Steve Heapy, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays chief, said the move marks a "genuine" reopening of international travel and is "more great news for holidaymakers".
"Although today’s announcement does not directly impact any of the destinations we are currently operating to, we applaud the government for the steps it is taking to reopen international travel properly," he added.
"There is still a way to go and we will continue to call for travel to be made easier, in particular around testing, but we are definitely on the right track."
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said the considerable reduction in the category and recognition of many more countries’ vaccination status was "another positive step towards the UK’s recovery from the pandemic and a boost to international travel".
"We are ready to welcome fully vaccinated arrivals from India, South Africa, and Hong Kong to the UK," they continued.
"However, to ensure the full economic benefits are realised and that Britain’s global ambitions are met, all testing for fully vaccinated travellers from low risk destinations must be removed, bringing us into line with Europe and the US."
The airline also said it was "looking forward" to receiving the date for the reopening of the US border for vaccinated individuals "as soon as possible".
Transport secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News on Friday (8 October) that the government is set to announce the date in which PCR tests will be replaced by antigen test for returning travellers "in the coming days".
Charlie Cornish, Manchester Airports Group (MAG) chief executive, said the move is "brilliant news" for Brits who are "desperate" to travel overseas on holiday, to visit friends and family or for business.
"Customers can now book with confidence, safe in the knowledge that testing is affordable and easy to understand," he added.
"Removing so many countries from the red list gives people the most choice they have had since before the pandemic, which will help stimulate the recovery of the UK’s prized aviation sector."
