Iata director general Willie Walsh said the decision to allow vaccinated and tested travellers into the US from early November was “a major step forward”.

“This is excellent news for families and loved ones who have suffered through the heartache and loneliness of separation. It’s good for the millions of livelihoods in the US that depend on global tourism. And it will boost the economic recovery by enabling some key business travel markets,” said Walsh.

Walsh said the relaxation of rules marked “a key shift” in managing Covid risks from blanket considerations nationally to “assessment of individual risk”.

“The next challenge is finding a system to manage the risks for travellers who do not have access to vaccinations.

"Data points to testing as a solution. But it is also critical that governments accelerate the global rollout of vaccines and agree a global framework for travel where testing resources are focused on unvaccinated travellers. We must get back to a situation where the freedom to travel is available to all.”

The surprise move by the US saw an immediate spike in bookings for operators as well as airlines. 

Lisa McAuley, managing director of US specialist Gold Medal added: “This is such exciting news and as soon as the rumour began to circulate on Monday afternoon our phones started to ring with agents enquiring about prices and wanting to make bookings.

"We’re expecting some busy days ahead and will be making sure our teams are prepared. 

“We’ve been waiting a long time for this moment and can now put some great offers live.”