NAVIGATING THE NEW NORMAL

a vaccine has been found, but most are looking for reassurance. In an IATA (International Air Transport Association) survey in July (see box overleaf ), travellers identified concerns such as queuing at check-in/security/border control and boarding, and said Covid-19 screening at departure airports would make them feel safer.

For those potential passengers, there is a recognition within the travel industry that for confidence to return, there needs to be a consistent approach to the various protocols that have been put in place.

IATA has been lobbying governments to avoid quarantine restrictions, promoting what it calls a “layered approach of measures” at airports and national borders. “There are policy alternatives that can reduce the risk of importing Covid-19 infections while still allowing for the resumption of travel and tourism that are vital to jumpstarting national economies,” says Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO.

One of IATA’s suggestions is to discourage passengers from travelling if they are unwell. It says airlines are helping to make this possible by offering travellers flexibility when booking, allowing