As part of a broader national scheme to support the aviation industry, Southampton Airport is set to receive up to £8 million to protect jobs and reinforce the local economy.
The funding has been allocated to address fixed costs at commercial airports, and is equivalent to the business rates liability of each site, capped at up to £8 million and subject to certain conditions.
This measure follows the announcement of the ‘Test to Release’ scheme, whereby passengers arriving into England will be able to reduce mandatory self-isolation by at least a week, as part of the government’s new strategy for testing international arrivals.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps recently announced that from 15 December 2020, passengers arriving into England from countries not featured on the government’s travel corridor list will have the option to take a test after 5 days of self-isolation, with a negative result releasing them from the need to isolate.
The move will give passengers the confidence to book international trips in the knowledge that they can return home and isolate for a shorter period if they have received a negative test. With those opting in to the scheme having to book and pay for a coronavirus (COVID-19) test from a private provider on the GOV.UK list, we are ensuring the NHS Test and Trace testing capacity is protected.
Under the ‘Test to release for international travel’ strategy, passengers arriving into England by plane, ferry or train should book their test before they travel; must complete a passenger locator form; and will still need to self-isolate for 5 days before taking a test – rather than taking it at their port of arrival.
Commenting Suella Braverman Said:
“Regional airports have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in recent months, and I know this announcement will come as a source of welcomed relief for those employed within the sector in Hampshire. The aviation industry is vital to our local economy, and therefore I am delighted to learn that Southampton Airport will receive funding to support jobs and expedite growth as we turn a corner in 2021”.
