AIRPORT bosses have called on the Government to help bring back passenger confidence, after strict new quarantine rules were rushed through.

The industry is warning it ‘is in urgent need of a return to flying’ after the blow of Covid-19.

The call for action comes after Saturday’s announcement that Brits arriving back from Spain will have to quarantine for 14 days.

This applies to anyone returning from Spain, the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advising against all non-essential travel to these locations.

But bosses at Southend Airport are now urging Government to review the country-wide rule and instead restrict it to areas where cases of coronavirus are higher.

A spokesman said: “Southend Airport can confirm that the new quarantine arrangements are in place for passengers arriving from Spain.

"However, the impact of the pandemic on both aviation and its wider supply chain is enormous and the industry is in urgent need of a return to flying, especially during the key summer season. 

“We call on Government to help with the return of passenger confidence by providing clear, consistent and proportionate policy guidance.

"That entails reviewing quarantine action to ensure it reflects specifically affected areas, rather than the generality of an entire country, where the impact of the pandemic varies substantially by location.”

Councillor David McGlone, who represents the St Laurence Ward, worries this will add to the list of blows Southend Airport has already faced during the pandemic; including the potential loss of easyJet’s Southend base.

The airport currently flies to ten destinations in Spain, including the popular Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza and Lanzarote.

Mr McGlone said: “Of course I understand why certain restrictions are being brought in to avoid another pandemic, but this is just another blow for Southend Airport.

“A high percentage of flights from here go to Spain, so it is devastating. 

“I think not only will it affect these flights, but people will look at other locations for example Italy and worry that there could be a restriction put in place while they’re out there too. 

“It will make some nervous, and Southend has already taken too many blows.

“I’m fearful moving forward, it’s not a good sign for the industry.”

Jon Fuller, co-ordinator from the South East Essex Friends of the Earth, added: “I think people who are booking holidays during the global pandemic are terribly irresponsible and selfish.

"It’s time we accept that people will have to be flying a lot less - nobody should think about getting on a plane right now.”