European airlines urge Canada to ease up on "problematic" travel restrictions

The Canadian government is currently under pressure by European airlines and airport executives, who are collectively urging the country to ease up on its strict travel restrictions.

Under current government regulations, any travellers re-entering Canada must self-islate under a mandatory 14-day quarantine period, which is seen as problematic by many, especially those who cannot afford an extra two weeks off of work.

Global News reports that in a letter dated July 27th, "top executives of nearly a dozen European airlines and airports, warned that “since many EU (European Union) countries and Switzerland require reciprocity to re-establish access, Canada’s continued entry restriction and quarantine requirements are becoming problematic.”

The content of the letter, sent to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other government ministers, was reviewed by Reuters.

Over the last few weeks, EU member countries have eased up on their respective travel restrictions, and on June 30th, the Council of the European Union announced that it would lift travel restrictions for residents of fifteen countries, including Canada, as of July 1st. 

Still, Canada's borders remain shuttered, except to essential workers. Domestic travel is still possible, and international flights are still flying, with some Canadian carriers flying to Europe.

Back in June, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) also spoke out, urging governments to avoid quarantine measures when re-opening their economies.

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