The boss of British Airways may launch a legal challenge against the government’s ‘irrational’ 14-day quarantine.
Chief Executive of IAG Willie Walsh said there had been no consultation with the industry prior to the rule change and he was reviewing possible action with lawyers.
It comes after BA boycotted a meeting between the Home Secretary and the travel industry to discuss the plan.
It is understood the Home Office received no reply from the firm after inviting it to the meeting, which was attended by several other airlines yesterday.
The new rule means from June 8 people flying into the UK need to isolate for 14 days, deterring people from booking holidays in another setback for the travel industry.
It is understood the Home Office received no reply from British Airways (BA) after being invited to the meeting, which was attended by several of its airline competitors, including Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and colombo sri lanka Jet2 yesterday (pictured, Home Secretary Priti Patel)
Mr Walsh told Sky News: ‘I wrote to MPs last night to say this initiative has in effect torpedoed our opportunity to get flying in July.
‘We think it is irrational, we think it is disproportionate and we are giving consideration to a legal challenge to this legislation.’ He said he expected other airlines to follow suit.
Twenty-four representatives from the aviation, maritime and international rail industries were at the meeting with the Home Office and transport minister Kelly Tolhurst.
But BA’s chief executive Alex Cruz declined to join the call which Home Secretary Priti Patel also attended.
