The taskforce’s recommendations, due by 12 April, are aimed at facilitating a return to international travel as soon as possible "while still managing the risk from imported cases and variants of concern". Following that, the government will determine when international travel should resume, which will be no earlier than 17 May.

Addressing Boris Johnson after his “roadmap” statement to the House of Commons today, May said she was concerned for the aviation industry, which is important to her constituency of Maidenhead.

“A report back by 12 April won’t allow people to plan,” she said.

“At every stage the government has taken weeks from these reports to provide certainty to the industry.

“The industry needs three months from the point of certainty, so I ask the timeframe for the report be brought forward.”

In response Johnson said: “We will continue to support that industry, but I believe April 12 will give people time to make their plans and if we can meet those ‘not before’ dates then I think there’s every chance of an aviation recovery this year.”