easyJet: Aviation support needed as ‘constantly evolving restrictions’ knock customer confidence

Budget airline easyJet has criticised the government’s handling of the COVID-19 quarantining and called for structured measures for the industry.

easyJet’s CEO Johan Lundgren has said that customer confidence has taken a knock due to the ‘unpredictable’ nature of quarantine rules being implemented.

Mr Lundgren has called on the government to provide structured support for the aviation industry, including the temporary removal of Air Passenger Duty.

The airline has announced it expects to fly around 40 per cent of its planned schedule over the current quarter due to new quarantine restrictions imposed on travellers to seven Greek Islands.

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, commented: “We know our customers are as frustrated as we are with the unpredictable travel and quarantine restrictions.

“We called on the government to opt for a targeted, regionalised and more predictable and structured system of quarantine many weeks ago so customers could make travel plans with confidence.

“It is difficult to overstate the impact that the pandemic and associated government policies has had on the whole industry.

“We again call on the Government to provide sector specific support for aviation which needs to take the form of a broad package of measures including the removal of APD for at least 12 months, the alleviation of ATC charges along with continuation of the slot rule waiver.”