Britain’s third lockdown to deliver major ‘blow’ to UK-UAE air travel

Britain’s third lockdown to deliver major ‘blow’ to UK-UAE air travel

Britain's third national lockdown could deliver a hard blow for airlines that serve the UK–UAE route, according to experts.

During the lockdown period, which is likely to continue until at least March, only essential trips are permitted, including travelling abroad. Holidays are currently off-limits for most Britons, and the new restrictions will entail wider travel curbs.



While it's unlikely that Britain will close its airports entirely – the UK has never closed its borders to international travel, even during the first outbreak of the pandemic – the latest travel restrictions are set to “pummel” British Airways, Emirates and Etihad, according to Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at London-based StratAero aviation consulting.

“For UAE airlines, the UK–UAE route was far and away the most popular, profitable and high-frequency route. Now that will have to change until March 2021 at least, if not longer,” said Ahmad.

“With such heavy restrictions imposed by this new lockdown in England, any would-be travel seeker is effectively banned from flying and so, the demand for flights out of the UK will plummet,” he said.



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