Travel restrictions in the European Union had “little or no impact” on the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, according to new research.
The findings have been highlighted by two international aviation bodies – Airports Council International (ACI) Europe and the International Air Transport Association (Iata) – as they urged European governments to lift all travel restrictions for fully vaccinated/recovered individuals holding a valid Covid Certificate.
A new regime for travel within the EU came into force this week, based on the health status of travellers, rather than the epidemiological situation of their country or area of origin.
The bodies said that independent research in Finland and Italy “confirms the validity of the traveller-centric approach, highlighting the inefficiency of recent travel restrictions”.
The analysis by Oxera and Edge Health reveals that pre-departure testing requirements are likely to be “ineffective at stopping or even limiting the spread of the Omicron variant”.
Conversely, the impact of these restrictions, and in particular the limitations to the free movement of people, resulted in “significant and unnecessary economic hardship”, said the joint statement from ACI Europe and Iata.
They added: “While Finland has lifted restrictions for all incoming vaccinated/recovered travellers, Italy has done so only for incoming travellers from within the EU/EEA. This now needs to extend to all incoming travellers, as there is no health safety benefit in delaying this step any longer.”
ACI Europe and Iata also urge those countries which continue to deviate from the common EU framework to rapidly align with it – specifically Austria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Malta.
Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe director-general, said: “The new regime for intra-EU/EEA travel is right to focus on a ‘person-based approach’ and to recognise that both vaccinated and recovered travellers should not be subjected to any restriction.
“But having common EU regimes has so far not prevented states from going their own way. This must stop.
“We now have further proof – travel restrictions do have a significant effect – but it’s not on public health, it’s on economic stability and livelihoods. In short: they are causing more harm than good.”
Conrad Clifford, Iata deputy director general, added: “The research is clear that the inevitable delay in identifying new variants means that transmission already occurs by the time travel restrictions are imposed.
“It’s the classic case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.
“Keeping testing in place for vaccinated passengers therefore seems completely ineffective from the health point of view, but damages passenger confidence and national economies.”
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