IATA (the International Air Transport Association) has stated that it welcomes Spain and France’s relaxation of Covid-19 border measures for vaccinated passengers, and their broader use of affordable antigen testing. However, this sentiment is tempered by what it describes as “ongoing disappointment” at the failure to implement harmonised measures across Europe and “deep frustration” at the lack of coordination among governments worldwide for a data-driven risk-managed approach to re-establishing the freedom to travel.
The relaxed travel measures relate to Spain opening its borders to most vaccinated travellers from around the world, effective 7 June, and allowing EU travellers to enter the country with a negative antigen test. Furthermore, passengers coming from low-risk countries (including the UK) can enter without any restrictions. From 9 June, France opened its borders to vaccinated travellers from all countries except those considered ‘high risk’. Vaccinated travellers from ‘medium-risk’ countries will need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 antigen or PCR test, and unvaccinated people must still self-isolate for seven days.
“It’s encouraging to see more European countries taking steps to reopen borders. They recognise the opportunity created by vaccination and are making travel more affordable with the use of antigen testing. But this approach is not universal across the continent. Many European states have yet to significantly relax borders at all. This fragmentation should be replaced with a unified approach that is consistent with the recommendations of the EU to which they belong. People, businesses and economies would all benefit from greater alignment across Europe in relaxing measures and restoring the freedom to travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
IATA states that a consistent approach across Europe is required if the EU Digital Covid Certificate is to be implemented effectively by 1 July. The association adds that, around the world, governments need to allow digital certificates to be integrated in passenger applications (such as the IATA Travel Pass), in order to relieve pressure on airports and at borders from more complex passenger processing as passenger numbers increase.
A more global approach
IATA sees the relaxation of travel by Spain, France and other European states as “a step in the right direction”, but adds that restoring global connectivity requires far more than regional or individual state initiatives, citing the G20 endorsing a data-driven approach to managing the risks of Covid-19 while re-opening borders.
“Connectivity needs countries at both ends of the journey to be open. Many of the world’s largest air travel markets, such Australia, China, the UK, Japan and Canada remain essentially closed, with no clear plans to guide a reopening. Data should help these and other countries to introduce targeted policies that keep populations safe while moving towards a normality in world with Covid-19 for some time to come. The G7 has an opportunity… to set a risk-managed framework for re-establishing the freedom to travel in a way that is both affordable and practical. It’s critical that they take up the challenge,” said Walsh.
