IATA spells out financial danger for airline industry of travel bans

IATA has warned governments must be ready to provide support to counter the impact of travel bans implemented to counter the coronavirus outbreak, warning measures such as the ban imposed by the USA were not included in its recent worse-case scenario for the financial hit to the industry. US President Donald Trump in an 11 March Oval Office address announced his government will halt all passenger travel and cargo transport from Europe for 30 days, beginning on 13 March. It follows similar travel restricting measures introduced in Israel, Kuwait and Spain. “These are extraordinary times and governments are taking unprecedented measures,” says IATA DG Alexandre de Juniac. ”Safety—including public health—is always a top priority. Airlines are complying with these requirements. Governments must also recognise that airlines—employing some 2.7 million people—are under extreme financial and operational pressures. They need support.” The association is urging government to weigh up the financial implications of such action as well as whether it is in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance - which it notes continues to advise against the application of travel or trade restrictions to countries experiencing outbreaks.<br/>