International travel is 92% down on 2019 levels. Over half a year has passed since global connectivity was destroyed as countries closed their borders to fight COVID-19. Some governments have cautiously re-opened borders since then, but there has been limited uptake because either quarantine measures make travel impractical or the frequent changes in COVID-19 measures make planning impossible.
Indeed, trying to plan, book, or insure an overseas trip is practically impossible. Their Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, continues to state:
“The key to restoring the freedom of mobility across borders is systematic COVID-19 testing of all travelers before departure. This will give governments the confidence to open their borders without complicated risk models that see constant changes in the rules imposed on travel. Testing all passengers will give people back their freedom to travel with confidence. And that will put millions of people back to work”
They continue to look at public opinion, which shows that 65% of travelers surveyed agreed that quarantine should not be required if a person tests negative for COVID-19, 84% agreed that testing should be required of all travelers, and 88% agreed that they are willing to undergo testing as part of the travel process.
The IATA goes on to discuss the practicalities and prioritization of this process, including the limitations (false negatives are possible, and a passenger could always catch COVID-19 in flight or in transit).
