ACI World responds to new Omicron COVID-19 variant travel restrictions

In response to flight and travel restrictions by certain countries to/from southern African countries due to the B.1.1.529 variant of COVID-19, ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira gave the following comments:

“While public health remains the utmost priority, we call upon governments to co-ordinate to implement pragmatic and risk-based measures based on science.

“Furthermore, we continue to urge countries to work closely with aviation stakeholders, including airports and airlines, prior to and during the implementation of travel measures to facilitate a more efficient application.

“This situation is another reminder of the urgent need for countries to adopt interoperable digital health credentials for testing and vaccination that are mutually recognised across borders. This will allow countries to better manage their travel measures and adapt to the evolving health situation.

“The entire aviation ecosystem needs to work together with governments to ensure a safe resumption of travel – one that can be sustained to enable the rebuilding of livelihoods, countries, and economies. Co-ordination and collaboration will be key to achieving this. Full travel bans and border closures are not an ongoing solution as variants emerge.”