The boss of no-frills airline Ryanair has called for costly PCR tests to be scrapped and a tax on flights to be suspended in a bid to kickstart overseas travel.
Michael O'Leary, the budget carrier's chief executive, said Ryanair was determined to lead recovery for the travel and tourism industry following the pandemic.
He claimed Air Passenger Duty (APD) was holding back recovery and giving an unfair advantage to European rivals.
Mr O'Leary added: "As vaccinations rise and consumer confidence returns, Ryanair again calls on the UK Government to scrap PCR tests for fully vaccinated arrivals and also to suspend APD (air passenger duty), to allow airlines and airports quickly recover connectivity, jobs and tourism in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.
"APD makes UK airports noncompetitive against lower cost EU airports, which is why Ryanair has added capacity at other EU airports in recent months in the likes of Zagreb, Stockholm, Billund and Riga.
"The lack of Government support for aviation and tourism recovery creates further barriers to traffic and growth."
Ryanair has also announced 14 new winter routes from London airports, with fares available from just £19.99 for travel until the end of November.
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