LONDON - British Airways CEO Sean Doyle has voiced concerns over the newly implemented Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) regulation in the United Kingdom, which he believes could significantly impact the airline's competitive edge. Speaking today at the Airline 2023 conference in London, Doyle highlighted the challenges posed by the £10 permit application required for visa-exempt travelers, including a potential delay for business travelers if documentation is not processed promptly.
The ETA policy, which mandates that visa-exempt passengers apply for a permit three days before arrival, is particularly troubling for Heathrow Airport, where approximately half of the clientele consists of connecting passengers. With 40% of British Airways' connections relying on transit traffic, the additional charge and possible delays could disadvantage UK carriers against other European hubs that do not impose such fees on transit through international hubs.
Doyle's remarks come as the aviation industry grapples with post-Brexit changes. The ETA scheme, already active for Qatar nationals, has raised concerns among industry groups such as Airlines UK and BAR UK. They argue that most countries do not levy charges on travelers simply transiting through their international hubs.
The British Airways chief urged all travelers to stay abreast of immigration policy updates and ensure they have their passenger entry documents arranged well in advance to avoid any complications upon entering the UK. He stressed that such regulatory hurdles threaten Heathrow's status as a mega-hub essential for global connectivity and its future development.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.