US to lift UK and EU travel ban in November

Proof of how much the US ban has affected the UK travel industry is underlined by stats from Cirium.

They show that from 1 January to 19 September this year, the major airlines flew 8,380 one-way flights across the Atlantic, a 76% drop on the same period in 2019, which saw more than 35,000.

Tom Jenkins, Etoa chief executive, said the effect on inbound tourism meant "this capacity is urgently needed".

"Over the last two years, In the UK alone, there is a £60 billion hole from no inbound tourism. It will take years to repair the damage."

He added: "It is a very fragile dawn. Infection rates are volatile, and so are governments’ reactions to them. It is heartening that Boris Johnson cares about the needs of British travellers. But, in this environment, attention should now paid to a devastated export industry."

The travel ban led to the demise of Norwegian’s long-haul arm and led Virgin Atlantic to go running to banks to seek refinancing. It also saw BA permanently axe two US routes, including Charleston.

The ban also meant the long-awaited debut of JetBlue’s transatlantic services was more low key, with the New York carrier launching Heathrow-JFK in August and immediately paring back its schedule.

JetBlue’s Gatwick launch, on 29 September will also be scaled back, with four flights a week, but the announcement from Washington is timely for the carrier.

The reopening will also boost new airline Norse Atlantic Airways, which had gambled on a relaxation of restrictions by early 2022, when Norse will use some of Norwegian’s former fleet to start US flights from Gatwick.

Before the announcement, tour operators had reported pent-up demand for the US, but mostly for 2022 and beyond, so the news will only add fuel to demand for next year. In the near term, the relatively small market for winter sports in the US will receive a boost, as will Caribbean cruise departures from Miami.

The news is a massive boost for Florida as a whole.

“We are thrilled by the news about our borders reopening to the UK - our top international overseas market,” said Casandra Matej, Visit Orlando president and chief executive.

“Knowing there is a huge pent-up demand for Orlando holidays, we are ready to safely welcome back international visitors to experience the exciting new developments that have continued taking place in the theme park capital of the world.”