IATA to Governments: Do Away with Travel Restrictions

Association representing 290 airlines says COVID-19 is now endemic.

Michael Wildes

Wednesday, February 09, 2022 at 01:19 PM ET

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Some countries are starting to allow international travelers into their countries. [File Photo: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

IATA is urging governments to ease COVID-19 travel restrictions, stating that the virus is now predictable and regionally contained, and current measures have proven ineffective in controlling its spread.
The organization specifically proposes removing all travel barriers (quarantine, testing) for fully vaccinated individuals and allowing quarantine-free travel for non-vaccinated travelers with a negative pre-departure antigen test.
IATA argues that money spent on testing travelers would be more effectively used for vaccine distribution or strengthening healthcare systems, as travel restrictions have had little impact on the virus's spread.
Several countries are already easing restrictions, and IATA advocates for more governments to follow suit, aiming for international travel to face minimal restrictions, treating COVID-19 as an endemic disease.

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging governments around the world to ease travel restrictions, saying that COVID-19 is now regionally limited and predictable.

IATA represents approximately 290 airlines comprising 83 percent of global air traffic. The organization wants all travel barriers removed (including quarantine and testing) for those fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine, as well as quarantine-free travel for non-vaccinated travelers with a negative pre-departure antigen test result.