In an interview with Good Morning Britain, John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow, talking about the current set-up for arrivals from countries that are labelled different colours on the traffic light system.
When asked whether arrivals will mix or not, he replied: “It is possible in immigration that we will have people from green countries, and amber countries and red countries at the same time.
“We do segregate those queues so it should be something you avoid, and we are working to create a dedicated arrivals lounge. By the summer we may have that in place.”
John was also grilled about the measures he is putting in place to make sure one of the busiest airports in the world is as Covid-safe as possible. Stating that the airport was running an orderly experience and cleaning was a key priority.
However many have taken to social media to raise their concern that travellers returning from the green country will be in close distance from traveller arriving back from amber and red-listed countries.
Passengers at Heathrow spoke of their fear of catching Covid while being crammed into the busy airport.
Others were reported to have claimed they were left stood next to arrivals from Covid-ravaged India while queueing for hours.
One traveller took to social media to say: “I arrived back in the country from South Africa – one of the red listed countries. I was more terrified catching Covid while going through border control than walking around South Africa.
“While queuing there was no social distancing we had a plane from India arrive straight after ours and we queued for over three hours and when their plane arrived it was out the door.”
Matt Hancock said earlier that holidays in amber countries should not take place at all.
He said people should “certainly not” go on holiday to some popular tourist destinations such as Spain, Italy, France and Greece, because of the risk from mutant strains of Covid.
A Government spokesperson said: “Protecting public health is our priority and as we reopen international travel safely we will maintain 100% health checks at the border to protect the wider public and our vaccine rollout.
“While we do this, wait times are likely to be longer and we will do all we can to smooth the process, including the roll-out of our e-Gate upgrade programme during the summer and deploying additional Border Force officers.
“Arrangements for queues and the management of returning passengers are the responsibility of the relevant airport, which we expect to be done in a COVID-secure way.”
