COVID-19: call for Stormont to act quickly on travel as thousands of holidaymakers jet off from other parts of the UK
The Stormont Executive was urged today to relax restrictions on travel as soon as possible
Belfast International Airport boss Graham Keddie said they needed a clear plan so they could prepare to welcome holidaymakers again.
Speaking to Downtown Radio & Cool FM, he said: “We’re asking them to reconsider or remove the current restrictions around the common travel area and implement a clear green travel list in line with England and Scotland.”
Mr Keddie was speaking as thousands of holidaymakers from England, Scotland and Wales were jetting off today for some early summer sun as the ban on foreign holidays is lifted.
Travellers will now be able to visit 12 countries on the government's green list, including Portugal and Israel, without isolating on their return.
However, no decision has been taken by the NI Executive to allow non-essential travel abroad.
Mr Keddie said the impact on the business was huge.
"Sadly too many jobs have now been lost and we will need a recruitment phase to rebuild the sector," he added