• Transatlantic travel ban lifted ??

    From Aviation HQ@2:292/854 to All on Sat Jul 17 23:58:44 2021
    The prospect of a resumption of transatlantic air traffic between the US and Europe appears to have been boosted by comments from US President Joe Biden. He promised during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the White House that more information will soon become available about the possible lifting of the international travel ban.

    "I can say more in the coming days," Biden reported. The ban on non-essential travel to the US is now a year and a half old. Studies by the US Department of Defense, the Mayo Clinic and Harvard University have independently shown that air travel is safe, provided proper precautions are taken," US media writes.

    In Europe, restrictions on American travelers were already relaxed last month. However, the US continued to adhere to the strict travel restrictions imposed under former President Donald Trump. Officials have said the spread of the Delta variant has held back the country's reopening to Europe, CNN reported.

    Merkel confirms she received assurances from Biden during their meeting that he was investigating the matter.

    "Before making such a decision, it should be carefully considered," Merkel said. "It is not wise to have to reverse the decision after just a few days. Every day of outdated travel restrictions inflicts economic damage on our nation, not to mention the personal toll that is exacted on people when their family and loved ones are separated.

    The US travel industry has urged the Biden administration, in line with the latest science, to swiftly review its entry policy for international travel.

    --- DB4 - Jul 12 2021
    * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)