Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said the move detailed by transport secretary Grant Shapps on Monday (24 January) would help “millions” of consumers enjoy “normal, hassle-free holidays”.

“We applaud the government for taking meaningful action to end a set of measures which were not only unnecessary but also ineffective in tackling the spread of the Omicron variant,” he said in a statement reacting to the announcement.

“This should now represent a permanent end to such restrictions, and we know customers and independent travel agents will celebrate that news.”

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays claimed a “dramatic increase” in searches and bookings in the wake of Monday’s news.

Heapy said customers were “really jumping at the chance” to book and promised his brands were “geared up and ready” to support independent travel agents with bespoke campaigns and training to allow them to capitalise on demand. 

“Many countries across Europe no longer require fully vaccinated customers to take a test, so it is great to see the UK join the club and allow hassle-free travel,” added Heapy. 

“We have a world-leading vaccination programme which, until now, has not been fully realised. Allowing fully vaccinated customers and under-18s to travel freely without imposing testing on them is an enormous step in terms of getting our lives back to normal.”