Two leading Irish airlines are issuing fresh advice to travellers following the return to international travel on Monday.
This week officially saw the return of travel within the EU with some two million people being issued Digital Covid Certs to people across the country.
International travel has long been off the cards however with the vaccination programme in full swing there are now provisions in place to allow for the return of hitting the skies.
But the experience is already proving to be very different to what we're used to.
Aer Lingus on Monday operated 66 flights versus 346 on 19th July 2019.
Chief Operations Officer, Peter O’Neill said: “We are delighted to be welcoming more customers back on board from today and reconnecting friends and families that have been kept apart for too long.
“Some coming to the airport today - or in the coming weeks - may be nervous, unsure or simply unfamiliar with flying. We understand that. Our people are trained to ensure that our customers have a safe and comfortable journey.
“We are delighted to once again be able to do what we do best for more customers- deliver safe international travel.
“Thanks to the air filtration systems on board all of our aircraft, and how air flow is managed on-board, it has been proven that the only other indoor environment with comparable air-quality is an operating theatre.
"Safety measures such as mask requirements, additional cleaning, and new boarding and de-planing procedures have been in practice across the airline for the past year. We’re more than ready to welcome more customers back on board.
“There are a few important steps of which those travelling should be aware:
- Where possible, check-in online and avail of the baggage drop system;
- Make sure you have all of the correct documentation – the EU Digital Covid Certificate is not a pre-requisite for travel but it will make travel easier - check the various websites beforehand to make sure you have the most recent information - gov.ie/travel or reopen.europa.eu
- Arrive at the airport least 2 hours for European flights, 3 hours for US travel
Meanwhile Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said reaching a Coivd zero situation was not going to happen but people should still wear masks on public transport.
When asked on Sky News on Monday about doctors and scientists being critical of so-called "freedom day" in England, he said: "I think we should support the reopening of our societies.
"Many of these doctors won't be happy until we get to zero Covid and that's not possible.
"We are going to have to learn to live with Covid.
"I would still be critical of Boris Johnson's government, I think freedom day is a welcome development today but still think where transport is involved there should be more mask-wearing.
"I think it was irresponsible to say that everyone can simply dispense with their masks."
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