IATA wants testing

THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for systematic COVID-19 testing for all passengers before all flight departures.

IATA wants the development and deployment of rapid, accurate, affordable, easy-to-operate, scalable and systematic testing for all passengers as an alternative to quarantine measures in order to re-establish global air connectivity.

The Association said it would work with the International Civil Aviation Organization health authorities to implement this solution quickly, also noting the breakdown in global connectivity meant investing in a border-opening testing solutions should be a priority for governments.

Systematic testing would instil trust in governments which would lead to the opening of borders, Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said.