MAJOR changes to the UK's travel rules have been introduced "too late", Southend Airport bosses have said.

From October 4, there will be a single red list of countries from where travellers to England must stay in a Government-supervised hotel – with Turkey, Pakistan and the Maldives all removed from the line-up.

People who are fully vaccinated will no longer need a pre-departure test before returning from non-red list destinations, and from later in the month will be able to replace the day two PCR test with a cheaper lateral flow test.

In a series of tweets, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the new “simplified” system aimed to strike “the right balance to manage the public health risk as No.1 priority”.

The widely expected move comes amid intense pressure from the travel industry to relax restrictions after another summer hit by coronavirus controls.

Glyn Jones, CEO of Southend Airport, believes the move is a "big step towards recovery", but questioned the timing of the changes.

Mr Jones said: "The government travel update is welcome news, albeit too late to make any real difference to the industries peak summer period.

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"Passenger confidence needs rebuilding and we hope that we are finally heading in the right direction.

"Southend Airport has campaigned for clarity in travel requirements as well as subsidised testing costs. 

"The removal of the traffic light system and lateral flow test acceptance is a big step to recovery for the aviation industry which has experienced significant disruption for the last 18 months."

In a statement, Mr Shapps: “Today’s changes mean a simpler, more straightforward system. One with less testing and lower costs, allowing more people to travel, see loved ones or conduct business around the world while providing a boost for the travel industry.

“Public health has always been at the heart of our international travel policy and with more than eight in 10 adults fully vaccinated in the UK, we are now able to introduce a proportionate updated structure that reflects the new landscape.”