Low-cost airline easyJet, Bristol Airport’s largest operator, expects to have resumed flights on three-quarters of its routes in August as international lockdowns are lifted in more holiday destinations.
The airline announced last week that it will restore the service to a limited number of destinations from Bristol starting on June 15.
It now expects to have at least half its 1,022 routes from all its bases operational by the end of July.
The percentage will increase to 75% in August, although flights will be at a lower frequency than normal.
While the move will be welcomed by holidaymakers – pending the lifting of the UK government’s self-isolation policy for people entering the UK – it will also bring a much-welcomed boost to the West of England’s tourist and hospitality industries, which have been devastated by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, as easyJet’s Bristol flights bring tens of thousands of visitors to the region from across the UK and Europe.
EasyJet flies to 72 destinations from Bristol – more than half the airport’s total – and operates around 770 flights a week in the peak summer period.
The airline, for which Bristol is its largest base outside of the South East, is introducing a series of safety measures including requiring passengers to wear face masks at airports and on aircraft.
Other steps to boost hygiene include not selling food during flights, enhanced cleaning of planes, and providing disinfection wipes and hand sanitiser. Free masks will be given to children and passengers will be invited to sit away from people not in their party on flights with empty seats. 
EasyJet chief commercial and planning officer Robert Carey said: “We are delighted to announce that we will be flying the majority of our route network across Europe, meaning customers can still get to their chosen destination for their summer holidays this year.
“We’re passionate about helping our customers get back flying.”
The airline is offering a million seats at £29.99 this summer.
EasyJet employs nearly 700 people at Bristol Airport, including cockpit crew and cabin crew for the 17 aircraft permanently based there.
It recently announced plans to axe up to a third of its 15,000-strong worldwide workforce and sell or withdraw from service 41 of its 343 aircraft.
Meanwhile, Bath Bus Company has brought in new social distancing measures on its A4 Air Decker service to Bristol Airport in preparation for a rise in passenger numbers as lockdown restrictions in the UK ease and people return to work.
The measures include signs on seats to help advise passengers where to sit, requests for passengers to wear face coverings where possible and signage to remind people to be mindful of the two-metre social distancing rule. As a result, passenger numbers on the vehicles are being restricted
Screens have been fitted to help protect drivers, who also have disposable gloves, face masks and hand sanitiser, and all buses are deep cleaned regularly.
Bath Bus Company MD Martin Curtis said: “Now that we are seeing a gradual rise in passenger numbers as the lockdown eases, we are monitoring our loadings closely.
“An extra Air Decker is in operation on journeys throughout the peak period, running alongside the registered service, to ensure passengers can reach their destination safely and cope with additional demand.
“We hope that these measures will instil confidence in the public to use public transport. We are working closely with local authorities to make sure demand is met.
The Air Decker service runs from Bath city centre to Bristol Airport through Saltford and Kenysham.
