Airport passengers risk not flying without face covering

Some flights will resume between Inverness and Gatwick on Monday as Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (Hial) warned passengers they risk not travelling if they do not wear a face covering.

The public operator, which runs 11 regional airports, outlined safety measures as it prepares for a gradual return of services.

Passengers will be required to wear face coverings before entering airport terminals and must keep them in place until their journeys are completed.

They are advised to arrive with their own face coverings. A limited number may be available at airports but this cannot be guaranteed.

Hand sanitiser will be made available at airports, while strict adherence to social distancing will also be required of those travelling, Hial has said.

Staff will wear personal protective equipment, including face masks and gloves where required.

Screens have been installed and physical distancing measures are in place, with sanitiser stations in key locations throughout airports. Regular deep cleaning will also be carried out.

The numbers of passengers within the terminal building will be limited and only those travelling will be allowed in the terminal.

Managing director Inglis Lyon said: “My colleagues have worked extremely hard to offer a safer environment for passengers at our airports and we will continue to rely on the understanding and cooperation of travellers to follow our new procedures to make their experience as smooth as possible, given the current restrictions.

“We are pleased that we are now able to focus on a safe and gradual resumption of air travel, however it is vital that everyone plays their part in helping ensure we avoid risking transmission of Covid-19, by ensuring that you turn up at the airport wearing your face mask, maintaining social distancing and personal hygiene. We will continue to move in lockstep with Transport Scotland and adhere to Health Protection Scotland advice.

“We do not know if, or when, we will be able to travel as we did pre-coronavirus and given that all of us must adapt to these new habits and procedures in order to go about this part of our lives.”