First U.S.-bound flights perform dual take off from UK
Long-term rivals British Airways and Virgin Atlantic carried out a simultaneous take-off from London's Heathrow parallel runways just before 0900 GMT.
The U.S. travel restrictions first imposed in early 2020, had barred access to non-U.S. citizens travelling from 33 countries - including China, India and much of Europe.
From Monday travellers who can show official proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and have had a recent, negative viral test can again fly to the United States.
