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International quarantine rules "are killing" the industry's recovery
September 25th 2020
International Air Transport Association (IATA) director general and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, said this week called for 100% testing of international travellers amid depressed demand from border closures worldwide. Read More » Even in markets such as Europe where travel restrictions have been eased, the take-up for travel has been weighed down by quarantine requirements, de Juniac told reporters this week.
"Quarantine measures are killing the industry’s recovery," said.
IATA figures for July reported international travel demand represented 8.1% of passengers transported in the same month last year. In the Asia-Pacific, international demand in July was 3.5% of last year's levels.
An IATA survey of public opinion taken in August showed 83% of travellers would not travel if there was a chance of being quarantined at their destinations. "That is a very clear signal this industry will not recover until we find an alternative to quarantine," de Juniac said.
While integration of systematic testing into the travel process would have logistical challenges, de Juniac said, they could be overcome by cooperation between airports and other partners.
"I am confident uniting around a common position on testing will deliver an effective alternative to quarantine that will be accepted by governments and their health authorities,” he said.
"In doing so, we will aid the economic recovery. Aviation supports the 10% of global employment tied to travel and tourism. And we are a key driver of global trade that supports the livelihoods of millions more."
