The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has once again called on governments to find ways to re-establish global connectivity by reopening borders as well as to continue with relief measures to sustain airlines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to IATA’s statement, the travel demand continues to be annihilated by restrictions which have been imposed by a large share of countries, in an effort to stop the COVID-19 spread, such as border closure, travel restrictions, and quarantine rules, Azhizhi reports.
“Protecting their citizens must be the top priority of governments. But too many governments are fighting a global pandemic in isolation with a view that closing borders are the only solution,”
IATA’s Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac pointed out.
“It’s time for governments to work together to implement measures that will enable economic and social life to resume while controlling the spread of the virus.”
He added that governments must implement measures that would help the economy and social life to resume, at the same time, control the spread of the COVID-19.
Analysts say IATA’s call reflects industry frustration as government policies such as closed borders, travel restrictions and quarantines continue to annihilate travel demand. This was evident in a disappointing “peak summer travel season” that saw minimal improvements compared to the May-June period, as four in five potential travelers stayed home, based on comparisons with the year-ago period.IATA revealed that the total July 2020 traffic was 79.8 percent below 2019 levels. International traffic in July 2020 was 91.9 percent below 2019 levels. Specifically, IATA calls for governments to grasp the seriousness of the crisis facing the aviation industry.
