New measures announced by the Government yesterday could provide a boost for people intending on travelling home to Ireland this Christmas.
From November 29, people coming into the country from EU "red zone" countries will be free to move around if cleared by a Covid-19 test taken a minimum five days after they arrive.
They will not be expected to restrict their movements for up to 14 days, as has been the case, and will be free to move around in line with prevailing restrictions.
Aer Lingus said the changes represent positive steps towards facilitating increased safe international travel, which is critical to the Irish economy.
It also said it believes the adoption of the Traffic Light System will enable customers to book with confidence for travel in 2021.
The airline welcomed the further revisions to the testing regime to facilitate the European Traffic Light system announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade yesterday.
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It also said it welcomed the exemption for passengers with an essential function from the requirement to undergo restricted movement or testing while exercising this essential function.
This includes critical occupations, students and persons travelling for imperative family or business reasons and Aer Lingus said the exemption will allow passengers with an essential function to travel without restriction.
The airline also noted that arrivals from third countries (including the US and Canada) will be treated on the same basis as arrivals from red regions, including exemptions from advice to restrict movements for the purpose of performing an essential function.
While the Government has initially established a PCR testing solution for post arrival testing, Aer Lingus said in the future tests should be based on a rapid and affordable testing solution.
The airline said it believes that a rapid antigen testing regime is the most appropriate standard in this regard.
"Only a rapid and affordable testing solution will facilitate a meaningful increase in safe international travel," Aer Lingus stated.
Meanwhile, the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland has strongly welcomed the changes to the system around arrivals from red listed countries.
"We note in particular that similar arrangements will apply to people travelling from the US," said Carin Bryans, the chamber's President.
"We also welcome the news that Government has also approved an extra €48 million package to support the aviation sector, in addition to the increased funding allocated to Cork, Shannon and regional airports."
"Ireland's connectivity is a key element of the country’s economic success, and is particularly important to the multinational sector."
