Legal challenge backed by Ryanair and Aer Lingus owner on Covid travel curbs starts in UK

Litigation going ahead despite British government plans to lift some travel restrictions from July 19

Travel companies say it is still not clear how the British government makes decisions about rating destinations under its traffic light system. Despite the coming rule change, the complainants want the legal action to force a wider re-opening of travel. File picture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

A group of airports and airlines launched legal action against the British government over its travel curbs, challenging ministers to be more transparent over decisions on rating Covid-19 risks in destination countries.

The litigation, led by Manchester Airports Group, with backing from Ryanair, EasyJet, IAG which owns Aer Lingus and British Airways, as well as travel giant TUI, is going ahead despite plans announced by the British government to allow more travel.