With phase three of the roadmap out of lockdown looming, 17 May could not come any sooner for those looking to go on international holiday vacations.
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Skyrocketing flight prices
But as Boris Johnson prepares to announce which countries will make it into its travel green list—allowing Brits to travel without severe restrictions such as having to quarantine to and back—plane ticket prices have skyrocketed.
Flights to popular vacation hotspots such as Malta, Iceland, Israel and Gibraltar have seen an increase in prices since rumours have started going around that Brits would soon be able to travel quarantine-free.
Portuguese resorts have also seen their prices double just in time for the big reveal. The airline, British Airways, has recently upped their prices from Heathrow to the Algarve in Portugal for all dates starting 17 May (£530) compared to flights flying the same route two days earlier (£234).
Travel is necessary to boost the economy
But this might prove to make it harder for the travel industry to gain momentum and boost sales after more than a year of plummeting financial activity. David Jones, former Secretary of State for Wales, explains the importance of the aviation and travel industries for the country's economy, saying:
Aviation and the travel industry are major elements of the country's economy and should be supported by speeding up the lifting of travel restrictions.
Adding:
The government should also—consistent with safety—ensure that as many holiday destinations as possible are put on the green list. British people are keen travellers and the time has come to restore their freedom.
But others are also commenting that although the travel industry is a key player to boost the economy, the green list must be meticulously compiled to avoid further outbreaks from occurring. Former transport minister, Theresa Villiers, explained:
The green list needs to be based on a rigorous scrutiny of the evidence to ensure we don't jeopardise the huge success of the vaccination programme. But as popular holiday destinations see case numbers falling, there should be some headroom to start to safely lift travel restrictions.
