March 12: International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently conducted a survey in which 84% of respondents believed that Covid-19 is here to stay and travellers must find a way to lead a normal life and avoid risks. This survey also had it that 4700 passengers from 11 countries boarded on an aircraft in the past eleven months as the coronavirus lockdown was imposed around March last year.
From India, 500 respondents contributed their views in the survey while the others belonged to countries like the UK, Germany, Australia, Japan, UAE, Canada, Chile, France, and Singapore. According to IATA, the survey indicates that the confidence is growing regarding air travel accompanied by a sense of frustration given the travel restrictions.
In a statement, IATA quoted that while there are strict restrictions in place during travel, the travellers are gaining their confidence back and they are getting comfortable by trying to manage the risks of the deadly virus.
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IATA also reported that 72 per cent of citizens travelled to visit their friends and family, 81 per cent believed that they can travel once the vaccination is done, at the same time 84 per cent of citizens refused to travel if there is a mandatory quarantine by law in the country they are travelling to.
The IATA said in the survey that, “88% believe that when opening borders, the right balance must be struck between managing Covid-19 risks and getting the economy going again. 85% believe that governments should set Covid-19 targets (such as testing capacity or vaccine distribution) to re-open borders.”
