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Bristol Airport

What Bristol Airport has said about reopening as flights resume

The airport's main terminal has been closed since the beginning of April

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Holiday plans this year have been severely disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Given the current climate, many people are cancelling their future holidays - or thinking about it at least.

Flights are a big expense for holidays abroad so it is worth knowing what international travel may look like in the near future.

Since April 3, Bristol Airport's main terminal building has been closed and it is not yet clear when normality will return.

In a statement, the airport said: "Bristol Airport remains open with a reduced number of commercial/scheduled flights as well as assisting with repatriation, medical, military and other essential movements.

"We continue to work closely with airlines, the Government, Department for Transport and Public Health England on the latest information and guidance for customers.

"Safety and security of our customers and staff is our key priority at all times and enhanced cleaning procedures and self-distancing policies are in place to keep our customers and colleagues safe, whilst providing these vital air links."

Bristol Airport hasn't given specific details about the changes which are coming, but other airports have.

As reported in MyLondon, Heathrow airport bosses have discussed several major changes we could see including health screening when we arrive at the airport.

This could mean temperature checks for passengers, and would apply to anyone leaving or arriving in the country.

However, last month Bristol Airport said it had no plans to check passengers' temperatures, after a Bristol businessman said it should be, but there is likely to be more pressure to do so if other major airports begin to.

Improved hygiene throughout the airport will be crucial, as it says on Bristol Airport's website: "Enhanced cleaning procedures are in place, building on the thorough processes already established, with more frequent services and checks and the provision of hand sanitiser dispenser locations across the airport.

"Our first aid responders have been provided with additional personal protection equipment and training in case they are required to act as first responders to suspected cases."

Bristol, like many other airports, has electronic check-in desks and now it's likely that people will be encouraged to use them to avoid interaction.

There will probably be lots of hand gels around the airport along with reminders to use it, and to wash your hands.

easyJet - which will be resuming flights on June 15, including one route from Bristol Airport to Belfast, on June 15 - has said it will be introducing new measures to help ensure safety and wellbeing including a requirement for passengers and crew to wear masks.

Bristol Airport hasn't said yet whether masks will be a requirement, but it is likely people will be asked to continue practising social distancing for a while.

However, the Prime Minister has asked scientists to review the two-metre social distancing rule to see if it can be reduced in an effort to help public transport and the hospitality sector.