Delta CEO casts doubt on travel corridor between New York and London calling the idea 'complicated' - just days after United commenced four-week pilot scheme between the two cities

The chief executive of Delta Air Lines has cast doubt on a potential travel corridor between New York and London amid the COVID-19 pandemic, saying it would be easier to relaunch transatlantic flights to 'just about any' other European capital. 

Ed Bastian made the claim in an interview with Britain's Financial Times on Sunday, stating: 'I think New York-London is complicated... I think you will find on the continent several countries that are more open.' 

Under current rules implemented amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans can travel to the UK but are required to spend two weeks in quarantine on arrival. 

Britons have been barred from traveling to the United States from London, although flights are still arriving in the Big Apple from the British capital and visa-holders are still permitted. 

A new pilot scheme has raised hopes of a London-New York travel corridor being approved as pressure grows on the government to reopen the busy business route. Heathrow airport is pictured above 

Bastian's comments come just days after United Airlines commenced a month-long pilot scheme testing out flights between the two countries to find out whether passengers can safely travel.  

The first flight from the US touched down Heathrow on Tuesday morning. 

The United Airlines trial will be free for all passengers over the age of two and rapid testing will take place at New York's Newark airport. UK airlines are working with Heathrow on their own Covid-free pilot.

The airline has converted its United Club near gate C93 into an onsite testing facility, with the intention of every passenger receiving their results before the flight takes off.