IATA calls for countries to reopen borders, continue relief measures

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling on governments to work together to urgently find ways to re-establish global connectivity by reopening borders and to continue with relief measures to sustain airlines during the COVID-19 crisis.

Director general and chief executive officer Alexandre de Juniac said IATA's call reflected deep industry frustration as government policies such as closed borders, travel restrictions and quarantines continue to annihilate travel demand.

"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 is the only solution.

"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 said in a statement yesterday.

De Juniac said no government wants to import COVID-19, equally, no government should want to see the economic hardships and associated health impacts of mass unemployment.

Successfully getting through this crisis require careful risk-management with effective measures, he said.

"If government policies focus on enabling a safe re-start, aviation is well-prepared to deliver.

"Risk-management is a well-developed discipline that airlines rely on to keep travel safe and secure," he added.