Jet2 CEO announces date for flights to recommence amid new Covid laws from Monday

The CEO of Jet2 has announced the date the company hopes to recommence flights - amid the new Covid laws announcement.
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A ban on leaving the United Kingdom without a reasonable excuse is included in new coronavirus laws coming into force next week.

The legislation for restrictions over the coming months, as the Government sets out its road map for coming out of lockdown, was published on Monday.

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Entitled the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021, the laws come into force on March 29.

Jet2 CEO announces date for flights to recommence amid new Covid laws from MondayJet2 CEO announces date for flights to recommence amid new Covid laws from Monday
Jet2 CEO announces date for flights to recommence amid new Covid laws from Monday

According to the legal document: “The Regulations also impose restrictions on leaving the United Kingdom without a reasonable excuse (regulation 8).”

The law says no-one may “leave England to travel to a destination outside the United Kingdom, or travel to, or be present at, an embarkation point for the purpose of travelling from there to a destination outside the United Kingdom” without a reasonable excuse.

It suggests anyone who breaks such rules could face a £5,000 fine.

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There is also a £200 fixed penalty notice for failing to fill in a travel declaration form – giving person details and reason for travel – for those planning to leave the UK.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said their customers "very much want to get away on their holidays" this summer.

Mr Heapy said Jet2 are planning to commence flights from May 17.

He said: "From the demand that we are continuing to see, one thing remains abundantly clear – our customers very much want to get away on their holidays this summer and beyond. As the summer approaches, customers are looking forward to clarity about how they can get away on their much-needed holidays, which they have waited a long time for.

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“We once again welcome the fact that the UK Government is continuing to show a clear ambition to reopen international travel, and, like our customers, we look forward to further detail in the coming weeks so that we can get flying again.

“Despite reports today, it is important to note that these are draft laws which are designed to prevent people travelling before May 17th. We are currently planning to commence our flights and holidays programme on that date, in line with government advice, and we are monitoring the situation very closely.”