Apprehension and skepticism are expected to continue to define air travel due to coronavirus pandemic, as nations adopt protocols to protect their citizens.
For instance, about two weeks ago it was announced that EU excluded Nigerians from travelling to countries under the union due to the COVID-19 fears, stating that Nigeria was not doing enough testing.
The implication of that on air travel, industry observers explained was that major carrier that have at least 86 per cent of international travel from Nigeria like Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways and other European carriers would not operate in Nigeria and airlift Nigerians to their operational hubs in Europe.
According to industry stakeholders, this could totally disrupt flight operations and would also determine when the federal government would give approval for international flights.
“The major foreign airlines that operate are based in Europe. I know that those airlines need the Nigerian passengers because they make huge revenue from Nigeria; so those airlines will be pressing their governments at home, while Nigeria will also be making negotiations with EU,” an operator told THISDAY.
On COVID-19 fears by passengers, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released public opinion research showing the willingness to travel being tempered by concerns over the risks of catching the virus during air travel.
THISDAY
