The International Air Transport Association (Iata) says governments around the world have implemented more than 100,000 Covid-19 related measures, creating a “barrier to global mobility”.
To tackle the problem, the association has issued a policy paper, From Restart to Recovery: A Blueprint for Simplifying Travel.
The paper calls for a focus on three key areas: simplified health protocols, digital solutions to process health credentials, and Covid-19 measures that are proportionate to risk levels.
Conrad Clifford, Iata’s deputy director general, said: “Over 100,000 Covid-19 related measures have been implemented by governments worldwide.
“This complexity is a barrier to global mobility that is exacerbated by the inconsistencies these measures have created among states.”
He said the sector needs to move from individual border openings to the restoration of a global air transport network over the coming months.
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“We must have processes in place to safely and efficiently manage the ramping-up of international travel as borders re-open,” said Clifford.
“With over 18 months of pandemic operational experience and traveller feedback, we know that a laser-focus on simplicity, predictability and practicality is essential. That is not the reality today.”
Key recommendations include the removal of all travel barriers, including quarantine and testing, for those fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine.
Non-vaccinated travellers should be able to travel without needing to quarantine if they have a negative pre-departure antigen test result.
Clifford added: “We know that travellers feel confident with the implementation of the Covid-19 safety measures. But they have clearly told us that the current travel experience needs to improve with better information, simpler processing and digital solutions.
“Industry and government must work together with a common vision of processes that are convenient for travellers, effective for governments and practical for the industry.”
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