The Telegraph reports the idea is among a number of measures minister will debate, including a full "Australian-style border closure".

It comes after prime minister Boris Johnson on Friday (22 January) said he could not rule out the government taking further action at the UK’s borders.

Responding to the speculation of tightened measures, Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association and Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: "Less than two weeks ago the UK introduced some of the highest levels of restrictions in the world. Flights today are already banned from countries with high infection rates. 

"Pre-departure controls mean anyone arriving in the UK has already tested negative. There is further quarantine upon arrival and the option of a second test. 
 
"We have fully supported the government to do what is right in the face of this pandemic, but policy should be based on evidence and there must be a roadmap out of these restrictions as soon as it is safe."

Dee and Alderslade said the impact of further measures would be "catastrophic".

The pair added: "They will impact vital freight and PPE supplies and jeopardise tens of thousands of jobs and the many businesses that depend on aviation. The government cannot achieve its ‘Global Britain’ aspirations without airlines and airports.

"The chancellor recognised the need for support given the pandemic’s impact on aviation in March 2020. The time has now come for warm words to be turned into a bespoke support package that can get us through this prolonged crisis."