The Gibraltar government says it is disappointed but understands Wizz Air’s business decision to suspend its Luton service to the Rock. The airline announced this week that, even though the service would be suspended indefinitely, it would continue to review the situation.
“With the uncertain outlook for travel at the moment due to COVID restrictions,” said the company, “we have had to make a number of adjustments to our schedule. This decision has not been made lightly. We are constantly reviewing our schedule and would be keen on re-entering the Gibraltar market when it makes most business sense for us, at the earliest opportunity.”
Responding to the news, minister for business and tourism Vijay Daryanani said, “Of course this is extremely disappointing but, once again, the pandemic has reared its ugly head. These are unprecedented times for everyone. The new Omicron variant has not helped the situation because all this does is cause uncertainty.
“With all airlines constantly looking at their route networks and trying their best to protect their finances, it is understandable from a business perspective. If the airline industry was difficult pre-pandemic, it is even more challenging now with so much uncertainty.”
New Test Requirement for Travellers to the UK
Gibraltar Airport users have been advised they now require a pre-departure test when flying to the UK, in line with updated British government regulations coming into effect today (7 December) which also apply to fully vaccinated travellers.
In an official statement, the UK government said, “In light of emerging evidence on the Omicron variant, from 4am on Tuesday 7 December anyone aged 12 and above wishing to travel to the UK will need to show a negative pre-departure test (LFD or PCR) as close as possible to departure and not more than 48 hours before to slow the importation of the new variant
“These are temporary measures that have been introduced to prevent further Omicron cases from entering the UK, and will be examined at the three-week review point on 20 December.”
Meanwhile, Gibraltar is pressing ahead with its internationally pacesetting COVID-19 vaccination booster campaign in response to concerns about the Omicron variant.