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England’s international Covid travel rules have been simplified.

The change, which came into force on Monday, replaced a traffic light-inspired system with a single “red” list of places that present the highest virus risk.

By Isabella Kwai

• Published Oct. 4, 2021 Updated Oct. 29, 2021

LONDON — Streamlined coronavirus restrictions on international travel in and out of England came into effect on Monday, including an easing of testing and quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated arrivals.

The change, which went into effect at 4 a.m. local time, replaced a three-tier traffic light-inspired system with a single “red” list of countries and territories that present the highest risk.

Critics had complained that the old system — which periodically involved the government altering the risk status of countries and which left Britons scrambling to figure out the latest rules during vacations — had caused confusion within the travel industry.

“We are accelerating towards a future where travel continues to reopen safely and remains open for good,” Grant Shapps, Britain’s transportation secretary, said in a statement, “and today’s rule changes are good news for families, businesses and the travel sector.” Mr. Shapps attributed the move to the vaccination rate; 67 percent of the population of the United Kingdom is fully vaccinated .

Under the new rules, fully vaccinated travelers entering England will no longer be required to take a pre-departure coronavirus test when returning from a country that is not on the red list. And though travelers must still pay for a test to take on the second day after their return, beginning later this month, the government said it would accept less expensive rapid tests over polymerase chain reaction, or P.C.R., tests.

Arrivals who tested positive, however, would still need to isolate and take a P.C.R. test, “which would be genomically sequenced to help identify new variants,” the government said.

Testing and quarantine requirements for those who are not fully vaccinated remain the same, as do rules for those entering from “red” list countries.

After the success of a pilot test involving arrivals from United States and Europe, England will also begin a phased approach to recognizing vaccinations that have been administered in other countries and territories, expanding that list on Monday to over 50 countries including the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Canada.

In the past week, Britain reported an average of 33,779 daily cases and 112 daily deaths, according to a New York Times database. Cases have increased by 16 percent from the average two weeks ago.

Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai

Pay for entry: US travelers will soon have to pay a fee to enter the United Kingdom

U.S. citizens will soon have to apply for permission before their United Kingdom trips and pay a small fee to enter as part of the country's upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization scheme.

The  travel fee is meant to secure the U.K.'s borders by giving them more accurate data on who is passing through, according to a U.K. official for the British Consulate General. The move is part of the U.K.'s plan to fully digitize its borders by 2025. 

"The scheme will give the U.K. more control of our borders, allowing us to block threats from entering the U.K., whilst also providing individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.," according to the U.K. government website .

The scheme is set to be fully implemented by the end of 2023, the "permission to travel" requirement  will apply to travelers visiting or transiting the U.K. without a visa or special immigration status – including visa-free nationalities like the United States. However, being granted permission to travel through the authorization program is not a regular visa.

Travel woes: Why the visa process could be 'discouraging visitors' and keeping families apart

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Other countries already have an authorization scheme process in place. In 2022, the U.S. implemented  the requirement for certain visitors, which costs them $21. The European Union is also looking to create an authorization scheme.

Here's what we know so far about the U.K.'s upcoming authorization scheme: 

How will the process work?

The new scheme shouldn't be too much of a burden on your trip planning. The application process is expected to be quick and easy, according to officials. 

The application process can be done online in a few minutes. Travelers need to make sure they finish the process "a few days before (their) departure to the U.K." To apply, people will need a valid passport, travel details, a valid email address and a credit or debit card for online payment. 

The typical process time for approval will be between 48 and 72 hours. Any errors in your application could delay its processing time or result in a rejection.

Once approved, you'll be able to stay in the U.K. for business or tourism reasons for up to six months. Short-term study and medical treatment are also valid purposes. 

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Who will the authorization scheme  apply to?

Non-visa nationals will need to apply for the new program. The confirmed list of countries will be announced at a later time but it's expected to include:

• The European Union.
• Other European countries like Norway, Iceland, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Vatican City and Monaco.
• Visa-exempt nations like Australia, Canada and the United States.

How much will it cost?

According to officials, the fee will be small but the exact cost has yet to be announced .

How long will it be valid? Do I have to apply for each trip?

The authorization will likely be valid for two years  and allow multiple trips to the U.K. 

What happens if I don't apply?

Permission will be confirmed prior to travel and carriers will be checking people's forms, either a printed document or digitally. Showing up without permission to travel may result in a penalty charge. 

The Nationality and Borders Bill will also make it a criminal offense if someone uses deception to try to get authorization. 

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U.S. Travelers Will Soon Have to Pay to Enter the U.K.

By Sarah James

U.S. visitors—as well as visitors from Europe , Australia and Canada —will soon be required to apply for permission to enter the U.K. through a new scheme known as Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The U.K. government is in the process of fully digitizing U.K. borders by the end of 2025—and the ETA scheme will play its part, allowing “individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.,” the government said.

The scheme will be in place by the end of this year (2023), and visitors will be required to fill out an online application granting them permission to travel. There will be a small fee included in the application—similar to how the U.S.'s own ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system works for U.K. travelers.

Here's everything we know.

Will I need a visa to enter the U.K.?

This isn't technically a visa—the ETA system will grant travelers permission to enter the country. You will need to apply for an ETA prior to arrival. If you haven't received permission to travel before arrival, you may get fined.

Travelers from the U.S. will soon need to apply for permission to enter the U.K.

How long will it take to get an ETA?

Travelers will be advised to apply for an ETA at least a few days before their journey. Approval should be granted within 72 hours of application.

How long will an ETA last?

After your ETA has been approved, visitors will be granted permission to stay in the U.K. for six months, whether for business or tourism reasons.

The U.K. government is yet to confirm how often visitors will need to apply for a new ETA, but it's likely to be valid for two years—meaning there's no need to apply for a new one every time you visit within the valid time period.

Visitors with valid ETAs can stay—and travel—in U.K. for up to six months.

How much will an ETA cost?

We don't know yet—but the government has said that the cost will be small. The EU implemented a similar system in 2022, which costs €7. A U.S. ESTA, meanwhile, costs $21.

Who will need to apply for an ETA?

The full list of nations included hasn't been announced yet. We do know that U.S. citizens who don't hold a visa will need to apply for an ETA, as will other visa-exempt nations such as Canada and Australia. European countries are likely to be included, too.  Those traveling from nationalities without a visa-free agreement with the UK will still need to apply for another applicable type of UK visa.

What will I need to apply for an ETA?

You'll need a valid passport , an email address to register with, and to supply the details of your travel, as well as a valid debit or credit card to pay any fees to apply.

To keep up to date with the latest information on the ETA scheme, check the official website for more details as they become available.

This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.  

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United Kingdom Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, united kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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10 good news stories for UK travel and tourism in 2021

From cleaner rivers to greener cities and community projects, there are signs the industry will come out of lockdown travelling in the right direction

A mid all the challenges, last year’s forced pause sent some hopeful ripples across the travel industry. Talk of renewed purpose, going slow and regenerative travel – the kind that does good, rather than merely less harm – spread among tour operators and across destinations. Although travel has ground to a halt once more, with Britons currently banned from entering many countries - and even other counties - these ripples will help us to travel better once we can.

Visit Scotland declares a climate emergency

In 2020, Visit Scotland became the world’s first national tourist board to “declare a climate emergency” by signing up to the Tourism Declares initiative. The declaration means that Visit Scotland will prioritise the reduction of carbon emissions in everything it does and promotes. Chris Greenwood, senior tourism insights manager at Visit Scotland, says: “The declaration sends a message that environmental responsibility is essential and that everyone can get involved.” Some of the plans under way include helping tourism businesses to reduce food and supplier miles, forming a partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, and increasing public transport use, even in remote locations. visitscotland.org

England Coast Path nears completion

The creation of the world’s longest signposted footpath , stretching 2,795 miles around the English coast, has been more than 10 years in the making. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, and budget cuts for Natural England, the feat is progressing. Launches in 2021 include opening up larger parts of the Cumbrian coast from Whitehaven to Silverdale, featuring a 40-mile section near Millom widened for activities such as mountain biking. Other newly approved sections include completing Essex’s coast path where it skirts several estuaries, access between South Hayling and East Head on the south coast, and the storied trail between Amble and Bamburgh in Northumberland. nationaltrail.co.uk

Rye Harbour’s new discovery centre

The sheer expanse of Rye Harbour’s coastline – dotted with faded military outposts and Henry VIII’s crumbling Camber Castle – can make it seem desolate, but in fact, this 465-hectare nature reserve is among the most biodiverse places in Britain. Shingle, saltmarsh, saline lagoons, marshes and reedbeds create habitats for more than 4,000 species, 300 of which are rare or endangered. To celebrate the reserve, the Wildlife Trust is opening a visitor centre at Rye Harbour in April. The low-lying building will have sustainably sourced sweet chestnut cladding to blend into the landscape and offer accessibility for all visitors. It will also have a cafe to increase its year-round appeal. ryeharbourdiscoverycentre.org.uk

Wild on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight’s coast and ancient woodlands are home to species rarely seen elsewhere in the UK. Glanville Fritillary butterflies, hazel dormice and red squirrels thrive, and a successful reintroduction in 2020 means 11 white-tailed sea eagles now soar overhead. Having earned biosphere reserve status in 2019 , in 2020 the Wildlife Trust launched a Wilder 2030 vision for the island. By acquiring more sites for wildlife restoration, the Trust hopes to make nature recovery work for local people. The plan started in 2020 with the purchase of a run-down 40-hectare farm, Little Duxmore. Once restored, the site’s wetlands and downland will become a haven for wildlife and welcome visitors and volunteers. hiwwt.org.uk

Trees for Life to build UK’s first rewilding centre

Having been working to restore Scotland’s over-grazed Caledonian forest since 1989, it’s apt that charity Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Estate, in Inverness, should house the UK’s first rewilding visitor centre. The centre hopes to demonstrate to up to 50,000 visitors a year that the Great Caledonian forest is vital for wildlife and sequestering carbon, helping community resilience, reducing flooding risk and improving soil quality. It will also highlight native species, such as pine martens and golden eagles, and explore Gaelic culture. Construction will begin in 2021. treesforlife.org.uk

New tour operators embrace slow travel on home turf

Once tourism is possible again, flight-free adventures in (and near) the UK should be easier to arrange with some new tour operators. Byway hopes to champion lesser-known destinations by slow means. Founder Cat Jones’ favourite itineraries include a solo rail and ferry adventure around western Scotland, including stays in Corrour, the UK’s most remote railway station, and on the eco-minded island of Eigg . Wilderness Scotland has branched out to offer self-guided walking, driving and cycling tours across the border, working with Wilderness England. The more adventurous may be interested in Natural Britain , which promises to provide a carbon label for each trip and hopes to raise the bar when it comes to adrenaline-packed adventures close to home.

Plunge in to Penzance’s geothermal heated pool

Penzance’s art-deco seawater lido opened the UK’s first geothermally heated pool in September 2020. The steaming slice of the triangular pool is heated via pumps from a geothermal well under the seabed. The system has a minimal carbon footprint and will showcase the potential for further geothermal energy use in the UK. It’s run by the community for the community, with a chunk of the funding coming from 970 local people. jubileepool.co.uk

UK’s first river to achieve bathing-water status

Rivers gained renewed attention in 2020 when the Environment Agency revealed that only 14% of the UK’s waterways had a “good” ecological standard and none had a “good” chemical standard . One local group took matters into its own hands: the Ilkley Clean River Campaign on West Yorkshire’s River Wharfe. Thanks to its campaign a popular wild swimming spot on a shingle-bed meander between the town’s main bridge and Beanlands Island became the country’s first designated river bathing area . The status means that the Environment Agency will test and declare the water’s chemical state at regular intervals throughout 2021, hopefully setting a precedent for other popular dipping spots. Ilkley Clean River Campaign on Facebook

Cardiff named UK’s most bike-friendly city

Quieter lockdown roads, the need to reduce congestion on public transport, and increasingly urgent carbon targets created a tailwind for the UK’s cycling revolution in 2020. Cycle-to-work scheme orders increased by 200% , and Halfords’ share price jumped 23%. The UK government pledged £2bn of investment to double journeys taken by bicycle by 2025, agreed to subsidise electric bikes, and more than 100 bike lanes popped up in British cities as a result of Covid social-distancing measures. A 2020 survey by cycling route-finding app Komoot declared Cardiff the UK’s most bike-friendly city . The city is loved by cyclists for its sizable bike-sharing network, NextBike , five cycle superhighways, and the Cardiff Bay Trail – a six-mile circular route with historic and cultural markers along the way.

Community buyout and nature-based tourism

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EU proposes youth mobility agreement with UK to help youngsters travel, work and live in both areas

The European Commission is proposing to open negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.’s departure from the EU four years ago

BRUSSELS -- The European Commission proposed Thursday to start negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.'s departure from the EU four years ago.

According to the EU, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU following a referendum in 2016 has damaged mobility between the two areas.

“This situation has particularly affected the opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel and to benefit from youth, cultural, educational, research and training exchanges,” the Commission said.

When the U.K. was still a member of the economic and political bloc, its nationals had the right to live and work freely in the EU, with reciprocity for EU nationals in the U.K. Under the agreement proposed by the EU's executive arm, EU and UK citizens between 18 and 30 years old would be eligible to stay up to four years in the destination country.

The deal would also allow equal treatment of EU and UK students in the field of university tuition fees. Most EU students must now pay international tuition fees if they want to study in the U.K. The Commission says these vary between 11,400 and 38,000 pounds ($14,200-$47,300) per year and are a strong deterrent for EU students who generally don't have to pay as much within the bloc.

The Commission’s recommendation will be discussed by EU member countries who must give the green light before the executive arm can start negotiations with the UK.

“We have successful Youth Mobility Schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including EU member states,” the British government said in a statement.

The U.K. has its own Youth Mobility Scheme, which it has offered to some EU member states. The Commission believes the British plan is less ambitious than its own proposal.

“Our agreements provide a valuable route for cultural exchanges providing partner countries are also willing to offer the same opportunities for young British people,” the British government added.

Follow AP’s coverage of Brexit at https://apnews.com/hub/brexit

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EU proposes youth mobility agreement with UK to help youngsters travel, work and live in both areas

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses a media conference at the conclusion of an EU Summit in Brussels, Friday, March 22, 2024. European Union leaders on Friday discussed plans to boost investment and the economy. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

• Copy Link copied

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Commission proposed Thursday to start negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.'s departure from the EU four years ago.

According to the EU, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU following a referendum in 2016 has damaged mobility between the two areas.

“This situation has particularly affected the opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel and to benefit from youth, cultural, educational, research and training exchanges,” the Commission said.

When the U.K. was still a member of the economic and political bloc, its nationals had the right to live and work freely in the EU, with reciprocity for EU nationals in the U.K. Under the agreement proposed by the EU’s executive arm, EU and UK citizens between 18 and 30 years old would be eligible to stay up to four years in the destination country.

The deal would also allow equal treatment of EU and UK students in the field of university tuition fees. Most EU students must now pay international tuition fees if they want to study in the U.K. The Commission says these vary between 11,400 and 38,000 pounds ($14,200-$47,300) per year and are a strong deterrent for EU students who generally don’t have to pay as much within the bloc.

The Commission’s recommendation will be discussed by EU member countries who must give the green light before the executive arm can start negotiations with the UK.

“We have successful Youth Mobility Schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including EU member states,” the British government said in a statement.

The U.K. has its own Youth Mobility Scheme, which it has offered to some EU member states. The Commission believes the British plan is less ambitious than its own proposal.

“Our agreements provide a valuable route for cultural exchanges providing partner countries are also willing to offer the same opportunities for young British people,” the British government added.

Follow AP’s coverage of Brexit at https://apnews.com/hub/brexit

Middle East: Is it safe to travel to holiday destinations as tension escalates?

Are you going to Turkey, Egypt or Israel on holiday? The Foreign Office has warned travellers to several countries to monitor advice after an Iranian attack on Israel pushed tension in the Middle East up another notch.

Thursday 18 April 2024 08:13, UK

Tension in the Middle East has ratcheted up again after Iran's attack on Israel, as the world waits to see how Benjamin Netanyahu's government will respond. 

With the threat of widening conflict, people due to travel through or over the Middle East may be asking if their plans may be impacted.

On Saturday, flight data showed dozens of journeys that would have travelled over the Middle East turned back after Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles into Israel .

Here is what airlines are saying and the latest safety advice to travellers.

EasyJet scraps Tel Aviv flights

EasyJet has suspended all flights to Tel Aviv over safety concerns.

The budget airline told Sky News it has grounded its flights until 27 October at the earliest "as a result of the continued evolving situation" in the region.

Wizz Air customers could see schedule changes

Wizz Air cancelled flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 April before resuming its schedule.

But it said customers could experience schedule changes as it closely monitors the situation.

British Airways operating as normal

British Airways - which operates four daily return flights per week between Heathrow and Tel Aviv - said its flights were continuing to operate as planned, but it too was monitoring the situation.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Turkey is a popular holiday destination for people from the UK with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism saying that last year 3.16 million Britons made the journey there, according to Travel Weekly.

Yet, it borders a number of countries that the Foreign Office advises against travel to.

The vast majority of the country is considered generally safe for tourists, with some exceptions.

The Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria , and all but essential travel to the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces.

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

Some parts of Israel are considered "red zones" by the Foreign Office, with the government advising against all travel there.

For the rest of the country - including East Jerusalem and Tel Aviv - the advice is to travel only if it is essential.

Tourist Israel says around 220,000 Britons usually go to the country every year and the Foreign Office is advising against travel close to the border with Gaza, within 5km of the border with Lebanon and within 500m of the border with Syria.

You can see the full updated list of "red zones" on the Foreign Office advice pages.

Occupied Palestinian territories

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Gaza and the West Bank.

Don't travel to Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon or Syria - Foreign Office

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

It advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where it advises against all but "essential travel".

Can I safely go on holiday in Egypt?

The main tourist areas in Egypt are generally considered safe, including the capital Cairo, cities along the Nile and Red Sea resorts.

Over 1.5 million British Nationals visit Egypt every year, according to analysts Gitnux, and the areas the Foreign Office warns not to travel to include the Governorate of North Sinai, where the Rafah crossing to Gaza is located, and within 20km of the border with Libya.

Read more: Are we heading for World War Three? Experts give their verdicts What are Iran's military capabilities - and where could it strike?

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Check advice on other Middle East states before you travel

Following Iran's attack on Israel, the Foreign Office issued a warning relating to several countries in the surrounding area, telling travellers to check for the latest information.

Included in this are popular destinations like Dubai (visited by more than a million Britons last year according to Travel Weekly) and Marrakech.

"On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast," the FCDO said in a statement.

The countries covered by the warning include Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Jordan and Oman.

Anywhere else of concern?

Cyprus is near the region and has a large UK airbase but, as yet, there is no change in travel advice to the popular country.

Related Topics

• Israel-Hamas war
• Middle East

EU Proposes Youth Mobility Agreement With UK to Help Youngsters Travel, Work and Live in Both Areas

The European Commission is proposing to open negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.’s departure from the EU four years ago

Geert Vanden Wijngaert

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses a media conference at the conclusion of an EU Summit in Brussels, Friday, March 22, 2024. European Union leaders on Friday discussed plans to boost investment and the economy. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Commission proposed Thursday to start negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit — the U.K.'s departure from the EU four years ago.

According to the EU, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU following a referendum in 2016 has damaged mobility between the two areas.

“This situation has particularly affected the opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel and to benefit from youth, cultural, educational, research and training exchanges,” the Commission said.

When the U.K. was still a member of the economic and political bloc, its nationals had the right to live and work freely in the EU, with reciprocity for EU nationals in the U.K. Under the agreement proposed by the EU's executive arm, EU and UK citizens between 18 and 30 years old would be eligible to stay up to four years in the destination country.

The deal would also allow equal treatment of EU and UK students in the field of university tuition fees. Most EU students must now pay international tuition fees if they want to study in the U.K. The Commission says these vary between 11,400 and 38,000 pounds ($14,200-$47,300) per year and are a strong deterrent for EU students who generally don't have to pay as much within the bloc.

The Commission’s recommendation will be discussed by EU member countries who must give the green light before the executive arm can start negotiations with the UK.

Photos You Should See - April 2024

“We have successful Youth Mobility Schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including EU member states,” the British government said in a statement.

The U.K. has its own Youth Mobility Scheme, which it has offered to some EU member states. The Commission believes the British plan is less ambitious than its own proposal.

“Our agreements provide a valuable route for cultural exchanges providing partner countries are also willing to offer the same opportunities for young British people,” the British government added.

Follow AP’s coverage of Brexit at https://apnews.com/hub/brexit

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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The 2nd Most Connected Airport In The World: New York JFK's 5 Largest Airlines By Scheduled Seats

• JFK Airport is highly international, hosting flights operated by a plethora of carriers.
• The top five most prominent include Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta Air Lines.
• Flying with UK-based airlines will get you across the pond, while US-based carriers offer an impressive number of services in any direction.

New York City's JFK Airport is the second most internationally connected airport in the world according to data gathered by OAG (the most internationally connected city in the world is London's Heathrow Airport ). Over 90 airlines operate from JFK, offering flights to all inhabited continents and destinations far and wide. According to Cirium , an aviation analytics company, the five top international airlines operating at JFK by inbound and outbound flights in 2024 are Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta Air Lines. Perhaps surprisingly, United Airlines (one of the United States' largest airlines) does not operate from JFK; it has a major hub at Newark Liberty Airport, just over the border on the New Jersey side.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin atlantic operates transatlantic flights out of jfk's terminal 4 to the united kingdom..

Virgin Atlantic is the fifth-busiest airline operating out of JFK's Terminal 4. A British airline, Virgin Atlantic operates a mix of Boeing and Airbus widebody aircraft and has its main base at London Heathrow (its secondary hub is at Manchester). The routes Virgin Atlantic offers from JFK are to London Heathrow and Manchester.

Virgin Atlantic recently made headlines when its Boeing 787 Dreamliner collided with a British Airways Airbus A350 at Heathrow. The incident was relatively minor, with the wing tip colliding with the horizontal stabilizer. Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia are the two remaining airlines of the Virgin empire (other Virgin group airlines like Little Red, Virgin America, Virgin Express, and Virgin Sun Airlines are no more).

The Virgin Group Airlines: A Summary

British airways, british airways operates transatlantic flights from jfk's terminal 8 to gatwick and heathrow in london ..

British Airways is the flag carrier of the UK and the country's second-largest airline (behind easyJet). It is headquartered in London, close to its principal hub, London Heathrow. In 2018, Forbes reported British Airways took in a record $1,037,724,867 from flying passengers between London and New York over a 12-month period. This is the first time in history that an airline managed to generate over a billion dollars on a single air route within a year.

From JFK, British Airways only operates flights to London. That said, these flights go to London's two busiest airports - London Gatwick and Heathrow. British Airways is a founding member of the oneworld Alliance and one of the most recognizable airline brands in the world.

American Airlines

American airlines operates international flights worldwide out of jfk's terminal 8..

American Airlines is the third-busiest international airline operating at JFK and operating international flights to Europe, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Mexico, East Asia, South America, and elsewhere. In all, American Airlines flies to almost 350 destinations in nearly 50 countries. When measured by fleet size and scheduled passengers carried, American Airlines is the largest airline in the world.

American Airlines operates around 67,000 flights annually out of Terminal 8 (primarily catering to high-demand destinations by local New Yorkers). JFK is American Airlines' principal transatlantic hub and has around 13% of the market share at the airport. Its main New York domestic hub is New York-LaGuardia.

(Still) The World's Largest: The American Airlines Fleet In 2024

Jetblue operates international flights primarily to the greater caribbean area out of jfk's terminals 4 and 5..

JetBlue is the second-busiest international airline operating out of JFK and is one of America's largest low-cost airlines. JetBlue is headquartered in Long Island City in Queens with JFK serving as the airline's main hub. JetBlue flies to around 108 destinations domestically and internationally and is the sixth-largest US airline. JFK and Boston Logan Airport have about 30% of JetBlue's outbound flights, and it operates from JFK's Terminals 4 and 5.

JetBlue has a strong focus on the greater Caribbean holidays. The vast bulk of its international flights are in the Mexico-Carribean-Central American-northern South American area. It operates only a limited number of routes outside of that - primarily to Western Europe.

Delta Air Lines

Delta air lines operates international flights to europe, the americas, and beyond out of jfk's terminal 4..

Delta Air Lines is the busiest airline at JFK and one of the oldest airlines in the world. It is ranked among the largest airlines in the world (and the largest when measured by revenue). It is headquartered in Atlanta, with the powerhouse Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport being its busiest hub overall. However, JFK is actually the US legacy carrier's busiest international hub. Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, and, according to Skytrax , it is the best airline in North America. Even though Delta, by a considerable margin, has the largest market share at JFK, it solely operates from Terminal 4.

Delta serves around 325 destinations in over 50 countries on all six inhabited continents. Delta is arguably the only airline offering truly global destinations from JFK Airport. It offers flights to Europe, Mexico, Israel, the Caribbean, South America, and more. From Scotland to Greece, Delta offers many flights to Europe.

New York JFK Airport

IATA/ICAO Code: JFK/KJFK

Country: United States

CEO: Rick Cotton (Executive Director of Port Authority of NY and NJ)

Passenger Count : 16,630,642 (2020)

Runways : 4L/22R - 3,682m (12,079 ft) |4R/22L - 2,560m (8,400 ft) |13L/31R - 3,048m (10,000 ft) |13R/31L - 4,423m (14,511 ft)

Terminals: Terminal 1 |Terminal 2 |Terminal 4 |Terminal 5 |Terminal 7 |Terminal 8

Plan & Book

Flight information, infinity mileagelands, business travel, please select your country / region of residence, news releases, eva, egas win iata ceiv pharma certifications again designation signifies excellence in pharmaceutical logistics.

Apr 17, 2024

EVA Air and Evergreen Airline Services Corp. (EGAS) both earned certification once again from the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA’s) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma). This certification verifies the highest standards in EVA’s and EGAS’s cold chain air and ground service operations at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). It also distinguishes EVA as the only Taiwan-based airline and one of the few airlines in the world to have obtained certification for air and ground handling operations simultaneously, strengthening its position as one of the leading global one-stop cold chain pharmaceutical product carriers.

IATA provides consistency and standardization of global pharmaceutical transportation needs, standardizes and assists the air transportation supply chain to establish safe and reliable logistics standards. CEIV Pharma (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators) certification is regarded as the highest standard in the cold chain transportation industry, re-certification is required every three years. The companies not only have to put in a tremendous amount of funding to upgrade existing or build new cold chain facilities, but also arrange for employees to receive professional training and establish a complete quality control system in accordance with CEIV certification requirements to comply with international standards for transportation and storage. Standard specifications, especially for handling special pharmaceutical products that are temperature-sensitive, emphasize the need for strict standards and equipment.

EVA and EGAS pay special attention to the risk assessment and management of pharmaceutical cold chain transportation, with the complete planning for station capacity analysis and evaluation, personnel training, and handling procedures before each transportation. During certification process, it was highly recognized by IATA. In 2021, EVA and EGAS obtained the certification for the first time, it has created an average 30% annual growth rate for pharmaceutical cold chain transportation in the recent years. We expect the re-certification can help business growth in cold chain transportation, bringing the positive effects to Taiwan's biotech industries and connecting with the world.

Due to the strict temperature-controlled transportation conditions of cold chain logistics, starting 2018, EVA has formed a team of experts to cooperate with several domestic and overseas temperature-controlled container suppliers to provide refrigerated, low-temperature, extremely-low temperature and other transportation services. Temperature-controlled containers can rely on physics and chemical reactions to keep it cold up to 144 hours, without the need for dry ice. The containers can be closely monitored to track the temperature and humidity of transported products, providing safe, diverse, convenient and rapid cold chain transportation services. During the COVID-19 epidemic in the past, we provided fast air transportation services to import and export different vaccines, making the contributions to the society and epidemic prevention.

The advancement of the cold chain transportation can fulfill the needs for economic development, it has proven its capability to ensure the dire needs of transportation of important supplies, especially in the face of an unknown epidemic. IATA’s CEIV Pharma (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators) certification can enhance the brand image for EVA and EGAS, and further gain the trusts from customers, making us to become a strong supporter for global pharmaceutical cold chain transportation.

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