Update: Latest UK Covid restrictions

On May 17, 2021, the United Kingdom launched its new Red, Amber, and Green list rules for entering the UK. The U.S., Canada, and most EU countries currently sit on the Amber List, which means a 10-day quarantine for travelers arriving from these countries, including Brits returning from popular vacation destinations like Spain.

Our blog has the latest on UK Covid restrictions for Crew and Pax.

After being postponed in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, London will be hosting several matches the UEFA Euro 2020 finals between June 11 and July 11, 2021 with fans being allowed at 25 percent capacity. The rescheduled finals of the 2020 UEFA soccer tournament begin on June 11, with 51 games to be played in 10 European cities through July 11.

This is the first time since 1996 that London has hosted the event. We anticipate interest in the event  combined with pent-up travel to London and lightening COVID restrictions will lead to high demand for business aviation services in the city during this time period.

Here is what you need to know.

UEFA EURO 2020 Schedule (The 2020 tournament is being played in 2021 due to being postponed due to COVID)

Originally scheduled to be held in Dublin, the Round of 16 matches have been relocated to Wembley Stadium in London. The first match will be held Sunday June 13, 2021 and the last will take place Sunday, July 11, 2021.

You can view the full schedule here.

Spectators are allowed at limited capacity

London is allowing spectators to attend the games at 25 percent of Wembley’s capacity.

London Travel Restrictions

Effective, May 17, 2021 the UK implemented have new entry regulations. If you come from a country on the green list and haven’t been to a red or amber country in the preceding 10-day period, then no quarantine is needed. Testing will still be required.

The U.S. is currently on the amber list, which means a 10-day quarantine unless you pay to test out early after day five. Our blog article has all the details on UK Covid restrictions for crew and pax.

You can review the full list of green/amber countries here.

The UK had previously announced plans to potentially lift all COVID restrictions on June 21, 2021, but that is currently in doubt and could be delayed due to the ongoing spread of COVID variants in the country.

The best airport option for attending UEFA EURO 2020

Northolt (RAF/EGWU)

Universal Aviation UK – London Northolt began operations in January 2021.

The closest airport to Wembley and the best London-area airport option is RAF Northolt (RAF/EGWU). Northolt offers convenience to the city center, a high level of security as a military airport and less congestion than other airports in the region.

Universal Aviation UK expanded to Northolt in January 2021, and since that time has worked closely with the Royal Air Force to expand the airport’s operating hours.

Effective May 17, 2021, Northolt’s Monday-Friday operating hours have been extended by three hours daily from 0800-1700 to 0800-2000 local.

Expanded weekend hours at Northolt for UEFA EURO 2020

In preparation for COVID restrictions easing this summer and the return of high-traffic events, Universal Aviation has also worked with the airport to open from 1200-1900 local on two specific Sundays: June 13 and July 11, 2021.

In addition to its proximity to the matches, Northolt is also conveniently located just eight miles from London Heathrow Airport, which makes it easy for crew and passengers needing to connect with commercial flights.

For more information on this location, including a 360 view of the FBO, visit Universal Aviation London-Northolt online.

Stansted (EGSS)

Universal Aviation UK – London Stansted was voted Aviation International News No. 2 FBO in the world in 2021.

Stansted is a 24/7 airport approximately 41 miles from Wembley, but with good road access to the venue. Stansted has ample GA parking and full support services. Airport slots are required and there are restrictions to consider for noisier aircraft.

Universal Aviation’s award-winning Stansted location is available 24/7 to assist. For more information on this location, including a 360 view of the FBO, visit Universal Aviation London-Stansted online.

Luton (EGGW)

Luton is a 24-hour airport about 30 miles from Wembley. Although Luton is 24/7, the airport does have very specific noise profiles operators must follow and limited (and very expensive) parking compared to cheaper alternatives such as Stansted (EGSS).

Farnborough (EGLF)

Farnborough is located 43 miles from Wembley is open from 0700-2200 local Monday-Friday, 0800-2000 local on weekends. Note that EGLF is a Stage 4 airport and very strict on noise. Stage 3 aircraft that meet Stage 4 noise standards, based on their noise certificate, may operate to this location.

Universal Aviation UK can help

For more details and assistance in planning a mission to the UK for the UEFA Euro 2020, our Universal Aviation UK team can assist.