Airlines bemoan lack of coordinated approach to Covid effort

Travel restrictions in many parts of the world caused by new outbreaks triggered by virus mutations and differing paces of vaccination threaten recovery prospects for the aviation industry, which is suffering its worst crisis. The lack of standards and coordination as well as the manner in which Covid-related restrictions are enforced is making recovery less predictable or sustainable, said Jeffrey Goh, CE of Star Alliance. Travel is vital to being human and travel policies should support this movement through responsible and risk-based assessments, using testing and controls to protect populations and prevent further spread of the virus, said Goh. He said inoculations are key to restarting international air travel as well as avoiding quarantine, which is a threat to the recovery of the aviation industry. However, robust testing protocols remain important while the world waits for people to be vaccinated. "The role of government is to support the industry and prepare for recovery. This is critical," Goh said. "Beyond financial support, recovery of air travel is dependent on travel restrictions that governments adopt. These measures should be based on medical evidence."<br/>