The International Air Transport Association has said that most air travelers are confident about the safety of air travel and support mask-wearing in the near term.
In its latest passenger survey consisting of 4,700 travelers in 11 markets around the world, 85 per cent of participants said aircraft were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Also, 65 per cent agreed that the air in an aircraft was as clean as an operating room.
It also said among those who had traveled since June 2020, 86 per cent felt safe onboard owing to COVID-19 measures.
IATA said passengers strongly support mask wearing onboard (83 per cent) and strict enforcement of mask rules (86 per cent), but a majority also believe the mask requirement should be ended as soon as possible.
William Walsh, IATA’s director-general, said, “Air travelers recognise and value the safety measures put in place to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission during air travel.
“They support the continuation of these measures as long as necessary, but they also don’t want the measures to become permanent.
“In the meantime, we all need to respect the rules and the safety of fellow passengers. It is unacceptable that unruly passenger incidents have doubled compared to 2019, and the increase in physically abusive behavior is a particular cause for great concern.”
Walsh said the passengers’ responses should encourage governments all over the world to prepare well for a reopening.
