This might be useful for those planning to visit in the UK in the coming weeks, and the news is not good at all. Boris Johnson, the premier of the UK, has put in place a new lockdown in prominent parts of the UK by implementing a new Tier 4 at just 8 hours notice. The new measures have been necessitated because of the surfacing of a new mutation of the Coronavirus, which spreads faster and is more difficult to detect than the one we have all known about so far. This comes after a spate of earlier mixed messaging on allowing travel.
UK Announces Lockdown
Per the UK Government, the Tier 4 lockdown, which is in effect from December 20, 2020, 00:01 hours UK Time covers the entire London and the South East and East of England. That means places such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton and Essex are all under lockdown.
Under tier 4 restrictions, non-essential shops, hairdressers and leisure and entertainment venues will close, with a new “stay at home” message introduced. These restrictions are planned to be in place till December 30, 2020.
In terms of Christmas, Tier 4 inhabitants can’t meet any other family for Christmas. However, Tier 1,2,3 residents can mingle with up to three households on Christmas day.
Travel implications
Here is where the big deal is about the UK Lockdown. International Travel in and out of Tier 4 is not allowed. Not just that, those in Tier 4 won’t be allowed to stay overnight away from home or travel abroad for the holidays.
https://twitter.com/LDNLutonAirport/status/1340385929522016257?s=20
Virgin Atlantic has issued customers who can’t travel due to the new restrictions an extended period of one year.
We’re aware of the latest restrictions in London and the South East, including an advisory against non-essential travel. For further information please visit our Latest Travel News: https://t.co/uW6jo8NWzd pic.twitter.com/zqaDHrP8QS
— virginatlantic (@VirginAtlantic) December 19, 2020
There is no statement from British Airways or Air India at this point about operations to the UK. However, Vistara has confirmed flights will continue.
Dear Mr. Tomar, Please note that currently all flights to/from London are operating as per schedule. Please visit https://t.co/IZ9taT0TOv or SMS UK <flight no> to 9289228888 for updated flight status. Thanks, Vivika.
— Vistara (@airvistara) December 20, 2020
At the time of writing this post, there are no updates in terms of any waivers from the Indian carriers flying to the UK.
Netherlands closes down to UK flights.
The fall-out of the UK Tier 4 move has begun, with The Netherlands banning air travel between itself and the United Kingdom. The new ban is operational between 0600 hours on December 20, 2020, to January 1, 2021.
As from Sunday 20 Dec 6:00 AM, there is a travel ban on passenger flights from the United Kingdom to the Netherlands. Flights are suspended until at least 1 January 00:00 AM. Travellers are advised to contact their airline or to visit https://t.co/deq33WSLKT for more information
— Schiphol (@Schiphol) December 20, 2020
Bottomline
London and many other areas in the vicinity are under a new Tier 4 lockdown which means everyone needs to stay at home and most non-essential businesses will have to close down over Christmas. This might affect the travel plans of those who were planning to visit London. Check with your airline if your plans have been affected.
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