’LIGHTNING STRIKE AS LIKELY AS CATCHING COVID ON A PLANE’

Wondering if it’s safe to fly? Well, your chances of catching Covid-19 on a plane are about the same as you getting struck by lightning — so says the chief of global aviation body Iata.

The International Air Travel Association, which represents the world’s airlines, recently reported that just 44 Covid-19 infections had been traced back to flights since the start of 2020 (including confirmed, probable and potential cases). Over the same period, about 1.2 billion people flew, the report says.

Dr David Powell, Iata’s medical adviser, said: “That’s one case for every 27 million travellers. Even if 90% of the cases were unreported, it would be one case for every 2.7 million travellers. We think these figures are extremely reassuring.” Powell added that most of the confirmed cases had been reported early in the year, before the wearing of masks on board had become standard practice.

“Contracting the virus on board appears to be in the same category as being struck by lightning,” said Alexandre de Juniac, Iata’s CEO.

The report also includes findings from Airbus, Boeing and Embraer into aircraft airflow systems, which showed they do control the movement of particles in the cabin, limiting the spread of viruses.

Hepa filters, the downward flow of air, and the seat back as a barrier all contribute to the unlikelihood of infection, they said, adding that due to these factors and strict hygiene measures, a plane cabin is safer than other indoor environments when it comes to the spread of Covid-19.