I would venture to guess a lot of us around the aviation industry have that “here we go again” feeling as the world works quickly to learn more about the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Passenger traffic continued to recover in October across domestic and international markets. But as news of the latest COVID variant developed, governments around the globe began re-implementing travel bans in an effort to combat its spread.
Citing advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that the imposition of travel bans by governments are a threat to the sector’s recovery.
We’re still in the midst of the pandemic, and the risk the virus poses should be taken seriously. But unlike March 2020, there a fewer unknowns presently. With this, IATA has urged governments to focus on simplifying health protocols, utilizing digital solutions to process health credentials and implementing COVID-19 measures proportionate to risk levels while also undergoing continuous review processes – rather than resorting to border closures.
During the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Prague this November, data presented during the event indicated people have a desire to travel again. What’s more, a willingness to share individual biometric information is gaining momentum.
The adoption of biometrics could assist with passenger handling for both entry and exit immigration as well as security. Biometric info can also enable air travel while reducing the potential for person-to-person COVID exposure. Further, integrating biometric data into travel apps can assist airlines and ground handlers ensure government health criteria are satisfied and simplify the passenger experience for travelers.
Ideally, governments would all work together to standardize travel requirements. While that’s not likely to happen, countries can take a practical approach toward air travel. The aviation industry was quick to adapt to the challenges imposed by a worldwide pandemic and delivered solutions that enable safe travel.
If these approaches continue to be applied to the industry, and innovation keeps advancing, the industry can recover while people remain healthy.
