Airport retailers must be cashless where possible, says UK government

By Andrew Pentol |

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Airport retailers are urged to limit customer numbers wherever possible under new government guidance published today (11 June).

UK airport retailers are being urged to limit customer numbers where possible, use self-service options and operate a one-way system in coordination with other measures.

Measures for retailers are outlined in new Coronavirus (Covid-19) aviation guidance published by the Department of Transport today (11 June). This comes just three days after the UK’s 14-day quarantine rule was enforced.

Produced by the government’s International Aviation Taskforce, in collaboration with the industry, the guidance provides advice for passengers on how to travel safely and follow social distancing measures at each stage of their journey.

The Guidance to Passengers, which covers all aspects of the travel experience, indicates travellers must follow social distancing measures in shops and pay by contactless card where possible.

Practical advice to travellers includes wearing face coverings at the airport, washing hands regularly after touching surfaces, checking in all baggage (including hand luggage) and remaining seated as much as possible during flights.

CASHLESS PAYMENTS

In the Guidance For Operators section, retailers are urged to be cashless wherever possible. Airports and retailers are also encouraged to work together to minimise risks arising from the consumption of essential food and drink. This includes the implementation of additional seating areas, which enable social distancing and reduce risk of Covid-19 transmission.

Social-distancing-LGW

Travellers must follow social distancing measures in shops and elsewhere within airports.

Over in Scotland, businesses must ensure a two-metre distance between people on its premises (except two members of the same household, or a carer and a person assisted by a carer). Only a few people can be admitted at any one time to maintain this distance. Measures must be taken to ensure distance is maintained between people waiting to enter.

In Wales, businesses must ensure a two-metre distance is maintained between people on its premises (except between two members of the same household, or a carer and the person assisted by the carer).

The Guidance to Operators applies to all workers in the aviation industry, including retail staff, airline and flight crew, baggage handlers and maintenance engineers.

Airport retailers are also urged to follow the Government Guidance for Retail published by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 11 May 2020. This particular guidance is for people working in shops, branches, stores or similar environments nationwide and is not limited to airports.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Today’s guidance is a positive next step towards ensuring a safer and more sustainable aviation sector. The government’s advice currently remains to avoid all non-essential travel, but today we are taking the necessary steps to ensure a framework is in place for the aviation industry to bounce back when it is safe for restrictions on travel to be lifted.”

Gawtick arrivals

Passengers are advised to check in all baggage, including hand-luggage.

Tim Hawkins, Chief Strategy Officer, Manchester Airport Group added: “This new guidance provides the basis for the restart and recovery of the UK aviation industry. It offers clear information for us, our passengers and our airlines on the steps needed to create a safe travel experience.

“The guidance is the result of strong collaboration between government and the aviation industry, drawing on advice from independent medical and scientific experts who have looked specifically at what safety measures are needed at each stage of the travel process.

“With similar protocols being adopted in other countries and a targeted approach to reopening travel to low-risk countries, we will have the elements in place to get our economy moving and protect jobs throughout the whole aviation supply chain.”

This latest guidance has been welcomed by the Airports Operators Association which said: “We believe these health measures, based on clear medical and scientific advice, will play a vital role in rebuilding confidence in air travel and allow the UK to lead internationally as we begin to open up again.”

 

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