UK to end passenger locator forms, mask rules at Heathrow airport

The UK said all mask mandates at London’s Heathrow Airport will be dropped from Wednesday, Per Second News gathered.

The Heathrow airport said it would be lifting the requirement for passengers to wear masks following the government’s announcement that all measures, including passenger locator forms will end Friday.

Airlines and travel industry organisations have welcomed the move, as two airlines — British Airways and Virgin Atlantic — are also dropping mask mandates for flights except when required by the arrival country.

For Heathrow, it means masks will no longer be needed in its terminals, rail stations or office buildings.

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The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa), a trade union for UK pilots, also said it welcomed the move by the Heathrow airport.

“The aviation industry has been through the worst crisis it has ever faced yet it will underpin the much-needed economic recovery that global Britain needs,” said Balpa General Secretary Martin Chalk.

On Monday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in a tweet the government had decided to drop all pandemic-related travel restrictions from Friday, including testing requirements for unvaccinated passengers and the passenger locator form for inbound travellers.

“We’re pleased that we’re now able to move away from a mandatory requirement as society learns to live with Covid longer term,” said Heathrow’s chief operating officer Emma Gilthorpe.