British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair launch legal action against UK's quarantine policy

British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair have launched legal action against decision of UK government’s mandatory 14-days quarantine policy for inbound travellers. British Airways’ parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) said in a statement that action has been taken against quarantine policy asking for a judicial review as soon as possible.

Earlier this week, British Airways had released a joint statement along with Ryanair and EasyJet urging government to rethink measures. Calling measures disproportionate, airline companies said that it is unfair on British citizens as well as international visitors arriving in UK.

"We urge UK govt to remove this ineffective visitor quarantine which will have a devastating effect on UK's tourism industry and will destroy (even more) thousands of jobs in this unprecedented crisis," statement read.

Heavily-hit sector

airline sector has already been reeling due to travel restrictions imposed as a part of COVID-19 response and mandatory quarantine could furr hit industry as tourists won’t prefer 14-days quarantine. airline industry strongly objected compulsory quarantine and on June 5, British Airways sent a pre-action letter to ministers.

Read: COVID-19: 14-day Quarantine Rule For Inbound UK Travellers Comes Into Force

However, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has maintained that mandatory quarantine is backed by science and essential to save lives. While ackwledging difficulties of tourism industry, Patel said that government has anunced an unprecedented pack of support for both employees and businesses.

“But we will all suffer if we get this wrong. That's why it's crucial that we introduce se measures w,” she said.

airline industry is already going through an unprecedented crisis which has forced companies to shrink fleet and anunce lay-offs. Last month, easyJet anunced its plan to lay off 4,500 employees and shrink its fleet to cut down expenditure, aimed at adjusting to smaller market post-pandemic. Boeing’s chief executive recently said that air traffic may t bounce back for two or three years to pre-pandemic levels.

Read: COVID-19: Italy Reopens Borders To Europe, Scraps Mandatory 14-day Quarantine Rule