Airport chief hits out at travel rules amid 'perilous' state

The owner of Glasgow and Aberdeen airports has hit out at the Scottish Government following the announcement of further restrictions on those travelling to the country.

AGS Airports said its operations had been effectively closed without a recovery plan from government and the new restrictions had been announced without any consultation.

The First Minister announced that there will be a “managed quarantine requirement” for anyone who arrives directly into Scotland – regardless of where they have travelled from.

Nicola Sturgeon said the tougher rules were to guard against importing new variants of Covid-19.

Derek Provan, chief executive of AGS Airports, said: “This is the third significant announcement regarding travel restrictions in as many weeks which, once again, have been introduced without any consultation whatsoever. We’re also lacking any detail on how the latest layer of restrictions will be implemented.

“We understand the need for short-term emergency measures, and we all want to see this virus brought under control as quickly as possible, however, it’s imperative government engages with industry on developing a recovery plan.

“Our airports are effectively closed, they have been for almost one year and without a recovery plan from government there is no end in sight. We need to see sector specific support beyond the rates relief otherwise our entire industry will remain in a perilous position.”

Across the UK, all overseas travellers are expected to self-isolate for ten days on arrival.