The 17:10 Ryanair departure to Faro, Portugal, today Monday 17 May, is the first passenger flight from EMA since international travel was prohibited when the UK went into lockdown at the start of the year.
East Midlands Airport said:
‘Off to sunnier climes. The first passenger flight from EMA in almost 5 months. It’s a step in the right direction.’
The lifting of international travel restrictions, last week, was coupled with the introduction of a ‘traffic light’ system placing countries on green, amber or red lists.
Each tier has its own restrictions, such as quarantine and testing requirements upon return to the UK.
Of the countries currently on the Government’s ‘green list’ (passengers travelling back from these places) do not have to self-isolate upon their return to the UK) only Portugal is served by the airlines that operate out of EMA.
Today’s flight is the first of over 20 scheduled departures throughout May.
In addition to Portugal, there are also flights to Alicante, Malaga and some Greek islands, although these remain on the amber list which means that passengers will need to self-isolate for 10 days when back in the UK – although this can end early with a negative test on day five.
