This is how airlines will keep passengers safe as flights resume - and the latest FCO travel advice

Now that the summer holidays are fast approaching, many will be wondering if a holiday abroad could be on the horizon.

Airlines are beginning to make plans for the resumption of flights and lockdown restrictions are gradually beginning to lift across the globe, including travel bans.

But is it safe for Brits to start travelling again?

Is it safe to fly yet?

Currently, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising Brits against all but essential international travel.

However, the gradual lifting of borders in Europe has been proposed by the EU’s executive to restart the tourist industry.

Spain’s tourism minister confirmed that foreign tourists can book holidays in the country from 1 July, with the mandatory 14-day quarantine rule for foreign tourists to be lifted from this point.

Several airlines have also started announcing plans to restart their flights abroad from July.

Jet2 will restart its flights and holidays from 1 July, along with Ryanair, while easyjet will resume a number of limited flights from 22 airports across the UK and Europe from 15 June.

But despite plans to restart the tourism industry, the latest FCO advice states that Brits still should not travel abroad, unless the journey is essential.

What rules will be enforced at UK airports?

In an effort to keep infection levels down, and in line with several other countries, the UK government will introduce a series of restrictions at the UK border, including social distancing measures.

A 14-day quarantine rule is due to start in UK airports from 8 June and will affect anyone arriving by plane, train or ferry.

Travellers will be required to fill in a form on arrival to the country, including their contact information and an address where they will have to remain for two weeks.

If travellers don’t have anywhere to stay, accommodation will be arranged by the government.

Health officials will perform spot checks to ensure compliance with the measures and fines of up to £1,000 will be issued if rules are broken.

UK travellers also face a 14-day quarantine on arrival to some countries abroad, although travel without quarantine will be possible to France.

How will flights be made safe?

While safety guidance for when flights resume has not yet been issued by the government, several airlines are already making plans for their return to the skies.

Here are some of the new measures that could be enforced the next time you travel:

Empty middle seats

Easyjet, along with US airline Delta and Emirates, has announced plans to keep its middle seats empty during flights to ensure social distancing can be maintained between passengers.

The move would be a temporary measure for when flights resume, to help ensure the safety of those on board.