Ireland welcomes back UK travellers

Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland, is now welcoming British customers back onboard flights between the UK and Ireland, with Ireland having opened its doors on 19 July to British travellers. Ireland is the first country in Europe where fully vaccinated British citizens can visit without the need for any Covid-19 tests into or out of the country. There will also be no requirement to self-isolate if fully vaccinated. Aer Lingus is operating 109 weekly scheduled services between the Republic and the UK. Customers will be able to fly from Heathrow to Dublin, Cork and Belfast City Airport in Northern Ireland; from Manchester to Dublin and Belfast City Airport; Birmingham to Dublin and Belfast City Airport; Edinburgh to Dublin and Belfast City Airport and Glasgow to Dublin. Peter O’Neill, Aer Lingus COO, said: “We are delighted to welcome our British customers back on board now that travel restrictions have been relaxed, reconnecting friends and families that have been kept apart for too long. Aer Lingus is operating the following frequency on flights between Great Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland: Upon arrival in Ireland, all British visitors will need to show proof of full vaccination, such as their NHS App Covid Pass, a vaccination status letter or their NHS vaccine paper card. Customers without proof of vaccination will need to show evidence of a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arriving and quarantine for 14 days or a minimum of five days if they prove negative with a second PCR test, provided by the Health Service Executive in Ireland on day five. Earlier this year, Aer Lingus introduced a range of new safety measures in line with the guidance provided by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control). These additional measures include the mandatory wearing of face masks at all times, by all customers and crew. Social distancing is to be maintained at check in, boarding gates, during boarding and disembarking aircraft. Aer Lingus has introduced new ways to keep bookings flexible should travel plans change, with its ‘Book with Confidence’ proposition. For more information on the Aer Lingus schedules, please visit here.