A large number of countries, including the entire European Union, are following in the footsteps of the Netherlands in closing their borders to entry from the United Kingdom. This comes following the rabid spread of a mutated strain of the virus, thought to be around 70% more transmissible than other strains.
Some nations have had long term travel bans from the the UK, such as Canada. France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Spain all quickly joined the Netherlands in their decision, which opened the floodgates for many others to follow suit. The EU is currently discussing closing all nations borders with the UK to help reduce the spread of virus. In addition, a growing number of countries from around the world have done the same and more are expected to join.
This news is going to likely cause logistical chaos for airlines all around the world, but most importantly in the UK itself as internal restrictions limit domestic travel as well. While we will have to wait to see the true extent of these additional bans on the aviation industry, it has the potential to have long term effects such as further job cuts.
Matt is a Berlin-based writer and reporter for International Flight Network. Originally from London, he has been involved in aviation from a very young age and has a particular focus on aircraft safety, accidents and technical details.
