Travel news – live: Thousands benefit from eased restrictions as pre-departure tests axed from today

Arrivals to London Gatwick airport were halted for some time on Thursday morning, with multiple diversions.

Landings appear to have been suspended between around 7.30am and 8.10am.

Two British Airways long-haul arrivals were diverted to Heathrow: BA2166 from Tampa in Florida and BA2256 from Antigua.

They are believed to be refuelling at Heathrow and will fly to Gatwick later this morning.

One easyJet arrival, from Belfast International, was diverted to Luton.

The Independent is seeking an explanation from the Sussex airport.

Scotland’s health secretary, Humza Yousaf, has criticised Boris Johnson’s government for announcing eased travel testing rules before all four UK nations had agreed to changes.

Speaking on BBC Good Morning Scotland, Mr Yousaf said: “Although we’re engaged in conversations with the UK government, it’s a source of frustration that if the UK government unilaterally decides to move in a certain direction, we end up with potentially a double whammy if we don’t align.

“Our aviation sector, which has undoubtedly been significantly affected throughout the course of this pandemic, get further hit.

“Also, we don’t end up realising any public health benefit if we have to put measures in place because ultimately a number of people may well travel from English airports if that is seen to be easier or cheaper.”

The presenter, Gary Robertson, asked: “So would you rather not align with this measure?”

The health secretary replied: “That’s not what I’m saying. I’m simply saying that it would be helpful if the discussions could not just happen on a four-nations basis, but any announcements could take place on a four-nations basis.”

Mr Yousaf said MSPs will be told about any changes on Thursday afternoon.

“It’s obviously important that we update parliament first and foremost,” he said.

Following the announcement of a change in rules, the travel desk of The Independent has been flooded with readers’ questions. These are some of the most recent:

Q: Why is there a discrepancy between the changes in pre-departure and PCR tests?

A: Pre-departure tests are not required for arrivals from 4am on Friday. Post-arrival lateral flow tests (LFTs) can replace PCRs from 4am on Sunday. The difference in timing is to allow testing companies to re-orient their offerings.

Q: The lateral flow test on return. Is this a paid-for LFT or the free issue LFT?

A: All day two tests must be privately booked and paid for, even lateral flow tests. NHS tests cannot be used for international travel.

Q: We land from Dubai at Heathrow on Friday 7 January at 5.45am. Do we still need to take a PCR test before boarding

A: No. Very few countries or airlines demand proof from departing travellers. And Emirates makes clear that passengers from Dubai do not. The airline says: “Passengers travelling from Dubai will need to undergo Covid‑19 PCR testing only if it is required by the country you are travelling to.” Which it won’t be.

Here’s everything we know about the new rules:

Ministers in Scotland and Northern Ireland have yet to confirm that they’ll follow suit with England’s changes to travel testing rules.

An update is expected this morning.

Yesterday afternoon, Wales’s minister for health and social services, Eluned Morgan, confirmed that the Welsh government had “reluctantly agreed” to the plans.

“Just a few weeks after its notification to the World Health Organisation, Omicron has spread around the world and is now the dominant form of the virus in the UK,” said Morgan in a statement.

“In line with decisions being taken elsewhere in the UK, I have today reluctantly agreed to remove the requirements for fully vaccinated travellers and under 18s to take a pre-departure test (PDT) and a day 2 PCR test when arriving in the UK.

“We are concerned at the speed at which the UK government is re-opening international travel, given on-going concerns of importing new variants and adding additional pressure to our health services.

“Day two PCR testing acts as something of a surveillance system for international travel – if we had retained the requirement for a day two PCR test, we may have been alerted to the presence and introduction of Omicron earlier.”

Ireland has also confirmed it will be scrapping the pre-departure test for vaccinated travellers from this week.

With travel testing rules for arrivals in the UK set to ease at the weekend, holiday sales are increasing.

Airlines and tour operators say that the removal of the pre-departure test will restore confidence among travellers.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is urging consumers to be book Atol-protected holidays and look out for hidden costs.

Michael Budge, head of Atol at the CAA, said: “This weekend, typically known as ‘Sunshine Saturday’, is traditionally the busiest time of the year for people booking their holidays.

“With travel restrictions easing, many consumers will be taking advantage of bargain deals, but could be missing out on key financial protection.

“If you are booking a package holiday, make sure you check for the Atol logo to ensure you are protected in the unlikely case that your travel company stops trading.”

The CAA also urges travellers to check what is covered by the Atol certificate.

Extras under a separate booking, such as theme park tickets, travel insurance or seat upgrades, are unlikely to be covered.

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s travel liveblog, where we’ll be sharing all the latest news and updates.