Why more than 33% of air travellers avoid flights over infection risk—IATA
Findings that characterised first few days of flight operations in Nigeria have given more clues to the global survey conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), showed that a lot of the travelling public were still wary, demanding that both operators and governments should do more to restore confidence.
The IATA report said at least three in every 10 air travellers have vowed not to fly anytime soon over possible coronavirus infection during travel.
The 11-country survey, which was conducted during the first week of June 2020, assessed travellers’ concerns during the pandemic and the potential timelines for their return to travel. This is the third wave of the survey, with previous waves conducted at the end of February otherwise, travellers are taking precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19 with 77 per cent saying that they are washing their hands more frequently, 71 per cent avoiding large meetings and 67 per cent having worn a face mask in public. Some 58 per cent of those surveyed said that they have avoided air travel, with 33 per cent suggesting that they will avoid travel in future as a continued measure to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19.
Travellers identified their top concerns, which include being in a crowded bus/train on the way to the aircraft (59 per cent), sitting next to someone who might be infected (65 per cent), queuing at check-in/security/border control or boarding (42 per cent), using restrooms/toilet facilities (42 per cent), using airport restrooms/toilet facilities (38 per cent) and breathing the air on the plane (37 per cent)
When asked to rank the top three measures that would make them feel safer, 37 per cent cited COVID-19 screening at departure airports, 34 per cent agreed with mandatory wearing of facemasks and 33 per cent noted physical distancing measures on aircraft.
Passengers themselves displayed a willingness to play a role in keeping flying safe. This is by undergoing temperature checks (43 per cent), wearing a mask during travel (42 per cent), checking-in online to minimise interactions at the airport (40 per cent), taking a COVID-19 test prior to travel (39 per cent) and sanitising their seating area (38 per cent).
In his response to the survey report, IATA’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Alexandre de Juniac, said people were clearly concerned about COVID-19 when travelling. “But they are also reassured by the practical measures being introduced by governments and the industry under the Take-off guidance developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). These include mask-wearing, the introduction of contactless technology in travel processes and screening measures.
According to him, “This tells us that we are on the right track to restoring confidence in travel. But it will take time. To have maximum effect, it is critical that governments deploy these measures globally.”
