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:

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging governments to significantly ease international travel restrictions, including quarantines and testing, for fully vaccinated individuals and non-vaccinated travelers with negative pre-departure antigen tests.
IATA argues that current travel barriers have proven ineffective against the spread of COVID-19 variants like Omicron and that the virus should now be treated as an endemic condition.
The organization suggests reallocating funds from traveler testing to vaccine distribution and healthcare, advocating for a future where international travel faces minimal restrictions, mirroring domestic activities.

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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.