Heathrow boss: UK at risk of falling behind as quarantine ‘strangles the economy'

The chief executive of Heathrow has warned that the UK economy is at risk of falling behind international markets as a result of quarantine restrictions.

The airport’s top boss John Holland-Kaye has criticised the government for delaying the reduction of quarantine measures for passengers who test negative for COVID-19.

The comments were made as part of the airport’s August commentary, which reported passenger demand down 81.5 per cent for the month compared to the previous year.

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow chief executive, said: “Britain’s economic recovery is falling behind.

“Heathrow’s traffic figures for August demonstrate the extent to which quarantine is strangling the economy, cutting British businesses off from their international markets and blocking international students, tourists and investors from coming here to spend money.

He continued: “The government has announced it is looking at the options for reducing quarantine for passengers who test negative for Covid-19 - but Ministers urgently need to turn words into action.

“Every day of further government delay costs British jobs and livelihoods.”

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