ideal opportunity for a joint announcement of the full reopening of the U.S.-UK air travel market for both U.S. and UK citizens.”

“The return of transatlantic flying would not only have a significantly positive impact on our respective economies but will also reunite those who have been separated from their loved ones for over a year,” the letter reads.

The letter was signed by Airlines for America, representing major U.S. airlines; the Association of UK Airlines; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; the Global Business Travel Association; and the Air Line Pilots Association, which represents representing more than 59,000 pilots from 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines; among others.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)