IATA again calls for simpler Covid-19 measures

Specifically, IATA urged governments to focus on three key areas:

• Simplified health protocols
• Digital solutions to process health credentials
• Covid-19 measures proportionate to risk levels with a continuous review process.

The industry’s vision to address the complexity is outlined in the newly released policy paper From Restart to Recovery: A Blueprint for Simplifying Travel.

Conrad Clifford, IATA’s Deputy Director General, said: “As governments are establishing processes to reopen borders, in line with what they agreed in the Ministerial Declaration of the ICAO High Level Conference of Covid-19, the Blueprint will help them with good practices and practical considerations.

“Over the next months, we need to move from individual border openings to the restoration of a global air transport network that can reconnect communities and facilitate economic recovery.”

Simplifying Covid-19 measures globally

The Blueprint aims to facilitate the efficient ramping up of global connectivity. Clifford added: “We must have processes in place to safely and efficiently manage the ramping-up of international travel as borders re-open. With over 18 months of pandemic operational experience and traveller feedback we know that a laser focus on simplicity, predictability and practicality is essential.

“That is not the reality today. Over 100,000 Covid-19 related measures have been implemented by governments worldwide. This complexity is a barrier to global mobility that is exacerbated by the inconsistencies these measures have created among states.”