Fresh safety concerns hang over global airlines conference

A deadly attack in London and debate over travel restrictions in the US put safety concerns high on the agenda as global airline executives gathered on Sunday for the industry's largest meeting of the year. Alexandre de Juniac, DG of the IATA, said the weekend's violence in London could discourage potential visitors as similar attacks did in Europe last year. "In previous events, in Brussels or in Paris, the traffic has reduced coming from certain regions of the world," de Juniac said. "So it's possible that there is an impact, but it's a bit early to know how big this impact will be." Three attackers rammed a hired van into pedestrians on London Bridge and stabbed others nearby on Saturday night, killing at least seven people, in Britain's third major militant attack in recent months. Airlines were quick to offer assurances and refunds to travelers on edge after the London attack, but it was unclear whether the impact on tourism would match the fallout from similar attacks in Europe last year. Malaysia Airlines has offered free refunds to customers flying into London through June 5 and may extend that offer, CE Peter Bellew said. "Very few people have taken up the offer and we haven't seen any drop-off in bookings to London. But it's not good," he said.<br/>