Flights are restarting from Bristol to Amsterdam next month, Dutch airline KLM has confirmed.
The airline said it would be resuming a daily service between Bristol Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on July 4.
The flights will be for essential travel and repatriation only, according to KLM, which said the route would be operated using an Embraer 190 aircraft carrying 100 passengers.
Passengers will need to bring their own masks which will be compulsory on all flights and during boarding.
KLM has also introduced a number of other measures on its flights and at airports to protect passengers and staff, it said.
The airline said it had created its policy using guidelines set out by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, the World Health Organisation and the International Air Transport Association.
All the rules also comply with international law and regulations, according to KLM.
What are KLM and Bristol Airport's safety measures?
- The compulsory wearing of masks for passengers, all airline crew members and airport handling agents in contact with customers
- Social distancing measures in the airport and on board where possible. Where this is not possible, compulsory face masks ensure adequate health protection
- The installation of transparent protection screens at airports when possible
- Daily aircraft cleaning procedures, with the disinfection of all surfaces in contact with passengers such as armrests, tables and screens
- Adapting in-flight service to limit interaction between customers and crew members. On domestic flights and short flights in Europe, meal and drink services have been suspended. On long-haul flights, cabin service is limited and preference is given to individually wrapped products
- Passengers screenings are conducted on flights to certain destinations in line with government guidance
- For flights departing from Amsterdam to Canada, Singapore and South Korea, passengers are physically observed. Passengers flying to the last two destinations receive an additional temperature check
- Air in the cabin is renewed every three minutes
KLM said its air recycling system is equipped with "High Efficiency Particulate Air" or HEPA filters, which are identical to those used in hospital operating theatres.
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These filters extract more than 99.99 per cent of the smallest viruses, including those no larger than 0.01 micrometres, according to the airline.
Coronavirus type viruses, ranging in size from 0.08 to 0.16 micrometres, are filtered through the HEPA filters.
Benedicte Duval, KLM's general manager for 海角视频 and Ireland, said: “As borders reopen and travel restrictions begin to ease, safety is a prerequisite for KLM as we gradually resume travel.
“After this challenging period, we are delighted to be able to welcome our South West based customers back onboard.
“As we all adapt to this new environment, I can assure you that all KLM staff, both on the ground and on board, are committed to guaranteeing our passengers the highest levels of health and safety."
'Clear indicator the region is open for business'
Dave Lees, chief executive of Bristol Airport, says the move shows a "commitment" to the West of England and is a "clear indicator the region is open for business ".
“For customers in the South West and Wales region this is the first opportunity to book flights between Bristol and Amsterdam with KLM since the reduction in the flying programme due to Covid-19," he said.
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“The route offers world-wide connectivity via the Amsterdam hub needed for business, leisure and supporting inbound tourism to the area.
"Customers can be assured we continue to liaise closely with Government, Department for Transport and Public Health England on the latest guidance available.
"Safety and security of our customers and staff is our key priority at all times and enhanced cleaning procedures and social-distancing policies are in place to keep our customers and colleagues safe, whilst providing these vital air links.”
KLM said during the summer travellers will be able to connect to up to 100 international destinations through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
People who have booked flights with the airline can make date and destination changes up until June 30, 2021, for free.