Airlines call for rapid tests to revive demand

With a 92% drop in international travel compared to 2019 so far this year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) believes it is necessary to implement rapid tests for the diagnosis of covid-19 at airports. This would avoid quarantines and reactivate aviation demand.

IATA calls on governments to conduct rapid tests at airports as an alternative to quarantines and in order to revive air connectivity.

Air traffic is down 92% con 2019 levels due to mobility restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic and quarantine measures that make travel «impractical«. In addition, he highlights that changes in measures are frequent, making «impossible» planning.

In this regard, IATA has also called on the Spanish government to support the European Commission's (EC) proposal for states to adopt a coordinated approach to border restrictions during the pandemic.

Specifically, it has requested common standards to homogenize each country's risk analysis criteria, introduce or withdraw COVID-19 measures and establish a color code to illustrate each nation's risk at all times.

The Association has conducted a public opinion survey showing that 65% of travelers would agree that quarantine is not necessary if a person tests negative for coronavirus.